The Woodlands is aHouston-area master-planned communityapproximately 30 miles north of downtown. However, you won't feel like you have to make the drive to have access to amenities. There's a great selection of restaurants, parks, and shopping centers, some of which have a regional draw, and the master-planned nature of the community keeps everything conveniently close to your home. Those considering a move to The Woodlands, Texas, are considering an area offering everything from small-town charm to big city amenities.
Why is The Woodlands so popular among homebuyers? Here are a few reasons why so many people enjoy living in The Woodlands:
The cost of living in The Woodlands is higher than the national average and has acost of living index of 117. This is primarily due to its high home valuesThe Woodlands is one of themost expensive Houston suburbsthanks to its abundance of luxury homes.
The median home value forhomes for sale in The Woodlandsis generally in the mid-$500s,and home values have seen a steady increase. Homeowners should expect to spend roughly $2,000 annually on insurance premiums, including homeowners and flood insurance.
The following is a breakdown of approximate monthly rental prices for an apartment in The Woodlands:
On the other hand, the overall cost of groceries and other day-to-day necessities falls below the national average. On average, grocery prices are nearly 10% more affordable than the national average. Utility costs have a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% below the nation's average. Gas prices are typically lower thanks to The Woodlands' proximity to the Houston oil industry, cutting the cost of transportation expenses to over 15% lower than the national average.
The cost of living in The Woodlands is also made more managable by the access to high-paying jobs. Themedian household income in The Woodlandsis a whopping $137,300+, with a per capita income of over $71,000.
The Woodlands has a job market posting strong employment growth. The unemployment rate is lower than the national average at 3%, andjobs are expected to grow by 19% in the coming years.
Sometop employers in The Woodlandsarea include ExxonMobil, OXY, St. Luke's Hospital - The Woodlands, Huntsman Corporation, Chevron-Phillips, Atmos Energy Corporation, Conroe ISD, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Entergy, and Houston Methodist - The Woodlands Hospital.
With so many big-name companies making their bases of operation near The Woodlands, it's no wonder why there are so many opportunities for high takehome pay.
Popular industries in The Woodlands include energy, healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and defense, financial services, telecommunications and information technology, and transportation and logistics.The top-paying jobs in The Woodlands are surgeons, transportation managers, personnel specialists, and materials research engineers.
Common job titles in The Woodlands include accounting manager, office administrator, project engineer, and human resources assistant.
Those moving to The Woodlands will find themselves near many of the best attractions in Texas. Thecity of Houstonoffers notable attractions like the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Discovery Green, and more.Throughout Texas, The Woodlands is known for its popular shopping malls, including The Woodlands Mall.
Houston is among the top 10 most popular cities for its art museums and theater options.The city has hosted shows since 2010 at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and several award shows.
The Woodlands is also relatively close to some of Houston's major sporting complexes, allowing residents easy access to watch Astros games at Minute Maid Park, Texans games at NRG Stadium, Rockets games at Toyota Center, and more. Other funthings to do in The Woodlandsinclude Market Street at The Woodlands' Town Center, where residents can browse through more than 100 shops offering everything from high-end apparel brands to local boutiques.
The Woodlands has abundant opportunities for outdoor activities throughout itslocal parks.Lake Woodlandsis one of the more popular areas. The park featurestrails for walking and biking, boat rentals, fishing piers, playgrounds for children, picnic areas with grills, and kayak launches to explore the 200-acre lake. Hungry after your outing? Restaurant Row has a whole buffet of waterfront dining options.
Lake Woodlands connects to The Woodlands Waterway, so you can take a riverside stroll all the way from the lake to the entrance of The Woodlands Mall. Take a pit stop along the way at Town Green Park and The Koi Garden. You'll also pass by The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and a number of restaurants.
Locals also enjoy taking advantage of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, which passes by The Woodlands to the east on its way between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston.The river offers tubing, kayaking, and fishing spotswhen the water level is right, you can float all the way from Lake Conroe Dam to I-69, including a couple of rapids.
You'll also notice a number of golf courses winding their way throughout the community. There are more than half a dozengolf courses near The Woodlandsto check out if you're looking for a place to tee off.
Farther out from the community, residents will find treasures like Galveston Island, Big Thicket National Preserve, and McFaddin Wildlife Refuge. Residents and visitors can always find something fun to do in or near The Woodlands!
The Woodlands has become a hotbed for new restaurants with its growing population.Some popular restaurants include Corkscrew BBQ, Fielding's Local Kitchen & Bar, Killen's Steakhouse, and Papa Amadeos. Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing has everything from upscale seafood at Truluck's and a Brazilian steakhouse to a frozen yogurt shop and the festive Escalante's Tex-Mex cantina.
