Thinking about moving near Houston? The cities around H-Town boast Southern charm, a diverse food scene, endless things to do for all ages, and more. Considering factors like affordability, safety, quality of life, and proximity to Houston proper, here are the eight best places to live near Houston!
| City | Bellaire | Conroe | Friendswood | Galveston | Katy | Spring | Sugar Land | The Woodlands |
| Median Home Price | $829,400 | $208,100 | $300,100 | $196,400 | $208,700 | $163,800 | $337,600 | $374,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,021 | $1,106 | $1,394 | $1,024 | $1,147 | $1,407 | $1,768 | $1,558 |
| Safer than % of Texas Cities | 50% | 31% | 86% | 13% | 30% | 11% | 67% | 61% |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.8% | 2.6% | 3.9% | 4.6% | 4.6% | 3.5% | 3.2% | 2.9% |
Bellaire
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Located along The Loop 610, just 15 minutes from the city center, Bellaire is one of the best places to live in the Houston metro area! This inner suburb of Houston is known for its peaceful, tree-lined streets and small-town atmosphere. Families flock here for the close-knit community and high-quality education options like Condit Elementary School, Horn Elementary School, and Bellaire High School. Plus, if you want to pursue higher education or you’re looking for a career in academia, the University of Houston is less than 20 minutes away. Bellaire residents also appreciate quick access to parks near Houston like Bellaire-Zindler Park and Evergreen Park, in addition to a variety of community events—like the Bellaire Chilly Dip and the Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival. Looking for other fun things to do near Houston in Bellaire? Go bird-watching, let your kids explore the Enchanted Woods nature-based playground, or enjoy the annual Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at the Nature Discovery Center. Cool off from the Texas heat by swimming laps, diving into the deep end, or going down the frog-shaped mini water slide at the Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center. Rock out to live music, participate in Yoga in The Park, and more at Evelyn’s Park Conservancy. Start your day with an Espresso, Chocolate Chip Cookie Frappiato, or Cold Brew at Coffee Fellows. Try out the Queso Stack, Stuffed Jalapenos, or Veggie Burger at Jax Grill. Or fill up on some of the best burgers near Houston, like the Old Fashioned Hamburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Grim Reaper from Lankford’s Bellaire.
Conroe
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With low crime rates, affordable housing options, and great schools in the Conroe Independent School District, Conroe is one of the best cities to live in near Houston, TX. What sets Conroe apart is its range of outdoor recreation options, including 22,000-acre Lake Conroe and an abundance of outdoor trails. Residents also flock to historic Downtown Conroe, which is filled with local boutiques, restaurants, and fun events near Houston like Christmas on Main. Though Houston’s Central Business District is about 45 minutes away, this suburb is home to everything you might need—including jobs in Conroe at top companies like MS Directional, Lone Star Family Health Center, and Aspire Hospital. Plus, Conroe offers no shortage of fun things to do near H-Town! Listen to live music near Houston at thriving venues like The Icehouse Conroe, The Red Brick Tavern, and Papa’s On The Lake. Explore 1,700 acres of outdoor forests, try your hand at geocaching, and see what fish you can reel in at W.G. Jones State Forest. Join a league or bowl with friends at locally-owned 300 Bowl. Enjoy a delicious breakfast near Houston with dishes like Breakfast Tacos, the American Breakfast, or a Fried Egg Sandwich at Honor Cafe. Treat yourself to comfort food like Fried Pickles, BBQ Loaded Fries, and Chicken Wings at Pacific Yard House. Or devour the Pot Roast Nachos, Cheese Crab Balls, and Ahi Tuna at Kitchen Tales Restaurant.
