Pearland grew from a small farming settlement south of Houston into one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Pearland Town Center, an outdoor shopping and dining district, anchors much of the city's social life, while Independence Park offers trails, sports fields, and a large community gathering space. The Pearland Historical Society Museum preserves the story of the city's early pear orchards and railroad days, and Shadow Creek Ranch and other master planned neighborhoods show how quickly the area has changed. Houston's museums, medical center, and sports venues are a short drive north.