The Ultimate Ranking of the Best Houston Suburbs in the North and Northwest

Thinking of moving to the north or northwest of Houston? Check out our definitive ranking of the best north and northwest Houston neighborhoods to see which one is right for you.

The Houston communities in the North and Northwest feature homes on expansive lots with great accessibility to downtown, the Energy Corridor, the Texas Medical Center, and the Galleria.

They also boast award-winning public schools and great community amenities.

If you're one of the countless people who are asking “Is northwest Houston a good place to live in?” or “Is it a good idea to settle down or raise a family in north Houston?” then this expert guide created by Houston's best Realtors is for you.

We created this list of the Best North and Northwest Houston Suburbs to Live In by ranking both independent cities and suburban regions within the city of Houston using a proprietary method based on these four criteria:

• Commute Times

• Employment

• Public Schools

• Amenities

Check out the 18 best North and Northwest Houston suburbs below and see where they're located using our Houston Texas suburbs map.

If you’d like to see any specific homes in north Houston or if you want to learn about northwest Houston neighborhoods that are best for you, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Agent with Keller Williams in Texas and #5 Worldwide.

EXPLORE HOUSTON'S BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR FREE!

Grab your free PDF of Houston's top neighborhoods (based on flooding, schools, appreciation rates, accessibility & more.)

Get PDF Now

Table of Contents

1. The Best North Houston Neighborhoods / Best Northwest Houston Neighborhoods
2. By the Numbers: The Best Houston Communities in the North and Northwest
3. Ranking the Top North and Northwest Houston Suburbs
4. Methodology
5. The Best Houston Realtor to Help You Buy a Home

The Best North Houston Neighborhoods / Best Northwest Houston Neighborhoods

These suburbs represent the "best of the best" that North and Northwest Houston have to offer, ranked by our expert agents from the Houston Properties Team. If you're interested in buying one of the many affordable new homes in Houston located in any of the suburbs in this list, contact us for recommendations.

The variety of amenities, scenic locations, excellent public schools, and accessibility to key areas make the north and northwest of Houston one of the best places in Texas to live in.

We compiled the suburbs in the north and northwest of Houston and then ranked them to show the "best of the best" that this area has to offer. Check them out below.

1. The Woodlands

2. Cypress South

3. Cypress North

4. City of Montgomery

5. Spring/Klein/Tomball

6. Magnolia/1488 West

7. Spring Northeast

8. Tomball South/Lakewood

9. Lake Conroe Area

10. Copperfield Area

11. Eldridge North

12. Magnolia/1448 East

13. Tomball

14. Champions Area

15. Conroe Southwest

16. Hockley

By the Numbers: The Best Houston Communities in the North and Northwest

You can find here the summary of the real estate statistics for Houston's Best North and Northwest Suburbs. If you're looking to buy a house in Houston and you're interested in a more in-depth analysis of which suburb is right for you, don't hesitate to contact the best Realtor in Houston and we'll be more than happy to help you out.

Ranking the Top North and Northwest Houston Suburbs

If you're looking for a suburb with great amenities, award-winning schools, and easy access to key employment hubs, then you will find that the suburbs in the north and northwest of Houston contain all of these and more. You can use our expert guide to browse the best places to live in Houston and see which one is the perfect fit for you and your family.

1. The Woodlands

HP Team Ranking: A+

The Woodlands made it to the top of this list of the best north and northwest Houston suburbs and it’s not hard to see why. It has 130 parks, a 1,700-acre nature preserve, several lakes and ponds, over 200 miles of hike-and-bike trails, and plenty of outdoor recreation activities that residents can choose from. Add to that the fact that it’s conveniently located along the North Freeway, giving it great access to other neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, retail establishments, and entertainment centers.

This master-planned community is also considered one of the best neighborhoods in Houston for families after it snagged the second spot on Niche’s “Best Places to Raise a Family” list.

Single-family homes in The Woodlands range in size from 1,100 square feet to 3,500 square feet and feature French, Mediterranean, modern, contemporary, and traditional designs. Prices range from $150,000 to more than $15 million.

The Woodlands Commute Times

The Woodlands is just 30 minutes away from Downtown Houston, 35 minutes away from the Galleria, and 40 minutes away from both the Medical Center and the Energy Corridor.

The Woodlands Employment

Major employers located in or near The Woodlands include Chevron, Wells Fargo, United Airlines, ExxonMobil, Baker Hughes, and Maersk Line.