Friendswood
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Friendswood is one of the best areas around Houston to live, offering a unique blend of rich history and modern amenities. Located just 30 minutes away from Houston, this area appeals to families partially because of its low crime rates, relaxed way of life, and top-notch Friendswood schools like Westwood Elementary School, C.W. Cline Elementary School, and Friendswood High School. Residents keep their social calendars full with annual Friendswood events like the Annual Tree Giveaway and Youth Fishing Derby, along with Concerts in the Park during May and June. There are also ample green spaces like Centennial Park and Old City Park that are filled with playgrounds, sports courts, and more. And Friendswood’s variety of fun activities help make it one of the best areas to live near Houston, TX! Take a dip in the pool, shoot hoops on the basketball court, and stop by the Friendswood Farmers Market at Stevenson Park. Dive deep into the city’s history and attend events like Historween with the Friendswood Historical Society. Shop ’til you drop at national outlets like Abercrombie & Fitch, Aerie, and Express at Baybrook Mall. Order Italian classics like Lasagna, Spicy Shrimp, and Baked Ziti Pasta at Sofia’s Italiano. Chow down the Cheesy Garlic Toast, Tex-Mex Burger, or Meatball Sub at LOCALS Kitchen + Market. Or sample delicious Asian food near Houston, TX like the Spring Rolls, Char Siu Pork, or Tofu Burrito from Nobi Asian Grill.
Galveston
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Enjoy tranquil coastline views when you relocate to Galveston—another of the best areas to live near Houston! About an hour away from the city center, part of Galveston’s charm comes from its beautiful beaches near Houston, such as East Beach and the rest of the Seawall beaches—as well as its other outdoor activities, like fishing, swimming, and hiking at Galveston Island State Park. This artsy area is home to stunning Victorian-era architecture, and Downtown Galveston offers several galleries to explore. Residents can also secure employment at top Houston-area companies in Galveston like UTMB Health, Galveston College, and Odyssey Academy. To top it off, Galveston’s attractions are hard to beat. Sunbathe the day away, play a game of cornhole, and try out giant Jenga at Stewart Beach. Explore the history of sailing, learn about historical tall ship ELISSA, and attend a theater presentation at the Texas Seaport Museum—one of the best museums near Houston. Attend world-class performances like The Addams Family, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and The Nutcracker at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Eat some of the best brunch near Houston with menu items like the Breakfast Burrito, Flounder Skillet, and Lemon Blueberry Pancakes at Sugar & Rye. Savor the Southern Corn Cakes or Tortilla Crusted Fresh Snapper with a Grilled Cinnamon Roll for dessert at The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe. Or munch on seafood favorites like the Tropical Crab Stack or Crispy Baja Tacos while sipping a Passion Fruit Mojito at The Spot.
Katy
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Offering high-quality amenities and great career opportunities without sacrificing affordability, Katy is one of the best suburbs around Houston! This area is just half an hour away from Houston proper, though residents can find great jobs in Katy, TX, itself. Katy industries consist of energy, manufacturing, distribution, and more, with some of the top employers in the Greater Katy area including Shell USA Inc., Houston Methodist West Hospital, and the Wood Group. Families can feel confident enrolling their children in the Katy Independent School District, one of the best school districts in Texas. Additionally, this diverse city near Houston hosts lively local events to keep everyone’s calendar full and offers an abundance of outdoor recreation options, including trails, green spaces, and parks like Katy City Park. There are also plenty of other fun things to do in Katy! Head downtown each month to check out over 100 local vendors, sample food truck eats, and listen to live music at Katy Market Day. Practice putting on the mini golf course, go fishing, and play disc golf at Mary Jo Peckham Park. Spend a day shopping in Katy at malls like Katy Mills and nearby LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, which both feature local businesses and national big-box stores. Get a taste of the Chicken Satay Skewers, Kerabu Chopped Salad, and Har Gau at Phat Eatery. Grab a table to enjoy Italian cuisine like Fried Calamari, Sliced Italian Sausage, and Chicken Alfredo Pizza at Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill. Or choose from meals like the Chicken Breast Salad, Fish Tacos, and Brisket Burger from family-owned Texas Tradition.
