20 Cities Near Houston to Live in 2024

If you want to live in the best cities near Houston, you can take your pick of charming towns, smaller cities, and suburbs with lush parks and outdoor recreation. There's' no shortage of places to choose from, making it a must to narrow down your options.

We did all the work for you and came up with the best cities and towns near Houston, TX, to make the most of your move. Choose from areas close to downtown or live further out to take advantage of cheaper rents and a laid-back lifestyle.

All of the rental data included here comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

20 Cities Near Houston, TX

1. Pearland

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 21 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hour, 29 minutes via via Mykawa Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,847
• Population: 126,949
• Median Household Income: $111,123
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 36

Pearland, TX, is situated less than half an hour from downtown Houston, with quick access to Highway 288 and Highway 35. Locals are never far from sports, cultural attractions, dining, golfing, and nightlife. Despite the short commute, the job market in Pearland is strong, with plenty to offer. As one of the best cities near Houston, TX, Pearland offers something for everyone, including a walkable downtown and decent biking.

Despite the upsides, there are cons to living in Pearland. There's no mass transit and the majority of jobs are focused around the military complex.

2. Magnolia

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 43.8 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 42 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 4 hours, 14 minutes via Mueschke Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,449
• Population: 66,136
• Median Household Income: $103,832
• Walk Score: 65
• Transit Score: 41
• Bike Score: 61

Magnolia is known as one of the best Houston towns with a blend of big-city amenities. Despite being a suburb of Houston, there are still cycling routes and good access to the Piney Woods. The area is a draw for families for its quality schools, young professionals, and retirees looking for a more laid-back lifestyle and a lower cost of living.

On the downside, Magnolia is situated in an area that can experience high winds. Cultural attractions also aren't much of an option, although there are some nightlife options, including taverns and saloons.

3. Conroe

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 39.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 39 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 1 hour, 18 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 4 hours, 13 minutes via Eastex Fwy Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,307
• Population: 101,405
• Median Household Income: $71,630
• Walk Score: 24
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 38

If you're looking to live close to Houston but away from the stress of downtown, Conroe comes with an affordable cost of living and a healthy job market. Renters have the choice of living near lakes, state parks, and hiking trails or near town for more amenities. The city also has a decent bus system and good access to Houston and the Houston metro.

Despite being a big city near Houston, Conroe has fewer urban amenities and attractions. It also has a higher crime rate than nearby areas, though it's still considered relatively safe.

4. Tomball

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 33.6 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 35 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 3 hours, 2 minutes via White Oak Bayou Greenway Tr
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,423
• Population: 13,585
• Median Household Income: $70,829
• Walk Score: 56
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 44

Tomball has a small-town feel and a historic downtown area, making it a quaint place to live. There's easy highway access, although there's plenty to do in Tomball, including music, festivals, shopping, sports, and dining. With a relatively low cost of living, Tomball attracts young professionals and growing families.

Living in Tomball has a few drawbacks, including a smaller population that may make it harder for single renters to meet people. There's also not much nightlife to choose from.

5. The Woodlands

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 29.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 28 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 1 hour
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 52 minutes via N Fwy Service Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,580
• Population: 114,436
• Median Household Income: $142,384
• Walk Score: 18
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 45

The 28,000-acre community of The Woodlands includes golf courses, shopping, and parks. In all, there are 220 miles of pathways for biking and hiking and a 200-acre lake. It’s the nearest city to Houston, TX but offers golfing, shopping, and dining without leaving the area. The area is a draw for anyone looking for an active, outdoorsy lifestyle.

Some of the cons of living in The Woodlands include a high cost of living and terrible traffic conditions. The area is also growing and may need an infrastructure update to accommodate its population growth.

6. Katy

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 29 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 3 hour, 3 minutes via Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,837
• Population: 25,253
• Median Household Income: $114,917
• Walk Score: 26
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 33

Katy, Texas, blends the charm of small-town living with the conveniences of big cities outside of Houston. The area boasts a strong sense of community and attracts families to its well-regarded schools and affordability. Locals are never far from parks and recreational activities within walking distance.

Drawbacks to living in Katy include its heavy traffic and higher crime rate than other areas. Despite its relative affordability, it's more expensive than other cities close to Houston.

