The Definitive Ranking Of 2022's Best Houston Suburbs

Comprehensive guide to the top 17 suburban neighborhoods in Houston.

COVID-19 continues to impact the Houston real estate market.

One of the recent trends brought by the global pandemic: more people are looking in the suburbs.

We're seeing more buyers motivated to find homes with a bigger yard, extra room(s) for homeschooling and home office, a pool, and generally just more space.

The best suburbs in Houston feature homes on sizeable lots, accessibility, top-ranked public schools, and excellent community amenities.

We created this list of "Best Houston Suburbs To Live" In by looking at population centers above 10,000 within 45 minutes of the heart of Houston. We included both independent cities and suburban regions within the city of Houston.

Each of these Houston suburbs was graded on these five items:

• Walkability

• Commute Times

• Employment

• Public Schools

• Amenities

The Houston suburbs list was then ranked from top to bottom based on their combined score, and given a letter grade to help illustrate their ranking. (See our complete methodology below.)

Check out the 17 best Houston suburbs below and see where they're located using our Houston Texas suburbs map.

Curious to know which Houston suburbs are best for you? On the lookout for a specific home in any of these neighborhoods? We've got you. Contact Paige Martin at Paige@HoustonProperties.com, ranked #1 Agent with Keller Williams in Texas and #5 Worldwide.

Get The "Best Houston Suburbs Guide"

See Houston's best suburbs ranked by price, schools, amenities, builders, and more.

Get PDF Now

Table of Contents

1. By The Numbers: 17 Of Houston's Top Suburbs
2. Cost Of Living In The Suburbs?
3. The Best Houston Suburbs On A Map
4. The 17 Best Houston Suburbs: 2022 Ranking
5. Sources & Methodology
6. Best Realtors In The Suburbs

By The Numbers: 17 Of Houston's Top Suburbs

Below, we've included the summary real estate statistics for Houston's Best Suburbs. Please contact us for more data or an analysis of which areas may be best for you.

Cost Of Living In The Suburbs?

Curious about how much annual income is needed to buy a home within Houston's top suburbs? Contact us at Paige@HoustonProperties.com for a full report.

For a more succinct breakdown of how much salary is needed to buy a home in any of Houston's top neighborhoods, please go here. The methodology for the computation above is also in there.

The Best Houston Suburbs On A Map

“The Houston Properties Team went above and beyond during the home buying and selling process. We first worked with Paige and her team in 2012 and chose to work with them again in 2021. Their knowledge of the market and trends by neighborhood made them trusted advisors and helped us negotiate the best prices. Additionally, they were with us every step of the way to ensure things were as simple and efficient as possible for us. They also have a fabulous list of contractors. We were especially happy with their recommendations for painting walls and refinishing floors before we moved in.” – Jessica Graham

Houston covers over 600 square miles, has over 604 schools, and has a population of approximately 7 million people.

One of the common questions that we receive from clients is, "Where are the best neighborhoods in Houston?" To answer this, we compiled Houston area neighborhoods then ranked the best suburbs for each quadrant of Houston (and we'll show them to you soon), but below is our "best of the best" suburb list.

1. The Woodlands
2. Katy
3. Sugar Land
4. Pearland
5. Richmond
6. Cypress
7. Friendswood
8. Clear Lake
9. Stafford
10. Missouri City
11. Kingwood
12. Jersey Village
13. Manvel
14. Fulshear
15. Spring
16. Humble
17. Tomball

The 17 Best Houston Suburbs: 2022 Ranking

Houston has a number of suburbs that offer incredible amenities, top-ranked public schools, and great access to key Houston employment and business hubs, which is why many choose to move here. To help you out, we've done the research and ranked only the best suburbs in this easy-to-follow guide so you can easily see which is the best suburb for you and your family.

1. The Woodlands

HP Team Ranking: A+

The Woodlands made it to the very top of this Best Houston Suburbs list because of great community amenities, good schools, and high quality of life.

Filled with lush neighborhoods and bustling retail and employment centers, it's an award-winning master-planned community that's nestled about 30 miles north downtown and is also considered one of the best Houston neighborhoods for families.

Though it started as a Houston suburb, it has transformed into a bustling and balanced community with hundreds of restaurants and cafes, as well as several corporate campuses.

To see which neighborhoods in this suburb would be a great place to live in, check out the Best Neighborhoods in The Woodlands.

Woodlands Walkability

For the most part, residents in The Woodlands would need a car to be able to get around.

Woodlands Commute Times

The Woodlands is located fairly near downtown, the Energy Corridor, and The Galleria, as it takes an average of 40 to 45 minutes to get between the suburb and those areas. Going to the Medical Center, however, would take longer (around an hour).

Woodlands Employment

Several companies have put roots down in the community, including Chevron Phillips, Baker Hughes, Maersk Line, ExxonMobil, and SWN, among others. The Woodlands has 20+ million square feet of office space and over 60,000 workers commuting to the area daily.

Woodlands Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Buckalew Elem, Bush Elem (Woodlands), Creekside Forest Elem, Creekview El, David Elem, Deretchin Elem, Galatas Elem, Powell Elem (Conroe), Sally Ride Elem, Sam Hailey Elem, Timber Creek Elem, Tough Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Knox Jr High, Mccullough Jr High

Top High Schools:
Woodlands College Park High, Woodlands High

Woodlands Amenities

The Woodlands features lush neighborhoods with plenty of green spaces. The Woodlands also features a wide variety of facilities for golf, tennis, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

130 parks
1,700-acre nature preserve
Several lakes and ponds
Over 200 miles of hike and bike trails

Around 200 restaurants, cafes, and bars along with several stores and other commercial establishments are all within these entertainment and retail centers.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
The Woodlands Country Club: Palmer Course
The Club at Carlton Woods Creekside
Club at Carlton Woods: Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
George Mitchell Nature Preserve
Creekwood Park
Town Green Park
Park at Research Forest
Ridgewood Park
Cattail Park
Bear Branch Park
Shadowbend Park
Northshore Park
Terramont Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
RETAIL
The Woodlands Mall
Market Street
Portofino Shopping Center
H-E-B
Whole Foods
Kroger
Trader Joe’s
Randalls
Hodges Food Basket
The Woodlands Town Center
Market Street
The Waterway District
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Goose’s Acre Bistro & Irish Pub
The Refuge Bar & Bistro
Baker St. Pub & Grill
Crush Wine Lounge
Local Pour
Crisp Woodlands
Yucatan Taco Stand & Tequila Bar
Bar Louie
Cru Wine Bar

DINING
Robard’s Steakhouse
Black Walnut Cafe
Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen
The Republic Grille
Zoes Kitchen
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grub Burger Bar
Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen
Jasper’s
Ruggles Green

2. Katy

HP Team Ranking: A+

Katy Notable Masterplanned Communities

Cinco Ranch, Cane Island, Firethorne, and Pine Mill Ranch

The overall quality of schools from the Katy Independent School District and the city’s local amenities catapulted Katy to near the top of this best of Houston’s suburbs list.

