Exurb of the Week: Houston (Pittsburgh, Washington: school district, estimated, rated)

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Houston is a small borough and town (0.41 sq. mil.) located about 23 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh in Washington County, bordering Canonsburg and North Strabane Township, along with sharing its school district with neighboring Chartiers Township.

The town of Houston was originally settled around 1827 when Daniel Houston, a close relative of Gen. Sam Houston, who was the Texans leader in their war of independence from Mexico (Houston Texas namesake), acquired a large tract of land. Later in the 1800's, Daniel's son David C., with the growth of the Chartiers Valley Railroad, laid out the town. It was officially incorporated as Houston in 1901, from parts of the neighboring townships. Like much of western PA, the town gradually grew with the presence of many coal mines in the surrounding areas. Its population gradually rose and peaked at just shy of 2,000 in 1950. After that, with the decline of the local industry, the town's population gradually began to decline.

Today, Houston is estimated to have about 1,200 residents. While the town does look a little bit aged and run-down in portions, it still seems to provide a small town charm for its residents. It has been describes as a town with "close neighbors." It has a small main street/downtown area with some mom-and-pop businesses and other businesses scattered throughout, a nice small school district, and convenient highway access. Houston seems like it will remain the kind of area where its residents can enjoy the small town life, while still being close enough to amenities.