Houston, the largest city in Texas, is surrounded by several charming cities that offer a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and convenient access to the bustling metropolis. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cities near Houston that are perfect for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquility of suburban living and the excitement of a major city.
The best cities near Houston
- Spring Valley Village
- Bellaire
- West University Place
- Hedwig Village
- Katy
- Meadows Place
- Friendswood
- Pearland
- The Woodlands
- Tomball
1. Spring Valley Village
- Driving distance from Houston: 10.1 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 14 minutes
- Median rent: $1,400 as of July
- Best for: Families seeking a safe and quiet suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Spring Valley Village City Park, Bendwood Park, Memorial City Mall
Why Spring Valley Village is a great place to live
Spring Valley Village is known for its top-rated Spring Branch Independent School District, including the highly acclaimed Memorial High School. Residents enjoy easy access to the Energy Corridor and downtown Houston via I-10 and Beltway 8.
2. Bellaire
- Driving distance from Houston: 8.3 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 14 minutes
- Median rent: $1,374, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Young professionals and families looking for a tight-knit community
- Attractions: Evelyn’s Park, Bellaire Town Square, Nature Discovery Center
Why Bellaire is a great place to live
Bellaire has a thriving small business scene, with unique boutiques and locally-owned restaurants lining its charming streets. The city is home to the acclaimed Episcopal High School and is zoned to the top-rated Houston Independent School District. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, highlighted by the numerous events hosted by the Bellaire Civic Club.
3. West University Place
- Driving distance from Houston: 6.0 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 15 minutes
- Commute time to Houston via public transit: 47 minutes
- Population: 14,792
- Median rent: $1,463, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Affluent families and professionals seeking a luxurious lifestyle
- Attractions: Rice Village, Buffalo Speedway Park, Colonial Park Pool
Why West University Place is a great place to live
West University Place has stunning luxury homes, manicured lawns, and tree-lined streets. The city is home to some of the best public schools in Texas, including West University Elementary School and Pershing Middle School. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, community events, and upscale shopping and dining options in nearby Rice Village.
4. Hedwig Village
- Driving distance from Houston: 10.9 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 14 minutes
- Population: 2,321
- Median rent: $1,185, according to July rent research
- Best for: Families and retirees seeking a quiet, upscale community
- Attractions: Memorial Park, Hedwig Village Park, Echo Lane Shopping Center
Why Hedwig Village is a great place to live
Hedwig Village is a hidden gem in the heart of the Memorial area. The city is served by the top-rated Spring Branch Independent School District and is home to the prestigious Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. Hedwig Village’s location provides easy access to the Energy Corridor, and CityCentre is where residents can find various restaurants and shops to help occupy their spare time.
5. Katy
- Driving distance from Houston: 28.9 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 33 minutes
- Population: 25,253
- Median rent: $1,775 according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families seeking excellent schools and outdoor recreation
- Attractions: Katy Mills Mall, Mary Jo Peckham Park, Typhoon Texas Water Park
Why Katy is a great place to live
The nationally recognized Katy High School is one of the major draws of Katy, TX. In addition to its great schools, the city is home to multiple master-planned communities, such as Cinco Ranch and Seven Meadows, which feature resort-style amenities and expansive green spaces. Katy is also home to the sprawling Katy Mills Mall and the exciting Typhoon Texas Water Park.
6. Friendswood
- Driving distance from Houston: 25.0 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 33 minutes
- Population: 40,833
- Median rent: $1,882 according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and professionals seeking a balance of suburban living and city access
- Attractions: Stevenson Park, Friendswood Historical Society, Baybrook Mall
Why Friendswood is a great place to live
Residents love Friendswood for its small-town charm. The city is home tot he acclaimed Friendswood Independent School District, has plenty of parks and trails—such as the scenic Stevenson Park— and is a short drive to Baybrook Mall, where residents can do their shopping and dining.
8. Pearland
- Driving distance from Houston: 21.3 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 28 minutes
- Population: 126,949
- Median rent: $1,983, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and professionals seeking a diverse and growing community
- Attractions: Pearland Town Center, Independence Park, Sri Meenakshi Temple
Why Pearland is a great place to live
If you’re looking for diversity and vibrancy, head to Pearland— one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Not only does the area have good schools, but the area offers several appealing things to do, such as the shopping at Pearland Town Center.
9. The Woodlands
- Driving distance from Houston: 29.9 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 32 minutes
- Population: 118,402
- Median rent: $1,749, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and professionals seeking a luxurious and amenity-rich lifestyle
- Attractions: The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Waterway, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Why The Woodlands is a great place to live
The Woodlands is a luxury and amenity-rich planned community known for its top-rated schools, including The Woodlands High School and the prestigious John Cooper School. Residents enjoy numerous parks, trails, and golf courses, as well as world-class shopping and dining at The Woodlands Mall and Market Street. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year.
10. Tomball
- Driving distance from Houston: 33.8 miles
- Commute time to Houston via car: 39 minutes
- Population: 13,585
- Median rent: $1,434, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and retirees seeking a small-town atmosphere with modern conveniences
- Attractions: Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, Tomball Museum Center, Kleb Woods Nature Preserve
Why Tomball is a great place to live
Tomball is a charming small town known for its highly-rated Tomball Independent School District and vibrant Old Town Tomball District, which features unique shops, restaurants, and the Tomball Museum Center. Residents enjoy numerous community events, such as the annual Tomball German Festival and the Tomball Farmers Market.
Whether you’re seeking suburban tranquility, top-rated schools, or vibrant community events, these top 10 cities near Houston offer something for everyone, making them the ideal choices for living close to one of Texas’s most dynamic urban centers.
Related content