Convenient accessibility to the Energy Corridor and major freeways also contributed to the city’s overall score, making it one of the best Houston texas neighborhoods out there. Key Houston business and employment centers are minutes away, though several companies have also set up shop within Katy’s boundaries.

Katy features several master-planned communities and subdivisions, including Cinco Ranch (considered one of the best Houston suburbs for families as well), Cane Island, Firethorne, Pine Mill Ranch, Seven Meadows, Grand Lakes, Elyson, and Young Ranch.

Katy Walkability

Those who prefer to get around on foot may be glad to know that Katy is pretty walkable.

Katy CommuteTimes

Katy's location makes it extremely accessible to the Energy Corridor, taking only 15 minutes to get there. The Galleria will take twice as long (30 minutes), but it's still not going to be a laborious commute. Going downtown and the Medical Center, on the other hand, will take even longer at around 40 minutes.

Katy Employment

The Energy Corridor, a major Houston employment hub, is located just a few miles east of Katy, and so are the major employers in the Energy Corridor including McDermott International, Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Company, Foster Wheeler, and Gulf States Toyota. Numerous business and employment centers can be found within the suburb itself as well.

Katy Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Alexander Elem (Katy), Creech Elem, Griffin Elem (Katy), Hayes Elem, Holland Elem (Katy), James E Randolph Elem, Katy Elem, Keiko Davidson Elem, Kilpatrick Elem, Pattison Elem, Shafer Elem, Stanley Elem, Williams Elem (Katy), Wilson Elem (Katy), Wolman Elem, Woodcreek Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Beck Jr High, Beckendorff Jr High, Cinco Ranch Jr High, Katy Jr High, Mayde Creek Jr High, Mcdonald Jr High, Mcmeans Jr High, Memorial Parkway Jr High, Seven Lakes Jr High, Woodcreek Jr High

Top High Schools:
Cinco Ranch High, Seven Lakes High, Taylor High, Tompkins High

Katy Amenities

Katy is ranked as one of the top communities in the state for “Fun Family Activities” with shopping and entertainment venues like Katy Mills Mall, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, and Typhoon Texas Water Park.

Katy serves many great amenities within its communities such as pools, tennis courts, hike and bike trails, sports fields (for football, lacrosse, and soccer), fitness centers, recreational centers, and water parks.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
- The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch (public course)
- Meadow Brook Farms Golf Club (public)
- Falcon Point (private)
- Willow Fork (private)
- Bear Creek Golf World

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Mary Jo Peckham Park
- Katy Park
- Malcolm E. Beckendorff Family Park
- Exploration Park
- Katy Dog Park
- Grand Lakes Dog Park
- Mason Road Park
- Cullen Park
- George Bush Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
GROCERIES
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- H-E-B
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Kroger

DINING
- Palma de Cera
- Oishii Sushi and Chinese Bistro
- Ephesus Mediterranean Grill
- Orleans Seafood Kitchen
- 5th Street Italian Kitchen
- Seafood on the Geaux
- Sushi 9
- MidPoint bar + eatery
- Kabob Korner
-vThe Cellar Door

ENTERTAINMENT
- Zen Hookah Lounge
- Einstein’s Pub
- Midnight Rodeo
- Mo’s Place
- Dish Society
- Bourbon Street Sports Bar
-Little Woodrow’s Katy

3. Sugar Land

HP Team Ranking: A

Covering a 24.9-square-mile area, Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s largest suburban city. Its fast-paced growth, excellent schools, great accessibility, and a high number of dining, retail, and employment centers make the city a great option — and number three in this Top Neighborhoods in Houston list.

Located about 24 miles southwest of downtown (as can be seen in our Houston neighborhoods map), Sugar Land is also one of the best suburbs of Houston for families and features 13 master-planned communities and subdivisions, including Aliana, Greatwood, Riverstone, and New Territory.

Sugar Land Walkability

Like Katy, Sugar Land is quite walkable, and you can easily get around most of the time without needing a car.

Sugar Land Commute Times

Sugar Land is an amazing community with excellent accessibility to all four major hubs — the Energy Corridor and the Galleria (25 minutes for both), and Downtown and the Medical Center (30 mins for both).

Sugar Land Employment

The Sugar Land Business Park, a 1,000-acre development near the northeast edge of the city, is home to several companies including Tramontina and Schlumberger. Other companies in the city include CVR Energy (Fortune 500), Fluor, NalcoChampion, Imperial Sugar Company, and Minute Maid, among others.

Its accessibility to all four major hubs also makes it easy to get to the major employers in those areas, such as Dow Chemical Company, Foster Wheeler, and the Gulf States Toyota in the Energy Corridor, and Enbridge, BHP Billiton, and Landry's in the Galleria.

Sugar Land Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Austin Parkway Elem, Barrington Place Elem, Brazos Bend Elem, Campbell Elem (Lamar), Colony Bend Elem, Colony Meadows Elem, Commonwealth Elem, Cornerstone Elem, Dickinson Elem (Lamar), Drabek Elem, Highlands Elem, Walker Station Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Bowie Middle (Fort Bend), Dulles Middle, First Colony Middle, Fort Settlement Middle, Garcia Middle (Fort Bend), Reading Jr High, Sartartia Middle, Sugar Land Middle

Top High Schools:
Austin High (Fort Bend), Clements High, George Ranch High, Travis High (Fort Bend)

Sugar Land Amenities

Sugar Land has more than 20,000 Yelp-rated commercial establishments. The city’s master-planned communities offer a variety of amenities, including retail centers, golf courses, lakes, parks, and hike-and-bike trails.

Sugar Land offers dining, nightlife, and retail options all within its borders. The First Colony Mall and the Sugar Land Town Square are the main hotspots in the city.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
One of Houston’s Best Golf Course Communities, Sugar Creek, is located in Sugar Land.

There are 4 golf courses in the city, including:

• Greatwood Golf Club (public)
• Riverbend Country Club (private)
• Sugar Creek Country Club (private)
• Sweetwater Country Club (private)

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Sugar Land Memorial Park
- Brazos River Corridor
- Brazos Landing Park
- Sutton Park
- Commonwealth Neighborhood Park
- Settlers Way Park
- Colony Bend Park
- Mesquite Park
- Lost Creek Park
- Highlands Park
- Sugarwoods Neighborhood Park
- Oyster Point Park
- Eldridge Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Sugar Land Town Square, the main entertainment district, is a 32-acre shopping and office complex. Many companies call the complex home, including Minute Maid and CVR Energy. The sprawling complex is part of the First Colony master-planned community. It was developed by Planned Community Developers.

The complex is made up of around 200,000 square feet of retail space and 750,000 square feet of office space. Sugar Land City Hall, and the Sugar Land Marriott and Conference Center are within the Town Square.

