Best suburbs of houston

11 Best Suburbs of Houston 2024

Are you looking to move to the suburbs of Houston? We’ve compiled a list of the best Houston suburbs, focusing on practical benefits like commute, schools and amenities. Here are the best suburbs of Houston.

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Best Houston Suburbs

Sugar Land, TX

Sugar Land is one of the best suburbs of Houston with one of the best commutes into Houston. 

Located closer to Houston than many of the other Houston suburbs, it is 22.5 miles or roughly 32 minutes southwest of downtown Houston. Sugar Land is one of the closest suburbs to Houston.

Compared to the other top Houston suburbs, it is an upscale Houston suburb with a median home price of $422,355.

Even though Sugar Land residents are close to Houston, they don’t have to drive into the city for shopping, dining, sporting events and even concerts! 

They are lucky to have everything in town! 

Sugar Land Town Square is a community hub with lots of dining and shopping, a favorite hangout spot for locals. There is even the First Colony Mall, an indoor mall with plenty of shops and restaurants.

With the Smart Financial Centre in town, residents don’t need to head to Houston for major concerts. And the minor league baseball team, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, has a stadium right in town.

Aside from the convenience, Sugar Land is also known for its top-rated schools, predominantly served by the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD). Niche.com ranks Sugar Land as the #8 suburb for best public schools in the Houston area.

Sugar Land is also not far from the coast. The beaches of Galveston are just an hour’s drive away, making weekend getaways or beach day trips easy for Sugar Land residents.

The combination of convenient location, close proximity to Houston, in-town amenities and great schools, makes Sugar Land one of the best Houston suburbs for families.

Sugar Land, TX
Median Sale Price$422,355
Commute to Houston22.5 miles (32 minutes)

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The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands is not just any suburb of Houston—it’s one of the best suburbs of Houston where you can enjoy the lake life, while still be close to Houston.

Located 30 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands is one of the best suburbs in north Houston.

The Woodlands is a beautiful master planned community with lakes, ponds, golf courses, parks, shopping centers, country clubs, restaurants- everything you would want in an affluent suburb of Houston!

At the heart of The Woodlands is Lake Woodlands a 200-acre lake where residents can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding or dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants on Lake Woodlands. 

Aside from the lake, there is also The Woodlands Waterway which is a 1.4-mile long water canal that features walking paths alongside it, as well as water taxis and trolleys. 

Families love renting swan boats on The Woodlands Waterway, it’s a great way to explore. 

There are also kayaks and paddleboards for rent on the waterway.

The Waterway connects The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Waterway Square, and the Pavilion, making it not only a scenic route but a practical means of transportation as well.

And throughout the year, the waterway plays host to numerous events, from concerts to festivals, bringing together the Woodlands community.

Aside from lake life, The Woodlands has some of the best schools in the Houston suburb. Niche.com ranks The Woodlands as the #2 suburb with the best schools in the Houston area.

If that wasn’t enough, The Woodlands has many family friendly amenities such as trails, parks and 14 community pools, many with splash pads. 

The Woodlands is also convenient with lots of shops and dining options right in town.  From high-end boutiques to waterfront restaurants. 

The Woodlands is truly one of the few suburbs of Houston where you can enjoy lake life while still be close enough to Houston.

Lake life, great schools, family friendly amenities- The Woodlands is truly one of the best suburbs of Houston for families. 

The Woodlands, TX
Median Sale Price$535,501
Commute to Houston30 miles (39 minutes)

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Pearland, TX

Pearland is one of the best suburbs of Houston because it has one of the shortest commutes of any Houston suburb. 

Located just 21 miles south of Houston, Pearland is just a 25-minute drive on Highway 288 to downtown Houston. 

For those working in Texas Medical Center, Pearland is one of your closest south Houston suburbs with a 23 minute commute. 

But the connectivity doesn’t end there. The inviting beaches of Galveston are merely 45 minutes away, making weekend getaways or even spontaneous beach trips incredibly easy.

Aside from Pearland’s unbeatable location to Houston, Pearland also has a bustling town center. 

The Pearland Town Center is an outdoor shopping mall with many shops and restaurants, including Barnes and Noble and Macy’s. The large turf area at the Town Center is a community gathering spot for events and concerts.

