Home to Texas A&M University, College Station -- also known as Aggieland for its major agricultural ties to the land -- was recognized by Kiplinger in 2013 as one of "America's 10 Great Places to Live."
Discover College Station, a city located in East Central Texas nestled in the heart of the Brazos Valley. College Station and nearby city neighbor Bryan jointly share the honor as the 15th largest metropolitan area in Texas. Founded in 1860, College Station offers newcomers a small town ambiance with big city amenities. As one of the largest public universities in the nation, Texas A&M University sports are a major attraction in the city, and in many ways city life revolves around the college. Approximately 93,857 people live in College Station; the majority of those are college students. College Station offers a thriving economy, low property taxes, great home values and quality lifestyle. Consider waiting until the summer months to look for places to rent in College Station since this is when there are less students.
Moving to College Station
One of the best things about living in College Station is the low daily commute time of 18 minutes; this means less pollution and lower noise levels. There are currently 25 principal neighborhoods in the College Station area, resulting in plenty of home options. However, College Station real estate prices are some of the most expensive in the state of Texas from small studio apartments to stately mansions.
No matter which type of home you're looking for, there's one thing to keep in mind: get there early, and don't settle on just one place! After all, you don't want to suffer the heartbreak of having your dream home taken away, do you?
Get to Know the Neighborhoods
Home to several different neighborhoods, this bustling Texas city has plenty of options for anyone looking to move into this east central region of the Lone Star State. Considered the most educated city in Texas due to its Texas A&M leanings and one of the top 15 most educated cities in the U.S., it's no surprise that this city boasts brains and tons of sprawl and outdoor action for those who need a break from all that knowledge!
Rock Prairie Road / Greens Prairie Road: Predominantly a newer suburban neighborhood, the Rock Prairie Road / Greens Prairie Road area offers the greatest concentration of homes with 4 to 5 bedrooms (some even bigger!) than any other area in College Station. Relax after a long day at the Pebble Creek Country Club offering members an 18-hole championship golf course, seven lighted tennis courts and an intercollegiate-sized swimming pool. Enjoy the 515-acre Lick Creek Park for outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding, cycling or hiking.
Millican: Considered a private neighborhood, Millican offers a diverse selection of apartments, medium and large homes, and mobile homes. Millican is great for those searching for a home within a newly constructed suburban-type neighborhood. If life in the slow lane is not fast enough then stop by the Texas World Speedway on Highway 6 South for some high octane race car action.
Allenfarm: Plan well in advance if you want to live in the Allenfarm neighborhood. With a vacancy rate of just 3.6%, housing is at a premium in this desirable locale. The area consists primarily of medium to large sized homes with some mobile homes in the mix. Practice your best shot at the CCC Rifleman's Ridge.
Texas A&M Health Science Center: Located close to the university, the neighborhood around Texas A&M Health Science Center attracts more college students than many other areas of the city. This area features many places to rent including studio apartments, 2 bedroom apartments, rental homes and all utilities paid apartments. Save yourself some time searching on your own by using an apartments locator service to look for a home in this popular neighborhood. Get off the beaten path and connect with nature in the beautifully wooded open areas of University Park, which feature a designated area for off-leash dog play.
Navarro Drive / Rio Grande Boulevard: The urban neighborhood around Navarro Drive / Rio Grande Boulevard offers a variety of housing options including small to large homes, as well as everything from studio to luxury apartments. Enjoy outdoor pursuits at one of three local parks: Jack and Dorothy Miller Park, Steeplechase Park and Georgia K. Fitch Park.
East Bypass / Sebesta Road: Find happiness in the laid-back area around the intersection of East Bypass and Sebesta Road. Here you can find a smattering of mobile homes mixed in with the three, four and five bedroom homes that make up the bulk of the housing options here. Enjoy the simple things in life by visiting the local parks including Raintree Park, Carter's Crossing Park, Emerald Forest Park and Sandstone Park.
Graham Road / Route 6 South: Enjoy the good life in this neighborhood that offers residents a choice of housing including small apartment buildings and medium to large homes. Get your athletic kicks at the Southwood Athletic Complex and Community Center's 11 lighted sports fields, tennis courts and basketball courts. Got a late night craving for pizza? Stop at Double Dave's Pizzaworks on Longmire to order a large Dave's Fave, which is a fave of the locals as well.
Wellborn: Come home to your Wellborn neighborhood, which consists primarily of medium and large sized homes in a suburban setting. Individual homes are plentiful, but there is also a master-planned community in the neighborhood, Castlegate II Community. Enjoy local parks such as Castlerock Park, Southern Oaks Park, Reatta Meadows Park and Sonoma Park.
Research Parkway / University Drive: Here you will discover a variety of rentals from luxury high rise apartments, small apartment buildings, large apartment complexes to small and medium-sized houses for rent. Research Park offers something for everyone! The neighborhood also has a large off-leash area for pets that's so big that some locals have nicknamed it Dog Lake Park. Bring Fido to play in the park on a hot summer day, and do like locals do -- toss a toy into the lake and watch Fido jump in after it.
Life in College Station
Texas A&M University
Aggies never lose, they just occasionally get outscored. Aggie is the term used to refer to a Texas A&M student. College athletics dominate the social atmosphere of College Station with "Gig 'em, Aggies" as the official yell call and maroon and white the team colors. Aggie football games are played at Kyle Field and feature many time-honored traditions from bonfires to the 12th Man.
Things to Do
Aggieland offers many exciting events and activities. Tour the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum to learn about the life and career of the 41st President of the United States. Visit the infamous Dixie Chicken located at 307 University for an all-star Aggie college life experience. Dine at the many excellent College Station restaurants such as The Republic, Veritas Wine Bar, Grub Burger Bar and Fuego Tortilla Grill. During the winter holidays, load up the pickup truck for a tour of Santa's Wonderland, a not-to-be-missed light extravaganza. Get your credit card ready for specialty store shopping at Post Oak Mall.
The future looks bright, day and night for College Station. Highlights include energetic economy, healthy diversity, friendly people, loyalty to traditions and strong housing market.