First Colony Mall, on the other hand, is a regional shopping mall and is also located in First Colony. It originally opened in 1996. Now, it features more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail space and over 150 retail stores and establishments. Anchor stores include two Dillard’s locations, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

MALL
- Sugar Land Town Square
- First Colony Mall

DINING
- Anonymous Cafe
- Piggy Pibil
- Dimassi’s Mediterranean Kitchen
- Guru Burgers & Crepes
- Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Company
- Fat Bao
- The Big Salad
- Piada Italian Street Food
- Ky Ans Kitchen
- Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill

ENTERTAINMENT
- The Ginger Mule Tonics & Meals
- The Middle Spoon
- The Ghost Bar
- Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
- Blaunsch
- San Antonio Rose
- Mosset New American Grill
- Baker St. Pub & Grill
- Brick House Tavern + Tap
- Gridiron Bar & Grill

GROCERY
- H-E-B
- Whole Foods Market
- Kroger
- 99 Ranch
- Randall’s
- Welfresh Market
- Food Town
- Walmart Supercenter
- Keemat Grocers

4. Pearland

HP Team Ranking: A

Pearland Notable Masterplanned Communities

Shadow Creek Ranch

There are many good neighborhoods in Houston, and Pearland definitely is one of them. This suburb made it into this list due to the number of highly-rated schools zoned to its homes. The city also offers a relatively shorter commute (compared to the other Houston suburbs on this list) to key districts like the Medical Center and downtown.

More than 80% of Pearland is residential and is home to several master-planned communities. Shadow Creek Ranch, Silverlake, Silvercreek, Green Tee Terrace, Sunrise Lakes, and Southern Trails are just some of the communities within the city.

The city has seen plenty of development over the past few years, though some areas are still practically untouched.

Pearland Walkability

Pearland is pretty okay on our walkability ranking, as most errands in and around the neighborhood can be accomplished by simply walking.

Pearland Commute Times

Since Pearland is just south of Beltway 8 and is along South Freeway, residents enjoy a quick commute to key areas in Houston. It's conveniently located 25 minutes away from both downtown and the Medical Center, while the Galleria itself is only 30 minutes away. The Energy Corridor, on the other hand, is located a bit farther — approximately 40 minutes away.

Pearland Employment

Its great location makes Pearland easily accessible to major job centers like the Texas Medical Center and downtown, which has more than 3,500+ businesses employing more than 150,000 workers.

Pearland Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Barbara Cockrell Elem, E A Lawhon El, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Magnolia Elem (Pearland), Rustic Oak Elem, Shadycrest Elem, Silvercrest Elem, Silverlake Elem, York Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Alexander/Pearland J H East, Jamison/Pearland J H South, Nolan Ryan J H, Rogers/Berry Miller Jr High, Sablatura/Pearland J H West, Westbrook Intermediate

Top High Schools:
Glenda Dawson High, Pearland High

Pearland Amenities

Pearland is mostly residential, but there are plenty of dining, retail, and entertainment options within its borders. Currently, there are over 10,000 Yelp-rated establishments in the area.

Parks, hike-and-bike trails, nature centers, and retail centers are scattered throughout Pearland. These include three golf courses.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Green spaces, parks, and golf courses abound in the city. It has three golf clubs: Southwyck Golf Club, Pearland Golf Club at Country Place, and Golfcrest Country Club.

Southwyck is located at 2901 Clubhouse Drive. It features 18 holes over 6,914 yards. Pearland Golf Club at 3123 Flower Field Lane, on the other hand, features 18 holes over 6,802 yards. Both courses have a par of 72.

Golfcrest at 2509 Country Club Drive is one of Houston’s oldest country clubs. It was previously located in Houston. In 1971, it moved to its current location. Architect Joseph S. Finger was commissioned to design the new 6,900-yard course. Club amenities include the championship course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and dining and events facilities.

• Clear Creek Golf Club
• Southwyck Golf Club
• Golfcrest Country Club
• Timber Creek Golf Club
• Pearland Golf Club at Country Place
• Shadow Creek Ranch Disc Golf

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Corrigan Park
- Centennial Park
- Christia V. Adair Park
- El Franco Lee Park
- Independence Park
- Clear Brook City Park
- Pearland Community Center
- Kirkwood Park
- Cypress Village Neighborhood Park
- Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail
- Recreation Center and Natatorium
- Mary’s Creek Trail
- John Hargrove Environmental Complex and Wetlands
- Southdown Park and Dog Park
- Tom Bass Regional Park
- Sagemeadow Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
It has several retail centers, including the Pearland Town Center, a 1.1-million square foot lifestyle center. It opened in 2008, and its anchor stores include Barnes and Noble, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Sports Authority.

Other retail centers in the area include those within or nearby Pearland’s many master-planned communities. These are Shadow Creek Town Center, Silverlake Village Shopping Center, and the Shadow Creek Market Place.

• Pearland Town Center
• Shadow Creek Town Center
• Shadow Creek Market Place
• Silverlake Village Shopping Center
• The Crossing @ 288

5. Richmond

HP Team Ranking: A

Richmond Notable Masterplanned Communities

Aliana, Long Meadow Farms, and Lakes of Bella Terra

Richmond is a small 2.9-square-mile independent city and is one of the more affordable Houston suburbs in the area. It lies southwest of Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford.

A small city, like Katy, has several master-planned communities within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Aliana, Long Meadow Farms, Lakes of Bella Terra, Pecan Grove, Harvest Green, and Verdana all have Richmond addresses.

Richmond Walkability

Like the previous neighborhoods, Richmond is somewhat walkable and some errands can be accomplished by simply walking, without the need for a car.

Richmond Commute Times

Because Richmond is a relatively small city, it doesn’t have a public transit system. Residents will need a car to go downtown and to the Galleria (35 minutes for both). Going to the Medical Center will take a little longer (40 minutes) while going to the Energy Corridor will take a bit faster (30 minutes).

Richmond Employment

Richmond residents have easy access to employment opportunities in the Energy Corridor, including those from major employers like Shell Oil Company and Gulf States Toyota.

Richmond Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Austin Elem (Lamar), Frost Elem (Lamar), Hubenak Elem, Manford Williams Elem, Mcneill Elem, Oakland Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Bowie Middle (Fort Bend), Crockett Middle (Fort Bend), Reading Jr High

Top High Schools:
Foster High, George Ranch High, Travis High (Fort Bend)

Richmond Amenities

Richmond is home to master-planned communities like Long Meadow Farms. They feature amenities such as playgrounds and parks, a trail system, and sports facilities.

