The Woodlands

Ranked as the #1 Best City to Live in America for the past two years by Niche.com, The Woodlands is a thriving community where people from all over the world come to work, live and play. Surrounded by lush towering trees and over 140 parks that are woven into more than 220 miles of hike and bike trails, The Woodlands is a suburban utopia for those who crave a connection to nature and a place they can truly call home. 

With just over 118,000 residents as of 2021, The Woodlands is a wonderful place to live because it offers both the relaxation of a small town along with all the excitement of living in a big city. Home to a variety of major companies like ExxonMobil and over 2,000 small businesses, The Woodlands has seen tremendous economic growth and development.

Founded in 1974 by real estate developer George Mitchell, The Woodlands is broken up into nine distinct villages: 

• Alden Bridge
• Cochran's Crossing
• College Park
• Creekside Park
• Grogan's Mill
• Indian Springs
• Panther Creek
• Sterling Ridge
• Town Center

Each village contains mini neighborhoods that we call enclaves. These enclaves offer houses as low as $100,000 up to multi-million dollar homes. So no matter what village you live in, there’s a variety of housing options for every budget—all within walkability to some of the nation’s best public schools, shopping and dining. 

Located within a short drive to our International Airport, about 30-40 minutes from downtown Houston, and 3 hours away from Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, Texas, The Woodlands is perfectly situated for both international travel and weekend getaways, making it the perfect home base. 

Image courtesy of Google – click the map to explore The Woodlands!

Things to Do in The Woodlands, TX

As you wander through the villages of The Woodlands, you’ll notice each community’s unique character and premier amenities. Town Center is essentially the downtown area of The Woodlands with over 1,000 acres of fine dining, shopping and entertainment. Brimming with exceptional restaurants and high end boutiques, residents and visitors from surrounding areas gravitate here to enjoy a wide array of amenities, including The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Waterway, Market Street, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a world-class concert venue that regularly features some of the biggest talents in the music industry. 

There’s no shortage of nightlife in the Market Street area, with so many exceptional and modern restaurants and bars that create a very hip and urban downtown vibe. Plan a fun evening out with the girls or a special date night complete with a romantic after-dinner stroll by the waterway. 

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, there are plenty of activities in The Woodlands, from sporting events and boating to cycling and afternoons out on the links. Head over to Riva Row Boat House to kick off an afternoon of kayaking down the lower waterway up to Lake Woodlands or join any number of cycling groups and explore the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. Avid runners can sign up for the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon which draws thousands of competitors and spectators from around the globe to North Shore Park in The Woodlands. Golf enthusiasts will also love life in The Woodlands as its home to some of the best golf courses in Houston, including the The Player Course at The Woodlands Country Club, the Augusta Pines Golf Club and the Nicklaus Course at Carlton Woods. 

Popular festivals and annual celebrations include culinary fan favorite Taste of the Town in January, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival for art lovers in May, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival in July, and the Lighting of the Doves during the holiday season. 

Whatever you love to do, it’s all here in The Woodlands!

Restaurants in The Woodlands, TX 

Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best restaurants in The Woodlands, TX: 

• TRIS
• Uni Sushi 
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
• Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab 
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grille 
• Black Walnut Cafe
• Ploy Thai Cuisine
• Kirby's Steakhouse
• Federal American Grill
• Pappasito's Cantina

The Woodlands, TX Schools

Children living in The Woodlands are zoned to attend award-winning schools within the following PK–12 school districts: Conroe Independent School District, Magnolia Independent School District and Tomball Independent School District, which won Niche.com’s 2023 award for the #1 Best School District in the Houston area. For more in-depth information on these school districts, visit Niche.com and GreatSchools.org. 

The Woodlands, TX Real Estate Insights 

Homes for sale in The Woodlands, TX can range anywhere from $200K to $10M. Within the past 12 months, the median sales price of houses in The Woodlands was $674,580 with an average price per square foot of $210.12. Harris and Montgomery Counties are two of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., so any real estate purchase made in The Woodlands is a great investment. 

Homes in The Woodlands come in a variety of architectural styles: Spanish Colonial homes, modern style homes, Georgian style homes, traditional homes, French Colonial homes and Mediterranean style homes. If you’re hoping to build a custom luxury home, The Woodlands Reserve by the Frankel Building Group is an exceptional gated community with breathtaking home designs.   

What is The Woodlands, TX known for?  

The Woodlands is known for being one of the best places to live in the U.S. and has been consistently ranked as the #1 Best City to Live in America for the past two years running. 

For more information on The Woodlands, please check out the official website!

What makes The Woodlands a desirable place to live?

The Woodlands is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, top-rated schools, and a wide range of amenities. Its lush green spaces, master-planned communities, and access to recreational activities, shopping, and dining make it a sought-after place to call home.

Are there various housing options in The Woodlands?

Yes, The Woodlands offers diverse housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and luxury estates. You can choose from a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique style and amenities.

What is the real estate market like in The Woodlands?

The real estate market in The Woodlands can be competitive, with fluctuations in pricing. Generally, it's considered stable, and factors like proximity to major employers, schools, and amenities can affect property values.

Is there good public transportation in The Woodlands?

The Woodlands primarily relies on cars for transportation. While there's limited public transit within the community, most residents use private vehicles. The area's road network is well-maintained and designed for easy access.

What are some key considerations for relocating to The Woodlands?

When relocating to The Woodlands, it's important to consider factors such as commuting distances, proximity to schools and healthcare facilities, and the lifestyle you desire. Many residents value the community's commitment to green spaces, which enhances quality of life.