Spring
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If you’re searching for affordable living in Houston, look no further than Spring! Just a quick 30-minute drive from the Houston city center, Spring is an ideal location for families thanks in part to the Spring Independent School District, which consists of top-quality schools like Anderson Elementary School, Winship Elementary School, and Spring High School. Additionally, the area is home to a slew of public parks, fishing spots, and green spaces like the Spring Creek Greenway, a 12,000-acre conservation project with programming for all ages. There are also fun community events in Old Town Spring like the Merry Museum Christmas Market, along with charming family-owned stores and restaurants to explore. Another thing that makes Spring one of the best places to live around Houston, TX, is its abundance of things to do! Get some fresh air at 380-acre Pundt Park, which offers a canoe launch, playground, picnic area, and more. Check out rides like the Bamboo Chutes, Big Kahuna, and Hurricane Bay at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, a family-friendly water park near Houston. Go golfing near Houston and try for a hole-in-one on 36 different greens, or sign up for lessons at Cypresswood Golf Club. Start your morning with fresh Biscuits & Gravy, French Toast, or a Cheese Omelette at quaint “Old Town Spring Cafe,” Lynn’s Table. Share the Fried Green Tomatoes or Texas Style Queso before trying the Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich at Wunsche Bros Cafe & Saloon. Or bite into smoked meats like the All Natural Turkey Breast and Prime Creekstone Brisket with a side of Creamy Potato Salad at CorkScrew BBQ.
Sugar Land
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Looking to settle down in one of the best cities near Houston? Located less than 30 minutes away, Sugar Land has plenty to offer residents—including low crime rates, a natural beauty that’s hard to beat, and great shopping options like First Colony Mall and Sugar Land Town Square. Young professionals looking to jumpstart their careers can find employment in key industries like life sciences, information technology, business and professional services, and more. Major employers in this Houston suburb include Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Schlumberger (SLB) Technology Corporation, and ChampionX. Additionally, Sugar Land offers fun things to do near Houston you won’t find anywhere else! Spark a curiosity for learning in your kids with exhibits like Paper Playground, Dragons and Fairies, and Kidtropolis, USA at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. Get tickets for a variety of live shows from performers like Chelsea Handler, Kenny G, and The Illusionists at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. Snack on pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, and more as you root for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (MiLB) to knock it out of the park at Constellation Field. Devour the Boneless Wings, Pig Out Fries, and Southwest Chicken Salad at Live Oak Grill. Experience fine dining with dishes like Ceviche, Carne Asada, and Pasta Michelle at Fernando’s. Or fill up on Tex-Mex favorites like Chorizo Nachos, Chile Relleno, and Mole Enchiladas at Carmelo’s Mexican Grill.
The Woodlands
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Check out The Woodlands if you’re seeking a peaceful escape but don’t want to give up access to big-city amenities! This area provides a lush oasis of forestry, lakes, and trails just 35 minutes north of Houston. Often considered the heart of the town, the Woodlands Waterway connects residents to outdoor recreation, waterfront restaurants, and attractions like Lake Woodlands. Besides being a hub for outdoor rec enthusiasts, this area provides families access to excellent schools like Creekside Park Junior High, College Park High School, and the private John Cooper School—as well as fun events in The Woodlands like the Fall Concert in the Park series. Plus, in addition to opportunities in the healthcare industry at great hospitals like St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital, residents can find jobs at companies like Huntsman Corporation and Newpark Resources. With these amenities in mind, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty more to explore in The Woodlands! Sing along to artists like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Tyler Childers at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or swan pedal boats from Riva Row Boat House to gear up for date night on the water. Glide across the ice at The Woodlands Ice Rink. Enjoy fresh brunch dishes like the Deviled Texas Eggs, Jalapeno Cheese Kolache, or Power Breakfast Bowl at Fielding’s Wood Grill. Take in waterfront views while feasting on the Buffalo Cauliflower, Flash Fried Calamari, and the OMG Burger at The Goose’s Acre. Or eat American bar-food favorites like the Bayou Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Brick Half Chicken, and Onion Rings at State Fare Kitchen & Bar.
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