Residents can take advantage of numerous venues for outdoor activities in the area. The Fort Bend Country Club and the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club are popular outdoor destinations within the area.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
- Fort Bend Country Club
- Greatwood Golf Club
- Pecan Grove Country Club
- Shadow Hawk Golf Club
- Black Hawk Country Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Belin Park and Field
- Clay Park
- Davis Memorial Park
- Fort Bend Country Club
- George Park
- Richmond City Park
- Wessendorff Park
- Pecan Grove Park
- Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Several retail and dining options are available nearby. Shopping centers and commercial establishments line the stretch of Southwest Freeway just south of Richmond.

DINING:

• Catfish Station
• Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar
• Taco Planet
• Bombay Grill
• Ninja Japanese Cuisine
• Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
• McAlister’s Deli
• Sleek Chocolatier & Cafe
• Ramble Creek Grill
• Clancy’s Public House

ENTERTAINMENT:

• The Lone Star Saloon
• The Roof
• Clancy’s Public House
• Top Shelf Cajun
• Tangerine Cafe and Grill
• Brick House Tavern + Tap
• Penguin Daiquiris
• Bohemian Hill Tavern
• Z Ice House
• Delicious Daiquiris

GROCERIES:

• H-E-B
• Randalls
• Kroger
• Aldi
• Fiesta Mart
• Walmart
• Target

6. Cypress

HP Team Ranking: A

Cypress Notable Masterplanned Communities

Towne Lake and Bridgeland

Cypress is a growing unincorporated community located about 27 miles northwest of downtown.

Thanks to commercial and residential developments during the 1990s, Cypress is now a bustling Houston suburb made up of several master-planned communities and smaller neighborhoods. Towne Lake, Bridgeland, Kluge Lake, and Cypress Creek Lakes are among the master-planned communities within the Cypress area.

Cypress Walkability

Cypress ranks pretty well on the walkability scale, with some errands able to be accomplished by foot.

Cypress Commute Times

If you’re looking to commute from Cypress to Downtown or the Medical Center, you’d have to set aside 35 minutes for the one-way drive. Going to the Galleria is a bit similar, with you needing to set aside 30 minutes for the commute. The Energy Corridor is the nearest to Cypress at 25 minutes one way.

Cypress Employment

Cypress's proximity to the Energy Corridor makes it a great area for those looking to work for major employers like Foster Wheeler, Gulf States Toyota, Dow Chemical Company, and Shell Oil Company.

Cypress Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Farney Elem, Keith Elem, Pope Elem, Postma Elem, Rennell Elem, Sampson Elem, Swenke Elem, Warner Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Anthony Middle (Cy-Fair), Arnold Middle, Goodson Middle, Hamilton Middle (Cy-Fair), Salyards Middle, Smith Middle (Cy-Fair), Spillane Middle

Top High Schools:
Cy-Fair High, Cypress Ranch High, Cypress Woods High

Cypress Amenities

One of Harris County's unincorporated communities, Cypress is formerly a rural area, located 25 miles northeast of Downtown Houston and is now recognized as one of the largest suburbs in the Houston area.

Cypress has master-planned communities such as Towne Lake, which boasts amenities like a skiing course, a water park with a sandy beach, a lazy river, and the town lake boardwalk to name some. Another master-planned community is the Cypress Bridgeland which has amenities like the Town Center with numerous retail and dining options to choose from, a Nature Reserve, and the Dragonfly Park with 25-acres of lake-centered activities. Other than these two, Bridgetown, Kluge lake and Cypress Creek Lakes are also master-planned communities that can be found within Cypress' neighborhood.

Known for its proximity to freeways, Cypress homes are accessible to other Houston neighborhoods and key areas. With a wide variety of architecture to choose from, the sizes of the property and houses in Cypress also range from bungalows, and two-story homes up to large estates.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Several Golf Courses can be found within and nearby Cypress. Some of which are listed below:

-BlackHorse Golf Club
-Cypress Lakes Golf Club
-Longwood Golf Club
-Jersey Meadow Golf Course
-Champions Golf Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Rich in green areas and parks for recreation, Cypress is also home to the following bike and run trails:

Little Cypress Creek Preserve
Cypress Creek MTB Trail Park
Oak Meadow Park
Telge Park
Bud Hadfield Park
Cypress Park
Lakewood Crossing Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Restaurants and diners are found within the neighborhood and boast a wide range of cuisines to choose from, some of them are listed below:

La Madeleine
Tikka Shack
Texas Mesquite Grill
Yokohama
The Lost Cajun
Marvinos Italian Steakhouse

Moreover, commercial establishments such as retail shops and shopping centers can also be found within Cypress' neighborhood as enumerated below:

Ross Dress for Less
Cypress Towne Center
Target
The Boardwalk at Townlake
Cypress Mill Plaza
Cyfair Town Center
Houston Premium Outlets

7. Friendswood

HP Team Ranking: A-

Friendswood made it to our Houston suburbs list due to high overall livability and great schools. The city also features a good number of green spaces and parks. It’s also considered one of the best Houston suburbs to retire in.

Located about 22 miles southeast of Houston’s Central Business District, Friendswood is nestled in the area south of Beltway 8, west of Gulf Freeway, and east of Texas Highway 35. Highly accessible and centrally located, homes in the area are minutes away from key Houston retail, business, employment, and entertainment centers.

Friendswood Walkability

It's fairly easy to get around Friendswood by walking, as some errands don't require a car.

Friendswood Commute Times

Friendswood to downtown will take you only 30 minutes each way. Commuting to the Medical Center, Galleria, and the Energy Corridor will however take you a bit longer (35-45 minutes each way).

Friendswood Employment

Its proximity to downtown makes Friendswood easily accessible to major employers in the downtown area, including United Airlines, Wells Fargo, KPMG, and Deloitte, to name a few.

Friendswood Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Cline Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Friendswood Jr High, Westbrook Intermediate

Top High Schools:
Clear Springs High, Friendswood High

Friendswood Amenities

Parks, schools, restaurants, sports venues, retail centers, and other entertainment hotspots are minutes away from Friendswood homes.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Timber Creek Golf Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
1776 Memorial Park
Frankie Carter Randolph Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Baybrook Mall
Walmart

8. Clear Lake City

HP Team Ranking: A-

Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for singles, Clear Lake City is a master-planned community located about 22 miles southeast of downtown and is adjacent to the Johnson Space Center. It is subdivided into smaller neighborhoods, including the golf course community, Bay Oaks.

Clear Lake City Walkability

Clear Lake is a city that's quite dependent on cars, as most residents would need to own a car to be able to accomplish most errands.

Clear Lake City Commute Times

Located near the Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8) and bisected by the Gulf Freeway (I-45), Clear Lake residents have great access to downtown (30 minutes each way), the Medical Center (30 minutes each way), and the Museum District. Commuting from Clear Lake to the Galleria and the Energy Corridor will take a bit longer though, with residents looking at commute times of 40 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively.

Clear Lake City Employment

Clear Lake has major aerospace companies headquartered nearby, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Its proximity to downtown also makes it easily accessible for those looking to work in companies like Ernst & Young, JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Deloitte.