The Woodlands Public Schools

The Conroe, Tomball, and Magnolia ISDs serve The Woodlands. Top schools that are zoned to these ISDs include The Woodlands College Park High School and The Woodlands High School.

The Woodlands Amenities

Nature enthusiasts will love the 7,790 acres of green space that The Woodlands offers. That amount of green space means one thing: there is a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from. Activities like golfing, tennis, kayaking, hiking, and biking are common.

And it’s not just outdoor activities. The master-planned community has plenty of entertainment, retail, and dining options as well. Residents can go to Market Street, The Waterway District, The Woodlands Malls, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and sample the numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars within these places.

2. Cypress South

HP Team Ranking: A+

One of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods, Cypress South features several master-planned communities like Ponderosa Forest, also known as the "River Oaks of North Houston.” Other master-planned communities include Towne Lake, Cypress Creek Lakes, and Bridgeland.

It’s one of the best neighborhoods in northwest Houston because of its proximity to major roads and thoroughfares, giving it easy access to key Houston areas.

If you’re looking for homes that are made up in various architectural styles, Cypress South is your best bet. There are traditional, French, Mediterranean, colonial, contemporary, and modern designs here, with prices ranging from $220,000 to $2.7 million.

Cypress South Commute Times

Going to the Energy Corridor will set you back only 25 minutes. Add another 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself in downtown Houston or the Galleria; add another 10 minutes to that and you’re in the Texas Medical Center.

Cypress South Employment

Residents of Cypress South have easy access to companies like H-E-B, Target, Walmart, 3S Business Corporation Inc., Kroger, and ALDI.

Cypress South Public Schools

Cypress South schools are zoned to the Cypress–Fairbanks ISD. It’s home to many reputable schools including Pope Elementary, Warner Elementary, and Cypress Ranch High.

Cypress South Amenities

Cypress South features parks and trails, such as Oak Meadow Park, Lakeland Village Park, and Towne Square Park. Residents can also enjoy its 300-acre recreational lake with a town center and nature reserve.

The neighborhood is also near the best restaurants and nightlife, like North Harbor Bistro, The Burger Ranch, and Local Table.

3. Cypress North

HP Team Ranking: A

Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Cypress North was formerly a rural area that’s now one of the largest suburbs in Houston. It’s made up of several master-planned communities and neighborhoods including Cypress Creek, Woodside Green, and Fairfield.

That, and the fact that it’s located near major highways, makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to buy a house in.

Homes in Cypress North are mostly large estates, traditional two-story homes, and bungalows, with lot sizes ranging from 10,000 to more than 100,000 square feet. Prices for Cypress North homes for sale are between $200,000 and $2.3 million.

Cypress North Commute Times

Going from Cypress North to the Energy Corridor will take 30 minutes, while going to downtown Houston and the Galleria will both take 35 minutes.

The Texas Medical Center is the farthest among the four employment hubs, with the commute taking 45 minutes.

Cypress North Employment

Major employers that are situated in Cypress North include ​​Target, Accenture, Best Buy, Kroger, and Kohl's.

Cypress North Public Schools

Cypress North is known for its top-tier schools like Sampson Elementary, Spillane Middle, and Cypress Woods High. They’re all zoned to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, which consistently ranks among the best school districts in Texas.

Cypress North Amenities

Golfers will love the BlackHorse Golf Club, Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Longwood Golf Club, and Houston National Golf Club located near or within the neighborhood.

Or, if running and biking are your preferred activities, Cypress Park and Telge Park would be great places to spend the day.

Then after that, head on over to Cyfair Town Center, Fairfield Town Center, and the Shoppes at Cypress Mill for some shopping and an amazing dinner.

4. City of Montgomery

HP Team Ranking: A

Located west of Lake Conroe, the city of Montgomery is one of those north Houston cities that are known for their picturesque scenery and excellent amenities. Hike-and-bike trails abound, and there are miles of shorelines where residents can engage in water sports like jet skiing and boating.

Not only is it scenic, it’s also near luxury neighborhoods such as April Sound, Bentwater, Grand Harbor, Point Aquarius, and Walden.

Homes for sale in the city of Montgomery vary in size from 500 to 8,000 square feet and include both single-family homes and townhouses. The prices of single-family homes range from $50,000 to over $4M, while townhouses range from $115,000 to over $1 million.

