Houston, TX, often called “Space City” for its close ties to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is one of many popular cities throughout the Gulf Coast region to move to. It’s also one of the largest cities in the nation, with around 2.3 million residents and countless activities to keep you busy throughout the year.
While Houston has so much to offer, even the most loved cities have drawbacks. From the cost of living to the large population, Houston’s best qualities may not outweigh what you don’t love about the city. Thankfully, you have options if you want to live near Houston without permanently residing there.
We’ve gathered a list of 8 cities near Houston, all within 50 miles of the city, that you may want to consider moving to this year. Let’s take a look.
#1: Sugar Land, TX
Miles from Houston: 20
Population: 119,000
Median home sale price: $455,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,635
Walk Score: 28
Transit Score: 37
Sugar Land is the first of many great cities near Houston you may want to move to this year. The city is home to the headquarters of several multinational companies, including Minute Maid, Schlumberger, and Fluor Corporation. Additionally, Sugar Land is home to the Sugar Land Skeeters, a Minor League Baseball team.
There is a lot to do in Sugar Land that doesn’t require a trip to Houston. Some of the most popular activities include shopping at First Colony Mall, golfing at one of the many championship courses, catching a Sugar Land Skeeters baseball game, or visiting one of the city’s many parks or trails. Sugar Land is also home to various restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, so there’s always something going on, no matter the time of day.
Homes for sale in Sugar Land, TX
Apartments for rent in Sugar Land, TX
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#2: Pearland, TX
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Miles from Houston: 22
Population: 126,000
Median home sale price: $375,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,295
Walk Score: 21
Transit Score: 36
One of the main reasons why Pearland is a fantastic place to live is its proximity to Houston. Pearland is only a 20-minute drive south of downtown Houston, making it an excellent place for those who work in the city but want to live in a Houston suburb.
Pearland residents can go to one of the many parks, such as Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Park or Pearland Dog Park. You can shop at one of the many malls or shopping centers, such as Pearland Town Center or Silverlake Village, or go out to eat at one of the many restaurants, such as Pappasito’s Cantina or La Griglia.
Homes for sale in Pearland, TX
Apartments for rent in Pearland, TX
#3: League City, TX
Miles from Houston: 26
Population: 105,500
Median home sale price: $380,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,256
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 34
Situated on the shores of Clear Lake, 30 miles south of downtown Houston, League City is a waterfront community with close proximity to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Professionals across the country are drawn to League City because of the medical, energy, aerospace, marine, and petrochemical industries.
There are many things residents can do in League City, including visiting one of the many parks like Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center, stopping by the nearby Space Center Houston for a tour, attending a Houston Astros game, and exploring the Kemah Boardwalk in the next town over.
Homes for sale in League City, TX
Apartments for rent in League City, TX
#4: Baytown, TX
Miles from Houston: 26
Population: 76,000
Median home sale price: $265,000
Average 1-bed rent: $940
Walk Score: 33
Transit Score: 38
Situated on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Baytown is another one of the awesome cities near Houston you can move to. It’s just east of Houston and north of Galveston among the scenic waterways of Burnet and Tabbs Bay.
There are lots of activities to do in Baytown. You can go to the Baytown Nature Center, the Baytown Symphony Orchestra, or the Baytown Little Theater. Baytown has many parks and recreation areas, such as the Baytown Recreation and Aquatic Center, the Baytown Nature Park, and the Baytown Municipal Golf Course.
Homes for sale in Baytown, TX
Apartments for rent in Baytown, TX
#5: The Woodlands, TX
Miles from Houston: 30
Population: 114,500
Median home sale price: $555,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,563
Walk Score: 18
Transit Score: 45
The Woodlands is a beautiful city with 151 parks and 220 miles of hikes and bike trails. It’s home to 9 distinct villages spanning 24 square miles throughout the city.
Some things residents can do in The Woodlands are going hiking at one of the many trails or parks, such as George Mitchell Nature Preserve, spending a day shopping at Market Street, or having a picnic lunch at one of the many pavilions located throughout the town.
Homes for sale in The Woodlands, TX
Apartments for rent in The Woodlands, TX
#6: Conroe, TX
Miles from Houston: 40
Population: 88,500
Median home sale price: $325,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,232
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 38
Conroe is famous for its beautiful Lake Conroe, located in the northern part of the city. You can enjoy the day boating, fishing, or swimming on the lake. Conroe is a great place to pick blueberries, and just 25 minutes from downtown Conroe, Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm has 20 acres of fresh blueberries with around two dozen varieties.
Aside from blueberry picking or spending the day at Lake Conroe, there’s plenty to do in the city. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks and lakes to explore. The Crighton Theatre is a great place to catch a live show, and the Heritage Museum is perfect for a day of learning. Those looking for a night out can find several bars and restaurants downtown.
Homes for sale in Conroe, TX
Apartments for rent in Conroe, TX
#7: Texas City, TX
Miles from Houston: 43
Population: 50,000
Median home sale price: $255,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,133
Walk Score: 36
Transit Score: 44
Located along Galveston Bay and just 40 minutes from Houston, Texas City is a hub for many businesses and a great place to reside. The city’s advantageous position along I-45 and Texas 146 has made Texas City a centralized location for those commuting to Houston or one of the nearby cities.
There are plenty of things to keep you occupied while living in Texas City. Residents can enjoy the city’s many parks, including Galveston Island State Park and Pelican Island Nature Preserve. There’s also the Texas City Museum, which chronicles the city’s rich history, and the Dolphin Cove Marina, where visitors can go fishing, boating, and bird watching. And, of course, no experience in Texas City would be complete without spending some time on the beaches.
Homes for sale in Texas City, TX
Apartments for rent in Texas City, TX
#8: Galveston, TX
Miles from Houston: 50
Population: 50,500
Median home sale price: $390,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,010
Walk Score: 54
Transit Score: 57
Galveston is a charming coastal beach town with historic architecture and great restaurants. Galveston was Texas’ first major city, and plenty of things make the city unique. Moody Gardens, home to macaws, monkeys, and numerous other animals, is also located in the heart of Galveston. You can experience over 1,700 exotic plants in a lush rainforest surrounded by these animals.
You won’t tire of finding something new in Galveston, whether that’s a beach afternoon, taking a tour of the USS Texas, or deep sea fishing. There are also many restaurants and shops to visit while in Galveston.
Homes for sale in Galveston, TX
Apartments for rent in Galveston, TX
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Houston. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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