For those who crave the outdoors, Pearland does not disappoint. 

The city is dotted with parks, with Independence Park standing out as a favorite. It’s been recently renovated to include a new ampitheater, playground and a renovated basketball court. 

Independence Park not only serves as a park for sports and community events, it’s also a place to go fishing. Fishing in the pond is allowed as well as in several other Pearland parks.

Pearland is a great Houston suburb for anyone looking for an under 30 minute commute to Houston, a vibrant town center, and lots of parks. 

Pearland, TX
Median Sale Price$371,507
Commute to Houston21 miles (25 minutes)

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Friendswood, TX

Friendswood is one of the best suburbs of Houston for two reasons: great schools and a short commute to downtown.

Located just 23 miles southeast of Houston or a 33-minute drive to downtown, Friendswood is one of the closest suburbs to Houston.  

Friendswood is conveniently close to major highways, the Texas Medical Center, and the beaches of Galveston, which are just 45 minutes away.

Schools are a major draw of Friendswood. Niche.com ranks Friendswood as the #6 suburb with the best public schools in the Houston area. 

It’s also a smaller school district with only one high school which can be attractive for some families.

Staying active is easy at Friendswood with many neighborhood parks. A local favorite is Stevenson Park, which has a pool, splash pad, gazebo, pavilions, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and even a sand volleyball court.

Friendswood is an affordable suburb with a median home price of $381,685. Do keep in mind that the housing stock at Friendswood tend to be older, with very few new construction being a more established community. 

Friendswood residents don’t have to drive far for shopping and dining. Just a few minutes drive is Baybrook Mall, a large indoor and outdoor shopping mall with lots of stores and restaurants from Macy’s to Warby Parker to REI. 

There are a lot of restaurant options at Baybrook Mall from Fogo de Chao to Maggiano’s as well as entertainment venues like Dave & Busters and upscale gyms like Lifetime Fitness.

Living in Friendswood gives you the best of everything- easy commute, great schools, affordable housing prices and great shopping and dining. 

Friendswood is truly one of the top suburbs of Houston.

Friendswood, TX
Median Sale Price$381,685
Commute to Houston23 miles (33 minutes)

Cypress, TX 

Cypress is one of the best Houston suburbs. It’s one of the largest suburbs of Houston with many master planned communities.

One of the advantages of living in Cypress is the commute. Located 28 miles northeast of Houston, it is a 28-minute drive to downtown without traffic. 

A major draw of Cypress is the schools. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is a top-rated school district. 

Niche.com ranks Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as the #6 best school district in the Houston area.

With a median sale price of $366,000, there are many housing options available in Cypress from starter homes to waterfront homes with private docks.

If you are dreaming of living the lake life, it’s possible at Cypress. Towne Lake is a master planned community in Cypress built around a private lake spanning over 300 acres.

Living in Towne Lake means you have access to the lake for boating, fishing, kayaking and other water sports.

Dog Jumping in lake

There’s also a marina, waterpark, and a boardwalk filled with restaurants and shops at Towne Lake.

The boardwalk is a hub where the community gets together for events.

The best part about Towne Lake is the lake is a private lake, only Towne Lake residents can use it! That means it’s never crowded!

Great schools, easy commute to Houston- Cypress is truly one of the best suburbs to live in near Houston.

Cypress, TX
Median Sale Price$366,000 (June 2023)
Commute to Houston28 miles (44 minutes)

Katy, TX

Katy stands out as one of the best suburbs of Houston. It’s a sought-after Houston suburb that is frequently ranked as one of the best places to live outside Houston. 

Located just 29 miles or approximately 44 minute drive west of downtown Houston, Katy is conveniently located to the major highways for an easy commute to Houston.

Schools are a big draw. Katy has the best schools in the Houston suburbs.

The Katy Independent School District (KISD) is highly rated, earning a #1 rank from Niche.com for the best school district in the Houston area. 

Katy remains relatively accessible with a median home sale price of $369,015.

There is a wide variety of housing options at Katy with eight master-planned neighborhoods. Each of these Katy neighborhoods has family-friendly amenities such as parks, pools, and fitness centers. 

