Located 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, The Woodlands is a master-planned community offering a unique combination of big-city amenities and small-town charm. The stunning homes offer just enough privacy to feel exclusive without cutting off your access to schools, parks, shopping destinations, restaurants, and other amenities. If you are considering investing in The Woodlands real estate, here are five more things you should know about the community before you begin packing.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in The Woodlands is 17 percent higher than the national average. Real estate prices are a significant contributor to the high index as the area is one of the most affluent of Houston suburbs. On average, groceries cost 10 percent less than the national average, utilities 5 percent less, and gas prices 15 percent less. The slightly higher cost of living in The Woodlands is offset by the healthy job market. The median household income is $137,000 – significantly higher than the national average.
Housing Market
The median value of homes sold by The Woodlands real estate experts Southern Heritage Realty and other real estate firms in The Woodlands ranges from $550,000. These values have been increasing annually, and many homes in the area are luxury properties that fetch upwards of those prices. If you wish to rent, you may spend approximately $1,500 to $1,600 for a studio apartment, $1,300 for a 1-bedroom unit, and $1,700 and $2,300 for a 2- and 3- 3-bedroom unit.
Commutes and Public Transportation
The average weekly commute between The Woodlands and Houston lasts between 35 minutes and an hour, depending on the time, route, and mode of transport. On average, The Woodlands residents have an average commute time of 27.4 minutes. Many people prefer to bike (and the area is highly bikable), but several public transportation options exist.
The METRO bus service offers routes throughout The Woodlands and neighboring communities in the County. There are also four Woodlands Town Center Trolleys that offer free rides to selected places throughout the week, as well as the Woodlands Express Park and Ride, which connects to the downtown area.
Schools
The Woodlands houses three school districts – Magnolia Independent School District, Tomball Independent School District, and Conroe Independent School District. The latter serves much of the community, with only a few schools zoned to the former two. There are multiple public and private school options, and The Woodlands is also home to a Lone Star College campus. The University of Houston and Rice University are located nearby.
Entertainment and Recreation
With Houston so close, The Woodlands residents can enjoy the many attractions in the big city. Within the community, however, there are endless opportunities for recreation and entertainment, including many bars, restaurants, breweries, shopping destinations, and golf courses. Local parks, like the over 200-acre Lake Woodlands, offer fishing piers, boat rentals, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, kayaking, playgrounds, and more. The Woodlands Waterway and the West Fork of the San Jacinto River are also located in The Woodlands.
Explore Homes for Sale in The Woodlands Southern Heritage Realty
This small but luxurious suburb offers a great play to live, work, and play. In addition to a wide range of high-value homes for sale in The Woodlands, the community offers access to highly-ranked schools, exciting entertainment, a vibrant economy, and over 10,000 acres of green spaces and parks. If you are ready to move, contact The Woodlands Southern Heritage Realty team today to discuss your options.