City of Montgomery Commute Times

You’d need to allot around an hour of your time if you’re commuting from the city of Montgomery to major business hubs, since it’s pretty far away from the Energy Corridor (50 minutes), the Galleria (55 minutes), Downtown Houston (60 minutes), and the Medical Center (65 minutes).

City of Montgomery Employment

Those looking to work in ExxonMobil, the Conroe Independent School District, Memorial Hermann, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and Huntsman Corporation will find it beneficial to live in the city of Montgomery.

City of Montgomery Public Schools

The city of Montgomery is zoned to the Montgomery Independent School District (MISD) which boasts highly rated schools such as Keenan Elementary School, Oak Hills Junior High School, and Montgomery High School.

City of Montgomery Amenities

Its proximity to Lake Conroe means you can enjoy 157 miles of shoreline for water sports. It’s also located just a few minutes away from April Sound Country Club which offers a pool, gym, golf court, launches, and a party room. There’s also Cedar Brake Park where you can take advantage of a volleyball court, toddler playgrounds, walking path, and barbecue stations.

5. Spring/Klein/Tomball

HP Team Ranking: A

Spring/Klein/Tomball is a scenic suburban community situated northwest of Downtown Houston. Its location near major highways like SH 249, I-45, and Grand Parkway gives it great access to plenty of retail centers, dining options, and other amenities.

Homes in Spring/Klein/Tomball have traditional architectural designs with upscale amenities and range in size from 2,200 square feet to 4,500 square feet. Prices range from $200,000 to $700,000.

Spring/Klein/Tomball Commute Times

Spring/Klein/Tomball is 30 minutes away from the Energy Corridor, 35 minutes away from both downtown and the Galleria, and 40 minutes away from the Medical Center.

Spring/Klein/Tomball Employment

Major employers in or near Spring/Klein/Tomball include ExxonMobil, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Southwest Airlines, Chevron, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Sysco Corporation.

Spring/Klein/Tomball Public Schools

Spring/Klein/Tomball is zoned to Klein ISD, home to some of the best schools in Houston. Schools within Klein USD include Frank Elementary School, Timber Creek Elementary School, and Doerre Intermediate.

Spring/Klein/Tomball Amenities

The neighborhood is home to several sports facilities and recreation centers. Baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses abound in the area. It also boasts Gleannloch Pines Golf Club and Windrose Golf Club.

For your retail needs, there’s Grand Parkway Marketplace and Spring Town Center.

6. Magnolia/1488 West

HP Team Ranking: A-

Magnolia/1488 West is notable for the variety of outdoor activities that it offers to anyone looking to reside in this neighborhood. It boasts Unity Park, Magnolia Youth Park, and Sullivan Park where you can bike, hike, or play sports like volleyball, tennis, and football. It’s also near lakes like Lake Conroe and Indigo Lake where you can go swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and skiing.

Homes in this area usually contain 3-5 bedrooms and range from 1,000 to more than 100,000 square feet.

Magnolia/1488 West Commute Times

It will take 40 minutes to go from Magnolia/1488 West to the Galleria and the Energy Corridor, 45 minutes to Downtown Houston, and 50 minutes to the Texas Medical Center.

Magnolia/1488 West Employment

Those looking to work in Chevron, Kroger, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store, DaVita, Dollar General, Verizon, and TJ Maxx will find Magnolia/1488 West a great place to live in.

Magnolia/1488 West Public Schools

Magnolia/1488 West is zoned to the Magnolia ISD. Residents may attend Magnolia Junior High School, Magnolia West High School, and Magnolia Elementary School.

Magnolia/1488 West Amenities

Magnolia/1488 West is near several retail, entertainment, and shopping centers like Magnolia Town Center, Rancho Grande, and Brookshire Brothers. For nature enthusiasts, there’s Unity Park, Magnolia Youth Park, Sullivan Park, Lake Conroe, and Indigo Lake.

7. Spring Northeast

HP Team Ranking: A-

Spring Northeast is one of those north Houston suburbs that offers a mix of both urban and rural communities — residents can enjoy lush woodlands and water bodies while still having great accessibility to the Inner Loop via Interstate 45. This combination makes it one of the best neighborhoods in north Houston.

Homes in Spring Northeast are mostly single-family homes with spacious lots that range from 8,000 square feet to over 500 acres. Prices start at $130,000 and can go up to as much as $2.5 million.

