There no ignorant questions, just insufficient responses :.>>
However, since you mention Houston, I'm going to assume you're a Texan.
First Stop - the database. Go up to the blue toolbar and click on that word. Then find Houston, and the county/nearest large city besides Houston, and work from there.
Next Stop - the Texas forum on this board. 'Nuff said.
Next Stop - The HouScan Yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HoustonScan/
Next Stop - Finding websites other than RR with more frequency information, such as:
http://home.houston.rr.com/freqzone
http://www.houscan.com/
You didn't say what you were interested in hearing, but no doubt all of this will give you some clues as to what might be in your area.
A longwire won't work on freqs this high very well - you will need a scanner antenna, and the proper coax along with it. A handheld is nice, but it's probably better as a portable or in the car (with the right antenna); a base unit will do a much better job (along with the right antenna), but your options there are somewhat limited (and more expensive) if you want to decode the digital systems that are coming online across the country. We have a Wiki page on antennas that outlines the many manufacturers and types mentioned in the past (you can get to that simply by pressing 'Antennas' in the Wiki Categories frame on the left frame of the main page).
I'd start by doing a thorough review of the freqs used in your county and city area and proceed from there. That will give you a firm place from which to decide what equipment you will need to hear it. 73s Mike