Clear Lake City Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Brookwood Elem, Falcon Pass Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Seabrook Intermediate

Top High Schools:

Clear Lake City Amenities

Clear Lake is one of the Best Houston Suburbs in the South and Southeast. It is accessible to major employment hubs, golf courses, waterfront attractions, and green spaces.

The Reserve at Clear Lake, Clear Lake City, and Edgewater are among Clear Lake’s notable master-planned communities. Clear Lake City is the second-largest master-planned community in Houston.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
One of Houston’s premier golf clubs, Bay Oaks Country Club, is within Clear Lake.

Here are more golf courses near the community:

• Golf Galaxy
• GOLFTEC Baybrook
• Bay Oaks Country Club
• Timber Creek Golf Club
• Topgolf

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Exploration Green - Phase 2
- Sylvan Rodriguez Park
- Greenbelt Park
- Charles Seaman Park
- Brook Forest/ Middlebrook Walking Trail
- Bay Knoll Greenbelt Walking Trail
- Claghorn Nature Trail
- Northfork Walking Trail
- University of Houston Nature Trail

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Homes in Clear Lake are accessible for retail, dining, and entertainment experience.

Here are some of the places to dine and enjoy:

• El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
• Clear Lake Hunan Restaurant
• Miller's Cafe
• Tommy's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
• Wael's Mediterranean Cuisine
• Los Ramirez Mexican Restaurant
• Luka's Barbecue & Steakhouse inc
• T.J. Maxx
• U Stop Grocery
• Adelaide’s Boutique
• Clear Lake Two Retail Center
• Bay Pointe Shopping Center
• Bay Forest
• Star Plaza
• Baybrook Mall
• Baybrook Square Shopping Center

9. Stafford

HP Team Ranking: A-

Stafford’s motto says it all: City with no property taxes! Dubbed as an “Island of Business Opportunity,” the city is known for its business parks, home to several companies in a variety of industries.

Consumer finance website NerdWallet ranked Stafford 3rd in its list of "Best Places to Start a Business in Texas."

Stafford Walkability

Aside from having no property taxes, Stafford is also a great place for walkers. The city is somewhat walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Stafford Commute Times

Stafford is located very near to employment centers, with a one-way commute from Stafford to the Galleria, the Energy Corridor, the Medical Center, and downtown taking only 20-25 minutes. Apart from employment and business centers, Stafford homes are minutes away from main roads including Beltway 8, US 59, US 90A, and Highway 6.

Stafford Employment

The city features 15 business parks and is home to companies like UPS, Tyco, Seamar Divers, and General Technologies, Inc. Its proximity to the four major employment and business centers also gives Stafford residents great access to employers like the Shell Oil Company, Air Liquide America, Wells Fargo, etc.

Stafford Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:

Top Middle Schools:
Dulles Middle

Top High Schools:

Stafford Amenities

Stafford is a 7-square-mile area located southwest of downtown Houston. It offers amenities like business parks, leisure spaces, and retail centers.

Stafford homes are only minutes away from the main roads (Beltway 8, I-69, and Highway 6). The city has popular hotspots like Vaccaro Manor Park and Stafford Centre. The Fountains Shopping Center along I-59 has several dining and retail stores.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
The best golf courses in Houston are a few minutes' drive from Stafford homes. These include:

• Riverbend Country Club
• Sugar Creek Country Club
• El Dorado 7 La Quinta Golf Courses, Quail Valley
• Sweetwater Country Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Trail parks are everywhere near Stafford homes, from running and biking to hiking. These include:

• Oyster Creek Park and Trail
• Fountain Lake Park
• Buffalo Run Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Famous retail and dining shops along I-59 are:

• Burkes Outlet
• Marshalls
• Razzoo's Cajun Cafe
• Walmart Supercenter

10. Missouri City

HP Team Ranking: A-

Missouri City Notable Masterplanned Communities

Sienna Plantation

Missouri City is a growing 29.8-square-mile city located about 17 miles southwest from the heart of Houston.

Much of Missouri City’s growth can be attributed to the master-planned communities within and just outside the city’s borders. Lake Olympia and parts of Riverstone and Sienna Plantation are within Missouri City.

Missouri City Walkability

The city is not very walkable, as residents would mostly require a car to get around.

Missouri City Commute Times

While not very walkable, Missouri City has the distinction of being easily accessible from all four major business and employment centers — it takes only 20 minutes each way from Missouri City to downtown, making it one of the best Houston suburbs for downtown commute. Going to the Medical Center, the Galleria, and the Energy Corridor from Missouri City takes only 20 minutes as well.

Missouri City Employment

Missouri City residents are minutes away from key employment centers in Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land, making it a great place to live for those looking to work in those areas.

Missouri City Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Austin Parkway Elem, Sienna Crossing Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Baines Middle, Dulles Middle, First Colony Middle, Quail Valley Middle

Top High Schools:

Missouri City Amenities

Missouri City features a wide variety of outdoor recreation within its borders. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department received the Texas Gold Medal Award and operates around 20 parks covering just under 400 acres.

Sienna Plantation is one of Missouri City's golf course communities that offer amenities like championship golf courses, swimming pools, splash pads, waterparks, trail networks, and lakes.

Parks
- Quail Green West Park
- Bicentennial Park
- Buffalo Run Park
- Hunters Glen Park
- Roanne Park
- Freedom Tree Park

Pools
- Stafford City Pool
- Quail Valley East Pool

Recreation
- Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center
- Quail Glen Recreation

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Quail Valley Golf, Grille & Events is home to La Quinta and El Dorado golf courses, the Bluebonnet Grille, ballrooms, and conference rooms.

• Community Park Disc and Golf Course
• El Dorado Golf Course
• Riverbend Country Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
The city offers a number of green spaces, park areas, and recreational centers. Texas Gold Medal Award-winning Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department maintains 20 parks, athletic centers, and miles of hike-and-bike trails.

Other parks in the area offer a variety of amenities, including walking trails, swimming pools, fishing and boating areas, playgrounds, and lakes.

• Hunters Trail Park
• Buffalo Run Park
• Independence Park
• Bicentennial Park
• Community Park
• Freedom Tree Park
• Oyster Creek Trail

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Residents are also minutes away from several retail and dining options, including Riverstone Shopping Center, a 200,000-square foot retail hub stretching from University Boulevard to Riverstone Boulevard. More commercial establishments line Highway 6.

DINING
- Chettinad Indian Cuisine
- Best Burgers
- Catfish Station
- 7 Spice
- Alex's Kitchen
- The Bluebonnet Grill

NIGHTLIFE
- Tea'ze Daiquiri Lounge
- Nawlins D Shop
- Gingers

GROCERIES & SHOPPING
- Fiesta Mart LLC
- Stafford Shopping Center
- Hunters Square
- Missouri Food Mart
- Ann's International Groceries
- Quail Valley Shopping Center

11. Kingwood

HP Team Ranking: B+

Dubbed “The Livable Forest," and also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston, Kingwood is a 14,000-acre master-planned community nestled northeast of downtown Houston.

