City of Montgomery Real Estate Guide

The City of Montgomery real estate market is characterized by steady growth and diverse property types. As part of the broader Montgomery County—one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States—the area benefits from strong economic fundamentals and increasing demand. Investment trends show a consistent appreciation in land values, particularly for larger parcels and properties with access to Lake Conroe. The market includes historic homes dating back to the 19th century, mid-century ranch-style houses on spacious lots, and new construction within large-scale planned communities. This diversity attracts a wide range of buyers. The development of communities like Woodforest has introduced a significant inventory of modern homes with extensive amenities, which has driven up the median home value in the area. The continued commercial development along key transportation arteries such as TX-105 is also boosting local property values and making the area more self-sufficient. For those considering real estate as an investment, Montgomery presents a compelling case due to its sustained growth trajectory and desirable quality of life.

Montgomery offers a wealth of amenities and recreational activities centered on its natural surroundings and historic downtown. Outdoor Recreation: Lake Conroe is the centerpiece, offering 22,000 acres of water for boating, fishing (especially for largemouth bass), and swimming. Multiple marinas and public access points are available. The nearby Sam Houston National Forest features miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation, including a portion of the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. Golf: The area is a haven for golfers. Notable courses include Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club, April Sound Country Club, and the exclusive Bluejack National, a Tiger Woods-designed course that is ranked among the best in the state. Historic Downtown: The heart of the city features a charming and historic square. Visitors and residents can explore dozens of antique shops, boutique clothing stores, and specialty shops. It's a very pleasant area for a leisurely stroll. Dining and Wineries: Montgomery is home to a growing culinary scene. Options range from traditional Texas barbecue and home-style cooking to more upscale dining. The area is also part of the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, with several local wineries offering tastings and tours. Community Events: The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Montgomery Wine & Music Fest, Freedom Fest, and a popular Christmas in historic Montgomery celebration. A weekly farmers market offers local produce and artisan goods.

The City of Montgomery is served by the Montgomery Independent School District (MISD), a highly-regarded public school system. MISD encompasses a large geographic area and includes multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. For the 2024-2025 school year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) awarded MISD an overall "B" rating, with its score of 87 being the highest among all school districts in Montgomery County. The district is recognized for strong academic programs and a high graduation rate of over 97%. Niche.com gives the district an "A" overall grade, with high marks in academics, teachers, and college prep. The district's two main high schools are Montgomery High School and Lake Creek High School. Both offer a comprehensive curriculum with a wide range of extracurricular activities and athletic programs. In addition to the public school system, there are several private and parochial school options available in and around the Montgomery area, providing alternatives for education to suit different needs and preferences.

Montgomery's location offers a blend of tranquil, removed living with connectivity to major economic centers. The primary artery is Texas State Highway 105, which runs east-west, connecting Montgomery to Conroe and I-45 to the east, and to Navasota to the west. FM 149 is another key local road. Commute to The Woodlands: A common commute for Montgomery residents, the trip to The Woodlands typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic. Commute to Downtown Houston: The commute to downtown Houston is more significant, generally taking 60-90 minutes. This makes Montgomery more practical for those who work remotely, work in the northern suburbs, or do not require a daily commute into the city center. Local Transportation: Within the city itself, travel is almost exclusively by personal vehicle. The city's layout is spread out, particularly the newer residential developments. There is no public mass transit system operating within the City of Montgomery. The area's infrastructure is expanding to accommodate the growing population, with ongoing projects to widen roads and improve traffic flow. Being aware of the most accessible Houston neighborhoods can provide a useful comparison for commute times.

The City of Montgomery operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The city council, composed of a mayor and five council members, is responsible for setting city policy, adopting ordinances, and approving the annual budget. The city administration, including planning and development and public works departments, handles the day-to-day operations and enforcement of city codes. For residents, this means that building permits, zoning regulations, and other municipal matters are handled locally. In addition to city governance, many of the newer and larger residential developments in the Montgomery area are governed by Homeowner Associations (HOAs). These HOAs have their own set of deed restrictions and covenants that regulate property use, maintenance, and architectural standards. Prospective buyers in communities like Woodforest or Bentwater should carefully review the specific HOA documents, as they can include rules on everything from fence height and landscaping to exterior paint colors. These restrictions are in place to maintain property values and a uniform aesthetic within the community. Older parts of the city, outside of these planned communities, are generally not subject to HOA rules but must adhere to city ordinances.

The City of Montgomery and its surrounding areas are primarily served by two main ZIP codes: 77356 and 77316. The 77356 ZIP code generally covers the city proper and areas to the south and west, including many of the lakefront communities along Lake Conroe. The 77316 ZIP code typically covers areas to the north and east of the city, stretching towards the Sam Houston National Forest. The official city limits of Montgomery define its municipal boundaries, but the "Montgomery area" is often considered much larger, encompassing unincorporated parts of western Montgomery County that share the same school district and ZIP codes. These unincorporated areas include many large-lot subdivisions and rural properties. When searching for real estate, it is useful to use both Montgomery as a city name and these specific ZIP codes to get a comprehensive view of the available properties in the region.