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10 Best Suburbs to Live Near Houston

By  //  June 3, 2024

As a city with one of the most booming economies in Texas, the cost of living in Houston can be quite over the roof.

A side truth about many people who relocate here is that some choose to settle outside the city center due to high real estate pricing. After all, it affords them a mix of the opportunities and urban amenities in Houston while they enjoy the more communal feel of the suburbs. 

Some of the best suburbs near Houston lie beyond the city center, tucked away in pockets of scenic cities.

Let’s walk you through the best of Houston’s suburban areas.

Quick Overview

  • Cinco Ranch — Most Family-friendly Area
  • Hunters Creek Village — Best for Retirees 
  • Sienna — Most Supportive Job Environment
  • Katy — Excellent Education Quality
  • Spring Valley Village — Best Access to Medical Facilities
  • Friendswood — Safest Suburb Near Houston
  • Bellaire — Best Natural Beauty
  • Taylor Lake Village — Most Affordable Housing Units
  • Hedwig Village — Great for Professionals
  • Meadows Place — Most Friendly/Communal Area

  1. Cinco Ranch

When 16,899 people find a suburb livable, then many things must be right. Cinco Ranch is a suburban community in west Houston. 

Renowned for being an excellent place for families—married couples make up 75.7% of its residents. It boasts a welcoming mix of ethnicities and educated residents. 43.1% of the adults in Cinco Ranch have a Master’s degree, with a majority working from home. 

Although 6.9% of its residents live in poverty, the economy thrives on a mix of energy, healthcare, and professional services. 

Little wonder movers are one of the busiest professionals here as there is a continuous influx of people to the suburb. When you’re not working, you can catch a movie in the upscale Town or visit the LaCenterra.

  • Average Rent: $1,614
  • Median Home Sale Price: $577,000
  • Median Household Income: $152,074

  1. Hunters Creek Village

Life in Hunters Creek Village, TX, is as prosperous as any suburb of Houston should be. 

This Harris County village of over 4300 residents, nestled amidst lush greenery, is great for outdoor enthusiasts. The rural community has mostly residential areas, with over 98% of residents being homeowners. 

If you want to rent here, you may be hard-pressed to find an apartment. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty level, as most are retirees, with the median age at 47.3 years.

  • Average Rent: $1,277
  • Median Home Sale Price: $475,000
  • Median Household Income: $250,001

  1. Sienna

If you want a rural area developing at a flash-speed pace, you might hit the jackpot by moving to Sienna, TX. This formerly sleepy Houston suburb in Fort Bend County boasts a population of 20,204 with a delightful mix of ethnicities. 

The schools are great, and there are lots of attractions and recreational activities to engage in. You can spend the day at Sienna Golf Club or explore the Sienna Community Farmers Market with a friend, though you may experience heavy traffic now and then. 

A mere 1.5% of its population lives below the poverty level, but there are lots of job opportunities because of the massive construction and increase in commercial activities.  

  • Average Rent: $1,556
  • Median Home Sale Price: $530,000
  • Median Household Income: $163,241

  1. Katy

As one of the best suburbs near Houston, TX, Katy lies west of Houston in Harris County, having some of the best schools in Texas. 

With a population exceeding 26,000, Katy offers a vibrant mix of young professionals and families. About three school districts serve this suburb, but distinctively, the Katy ISD School District has better quality than 84.7% of all U.S. school districts. 

When you are not cheering on the hometown heroes at the Katy ISD Stadium, you can go take a look at train-related exhibits at the Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum.

  • Average Rent: $1,590
  • Median Home Sale Price: $361,500
  • Median Household Income: $114,917

  1. Spring Valley Village

If your ideal residence is in a rural area with a luxurious and close-knit community, look no further than Spring Valley Village. 

This affluent enclave of Houston is home to 4,222 residents, more of whom are of Arab and Iranian ancestry than any other in the U.S. The local economy emerges strong because of its strong professional services sector, which makes up 72% of the workforce. 

Over 86% of residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, while 1,8% live below the poverty line. With some of the lowest crime rates in the area, Spring Valley Village offers many attractions, such as the Spring Valley Village City Park.

  • Average Rent: $1,562
  • Median Home Sale Price: $750,000
  • Median Household Income: $229,702

  1. Friendswood

Also topping the chart of best cities near Houston to move to is Friendswood in both the Galveston and Harris Counties which is arguably the safest place in Texas, south of Houston. 

The violent crime rate median of 0.86 is way less than the national median of 4.0. You can also rest easy knowing the property crime rate of 5.73 (lower than the national median of 20) means you are unlikely to be a victim of burglary or theft.

Friendswood community of 40,826 people is a pleasant mix of families and retirees. Moreover, you can choose to spend your day at the expansive Baybrook Mall or tee off at the Timber Creek Golf Club.

  • Average Rent: $1,503
  • Median Home Sale Price: $377,000
  • Median Household Income: $121,301

  1. Bellaire

Nestled in southwest Harris County, Bellaire’s urban village vibe explains why 17,016 people live here. 

The sparsely dense populace comprises diverse individuals, including Whites, Asians, and Blacks. They bring about a fusion of cultures that elevates Bellaire as one of the best places to sample exotic flavors from international cuisines. 

Maybe not as fun as other suburbs on first observation, but the area offers one of the best views in its category. Plus, Bellaire has lots of parks and top sights like the Galleria.

  • Average Rent: $1,315
  • Median Home Sale Price: $900,400
  • Median Household Income: $215,636

  1. Taylor Lake Village

Seeking a waterfront paradise? Set your sights on Taylor Lake Village, TX. 

This Harris County suburb of Houston has stunning lakefront views and a relaxed atmosphere like no other. The best part is that it also has some of the most affordable housing units in Texas, with a few costing as low as $91,000.

Think of it as your go-to place for water sports, and fun activities, and one of the best places to live near Houston. Take a boat out on Taylor Lake, kayaking, or picnic at the scenic Clear Lake Park. 

With an economy bolstered by tourism and technical services, mostly because of its proximity to the Johnson Space Center, the poverty rate sits at only 1.38%. 

  • Average Rent: $1,250
  • Median Home Sale Price: $342,000
  • Median Household Income: $138,438

  1. Hedwig Village

Experience small-town charm with big-city access in Hedwig Village where the economy booms. 

Having a city population of 2,370, residents here experience a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. 92.28% of the workforce work white-collar jobs as the strength of the local economy is from a mix of professional services and healthcare. 

Almost 62% of the residents have jobs, and over 70% are homeowners.

  • Average Rent: $1,865
  • Median Home Sale Price: $750,000
  • Median Household Income: $202,500

  1. Meadows Place

5,210 people call this Fort Bend County city of Meadows Place, TX home. 

It is one of the best small cities in Texas and has a strong sense of community. Maybe it’s not exactly where you come to rake in money. But if you want to embrace quiet luxury, Meadows Place has got you covered. 

One of its prime offerings is a welcoming atmosphere for artists and designers. Meadows Place has more artists and people in the media than 90% of communities in the U.S.

  • Average Rent: $1,430
  • Median Home Price:  $314,900
  • Median Household Income: $52,031

Summary—The Best Suburbs Near Houston

You may know Houston for its Space Center or the Historic District, featuring architecture that depicts housing in the 1990s. Whatever it is, Houston is a sprawling metropolis that offers a diverse range of communities to call home. 

Some of the best suburbs near Houston, like Friendswood and Bellaire, are great if you like serene environments. But if you wish to leverage job opportunities and advance your career in Houston, you can’t go wrong with relocating to Sienna and Hedwig Village.

Good luck!