13 Best Houston Suburbs

Whether you're looking for top-rated schools, a strong sense of community, easy access to downtown, or an affordable cost of living, Houston’s suburbs offer something for everyone. Here are 13 of the best suburbs of Houston, TX, that you can call home.
Katy
Located approximately 30 miles west of Houston, Katy is known for its community atmosphere and excellent school system. The area offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike.
Katy offers reasonably priced housing options, making it accessible for many families. Proximity to Houston provides residents with ample employment opportunities. If you have school-age children, the Katy Independent School District is highly regarded for its educational standards.
Katy is also home to Brookfield Residential’s Elyson community, with affordable housing and lovely amenities, such as a beautiful swim complex, fitness center, a lush lawn for events, parks, trails, and luxurious lakeside living.
The Woodlands
Situated about 28 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands is celebrated for its lush green spaces and master-planned communities. It offers a high quality of life with numerous parks, shopping centers, and cultural venues.
The Woodlands is known for a plethora of parks and nature trails that enhance outdoor living, along with regular local events fostering a tight-knit community feeling. Residents also enjoy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Sugar Land
Located southwest of Houston, Sugar Land is known for its family-friendly environment and diverse community. The city boasts excellent schools and a variety of shopping and dining options. Sugar Land is home to Imperial Sugar, which is part of a robust local economy that provides plenty of job opportunities.
The city offers numerous parks and recreational activities suitable for families, and a rich cultural mix enhances the social fabric of the city.
Cypress
Situated northwest of Houston, Cypress offers a suburban feel with a variety of housing options. The area is known for its reputable schools and growing commercial developments.
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is well-regarded in the Houston area. Formerly a rice-growing and ranching region, Cypress is growing in commercial developments. More shopping and dining choices are being added daily.
Pearland
Located south of Houston, Pearland has experienced rapid growth due to its proximity to the city and affordable housing. The suburb offers a mix of residential communities, shopping centers, and recreational facilities.
One of the pros of Pearland is its easy access to the city, making commuting convenient. A wide range of restaurants caters to various tastes, and the city has more than 540 acres of city parks to enjoy with family.
Friendswood
Nestled between Houston and Galveston, Friendswood is known for its small-town charm and excellent school system. The community offers a peaceful environment with convenient access to the benefits of the urban area.
Friendswood was established by Quakers, the only permanent town in Texas so founded. The close-knit community offers a welcoming atmosphere, and a low crime rate gives residents a sense of safety and security.
League City
Situated southeast of Houston, League City offers a coastal lifestyle with numerous marinas and waterfront activities. The city is also known for its excellent schools and family-friendly environment.
Proximity to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay offers residents plenty of boating and fishing opportunities, such as South Shore Harbor Resort and Waterford Harbor and Yacht Club Marina. There are also numerous parks, golf courses, and sports facilities in League City.
Richmond
Located southwest of Houston, Richmond is a historic suburb with a small-town feel and a growing real estate market. It offers a mix of old charm and new developments.
Richmond was one of the original 19 cities first incorporated by the Republic of Texas. The city sports historic buildings, a quaint downtown, and a growing economy. The pros of life in Richmond include an expanding job market and commercial development.
Spring
Spring, located north of Houston, is a popular suburb with good schools, a strong job market, and a variety of shopping and entertainment options.
Spring sits close to major employment hubs, including The Woodlands. Residents enjoy numerous parks, green spaces, and trails along Cypress Creek and Spring Creek. It’s also great for families, with well-rated schools and shopping opportunities like Old Town Spring and The Woodlands Mall.
Missouri City
Missouri City is a diverse, family-friendly suburb located southwest of Houston. It features good schools, parks, and a strong sense of community.
Missouri City was recognized nationally by Congressional Quarterly as one of the Safest Cities in America. It’s a welcoming, diverse community with residents from various cultural backgrounds. There are numerous green spaces and recreational areas in and near Missouri City.
Fulshear
A rapidly growing suburb west of Houston, Fulshear offers a rural feel and great schools. It’s primarily a farm and ranch community with a growing commercial district and new master-planned communities.
The city offers more space and a quieter environment than some suburbs near Houston. Fulshear also was recently listed as the richest small town in Texas by MSN.com.
Humble
Located northeast of Houston, Humble is known for its affordability, proximity to the airport, and growing commercial developments.
Humble is pronounced “Umble,” after Pleasant Humble, the city’s founder. Oil is a big part of the city’s history, which now offers expanding retail and commercial opportunities.
Tomball
Tomball, northwest of Houston, is a charming suburb with a strong sense of community, historic downtown, and good schools.
The city has a history as a railroad and oil boom town, and was once called “Oiltown USA.” Downtown Tomball features unique shops and restaurants.
Your New Home Near Houston Awaits
Each suburb near Houston has its own unique appeal, whether it’s Katy’s top-rated schools, The Woodlands’ green spaces, or Sugar Land’s thriving economy. Depending on your lifestyle and priorities – such as affordability, schools, or proximity to work – you’ll find a Houston suburb that fits your needs.
Brookfield Residential’s beautiful Elyson community in Katy is built to fit your lifestyle. We offer a variety of thoughtfully designed new homes that offer elevated amenities with a focus on creating a sense of community.
Our team is excited to help you find the best place to call home with Brookfield Residential. Explore Elyson today and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!