Spring Northeast Commute Times

It will take you 30 minutes to go from Spring Northeast to Downtown Houston, and 40 minutes to go to the Medical Center, the Energy Corridor, and the Galleria.

Spring Northeast Employment

Large employers in the oil and healthcare industries like ExxonMobil, Memorial Hermann, and St. Luke's Community Medical Center have offices near the area. Other employers include H-E-B, Walmart, Cherry Companies, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, and McKesson.

Spring Northeast Public Schools

Homes in Spring Northeast are zoned to the Conroe ISD. Top-ranked schools in the area include Birnham Woods Elementary School and Kaufman Elementary School.

Spring Northeast Amenities

The San Jacinto River and Spring Creek are great spots for those looking to engage in fishing and water sports.

For those interested in arts and culture, you can go to Crighton Theatre to watch staged performances. The Conroe Symphony Orchestra also performs in the area.

For retail, dining, and leisure needs, there’s The Woodlands which is located just 8 miles from Spring Northeast.

8. Tomball South/Lakewood

HP Team Ranking: A-

Located in the far northeastern corner of Loop 8, Tomball South/Lakewood is situated west of Tomball Parkway and south of Grand Parkway. It’s very accessible to major districts such as the Energy Corridor, Downtown Houston, and the Galleria.

Considered a greenbelt neighborhood, Tomball South/Lakewood features lush greenery, tree-lined streets, and various parks such as Beaverdell Park, Lundar Park, Lakewood Grove Park, Copper Park, and Lakewood Glen Trails Park.

Tomball South/Lakewood is mostly filled with single-family homes that range in size from 2,000 square feet to 9,500 square feet.

Tomball South/Lakewood Commute Times

Tomball South/Lakewood is located near key areas such as the Energy Corridor (25 minutes away), the Galleria (30 minutes away), Downtown Houston (35 minutes away), and the Texas Medical Center (40 minutes away).

Tomball South/Lakewood Employment

Major employers near Tomball South/Lakewood include Chevron, Wells Fargo, UPS, JP Morgan Chase, Target, and United Airlines.

Tomball South/Lakewood Public Schools

Students may attend Canyon Pointe Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Willow Creek, Willow Wood Junior High, and Tomball Memorial High. All of these schools are zoned to the Tomball ISD.

Tomball South/Lakewood Amenities

Tomball South/Lakewood residents have access to plenty of parks and hike-and-bike trails such as Theis Attaway Nature Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and Spring Creek Park. There are also football fields and paintball venues that you can enjoy.

For your retail and dining needs, there are Pinecrest, Rock Creek Shopping Center, Tomball Crossing, and Stone Creek Center.

9. Lake Conroe Area

HP Team Ranking: B+

Lake Conroe is one of the more scenic suburbs of north Houston that features beautiful homes and luxury waterfront estates. A large number of homes in Lake Conroe are built around or close to the lake and feature spectacular views, circular front drives, resort-style swimming pools, and private docks.

Surrounded by the wooded and hilly terrain of Sam Houston National Forest, the suburb is home to neighborhoods such as April Sound, Bentwater, Corinthian Point, Del Lago, Grand Harbor, Point Aquarius, Seven Coves, and Walden.

Lake Conroe homes are mostly single-family on lots ranging in size between 6,000 square feet to more than 100 acres.

Lake Conroe Area Commute Times

Lake Conroe is pretty far from key Houston areas. It will take you 55 minutes to go to downtown Houston and 60 minutes to go to the Energy Corridor and the Galleria. The Texas Medical Center is the farthest — you will have to spend 65 minutes on the road just to get there.

Lake Conroe Area Employment

Lake Conroe is located just 30 minutes away from the Exxon Mobil campus, so residents working for Exxon Mobil will find it beneficial to live in this suburb. Other major employers in or near Lake Conroe include Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Memorial Hermann, CHI St. Lukes, Huntsman Company LLC, and Lone Star College - Montgomery.

Lake Conroe Area Public Schools

Lake Conroe is pretty huge so it’s zoned to three independent school districts: Montgomery, Conroe, and Willis ISDs. Notable schools within Lake Conroe are Giesinger and New Waverly Elementary, Montgomery Jr High, and Montgomery High School.

Lake Conroe Area Amenities

Due to it being a lakeside development, water amenities like boat docks, marinas, and launches abound in Lake Conroe. But there are also plenty of other amenities like golf courses, tennis facilities, and miles of hiking, running, and biking trails.