Kingwood is made up of 25 neighborhoods, called villages, and offers a good number of community amenities like pools and parks.

Kingwood Walkability

Kingwood is somewhat walkable — some errands can be done on foot while some will still need a car to get around now and then.

Kingwood Commute Times

Employment centers in The Woodlands and Houston are minutes away, as well as key areas like the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Kingwood to downtown will take an average of 35 minutes each way, while a commute to the Medical Center, the Galleria, and the Energy Corridor will take an average of 40 to 45 minutes per way.

Kingwood Employment

Kingwood residents can enjoy easy access to employers located downtown. Some of the major employers in the area are Bank of America, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, United Airlines, and KPMG.

Kingwood Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Willow Creek Elem (Humble)

Top Middle Schools:
Creekwood Middle, Riverwood Middle, Woodridge Forest Middle

Top High Schools:
Kingwood High

Kingwood Amenities

Despite its location on the far northwest edge of Houston, Kingwood has plenty of amenities and entertainment options within its borders.

Parks
- Rivergrove Park
- Bear Branch Gazebo Park
- Creekwood Nature Area
- Town Center Park
- Dylan Duncan Skatepark
- Rustling Elms Park
- Brookshadow Park

Pools
- Beyond Blue Pools
- Fosters Mill Village Pools
- Sand Creek Village Pool
- Green Tree Village Pool
- Elm Grove Pools
- Sherwood Trails Pool
- Mills Branch Village Pool

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Other points of interest within the community include the Kingwood Cove Golf Club (805 Hamblen Road) and The Clubs of Kingwood (1700 Lake Kingwood Trail).

The Clubs of Kingwood plays host to the PGA Tour Qualifiers, both stage I and II. Other tournaments are held in the club as well. Club amenities include 2 golf courses (Kingwood and Deerwood), 26 lighted tennis courts, a water park, a fitness center, dining facilities, and a spa.

• Deerbrook Club
• Kingwood Cove Golf Club
• The Clubs of Kingwood
• Oakhurst Golf Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Kingwood features more than 500 acres of parks and green spaces, as well as more than 75 miles of multi-purpose trails and greenbelts. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like jogging, biking, and fishing.

The community has an abundance of outdoor entertainment areas like golf courses, parks, and greenbelts. Kingwood homes have easy access to more than 75 miles of hike and bike trails, about 500 acres of parks and nature preserves, and 2 golf courses.

One of Houston’s first municipal skate parks, Kingwood Skate Park opened in 2004. It features several picnic benches and tables, a mini-half pipe, kicker ramps, and various rails. Located at 3950 Rustic Woods Drive, the 5,400-square-foot park was later renamed Dylan Duncan Memorial Skatepark. Kingwood also has a 2.25-acre dog park.

• Kingwood Park
• East End Park
• Dylan Duncan Memorial Skatepark

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
For retail, residents can visit the Kingwood Town Center, located where Kingwood Drive and Lake Houston Parkway meet. Many of the community’s events are held at Town Center Park. Deerbrook Mall (in Humble), a 1.2 million square foot mall, is a short drive away from Kingwood.

DINING
- The Union Kitchen
- Luling Smokehouse BBQ
- Wise Guys Gourmet Pizza
- Mencius Gourmet Hunan
- Zachary’s Cajun Cafe
- Bill’s Cafe
- Akashi Sushi
- Chelsea Deli & Cafe
- Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant
- Los Cucos Mexican Cafe

ENTERTAINMENT
- The Draft
- Nico’s Bar and Grill
- Molly’s Pub
- The Hop Shop
- Club 494
- Pop’s Ice House
- One the Rox Sports Bar and Grill
- The Tasting Room
- Montana’s Saloon
- Time Out Tavern

GROCERIES
- Randall’s
- H-E-B
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Kroger
- Woods Food Mart
- Walmart Neighborhood Market
- K Tko
- DND

12. Jersey Village

HP Team Ranking: B+

Located about 18 miles northwest of Downtown, Jersey Village has transformed from a former cattle ranch to a fast-growing city.

Once dubbed a “small town with big plans," Jersey Village is known for its peaceful vibe and rapid real estate and commercial development.

Jersey Village Walkability

Residents of Jersey Village depend a lot on their cars for going around since the city is not very walkable.

Jersey Village Commute Times

Downtown, the Energy Corridor, the Galleria, and the Medical Center are all less than 30 minutes away from Jersey Village.

Jersey Village Employment

The neighborhood provides direct access to the four most important business hubs in Houston, like Downtown, the Energy Corridor, the Galleria, and the Medical Center.

Jersey Village Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:

Top Middle Schools:
Cook Middle

Top High Schools:

Jersey Village Amenities

Several parks are located in the neighborhood including:
- Clark Henry Park
- Carol Fox Park
- Jersey Dog Village Park
- Jersey Meadow Park
- Waller Park
- Welwyn Drive Park

Residents enjoy a number of community/outdoor pools such as:
- Jersey Village Clark Henry Pool
- Willowbridge Clubhouse and Pool
- Cameron Pools
- Winchester Trails Swimming Pool

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Rated as one of Houston’s Best Golf Course Communities, Jersey Village offers homeowners a number of recreational activities including the Jersey Meadow Golf Course.

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
There are also trails that are easily accessible to Jersey Village residents including:
- HC Mud 11 Hike & Bike Trail
- Jersey Village Walking & Jogging Trail
- Carol Fox Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Retail centers and shops only a short drive away are just nearby, such as:
- Memorial City Mall
- City Centre Plaza
- Cricket Wireless Authorized Retailer
- Ross Dress for Less
- Dickies Retail Store (Houston)

With proximity to US 290 and Beltway 8, where numerous restaurants, dining establishments, and cafes are available, including:
- Little Kitchen HTX
- Taquerias Arandas
- Adriatic Cafe and Italian Grill
- Whataburger
- Natalitas
- Los Cucos Mexican Cafe

13. Manvel

HP Team Ranking: B+

Manvel is a small city located in Brazoria County that is a very popular choice for those who are looking for an exceptionally livable suburb outside the city center. It's home to several master-planned communities that offer incredible amenities including tennis courts, stocked lakes, swimming pools, and hike-and-bike trails.

Manvel Walkability

Manvel is not a very walkable city, as residents would mostly need a car to get around and accomplish errands.

Manvel Commute Times

Since both the Texas State Highway 288 and Highway 6 run through the community, residents from Manvel are afforded an easy commute and direct access to key Houston areas including the Texas Medical Center (30 minutes) and downtown (25 minutes). It's also fairly near the Galleria (30 minutes) but a bit far from the Energy Corridor (40 minutes).

Manvel Employment

Manvel residents have easy access to major employers downtown such as KPMG, JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte, to name a few.

