A mother walks with her two daughters, hand-in-hand, toward the Houston skyline

10 Suburbs/Cities Near Houston You’ll Want To Call Home

Houston Texas

by Tim McCormick Posted on March 29, 2024
Houston is a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culture, booming economy, and rich history. But what if you could enjoy all the perks of living in Houston without actually being smack-dab in the hustle and bustle of the city? Imagine having the best of both worlds in one of the best cities near Houston: easy access to the big city’s myriad attractions and amenities while enjoying the peace, space, and community vibe of suburban living. 
Planning to move to a city or suburb near Houston? See how ÐÓ°ÉPro can help you make the move.

One main reason why you may want to consider an area outside the city limits? The proper 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.

The Houston skyline seen in the distance from a nearby park, with a row of residential townhomes in between

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

1. Spring Valley Village, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Median home sale price:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 15- to 30-minute drive

Spring Valley Village, recognized as 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 , 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): 
  • Median home sale price: 
  • Great for: 
  • 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 by Niche, Bellaire offers a strong family environment and robust employment opportunities at companies such as and  

The area also has a variety of dining options, from American comfort food at places like to the exotic flavors of and drool-worthy slices at . 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.

2. West University Place, Texas

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 20-minute drive (or less)

West University Place, rated as an A+ Houston suburb by , offers a safe lifestyle with exceptional public schools — notably two of the top 10 public high schools in Texas, and .

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,

The entrance sign to Hedwig Park in Hedwig Village, Texas

4. Hedwig Village, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • 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 and , as well as weekend meals at favorites like and . Make sure you take the kids to for a family bike ride to take advantage of its 11+ miles of trails along the creeks.

5. Katy, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 30- to 45-minute drive

Katy is one of the best small cities near Houston. It's celebrated for its abundance of parks and highly rated public schools, making it an ideal place for families. The , in particular, is noted for its excellence, ranking among the best in Texas for athletes, overall quality, and diversity. The area's commitment to quality education is evident in its top public schools, such as Campbell Elementary School, Adams J.H. Middle School, and Seven Lakes High School — all of which receive high marks for their academic programs.

Katy’s also one of the most affordable cities near Houston, TX, with an average home value much more affordable than other nearby suburbs and cities like West University Place.

For dine-out options, Katy’s most popular restaurants include , , , and , providing a vibrant culinary scene. And for shopping, check out .

6. Meadows Place, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 20- to 30-minute drive

Meadows Place, Texas, is a cozy community about 20 minutes southeast of downtown. ranks it as , noting its plentiful restaurants and parks. , for example, offers plenty of green space — perfect for weekend baseball games, fishing, and hiking.

Our pick for the best place to eat? . The meals are hearty, and you get more than you pay for. Be warned, though: You may find yourself fighting off a food coma after you chow down.

Most residents commute to Houston for work, and key industries are healthcare, tech, and aerospace. Easy access to the city makes it an economically diverse area with plenty of space for both white- and blue-collar workers. And Meadows Place is in the , with top schools including Dulles High and Middle and Meadows Elementary.

A mural welcoming residents to Friendswood, Texas

7. Friendswood, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 30- to 45-minute drive

The makes this area one of the most popular suburbs in Houston. Safety is a hallmark of the community, and Friendswood is consistently . This secure environment, coupled with a variety of parks and community events, underscores the city’s appeal to residents seeking a serene yet engaging lifestyle.

Like the other cities and suburbs near Houston we’ve mentioned, the local economy benefits from diverse industries including aerospace, healthcare, and energy. And Friendswood also offers a rich culinary scene, from quaint cafes to gourmet dining, alongside recreational gems like and , making it a well-rounded place to call home. With its blend of educational excellence, safety, and a vibrant community life, who wouldn’t consider Friendswood as one of the best cities near Houston to relocate to?

8. Cumings, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Median home sale price:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 45- to 60-minute drive

Suburbia meets the bustling city life of Houston and the in-demand Sugar Land area in Cumings, Texas — nestled within Fort Bend County and part of the expansive Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro Area. With a population , it provides a cozy and intimate living environment while still being within close proximity to all the big-city action.

The area is served by the , which includes Jackson Elementary School, Briscoe Junior High School, and Foster High School. But since Cumings is a small town, when you’re looking for the top eats and parks nearby, you’ll want to look to the larger Fort Bend County area.

For restaurants, check out nearby Sugar Land. serves some of the best Tex-Mex in the area, and offers excellent Indian and Pakistani dishes. Date night? Head over to .

, known for its walking trails and wildlife observation opportunities, and , offering a glimpse into Texas's rich history, are just a couple of the notable outdoor spaces in the area, as well.

9. Sienna, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Median home sale price:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 30- to 60-minute drive

Sienna, Texas, is a master-planned community located in Fort Bend County, close to Cumings. Unlike its neighbor, however, Sienna is served by the — meaning it shares its best schools with the number six location on our list, Meadows Place.

Golfers will particularly enjoy Sienna and the , one of Houston’s most popular (and challenging) places to play. The area also boasts , making it easy to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of your sporting tastes. Families enjoy Camp Sienna Sports Park and the Recreation Complex, in particular, which give the kids safe, fun places to burn off some energy.

Sienna has no shortage of dining options, either. welcomes patrons with an elevated atmosphere and three-course meal options. And for more casual fare, look to and . is also a wonderful option, for you Texas BBQ lovers.

10. Hunters Creek Village, TX

  • Average rent (one-bedroom):
  • Average home value:
  • Great for:
  • Commute into Downtown Houston: 20- to 30-minute drive

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience in one of the best suburbs in Houston, Hunters Creek Village is your spot. Residents enjoy the serenity of suburban living with quick access to downtown Houston. One of the main draws? The area's crime rate is , making it one of the safe cities near Houston, TX, you can’t miss. This tranquil suburb doesn't skimp on education, either, as it’s part of the , just like West University Place.

This area’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of life is what sets Hunters Creek Village apart from other Houston suburbs, making it an ideal choice for families and professionals alike seeking a distinguished lifestyle near one of Texas' most dynamic cities. And as part of the Memorial Villages area, like neighboring Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek offers easy access to strong dining options, such as Brenner’s and Cafe Rita.

For parks and recreational areas, nearby and the are excellent outdoor spaces appreciated by residents for their natural beauty and available outdoor activities.

A father holds his son as he loads a ÐÓ°ÉPro-branded moving box into a full ÐÓ°ÉPro container

Choose ÐÓ°ÉPro for Your Move to a City Near Houston

As you consider moving to one of the best cities near Houston, Texas, remember that ÐÓ°ÉPro offers flexible and convenient moving solutions. With ÐÓ°ÉPro, you can move at your own pace, thanks to their portable moving containers that can be delivered right to your driveway. Whether you're transitioning to the serene suburbs of Hunters Creek Village or the family-friendly streets of Katy, ÐÓ°ÉPro provides the ease, efficiency, and peace of mind you need to help make your move as smooth as possible.

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. It was then fact-checked, proofread, and edited by the real-life intelligence of the ÐÓ°ÉPro Blog team. 
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

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