For retail, entertainment, and dining options there are Walmart Supercenters, Waterpoint Shopping Center, and Outlets at Conroe.

10. Copperfield Area

HP Team Ranking: B

The Copperfield Area is a 2000-acre master-planned community in northwest Houston that consists of seven villages: Easton Commons Village, Copperfield Place Village, Middlegate Village, Northmead Village, Southdown, Southcreek Village, and Westcreek Village. Its proximity to main roads like US 290, Highway 6, and FM 529 gives it great access to downtown Houston, the Energy Corridor, and the Memorial Area.

According to local data from the Houston Properties Team, homeowners should earn less than $60,000 to afford a home in the Copperfield Area, making it one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston and one of the best neighborhoods in Houston to rent a house in.

Copper field Area homes range from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. This community features a variety of architectural styles including one-to-two-story bungalows and traditional homes.

Copperfield Area Commute Times

Going from the Copperfield Area to the Energy Corridor will take only 15 minutes. Going to the Galleria will take longer, with the commute clocking in at 25 minutes. Going to downtown and the Medical Center will take 30 and 35 minutes, respectively.

Copperfield Area Employment

Those living in the Copperfield Area will find that they can find employment in Kroger, Chase Bank, Koch Heat Transfer Company, LP, Houston Methodist, Integrated Staffing & Payroll Solutions, LLC, and Major Energy Services.

Copperfield Area Public Schools

National Blue Ribbon and multi-award-winning schools that can be found in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (where the Copperfield Area is zoned to) include Birkes Elementary, Postma Elementary, Spillane Middle, and Cypress Ranch High.

Copperfield Area Amenities

The community features parks, greenbelts, and trails like Wortham Park & Trail, Hearthstone Park, and Indigo Fields Remembrance Place Park. It’s also near several commercial establishments along FM 529 and Highway 6 like Vishala Grocery VI, Kroger, The Centre at Copperfield, and Copperfield Village.

11. Eldridge North

HP Team Ranking: B

Eldridge North is one of the upscale suburbs in northwest Houston, TX that offers a blend of peaceful suburban living and easy access to urban amenities. It’s located in the Energy Corridor near Beltway 8, Interstate 10, Grand Parkway, and Highway 6, giving it great access to top employers, establishments, and amenities in the area.

Homes in Eldridge North are mostly single-family homes, with their average size being 2,900 square feet, with an average price of $450,000.

Eldridge North Commute Times

Eldrige North’s location gives it great access to major business hubs in Houston, with the Energy Corridor being only 5 minutes away from the neighborhood, and downtown Houston and the Galleria being only 20 minutes away. The Medical Center is not that far away either, with the commute only taking 25 minutes.

Eldridge North Employment

Those who are looking to work in PRISMECS LLC, Xtrac Restoration, and Oilfield Chemical Company will find it beneficial to stay in Eldrige North.

Eldridge North Public Schools

Homes in Eldridge North are zoned to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and notable schools in the district include Hairgrove Elementary School, Harmony School of Achievement, and Aragon Middle School.

Eldridge North Amenities

If you’re into hiking and biking, there’s George Bush Park, a 7,800-acre park in the center of the neighborhood. Other parks in the neighborhood include Terry Hershey Park, Ray Miller Park, and Archbishop Fiorenza Park.

Eldridge North also has a vibrant dining scene, with restaurants like District 7 Grill, Yi Peng Thai Dining, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offering cuisines from around the world. There’s also the White House Black Market, Free People and Altar’d State City Centre if you’re looking for a convenient shopping experience.

12. Magnolia/1488 East

HP Team Ranking: B

Nestled 20 miles from Interstate 45 and U.S. Route 290, Magnolia/1488 East is strategically located at the junction of FM 1960, the Eastex Freeway, FM 1774, and FM 1488. It is known for fostering community engagement through events like the Texas Renaissance Festival, Mardi Gras on the Stroll, the Fourth of July parade, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Home prices in Magnolia/1488 East are lower than the Houston area average, which is why it’s the place to go if you’re looking to buy real estate in the northwest suburbs of Houston, Texas.

Homes in this area range from 1,200 to 9,500 square feet and typically feature 3-5 bedroom floor plans.