Manvel Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Silvercrest Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Rogers/Berry Miller Jr High

Top High Schools:
Glenda Dawson High

Manvel Amenities

Although mostly residential, Manvel has several dining, shopping, and entertainment options outside its borders. Pearland Town Center, Silverlake Village Shopping Center, and The Crossing at 288 are all less than 15 minutes away.

The city of Manvel is mostly residential, though a growing number of dining options are available along SH 288. For more retail and entertainment options, residents can take a short drive to nearby Pearland.

The master-planned communities feature state-of -the-art amenities such as pools and nature-based facilities such as open-air pavillions, event lawns and fitness centers; there are also hike and bike trails.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Southwyck Golf Club, one of the Best Golf Courses in Houston, is a short drive away from Manvel. Green Tee Terrace and Golfcrest Country Club are also easily accessible from the city.

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Manvel master-planned communities also feature their own amenities. Rodeo Palms has 10+ lakes, walking trails, tennis courts, an Jr. Olympic sized pool. Residents can enjoy various water activities like paddle boating and catch and release fishing as well.

Meridiana’s Amenity Village, on the other hand, offers an ampitheater, a fitness center, swimming pools, a cafe, and a game area. The master-planned community also features lakes and hike and bike trails.

Parks
Shadow Grove Park
Westside Event Center
Tom Bass Regional Park
Bayou Wildlife Zoo

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
RETAIL
Pearland Town Center
Shadow Creek Town Center
Shadow Creek Market Place
Silverlake Village Shopping Center
The Crossing @ 288
The Spectrum District

DINING
Manvel Seafood
The Burger Barn
Brisa’s Tex Mex Restaurant
Bamboo Wok
Emily’s Mexican Restaurant
Jimmy Changas
Nana’s Tortilla Factory
Grazia Italian Kitchen
Biryani Express
Jack In The Box

Farmer’s Market - Froberg Farms, H-E-B plus!, Sprouts Farmers Market

Coffee and Desserts - MyLeigh’s Cafe, Billy Dano’s Donuts, Pena’s Donut Heaven & Grill, Riley’s Donuts

Weekend brunches - Firehouse Subs, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s

Tacos - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Freebirds World burrito, Emma’s Grill

Burgers - SmashBurger, Pena’s Donut Heaven and Grill

14. Fulshear

HP Team Ranking: B+

Fulshear Notable Masterplanned Communities

Cross Creek Ranch and Weston Lakes

Fulshear is a small incorporated city in Fort Bend County and is one of the richest Houston suburbs, which earned it the distinction of being one of “Houston’s Most Affluent Communities” according to the American City Business Journal (ACBJ). It features several multi-awarded master-planned communities such as Cross Creek Ranch and Weston Lakes and boasts easy access to great retail, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation options.

Fulshear Walkability

Residents in Fulshear are dependent on their cars, as the suburb mostly requires a car to get around, and as such is not a very walkable city.

Fulshear Commute Times

Residents will need to set aside a good chunk of time when commuting from Fulshear to key Houston areas, such as the Energy Corridor (30 minutes), the Galleria (35 minutes), downtown (40 minutes), and the Medical Center (45 minutes).

Fulshear Employment

Fulshear is nearest to the Energy Corridor, which gives residents fairly easy access to energy employers such as Shell Oil Company and Gulf States Toyota.

Fulshear Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:

Top Middle Schools:
Woodcreek Jr High

Top High Schools:

Fulshear Amenities

Fulshear homes are minutes away from great retail, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.

The city’s small downtown area offers a few options along Main Street, including groceries, bars, and a few stores.

Residents get to enjoy amenities including Flewellen Creek Park, Weston Lakes Country Club, and Katy Mills.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Weston Lakes features the Weston Lake Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course.

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Primrose Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
For more retail and dining options, residents can take a short drive to The Shops at Bella Terra and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch (both along Grand Parkway).

• Victor's Mexican Grille
• Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar
• Dozier's BBQ
• Domino's Pizza
• Brown Eyed Girl Design by Roxie
• Beezie's Flowers
• Ace Hardware
• Country Mart

15. Spring

HP Team Ranking: B

A census-designated place (CDP) about 25 miles north of downtown, Spring made it to our list of best Houston suburbs due to its good standard of life. Its proximity to job centers and several schools also contributed to its inclusion.

Spring Walkability

Spring is a somewhat walkable suburb. Residents can mostly go around on foot but may need to use cars for most errands.

Spring Commute Times

Spring homes are 30 minutes away from downtown and 35 minutes away from both the Medical Center and the Galleria. The Energy Corridor, on the other hand, will take residents from Spring 40 minutes to get to.

Spring Employment

Employment centers in The Woodlands and Houston are highly accessible from Spring.

Spring Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
French El, Sam Hailey Elem

Top Middle Schools:
Knox Jr High, Schindewolf Intermediate

Top High Schools:
Woodlands College Park High

Spring Amenities

The Spring CDP features several restaurants, retail and entertainment centers, bars, cafes, parks, and schools. Major parts of Spring are also served by the top public schools in Spring ISD, Conroe ISD, and Klein ISD.

The Energy Corridor and Texas Medical Center are both about 45 minutes away, making it close to the biggest employment districts in Houston.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Cypresswood Golf Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Spring Creek Greenway
Spring Trails Preserve

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Cypresswood Court Shopping Center
Magnola LLC/ Cypresswood Retail Center
Goodwill Houston Select Stores
Louetta Central

16. Humble

HP Team Ranking: B

Humble Notable Masterplanned Communities

Fall Creek

Humble is a 9.9-square-mile independent city located just outside Beltway 8. Humble ISD’s overall rating, number of local amenities, and high accessibility brought Humble to 16th place in our list of Houston’s best suburbs. The strong appreciation rate of the homes also makes it one of the best neighborhoods to invest in in Houston.

Humble Walkability

One of Humble's selling points is its walkability — the suburb is deemed to be very walkable as residents can go around and accomplish errands on foot.

Humble Commute Times

Residents have fairly easy commutes going to downtown (25 minutes), the Medical Center, and the Galleria (30 minutes each). The same can be said for commutes going to The Woodlands and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Going to the Energy Corridor (40 minutes) can take a bit more time, however.

Humble Employment

The easy commute going downtown makes Humble a perfect place for those looking to work for major employers downtown like Chevron, JP Morgan, Deloitte, Bank of America, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, United Airlines, and KPMG.

Humble Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:

Top Middle Schools:

Top High Schools:

Humble Amenities

Humble was once a crossroads community and an oil boomtown. It now features plenty of retail, dining, and outdoor entertainment options.

