Houston Suburb Channelview Has a Rich History and Rosy Future

Channelview is a quickly growing, family-friendly community in East Houston. On the banks of the San Jacinto River, Channelview has been a strategic location for businesses and the military throughout the years. Families are attracted to Channelview for its affordable cost of living — lower than the national average — job opportunities and good schools. Since 2010, Channelview has witnessed a 7.9% population increase.

One of the reasons Channelview stands out is its fascinating history. Lorenzo de Zavala, a Mexican politician and doctor, called the area that is now Channelview home in the 1830s. A pivotal player in the foundation of the Republic of Texas (a sovereign nation that existed between 1836 and 1846), Zavala narrowly escaped the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto. Many Texans consider Zavala a founding father and state hero. You can see his grave at San Jacinto Battleground Park.

A generation later, Channelview transformed into a major oil refinery hub in the 1900s. This industry led to a population boom, with homes, schools and a post office built in the area. Numerous refineries dot East Houston today, including Petromax Refining Company LLC and Vopak. In fact, Houston employs nearly a third of the nation’s oil and gas extraction employees and is often referred to as the “Energy Capital of the World.”

Located along Houston’s Sam Houston Tollway, Channelview is a great launching point to other places throughout Houston, including Pasadena or Sugar Land. It’s also less than an hour from the renowned Space Center. The average commute for people living in Channelview is 27 minutes.

Quick Facts About Channelview, in Houston, TX

Population: 40,983
Median income: $49,355
Median home price: $149,600
Median age: 30.8 years
Located in Harris County

Source: Bestplaces.net, “Channelview, Texas”

Things to Do Near Channelview in Houston, TX

With such a fascinating history, it makes sense to start your day in Channelview at the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. You can’t miss the monument: a 567.31-foot-tall column on the Houston Ship Channel. It’s topped with a 220-ton Lone Star commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto. It’s the world’s tallest masonry column — more than 10 feet taller than the Washington Monument. You’ll find the museum at the base of the monument, where you can learn all about the decisive battle as well as Texan culture and heritage, including Mayan, Spanish and Mexican influences. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can also take an elevator to the monument’s observation deck for impressive views of East Houston.

Want to stop for lunch? Look no further than the Monument Inn, which has served delicious seafood with waterfront views since 1974. According to their website, they serve around 80,000 pounds of shrimp and 25,000 pounds of fresh catfish, crawfish and fresh fish every year. They’re also known for their delicious cinnamon rolls — on a busy weekend morning, they sell more than 1,000! Slide into one of the cozy booths, order some fresh seafood and watch international ships make their way through the Houston Ship Channel.

Only minutes from the San Jacinto Monument is the USS Texas, a former United States navy battleship now on display at the Buffalo Bayou. The ship had an impressive career, deployed during the Tampico Incident, World War I and World War II. The ship was the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, as well as the first to launch an aircraft. Moreover, USS Texas is the first to become a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is one of the only seven remaining capital ships to have served in both World Wars.

East Houston is also known for the Space Center, a highly regarded science and space exploration learning destination connected to the NASA Johnson Space Center. Among Houston’s top attractions, the Center features more than 400 space artifacts, including numerous spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples. The Johnson Space Center is the primary training base for astronauts and the site of Mission Control. Also explore the Independence Plaza exhibit complex with the world’s only Space Shuttle replica.

Another place to see near Channelview is the Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. Sheldon Lake is a reservoir on Carpenters Bayou, created in 1943 to support the region’s burgeoning industrial needs. Now, it’s a waterfowl sanctuary and recreational fishing site. The park includes many distinct habitats, including bottomland woods, restored coastal prairie, marsh and cypress swamp. Researchers have recorded nearly 250 bird species in the area, including herons, egrets and ibises. Moreover, visitors enjoy a half-mile self-guided nature trail and an 82-foot observation tower.

Reliable Storage Units in Houston’s Channelview Area

We serve families, local businesses and vacationers at our East Houston storage facility in Channelview. Drive-up units are available, and we offer a free move-in truck with any rental (subject to availability). If that sounds good to you, stop by and we’re happy to find the right storage unit for your needs and lifestyle.

• If you’re moving to East Houston, review our helpful Relocation Guide for a smooth transition.
• We rent several storage units in Houston — find the one that’s closest to you!