Magnolia/1488 East Commute Times

Magnolia/1488 East is located pretty far from major employment hubs, with the commute to the Energy Corridor taking 40 minutes, to downtown and the Galleria 45 minutes, and to the Medical Center 55 minutes. It does have great public transportation options though, as residents have access to the East Texas Regional Rail and many bus lines.

Magnolia/1488 East Employment

Major employers in or near Magnolia/1488 East include Exo, Kolache Factory, Billiard Factory, and Woodforest National Bank.

Magnolia/1488 East Public Schools

Schools in this neighborhood are zoned to the Magnolia ISD. Top-ranked schools include Cedric C. Smith, Magnolia Parkway Elem, Bear Branch Jr High, and Bear Branch Elem.

Magnolia/1488 East Amenities

Magnolia/1488 East is less than a 30-minute drive to the 30-acre Unity Park which features a 7,500-square-foot pavilion, open amphitheater, and wetlands. It’s also near the Village at High Meadow Recreational Center which offers a lap swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground.

For your shopping and dining needs there’s Rancho Grande, Tressie’s, House Bistro, Brookshire Brothers, and Magnolia Town Center.

13. Tomball

HP Team Ranking: B

Tomball is considered one of the best north Houston neighborhoods and for good reason. It’s home to luxurious gated communities like Haven Lake Estates, Huntington Woods, and Saddlebrook Estates which boast expensive homes and sprawling estates. Moreover, it’s very accessible to key areas like the Energy Corridor and The Woodlands via FM 249 and FM 2920.

Homes for sale in Tomball follow traditional, Georgian, Mediterranean, and Ranch architectural styles with lush front yards, driveways, and grand entryways. Lot sizes range from 9,000 square feet to more than 500,000 square feet.

Tomball Commute Times

Going to the Energy Corridor from Tomball will set you back 30 minutes, to the Galleria and downtown 35 minutes, and to the Medical Center 45 minutes.

Tomball Employment

The ExxonMobil Houston Campus - Science Welcome Center is just 20 minutes away from Tomball. Other major employers in or near the neighborhood include the American National Carbide, Palm Harbor Homes, World Finance, GameStop, and Jiffy Lube.

Tomball Public Schools

The Tomball ISD serves Tomball and consists of several National Blue Ribbon Schools. Students may attend Doerre Intermediate, Rosehill Elementary, and Tomball Memorial High School.

Tomball Amenities

Tomball has plenty of restaurants, live music, festivals, and sports activities that residents can enjoy. There are also bars, grills, and clubs that provide entertainment and good food. For golfers, there’s the Tomball Country Club, a premier private club with an 18-hole golf course.

14. Champions Area

HP Team Ranking B-

Named after the Champions Golf Club, Champions Area is a haven for those who are looking for a suburban oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. Known for its tall oak and pine trees, it boasts leafy, slightly rolling terrain with numerous hiking and biking trails that are sure to delight nature enthusiasts.

It’s situated between Highway 249 and Interstate 45, giving it great access to multiple key districts such as downtown Houston and the Energy Corridor, making it one of the best north Houston neighborhoods to live in.

Homes in the area range in size from 1,000 to more than 4,000 square feet and typically feature 3-4 bedroom floor plans.

Champions Area Commute Times

Commuting from the Champions Area to the Energy Corridor and downtown Houston will take you 30 minutes and 35 minutes, respectively.

Going to the Medical Center will take a little bit longer at 45 minutes.

Champions Area Employment

Those who are working or looking to work in Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Enterprise Products Partners, Philipps 66, Baker Hughes and Group 1 Automotive will find the Champions Area a great place to live in.

Champions Area Public Schools

Schools in the Champions Area are zoned to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Klein ISD. It boasts several top-ranked schools recognized as some of the best schools in Houston, such as Theiss Elementary, Hassler Elementary, Krahn Elementary, Brill Elementary, and Doerre Intermediate.

Champions Area Amenities

Nature lovers will enjoy Meyer Park and Collins Park, and trails such as Cypress Creek MTB Trail, Gourley Nature Trail, Silverglen Run Trail, and Timberlane Hike and Bike Trail.

For those into golf, there is of course the Champions Golf Club, the historic golf course which the area is named after. There is also the Raveneaux Country Club which features a golf course, a short game area, a 24/7 fitness center, 12 tennis courts, and a Junior Olympic-sized pool.

And when it comes to retail, dining, and shopping, residents can’t go wrong with Vintage Park, Willowbrook Mall, and Old Town Spring.

