20 Cities Near Houston to Live in 2025

Looking to enjoy Houston's opportunities without the big-city bustle? Surrounding Harris County, you'll find several diverse cities near Housotn, from historic small towns to modern suburbs, each with its own character and amenities.

Whether you prefer a quick commute to downtown or a more relaxed pace further out, we've identified the best places to call home near Space City.

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,323
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,580
• Distance from downtown Houston: 21 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hour and 29 minutes via Mykawa Road
• Population: 125,828
• Median household income: $112,470
• Walk score: 21
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 36
• Map of Pearland

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Magnolia: $1,050
• Distance from downtown Houston: 43.8 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 42 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 4 hours and 14 minutes via Mueschke Road
• Population: 2,359
• Median household income: $70,516
• Walk score: 65
• Transit score: 41
• Bike score: 61
• Map of Magnolia

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,152
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,297
• Distance from downtown Houston: 39.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 39 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 1 hour and 18 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 4 hours and 13 minutes via Eastex Freeway Road
• Population: 89,956
• Median household income: $75,245
• Walk score: 24
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 38
• Map of Conroe

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,030
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,449
• Distance from downtown Houston: 33.6 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 35 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 3 hours and 2 minutes via White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail
• Population: 12,341
• Median household income: $71,426
• Walk score: 56
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 44
• Map of Tomball

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,229
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,637
• Distance from downtown Houston: 29.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 28 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: 1 hour
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 52 minutes via N. Freeway Service Road
• Population: 114,436
• Median household income: $141,353
• Walk score: 18
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 45
• Map of The Woodlands

The 28,000-acre community of [The Woodlands]((https://apartmentlist.com/tx/the-woodlands#rent-report) 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

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,415
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,843
• Distance from downtown Houston: 29 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 3 hour and 3 minutes via Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail
• Population: 125,828
• Median household income: $112,470
• Walk score: 26
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 33
• Map of Katy

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Kingwood: $800
• Distance from downtown Houston: 27.4 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 30 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 1 hour and 12 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 37 minutes via Eastex Freeway Road
• Population: 64,359
• Median household income: $52,192
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A
• Map of Kingwood

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,068
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,276
• Distance from downtown Houston: 26.4 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 26 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 2 hours and 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 3 hours and 2 minutes via Pasadena Freeway Frontage Road
• Population: 83,701
• Median household income: $61,699
• Walk score: 70
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 51
• Map of Baytown

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,360
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,721
• Distance from downtown Houston: 25.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 29 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 11 minutes via Galveston Road
• Population: 114,392
• Median household income: $119,870
• Walk score: 24
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 34
• Map of League City

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Sugar Land: $1,150
• Distance from downtown Houston: 22.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 27 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: 1 hour and 27 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 12 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trail
• Population: 111,026
• Median household income: $137,511
• Walk score: 73
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 53
• Map of Sugar Land

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Clear Lake: $650
• Distance from downtown Houston: 22.1 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 30 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hours and 51 minutes via Galveston Road
• Population: 46,608
• Median household income: $103,477
• Walk score: 38
• Transit score: 2
• Bike score: 46
• Map of Clear Lake

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Friendswood: $1,150
• Distance from downtown Houston: 22.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 7 minutes via Galveston Road
• Population: 41,213
• Median household income: $125,052
• Walk score: 23
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 33
• Map of Friendswood

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,355
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,471
• Distance from downtown Houston: 25.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 11 minutes via W. Hardy Road
• Population: 62,559
• Median household income: $86,888
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A
• Map of Spring

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Richwood: $1,850
• Distance from downtown Houston: 51.9 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 53 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 4 hours and 49 minutes via FM 521 Road N.
• Population: 4,781
• Median household income: $80,250
• Walk score: 5
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 28
• Map of Richwood

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,042
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,218
• Distance from downtown Houston: 20 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 1 hour and 48 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hour and 51 minutes via Old Humble Road and Hirsch Road
• Population: 16,237
• Median household income: $52,957
• Walk score: 77
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 46
• Map of Humble

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

• Starting rent for an apartment in Cypress: $750
• Distance from downtown Houston: 27.5 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 28 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: 49 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 2 hours and 37 minutes via Hempstead Road
• Population: 198,652
• Median household income: $128,781
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A
• Map of Cypress

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

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,427
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,760
• Distance from downtown Houston: 18 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 25 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hour and 55 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trail
• Population: 17,666
• Median household income: $85,910
• Walk score: 36
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 39
• Map of Stafford

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

• Starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Distance from downtown Houston: 21.3 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 24 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hour and 42 minutes via Brays Bayou Greenway Trail
• Population: 74,259
• Median household income: $96,746
• Walk score: 25
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 34
• Map of Missouri City

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

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,742
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,060
• Distance from downtown Houston: 42 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 42.1 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transport: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 3 hours and 45 minutes via Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail
• Population: 16,856
• Median household income: $178,398
• Walk score: 41
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 39
• Map of Fulshear

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

• Median rent for a one-bedroom Apartment: $1,051
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,271
• Distance from downtown Houston: 14.1 miles
• Commute time to Houston via car: 20 minutes
• Commute time to Houston via public transit: N/A
• Commute time to Houston via bike: 1 hour and 11 minutes via Polk Street
• Population: 151,950
• Median household income: $64,270
• Walk score: 43
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 45
• Map of Pasadena

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.