In fact, Sunterra, a new master planned community in Katy will have a lagoon with a white sand beach and a lazy river giving its residents resort living! 

Shopping and dining are convenient at Katy. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a shopping center and community hub with shops, restaurants and cafes.

If it’s too hot out, residents can head over to Katy Mills Mall, a sprawling indoor shopping center with over 100 stores, restaurants, food courts, and movie theaters.

If that wasn’t enough, adjacent to Katy Mills Mall is the 25-acre Typhoon Texas Water Park, complete with a lazy river, thrilling water slides, and pools, giving families a break from the Texas heat.

Katy has it all great schools, close proximity to Houston, family-friendly amenities, and affordable home prices- it’s truly one of the best Houston suburbs for families.

Katy, TX
Median Sale Price$369,015
Commute to Houston29 miles (44 minutes)

Cinco Ranch, TX

Cinco Ranch is one of the best suburbs of Houston known for its top-rated schools, easy commute to Houston and family-friendly amenities. Although technically part of Katy, we are listing Cinco Ranch as a separate suburb since it’s so big it can be a stand alone suburb.

Located just 30 miles west of Houston—a 39-minute drive under normal traffic conditions—Cinco Ranch is a master-planned community with many family-friendly amenities.

The easy access to major highways like I-10, the 99 Tollway, and the Westpark Tollway makes commuting to Houston easy.

With a median sale price of $541,519, Cinco Ranch is one of the more expensive Houston suburbs.

Cinco Ranch has some of the best schools in the Houston suburbs. Part of the renowned Katy Independent School District (KISD), Cinco Ranch is known for its top-rated schools. 

What’s more, Niche.com ranks Cinco Ranch as the #1 suburb for the best public schools in the Houston area. 

Cinco Ranch is a well-designed community where kids can safely walk or bike to their neighborhood schools.

Staying active is easy at Cinco Ranch. There are miles of paved biking and hiking trails that connect neighborhoods, over 50 neighborhood parks, and ponds where residents can kayak. There are 11 town pools, including one with a white sand beach! 

Cinco Ranch is also a haven for golfers with an 18-hole public golf course.

Residents don’t have to drive far for shopping and dining. 

LaCenterra shopping mall is located at the heart of Cinco Ranch with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a hub for the community.  

Top-rated schools, family-friendly amenities and an easy commute to Houston make Cinco Ranch one of the best suburbs of Houston for families. 

Cinco Ranch, TX
Median Sale Price$541,549
Commute to Houston30 miles (39 minutes)

Kingwood, TX

Kingwood is one of the best suburbs near Houston that is near a lake. Located on Lake Houston just 28 miles north of downtown- its location is perfect for those seeking lake life but still want to be near Houston. 

The lake life in Kingwood is a blend of relaxation and recreation on Lake Houston.

Lake Houston is great for water enthusiasts- whether you’re keen on boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, or just dipping your toes in the water.

Spanning over 12,000 acres, Lake Houston is perfect for cruising on a sunny day, and for those who love fishing, the lake is abundant with a variety of freshwater fish.

Known as the “Livable Forest,” Kingwood lives up to its moniker. With over 75 miles of nature trails, residents can immerse themselves in nature, whether they’re out for a jog, a bike ride, or a leisurely walk.  

Aside from the lake life, Kingwood is a master planned community with lots of shopping centers including a waterfront shopping center right on Lake Houston. 

For those seeking the country club lifestyle along with the lake life, it’s possible at Kingwood. The Clubs of Kingwood is a large country club with over five 18-hole golf courses! It’s also a family-friendly country club with a water park, Kids Club, and a lot of social events.

If you are looking for one of the best Houston suburbs that will give you the lake life, the country club lifestyle and close proximity to Houston, then Kingwood is a good option for you.

Kingwood, TX
Median Sale Price$349,000 (June 2023)
Commute to Houston28 miles (49 minutes)

Conroe, TX 

Conroe is one of the best Houston suburbs for lakeside living. Located 40 miles north of Houston, Conroe is a lake town near Houston. It’s perfect for anyone who works in Houston but also wants to live the lake life.

With a median sale price of $317,579, Conroe is more affordable than other suburbs near Houston. 