7. Kingwood

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 27.4 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 30 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 1 hour, 12 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 37 minutes via Eastex Fwy Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,189
• Population: 77,951
• Median Household Income: $45,269.15
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Kingwood, TX, is one of the best places near Houston, Texas for its safe reputation, affordability, and outdoor activities. The area has over 75 miles of greenbelt and 500 acres of nature preserves and parks. Locals are also close enough to Lake Houston for boating, fishing, and watersports.

On the downside, Kingwood lacks some of the diversity of nearby communities. Like much of the Houston area, traffic is also an issue getting in and out of Kingwood.

8. Baytown

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 26.4 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 26 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 2 hours, 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 3 hours, 2 minutes via Pasadena Freeway Frontage Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,136
• Population: 84,324
• Median Household Income: $61,158
• Walk Score: 70
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 51

Situated 25 minutes east of downtown, Baytown is a great neighborhood for commuters. Baytown is walkable, bikeable, and one of the most desirable cities surrounding Houston. Public transportation is a good option for commuters in Baytown looking to skip the notorious Houston traffic. Keep in mind though that you'll pay for convenience, though: The cost of living in Houston and Baytown is higher than the national average, including utilities and groceries.

Baytown has drawbacks, including a higher crime rate than the national average. Exercise safety when walking or frequenting bars at night around Baytown.

9. League City

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 25.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 29 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 11 minutes via Galveston Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,783
• Population: 115,418
• Median Household Income: 117,316
• Walk Score: 24
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 34

League City, TX, is located between Houston and Gavleston and has urban amenities. Locals enjoy less traffic and quick access to nearby attractions, including the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Houston. There's a good dining scene and a strong job market in the medical, energy, aerospace, marine, and petrochemical industries.

Some cons to living in League City include a higher cost of living than the state average in Texas. The area is quickly developing and may feel overcrowded for renters looking for one of the small towns near Houston, Texas.

10. Sugar Land

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 22.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 27 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 1 hour, 27 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 12 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trl
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,849
• Population: 109,414
• Median Household Income: $132,247
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Living in Sugar Land is a family-friendly option with safe neighborhoods and green space. Its highly regarded schools attract families and its business opportunities draw young professionals to the area. Sugar Land also features a decent dining scene and cultural diversity.

Some downsides to living in Sugar Land, TX, includes a tight housing and rental market that could make it challenging to find an apartment. The cost of living is also higher than in nearby communities.

11. Clear Lake

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 22.1 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 30 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hours, 51 minutes via Galveston Rd
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $903
• Population: 1,156
• Median Household Income: $107,054
• Walk Score: 38
• Transit Score: 2
• Bike Score: 46

Clear Lake, TX, is situated 20-miles to Houston, Texas and features natural beauty with 35 miles of waterfront property, trails, and scenery. Outdoor recreation, including kayaking, water skiing, boating, and fishing, is a popular pastime in Clear Lake. The area is appealing to families but still offers its share of breweries, dining, and amenities attractive to young professionals.

Some of the downsides to living in Clear Lake include floods and the potential for hurricane weather. The downtown area also attracts people experiencing homelessness and in need of services.

12. Friendswood

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 22.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 7 minutes via Galveston Rd
• Median Rent: $1,250
• Population: 40,833
• Median Household Income: $121,301
• Walk Score: 23
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 33

Friendswood is known as one of the safest cities in the country, with family-friendly amenities and recreation. Renters can live near coffee shops and parks for more walkability and convenience. Or enjoy life in a more suburban neighborhood in a single-family rental home.

Life in Friendswood may be too quiet for some. The lack of public transportation can also be a drawback for renters looking for convenience in and out of Houston.

13. Spring

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 25.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 11 minutes via ​​W Hardy Rd
• Median Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,425
• Population: 62,559
• Median Household Income: $83,754
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Spring, TX, offers outdoor activities, dining options, and a tight-knit community with good access to I-45 and Hardy Toll Road. It's a good place to live near Houston to enjoy what the city has to offer without all of the traffic that comes with it. Housing is more affordable in the spring than in Houston, with a lower crime rate than downtown.

Drawbacks to living in Spring include limited public transportation options and overdevelopment in the area. Renters prone to pollen allergies should choose an area away from spring's most forested areas.