15. Conroe Southwest

HP Team Ranking: B-

Conroe Southwest is known for its inexpensive housing ​​with prices of homes starting at around $200,000, making it one of the more affordable Houston suburbs out there. Costs for utilities, transportation, and healthcare are also lower compared to other neighborhoods.

Not only is it an affordable neighborhood, it’s also one of the best places to live in Houston for young adults because of its vibrant downtown that boasts a multitude of amenities like art galleries, museums, outdoor performance venues, live theater acts, restaurants, retail centers, a convention center, and shopping malls.

Most homes in Conroe Southwest are single-family homes and townhomes with traditional architectural styles. They sit on expansive one-acre lots with floor areas that go up to 3,000 square feet.

Conroe Southwest Commute Times

Conroe Southwest is a bit far from key Houston areas, with downtown being 40 minutes away, the Energy Corridor and The Galleria being 45 minutes away, and the Medical Center being 50 minutes away.

Conroe Southwest Employment

Major employers in Conroe Southwest include Max Marketing Company, Big John Propane, Conner Industries Inc., General Packaging Corporation, Pepsi Bottling Group, and BAUER Manufacturing Inc.

Conroe Southwest Public Schools

Schools in Conroe Southwest are zoned to the Conroe ISD. However, a small northern area falls within the Willis ISD. Notable schools in the area include Gerald D. Irons Sr. Jr High, Woodlands High, Powell Elementary, and Anderson Elementary.

Conroe Southwest Amenities

Residents of Conroe Southwest can go to Lake Conroe for some boating and fishing, to the Conroe Country Club for some golfing, to Candy Cane Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Shadow Lake, and Milltown Park for some running and biking, and to the Conroe Central Market for some shopping.

16. Hockley

HP Team Ranking: C+

Hockley is an independent community in Harris County that is located 35 miles northwest of Downtown Houston. It lies along the US 290, giving it direct access to the Inner Loop and other key districts in Houston, making it one of the best northwest Houston neighborhoods to live in.

It also acts as the main hub for railway traffic serving Houston and other parts of central Texas.

Compared to other parts of the country, the cost of living in Hockley is around 7% lower than the U.S. average.

Homes in Hockley are mostly 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom single-family homes that sit on large lots that typically measure more than 6,000 square feet.

Hockley Commute Times

Its location along US 290 (Northwest Freeway) gives it great access to key Houston areas. The Energy Corridor is only 25 minutes away, downtown and the Galleria are both 35 minutes, and the Texas Medical Center 40 minutes.

Hockley Employment

The suburb's proximity to downtown Houston makes it easily accessible to people who are looking to work in companies in that area, such as Chevron, JP Morgan, Deloitte, Bank of America, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, United Airlines, and KPMG.

Hockley Public Schools

The neighborhood is zoned to the Waller Independent School District. Schools like Roberts Road Elementary School, Waller Junior High School, and Waller High School serve the community.

Hockley Amenities

Hockley has a 50-acre oil ranch for fishing and train excursions. It provides picnic spots, walk paths, a playground, a pond, an amphitheater, and a soapbox hill.

It also boasts several golf courses, such as the BlackHorse Golf Club, Oak Meadow Park, The Clubs at Houston Oaks, Cypress Lakes Golf Course, and Zube Park Disc Golf Course.

Methodology

North and northwest Houston are probably some of the best places to buy a home in Texas, but there's so much information about this area out there so it's easy to get confused and make a mistake when it comes to making a decision on which suburb to buy a property in. Thankfully, you can easily reach out to the best Realtor in Houston so you can avoid making mistakes when shopping for the best suburb for you and your family.

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

• 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 north and northwest Houston suburbs was graded on these items. The list was then ranked from top to bottom based on their combined score. We included the 18 with the best scores in our Top North and Northwest 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 2019 to 2023 and are based on median sales price per square foot.

10-year appreciation rates compare 2014 to 2023 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

The Best Houston Realtor to Help You Buy a Home

The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in their 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.

Her recent awards include:

– 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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 Realtor 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 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.

Best Houston Real Estate Resources

• How To Avoid Buying In Houston's Flooded Zones
• An Ultimate Guide to the Best Active 55+ Communities in Houston
• Best Houston Neighborhoods With Top Houston Schools
• Sell Your Houston House Fast For The Best Price With Keller Williams
• Brays Oaks Housing Market | Real Estate Trends & Forecast