Just a quick 19 minute drive to Lake Conroe, residents can enjoy the lake life.

Lake Conroe is a large lake well-known for its boating scene. Boat parties are common, especially during summer weekends and holidays. 

Groups of friends and families anchor their boats close to one another, creating floating party hubs! It’s a fun way to spend the weekend!

Lake Conroe is also popular for water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. The lake is also a haven for fishing.

Jet ski

Several restaurants and bars along the lake offer dockside services. Boaters can pull up, dock, and enjoy a meal.

If you are looking for a more relaxing time on the lake, there is Lake Conroe Park. Lake Conroe Park has a sandy beach with a swimming area, fishing piers and playgrounds. 

Aside from lake living, Conroe also has great schools. Niche.com ranks Conroe ISD as the #7 best school district in the Houston area.

The close proximity to Houston, great schools and lake life make Conroe one of the best Houston suburbs near a lake.

Conroe, TX
Median Sale Price$317,579
Commute to Houston40 miles (55 minutes)

Clear Lake, TX 

Clear Lake is one of the best suburbs to live in near Houston. 

Located just 22 miles south of Houston, Clear Lake is close enough for a daily commute to Houston and still be able to come home to a lake lifestyle.

With a median home price of $434,693, Clear Lake is a Houston suburb where you can find many housing options from waterfront homes to starter homes.

Boating is a big part of the lake culture at Clear Lake. Many Clear Lake residents own a boat and weekends are filled with boat rides. 

Fishing, kayaking, and sailing are also popular activities.

There is no shortage of things to do in Clear Lake.

Aside from boating, Clear Lake residents have Kemah Boardwalk right in their backyard. 

Keman Boardwalk is a vibrant waterfront entertainment destination with amusement rides, restaurants, shops and even a boutique hotel.

Clear Lake is also home to many waterfront parks with children’s playgrounds, and walking or biking trails with lake views.

A local favorite is Clear Lake Park, a 59-acre park with a boat launch, fishing pier, playground, splash pad, jogging trail, sports fields, community center and an open-air pavilion.

Aside from lake living and outdoor recreation, Clear Lake also has great schools. Clear Lake’s school district- Clear Creek ISD, is one of the top-rated schools. 

Niche.com ranks Clear Creek ISD as the #5 best school district in the Houston area.

Clear Lake is also home to the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston (NASA!) Perfect for those working in the aerospace industry!

And if that wasn’t enough, Clear Lake is also very near the Gulf beaches of Galveston. It’s only a 48 minute drive from Clear Lake to Galveston Island. 

The combination of great schools, lake living and plenty of family friendly recreation make Clear Lake one of the best suburbs of Houston for families seeking the lake life. 

Clear Lake, TX
Median Sale Price$434,693
Commute to Houston30 miles (43 minutes)

Montgomery, TX

Montgomery is one of the best suburbs of Houston. It’s a charming, historic Texas town on Lake Conroe.

Located 55 miles north of Houston, it can take over an hour to commute into Houston.

Although it’s further out, we are including it on our list of best Houston suburbs because Montgomery is a great suburb to live in if you are looking to live the lake life.

Montgomery is not the ideal suburb for someone who has to make that daily Houston commute but if you can work from home a few days a week, living in Montgomery is a great option.

With a median sale price of $411,287, there is a wide range of homes in Montgomery from lake homes to condos.  

Lake Conroe is the main attraction of Montgomery. This expansive, 21,000-acre lake is a hub for boating, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing and other water sports. 

There are even man-made sandy beaches on Lake Conroe where Montgomery residents can sunbathe, play beach volleyball or just relax on the beach.

Living in Montgomery can feel like a vacation with Margaritaville Resort located right in town.

Margaritaville is a waterfront resort with a lazy river, water park, mini golf course, restaurants and hotel. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner at the waterfront restaurant or even a staycation!

Aside from lake living, Montgomery also has great schools. Niche.com ranks Montgomery ISD as the #13 best school district in the Houston area.

Lake life, great school and close proximity to Houston make Montgomery one of the best suburbs of Houston. I

Montgomery, TX
Median Sale Price$411,287
Commute to Houston55 miles (57 minutes)

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