Market Street is another great place ot find a bite to eat. The variety of establishments in this outdoor shopping mall includes everything from Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen to Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, so there's sure to be something to your tastes.
Venture into nearby Houston for other favorites, including Southern Yankee Beer Company, Sigma Brewing Company, 8th Wonder Brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and Karbach Brewing Company. Residents will find popular bars in The Woodlands like Howl at the Moon and more.
Living in The Woodlands means getting to experience the city's nightlife offerings.There's much to do and see in The Woodlands at night, from rooftop bars and live music to wine lounges and performances.
Discover The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion to experience performances by popular bands and local organizations. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers meat and seafood and is an excellent option for hosting private events. The Goose's Acre is set in a cozy space and serves Irish and American dishes. (It's alsodog-friendlyon the outdoor patio.) Family-friendly activities include Shankz Golf and Escape the Room Texas-Woodlands.
With hot summers and short winters, the overall climate in The Woodlands is generally mild.July is the hottest month, averaging highs around 94 F. The breezy spring and autumn seasons are the best time for visiting the area.
Cooler temperatures are experienced during winter, while hotter weather prevails through May before temperatures cool off into winter conditions. Snowfall is rare but does happen now and then, typically between December and February. Spring offers comfortable weather before summer heat kicks in by June until September, when it begins to cool down.
The following are temperature averages for The Woodlands throughout the year:
As a year-round destination, the possibilities for outdoor activities are endless in The Woodlands.
Residents of The Woodlands have an average commute time of 27.4 minutes.Morning rush-hour traffic is heaviest starting at 7 a.m. and begins to calm around 8:30, while evening traffic occurs between 4 and 6 p.m.Commuting during the week between The Woodlands and Houston will take approximately 35 minutes to one hour.
It will take approximately three hours via I-45 N to get to thecity of Dallasfrom The Woodlands. Those heading to San Antonio or thecity of Austinshould take I-10 W and typically spend three to four hours driving. Going to thecity of Galvestonwill take approximately 90 minutes, and Hardy Toll Road and I-45 S is the best option for this drive.
After moving to The Woodlands, residents may commute to work in Houston or another nearby city. I-45 S generally carries the most traffic during morning and evening rush hours. For an alternative route with reduced congestion, drivers can go through theKingwood community, where they can pick upI-69 W. Travel viaHardy Toll Road provides quick access to major highways, includingI-59/US 69 S.
The Woodlands is a bicycle-friendly community, but public transportation options also exist.The Woodlands Express Park and Rideoffer limited service to and from downtown Houston. The service runs Monday through Friday, with stops in The Woodlands Mall, Hughes Landing, Grogan's Mill, Market Street, and Lakeside Place before ending at the Texas Medical Center Transit Center. Round-trip tickets must be purchased in advance for $13 through the Woodlands Express Mobile Ticketing app or any Park and Ride terminal.
Additionally, METRO provides bus routes that run throughout The Woodlands and other areas ofMontgomery County.These stops include Market Street / Town Center Transit Center near the mall area, College Park High School near Research Forest Parkway, and Woodloch Forest Drive west of Lake Woodlands.
Four free Woodlands Town Center Trolleys operate seven days a week.They stop at destinations like popular retail, office, and entertainment locations, like The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway, and Hughes Landing.
The Woodlands is home to a variety of educational institutions.There are threeschool districts in The Woodlands: Conroe Independent School District, Tomball Independent School District, and Magnolia Independent School District.However, the Conroe Independent School District serves much of the community, with some areas zoned for theMagnolia communityand thecity of Tomball.
Several private schools serve students who reside in The Woodlands.Cunae International Schoolserves students Pre-K through grade 12, andSaint Anthony of Padua Catholic Schoolserves students Pre-K through grade 8. Numerous preschool and child care options are available in The Woodlands area.
The Woodlands is also home to several institutions offering higher education.Lone Star College has a campus in The Woodlands, providing an array of degree options. The Woodlands is fairly close to other universities like The University of Houston and Rice University.
This luxurious Houston suburb has many benefits that make it an attractive place to live and work. Those considering moving or buying a home in The Woodlands should keep in mind the public, private, and higher education opportunities available, the shopping opportunities, and the surrounding nature with over 10,000 acres preserved as parks and greenspaces! Residents can also get involved with community programs and attend many annual events. Other large cities are just a short drive away.
Ready to find your dream Woodlands home?Reach out to The RealFX Groupat (832) 281-5673 to contact an experienced local real estate agent and discover your new Woodlands home today.
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