< Previous118 TE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E technical colleges and Blue- Ribbon K-12 systems, Texas offers a robust range of educational resources. Culture and community: From vibrant arts and tantalizing Tex-Mex, the Lone Star State offers a unique way of life. According to Wallethub, Texas is the No. 2 most diverse state in the nation. Across the state, various unique community events and festivals celebrate everything from music and culture to business and innovation. Sports: Texans take their sports seriously and are proud to support their favorite high school, college or professional sports teams. Texas is home to several professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans (NFL), Texas Rangers, Houston Astros (MLB), Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamos (MLS). Outdoor amenities: Home to two national parks: Guadalupe Mountains — the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef — and Big Bend in West Texas, the state boasts stunning scenery and unique natural amenities. Texas also boasts 90 state parks, 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, 624 miles of coastline and more than 70 working ranches. TOP: Padre Island, Corpus Christi Photo by Heather Overman ABOVE: Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin Photo by Heather Overman ABOVE RIGHT: Texas Capitol, Austin Photo: Getty ImagesTE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E 119 ABOVE: The Alamo, San Antonio Photo by Carmyn Rio LEFT: Paddleboarders on the Colorado River, Austin Photo by Carmyn Rio120 TE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E TOP: The USS Lexington aircraft carrier museum, Corpus Christi Photo by Shay La’Vee ABOVE: 30-foot tall Eye sculpture, Dallas Photo by Carmyn Rio RIGHT: Tejas Rodeo Company, Bulverde Photo by Shay La’Vee122 TE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E ABOVE: Austin building art Photo by Carmyn Rio FACING PAGE TOP: Downtown Houston skyway Photo: Getty Images FACING PAGE BOTTOM: Lake Ray Hubbard Lighthouse, Rockwall Photo by Heather OvermanTE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E 123124 TE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E TOP: The San Antonio Riverwalk Photo by Carmyn Rio ABOVE: Corpus Christi Marina Photo: Getty Images LEFT: Willie Neslon wall art, Austin Photo by Carmyn RioTE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E 125 TOP: Wagon Wheel Ranch, Lometa, Texas Photo by Shay La’Vee ABOVE: River activities, Austin Photo by Heather Overman LEFT: Chapman Ranch windfarm, Nueces County Photo by Shay La’Vee126 TE X A S E C ONOMI C D E V E L OP ME NT G U I D E TOP: Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin Photo: Getty Images ABOVE: Bob Hall Pier, Padre Island, Corpus Christi Photo by Heather Overman RIGHT: Longhorns, Twin Creek Ranch, Willis, Texas Photo by Heather OvermanNext >