10 Suburbs/Cities Near Houston You’ll Want To Call Home
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One main reason why you may want to consider an area outside the city limits? The cost of living in Houston proper versus its surrounding suburbs can vary significantly, reflecting a complex balance between urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Generally, living in the city center of Houston will have a higher cost of living due to the premium on housing and the proximity to a wide range of amenities, including dining, entertainment, and cultural institutions. Conversely, the suburbs surrounding Houston often present a more affordable living option (although not always), with housing costs typically lower than in the city itself.
From Spring Valley Village's tranquil streets to Katy's family-friendly parks, the area surrounding Houston offers a variety of living experiences that cater to every preference and lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the tight-knit communities of West University Place or the scenic beauty of Meadows Place, there's likely a perfect city or suburb near Houston waiting for you. Let’s take a look at our top choices.
Cities Near Houston, TX — FAQs
Q: What cities are 30 minutes away from Houston?
A: Cities that are 30 minutes away from Houston include Pearland, Sugar Land, League City, Baytown, Kingwood, Katy, The Woodlands, and Tomball. They each offer a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort.
Q: What are the closest cities to Houston?
A: Galveston, The Woodlands, League City, Baytown, Katy, Tomball, Kingwood, and Conroe are some of the closest cities to Houston, each offering unique attractions and lifestyles.
Q: What is Houston’s surrounding area?
A: Houston's surrounding area encompasses a diverse range of communities, from bustling suburbs to quiet, scenic towns, catering to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. Galveston, The Woodlands, League City, Baytown, and Katy are some of the closest cities.
Q: Are Houston and Dallas close?
A: Houston and Dallas are approximately 240 miles apart. It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to travel between the two cities under normal traffic conditions.
Best Cities Near Houston, TX
We’ve selected these cities based on their commute time to Houston and the nearby amenities, such as parks, attractions, and the creature comforts of city living. Living in any one of these cities will give you a great balance of big-city life while still saving you money.
1. Spring Valley Village, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
- Median home sale price: $934,500
- Great for: Families, schools, jobs, commute, retirees, safety
- Commute into Downtown Houston: 15- to 30-minute drive
Spring Valley Village, recognized as one of the best places to raise a family in Harris County by Niche, epitomizes the ideal blend of suburban peace and metropolitan convenience. This Houston-area gem, with its leafy, well-maintained streets and upscale neighborhoods, provides a serene backdrop to the buzz of the big city.
The area, served by the Spring Branch Independent School District, is home to top-rated schools. And a safe, close-knit community vibe is the proverbial cherry on top, making this the perfect place in Houston to settle down and raise a family.
2. Bellaire, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
- Average home value: $1.03M
- Great for: Families, schools, jobs, outdoor activities, suburbanites
- Commute into Downtown Houston: 15- to 20-minute drive
Bellaire stands out because of its blend of residential charm and access to high-quality amenities. Rated as one of the best suburbs in Houston by Niche, Bellaire offers a strong family environment and robust employment opportunities at companies such as BioPath and OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
The area also has a variety of dining options, from American comfort food at places like Dandelion Cafe to the exotic flavors of Thai Cottage Bellaire and drool-worthy slices at Luigi's Pizzeria. Combine this with the suburb's beautiful parks and strong community feel — among many other perks — and you can see why Bellaire is so popular.
3. West University Place, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,225
- Average home value: $1.5M
- Great for: Upscale professionals, nightlife, families, schools, safety
- Commute into Downtown Houston: 20-minute drive (or less)
West University Place, rated as an A+ Houston suburb by Niche, offers a safe lifestyle with exceptional public schools — notably two of the top 10 public high schools in Texas, Carnegie Vanguard High School and Michael E. Debakey High School for Health Professions.
Top employers in West University Place and the surrounding Houston area are in the education, healthcare, and energy industries, underscoring the suburb's economic diversity and opportunity. And its residents tend to be wealthier than the national median. In fact, the median income in West University Place is above $250,000, according to the Census Bureau.
Source: City of Hedwig Village
4. Hedwig Village, TX
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
- Average home value: $1.1M
- Great for: Families, schools, jobs, diversity, retirees
- Commute into Downtown Houston: 15- to 25-minute drive
Sorry, Harry Potter fans; you won’t find any magical pet owls here. The “magic” is economic: Hedwig Village is one of the most affluent suburbs in Houston. Like Spring Valley Village, it’s located in the Spring Branch Independent School District, giving you access to one of the best school systems in Houston.
And as part of the Memorial Villages section of Houston, locals enjoy coffee shops like Blacksmith and Catalina Coffee, as well as weekend meals at favorites like The Union Kitchen and Brenner’s Steakhouse. Make sure you take the kids to Terry Hershey Park for a family bike ride to take advantage of its 11+ miles of trails along the creeks.
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