14. Richwood

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 51.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 53 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 4 hours, 49 minutes via FM 521 Rd N
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,250
• Population: 12,520
• Median Household Income: $51,832
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Richwood, TX is perfect for young professionals and families looking for a laid-back lifestyle, good schools, and a strong economy. Locals work in manufacturing, educational services, and construction or make the commute into Houston. Richwood is also close to the beach and has several parks where you can spend the day outdoors.

With all the upsides to living in Richwood, there are some cons to consider. There isn't much nightlife or urban amenities in the area.

15. Humble

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 20 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 1 hour, 48 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hour, 51 minutes via Old Humble Rd and Hirsch Rd
• Median Rent: $1,233
• Population: 16,336
• Median Household Income: $58,581
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Humble enjoys a low cost of living and a reasonable commute to Houston. Locals can also choose to work in the area in health, energy, and education. The area has enough amenities to choose from, including shopping and dining, that it’s not always necessary to head to Houston.

Humble does have some drawbacks, including a higher crime rate than nearby areas. Traffic also gets thick around the mall.

16. Cypress

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 27.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 28 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 49
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 2 hours, 37 minutes via Hempstead Rd
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,790
• Population: 191,421
• Median Household Income: $116,054
• Walk Score: n/a
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: n/a

Cypress, TX, offers newcomers shopping centers, golf, and natural beauty at a reasonable cost of living. The area is known for its quality schools and is appealing to families looking for a laid-back, kid-friendly lifestyle. The community is also less than 30 minutes from Houston, except during rush hour when traffic swells.

Living in Cypress does come with some negative aspects, including flooding dangers from the watershed. Traffic can also be a nuisance, like in much of the Houston metro area.

17. Stafford

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 18 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: 20.1
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hour, 55 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trl
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,549
• Population: 17,427
• Median Household Income: $87,245
• Walk Score: 36
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 39

Stafford is strategically located near Highway 59 and the Sam Houston Tollway. There's a mix of urban and suburban amenities, including parks, restaurants, performing arts festivals, and outdoor performance spaces. There's also new development and restaurant options along the Southwest Freeway.

There's not as much shopping around Stafford as in other areas, although Houston isn't far. The area also lacks some of the big chain restaurants and retailers some newcomers want from a community.

18. Missouri City

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 21.3 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 24 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hour, 42 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trl
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,090
• Population: 76,500
• Median Household Income: $97,211
• Walk Score: 25
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 34

Missouri City is convenient to downtown Houston and its freeways, rail lines, and airports. The area is family-friendly, with parks, golf, and museums. Locals don’t need to go into Houston to soak up some culture at the Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, and St. Louis Science Center.

Some drawbacks to living in Missouri City include a faster pace of life than newcomers may want from suburbs of Houston Texas. It also experiences legendary hot, humid Texas days. Make sure you budget for extra utilities during the summer.

19. Fulshear

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 42 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 42.1 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 3 hours, 45 minutes via Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,840
• Population: 34,264
• Median Household Income: $170,602
• Walk Score: 41
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 39

Fulshear, TX, boasts a historic downtown, rolling hills, and grasslands with boutiques, coffee shops, and dining. It has a reputation for being safe with good schools, making it a draw for families. The nearby Brazos River recreation area includes hunting and fishing for outdoor fun.

On the downside, Fulshear, Texas, is rapidly growing and may feel like it's losing some of its small-town charm. Locals also pay more to live in Fulshear than nearby communities in Houston.

20. Pasadena

• Miles away from downtown Houston: 14.1 miles
• Commute time to Houston via Car: 20 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via Bus/Train: n/a
• Commute time to Houston via Bike: 1 hour, 11 minutes via Polk St
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,170
• Population: 147,662
• Median Household Income: $64,698
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 45

Pasadena, TX, is situated along Armand Bayou Park for kayaking and wildlife watching in one of the largest urban wildlife preserves in the country. The housing is also more affordable than in other cities near Houston, with a lower cost of living. Locals can commute to Hosoustn or work in industries like the energy sector. Cannabis dispensaries in Pasadena are also a draw for some newcomers.

The crime rate in Pasadena is higher than in nearby areas and there is a lack of nightlife. Some locals may not like the lack of activities beyond outdoor recreation.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting

Now that you have options for some of the best cities near Houston, you can focus on your budget, amenities, lifestyle, or commute time. There’s something for everyone on the list, from charming downtowns to rural backdrops.

Ready to make your move to Texas? Start browsing Houston apartments today, or take our easy quiz to get matched in a flexible location.