The city of Humble also maintains a few parks, including Hirsch Park, Schott Park, Timberwood Park, and Uptown Park. Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center is also a popular destination in the area.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
- Golf Club of Houston
- Cypresswood Golf Club
- Kingwood Cove Golf Club
- The Clubs of Kingwood
- Oakhurst Golf Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
- Hirsch Park
- Schott Park
- Timberwood Park
- Uptown Park
- Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
SHOPPING
- Deerbrook Mall
- Humblewood Shopping Center
- Humble Plaza Shopping Center
- Deerbrook Oaks

DINING
- Hippo Burgers
- Titas Taco House
- The Curry House
- Waikiki Grill
- Chez Nous
- Dona Maria Restaurant
- Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
- Pappas Seafood House
- Brick House Tavern + Tap
- Italiano’s Restaurant

ENTERTAINMENT
- The Hop Stop
- Green Oaks Tavern
- Club 494
- Stetsons Nightlife
- Lucky’s Roadhouse
- Pop’s Ice House
- Montana’s Saloon
- Shamrocks Pub
- Thirst
- Nico’s Bar and Grill

GROCERIES
- A-1 Supermarket
- Casa Del Pueblo Meat Market
- Walmart Supercenter
- Aldi
- Big Lots
- Kroger
- Target

17. Tomball

Tomball is a popular incorporated city that boasts of top-ranked schools, luxury gated communities, and large wooded lots. Tomball homes are located near many outdoor and entertainment centers, giving residents a host of options in terms of recreation.

HP Team Ranking: B

Tomball Walkability

Like Humble, Tomball has the distinction of being one of the few suburbs in this list that has a high level of walkability. Residents enjoy walking around Tomball and accomplishing errands as the suburb is very walkable.

Tomball Commute Times

Compared to the other suburbs on this list, commuting from Tomball to the four major business hubs will take a bit more time, which is one of the reasons why Tomball is the last on our list. Commuting to downtown and the Medical Center will take a fair bit of time (45 minutes each), and while going to the Galleria (40 minutes) and the Energy Corridor (35 minutes) will take faster, you will still need to set aside a chunk of time for the commute.

Tomball Employment

With the Energy Corridor being the nearest employment center to Tomball, the list of employers that Tomball residents have access to includes McDermott International, Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Company, Foster Wheeler, and the Gulf States Toyota.

Tomball Public Schools

Notable top-rated schools in this suburb are:

Top Elementary Schools:
Canyon Pointe Elem, Creekview El, Decker Prairie Elem, Lakewood Elem (Tomball), Timber Creek Elem, Willow Creek Elem (Tomball)

Top Middle Schools:
Willow Wood Jr High

Top High Schools:
Tomball Memorial H S

Tomball Amenities

Tomball homes are also minutes away from outdoor and entertainment recreation such as the Tomball Country Club, a premier private club with an 18-hole golf course.

Golf Courses In/Nearby:
Tomball Country Club

Run/Bike/Hike Trails In/Nearby:
Burroughs Park

Retail/Dining/Entertainment In/Nearby:
Tomball Town Center
Tomball Marketplace
Tomball Parkway Plaza

Sources & Methodology

With all the available information out there about all the suburbs in Houston, it can be confusing when finally making a decision on which suburb to choose. Get the advice of the best realtor in Houston and remove the guesswork when shopping for the best suburb to live in.

We created this list of best Houston suburbs to live in by looking at population centers above 10,000, both independent cities and suburban regions, that are within the city of Houston. Then we evaluated each location and gave it a letter grade (the HP Team Ranking) based on the following quantitative criteria:

• Walkability

• Commute Times (Google Maps)

• Accessibility to Major Employment and Business Hubs

• Quality of Public Schools (GreatSchools.org rates schools depending on standardized test scores. We included schools within 5 miles of each city/neighborhood with “above average” 8 to 10-star ratings. Find out more about GreatSchools’ methodology.1)

• Variety of Amenities

Each of these best Houston suburbs was graded on these items. The Houston suburbs list was then ranked from top to bottom based on their combined score. We included the 17 with the best score in our Top Houston Suburbs List.

Median home sale prices are based on single-family home sales from this year.

Median land value prices are based on both homes sold at lot value and lot sales.

5-year appreciation rates compare 2017 to 2021 year-to-date and are based on median sales price per square foot.

10-year appreciation rates compare 2012 to 2021 year-to-date and are based on median sales price per square foot.

Data is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. All source material from HAR MLS sold information.

Additional Sources:

http://www.greatschools.org/about/ratings.page

Best Realtors In The Suburbs

The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in his role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.

Paige Martin, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, and the Houston Properties Team are ranked among the top residential Realtors in the world.

They have been featured on TV and in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Reuters, Fox News in the Morning, Money Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houstonia, and Houston Chronicle.

Paige Martin was just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Keller Williams, completing over $1 Billion in Houston residential real estate sales.

Recent awards include:

– 2022: #1 Residential Real Estate Team by Sales Volume, Houston Business Journal
– 2021: Best Real Estate Teams in America, RealTrends.com
– 2021: Top 100 Women Leaders in Real Estate of 2021
– 2021: America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
– 2020: America’s Best Real Estate Teams, Best of America Trends
– 2020: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2020: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2020: #6 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
– 2020: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas (Top Keller Williams Realtor)
– 2020: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
- 2019: Top Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2019: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2019: #5 Individual Agent, KW Worldwide
- 2019: #1 Individual Agent, KW Texas
- 2018: #5 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2018: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2018: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2018: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2017: #10 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2017: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2017: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2017: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2016: #20 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2016: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, HBJ
- 2016: Five Star Realtor, Featured in Texas Monthly
- 2016: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: #9 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, United States
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2015: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: Top 25 Residential Realtors in Houston, HBJ
- 2015: Five Star Realtor, Texas Monthly Magazine
- 2014: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2014: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams Memorial

...in addition to over 318 additional awards.

Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, and civic and community boards. She was appointed by the mayor of Houston to be on the downtown TIRZ board.

Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team

Our team, composed of distinguished and competent Houston luxury realtors, has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member.

We find the team approach as the most effective way to sell homes. We have dedicated people doing staging, marketing, social media, open houses, and showings. Each Houston Properties Team member is a specialist in their role—which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.

The benefits of working with a team include:

• the ability to be in two or three places at one time; a member can handle showings, while another answer calls
• collective time and experience of members
• targeted advice and marketing of agent expert in your area
• competitive advantage by simply having more resources, more ideas, and more perspectives
• a “checks and balances” system; selling and buying a home in Houston is an intensely complex process
• more people addressing field calls and questions from buyers and agents to facilitate a faster, successful sale
• efficient multi-tasking; one agent takes care of inspections and repair work, while another agent focuses on administrative details
• multiple marketing channels using members’ networks
• constant attention: guaranteed focus on your home and your transaction
• lower risk for mistakes. Multiple moving parts increase oversights. A team approach handles these “parts” separately
• flexibility in negotiation and marketing
• better management of document flow
• increased foot traffic through more timely and effective showing schedule coordination; and
• increased sphere of influence and exposure to more potential buyers.

To meet all the award-winning members of the Houston Properties Team, please go here.