Find your space in Space City.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and for good reason. Nicknamed “Space City,” its proximity to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where Mission Control is located, is only scratching the surface of the unique features and opportunities this city exposes its residents to. Between the food scene, cultural diversity and arts and entertainment hubs, Houston is growing fast and likely to keep pace.
When navigating one of the most densely populated cities, finding a neighborhood that suits your personality and preferences is important. We’re breaking down our top 10 suburbs in Houston and what each has to offer both professional and personal goals.
Cinco Ranch
Source: Newland
- Population: 18,399
- Average age: 39
- Median household income: $152,622
- Average commute time: 38 minutes
- Walk score: 45
- Studio average rent: $1,340
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,475
- Two-bedroom rent: $2,006
Located about 25 miles west of downtown Houston, Cinco Ranch is a suburb within the Katy suburb. This area has diverse amenities perfect for singles and families alike, including parks, golf courses, walking trails and lakes. For those who prefer indoor activities, the proximity to shopping centers and entertainment options adds interest to this affluent oasis.
This mix of pastime options makes Cinco Ranch a desirable destination for those seeking a balanced blend of convenience and serenity. Additionally, the city is home to one of the highest-rated school districts. Cinco Ranch, and all it has to offer, is the perfect place to settle down or grow your family.
Top apartments in Cinco Ranch:
The Woodlands
Source: The Woodlands
- Population: 115,716
- Average age: 40
- Median household income: $130,011
- Average commute time: 34.6 minutes
- Walk score: 18
- Studio average rent: $1,377
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,283
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,694
This carefully planned community is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. Between lush green spaces, tranquil lakes and well-preserved native trees, escaping the bustle of Houston is done simply.
Beyond its natural beauty, The Woodlands also house a range of upscale amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants and cultural venues, seamlessly integrating city-like amenities and suburban tranquility. Located 30 miles north of downtown Houston, this area is excellent for commuting for work or general city travel. For shoppers, its famous Woodlands Mall offers more than 200 high-end stores for perusing.
Top apartments in The Woodlands:
Sugar Land
Source: Visit Sugar Land TX
- Population: 110, 272
- Average age: 42
- Median household income: $102,440
- Average commute time: 31.8 minutes
- Walk score: 28
- Studio average rent: $1,500
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,463
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,874
Sugar Land is a historic sugar plantation city dating back to the mid-1800s. The city has transformed over the years into a modern town that attracts residents with its perfect blend of up-to-date amenities and a suburban feel. Home to the University of Houston Sugar Land, the city is also a thriving educational hub that draws in students to further their education.
Beyond educational opportunities, the city’s cultural scene is made up of venues like the Smart Financial Centre, which hosts a variety of concerts and performances. Whether you’re a student or a parent starting their growing family, there’s something for everyone in this sweet town. If you’re after riverfront views and biking trails, Sugar Land Memorial Park provides hours of outdoor relaxation.
Top apartments in Sugar Land:
Spring Valley Village
Source: Compass
- Population: 4,204
- Average age: 39
- Median household income: $224,722
- Average commute time: 14 minutes
- Walk score: 50
- Studio average rent: $1,363
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,576
- Two-bedroom rent: N/A
If you’re looking for tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors and gorgeous homes, look no further than Spring Valley Village. This smaller suburb is best categorized as a suburban oasis offering everything residents could want, from excellent schools to beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. While this is one of the more sparsely populated Houston suburbs on our lists, it uniquely has its own municipal government and police force, which establishes its identity as self-sufficient and community-centric.
Top apartments in Spring Valley Village:
Bellaire
Source: Culture Map Houston
- Population: 17,262
- Average age: 46
- Median household income: $211,202
- Average commute time: 20 minutes
- Walk score: 52
- Studio average rent: $1,292
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,050
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,361
The rich history of Bellaire dates back to the early 20th century when it was famously a streetcar suburb. Fast-forward to today, where this area boasts restaurants, shops and local businesses to create the cozy-town atmosphere it’s known and loved for.
Located only 8.4 miles outside of Houston, this affluent suburb is growing in popularity due to its proximity to Houston’s city center. An additional significant contributor to its increasing popularity is the highly regarded school district, attracting families with children. Visitors and residents alike enjoy basking in the sensory experience of the suburb’s Color Museum, an interactive modern art museum that celebrates color through a variety of visually stunning exhibits.
