Houston is a growing huge city and will be taking over Chicago as the third largest US city in the next two years. We never experienced the "Great Recession" here.
I agree with the reply earlier that Houston 5.5 million population has an international influence.
As for bodybuilding, there are pockets of bodybuilding around the city and suburbs. Everyone thinks Texan men are tall. I am 6'2" and 260lb. bb'er. But most of the guys are short runts - about 5'6".
Come out for a visit and i'll ride you around.