Top apartments in Bellaire:
Hedwig Village
Source: Texas State Historical Association
- Population: 2,343
- Average age: 42
- Median household income: $166,250
- Average commute time: 13.5 minutes
- Walk score: 60
- Studio average rent: $920
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,273
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,418
Hedwig Village is a small suburb included in Memorial Villages, a conglomerate of municipalities outside of Houston. Lined with tree-shaded streets and picturesque neighborhoods, Hedwig Village showcases a blend of homes, green spaces and maintained gardens almost as if it was pulled from an idyllic suburban dream.
Its proximity to major highways offers residents easy access to amenities without losing the peaceful suburban ambiance. Families are drawn to this area due to top-rated schools and an emphasis on safety in neighborhoods, through the city’s usage of its dedicated police department. Houston science and history buffs will enjoy the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located here in Hedwig Village.
Top apartments in Hedwig Village:
Katy
Source: Jo&Co
- Population: 17,262
- Average age: 39
- Median household income: $115,250
- Average commute time: 37 minutes
- Walk score: 68
- Studio average rent: $1,194
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,374
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,803
Katy is a popular Houston suburb thanks to its standout school district, Katy Independent School District. While access to good schools is a large draw for this suburb, Katy has even more to offer with its close-knit community through the smaller suburbs (include Cinco Ranch, listed above) within it, spoiling renters for choice to find their best fit.
The close commute to inner-city Houston is great, but Katy has entertainment and shopping options itself that are sure to keep singles, families and neighbors entertained. These entertainment hotspots include Katy Mills Mall and Typhoon Texas Waterparks.
Top apartments in Katy:
West University Place
Source: Houston Properties Team
- Population: 14,975
- Average age: 41
- Median household income: $250,001
- Average commute time: 16 minutes
- Walk score: 72
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,481
- Two-bedroom rent: $2,607
If you’re looking for suburban life with easy access to major metropolitan amenities, check out West University Place. With a high walk score, you’re assured even better accessibility to Houston without getting in your car.
Nicknamed “West U,” this dog-friendly neighborhood is perfect for experiencing tree-lined streets, parks and other outdoor amenities with your furry friend. For those looking to further their education, this suburb is in close proximity to Rice University, making personal and professional growth an option for residents.
Top apartments in West University Place:
Meadows Place
Source: The Hampton at Meadows Place
- Population: 4,755
- Average age: 47
- Median household income: $71,250
- Average commute time: 28 minutes
- Walk score: 70
- Average apartment rent: $1,456
Located along U.S. Highway 59, this easily commutable city in Fort Bend County is growing quickly and for good reason. Meadows Place is a unique suburb drawing residents for a variety of reasons, including their emphasis on the environment and the future.
This focus is clear through the preservation of parks and trails through regular clean-ups and the city’s water reclamation process. Aside from the city’s green effort and proximity to Houston, it’s a great suburb for access to wonderful education from preschool through college-level academia.
Top apartments in Meadows Place:
Friendswood
Source: Houston Mural Map
- Population: 40,780
- Average age: 38
- Median household income: $114,516
- Average commute time: 36 minutes
- Walk score: 23
- Studio average rent: $694
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,360
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,780
Friendswood, as the name would imply, is a Houston suburb in Galveston County known for its excellent livability and close-knit community nature. Friendswood is categorized by great walkability in some areas, short commute times, accessibility to large employers and entertainment options.
Home to four major golf courses and six reserved green spaces of trails and parks, soaking up the Houston sun is made easy. On top of these significant factors, it’s made CNN‘s Top 100 Places to Live list not once, but twice.
Top apartments in Friendswood:
H-Town suburban life is calling
Whether you’re a growing family looking for the perfect school district or a single searching for the perfect park to walk your furry friend, suburban life has something to offer everyone, especially in the city of Houston. The ideal blend of closeby urban activities and suburban community feel draws renters to Houston, as it’s the 2nd fastest-growing city in the U.S.
Ready to find your Houston home? Define your own suburban dream in Houston today!
