The woodlands : Texas

What The Woodlands is like for active adults
The Woodlands in Texas, about 30 miles north of Houston often makes the lists of "best" retirement communities. The reasons are obvious - the cluster of 8 master planned villages and a Town Center is attractive, pleasant, and has something to offer everyone. These master planned communities offer every type of housing option from hotels to single families. There is plenty of good shopping including a shopping mall, restaurants, and activities such as 7 golf courses. The attractions of Houston are just a short drive away down Interstate 45 or the Hardy Toll Road. The Woodlands has increasingly become home to many corporate campuses including Chevron-Phillips and Hewitt Associates. The population continues to increase, going from 55,000 in 2000 to  over 77,000 in 2007.

Active adults 55+ can live in a golfing or active adult community or in a tree-filled small town. Real estate prices reflect the desirability of the community, but there seems to be something for everyone. You can rent a condo for as little as just over $1000/month or you can buy a million dollar plus single family home - with every thing in between. Prices have been extremely stable at The Woodlands, they actually increased in mid 2009 to a median price of $250,000.

Photo of Woodlands Waterway above courtesy of Photolander at En.Wikipedia. For many more interesting facts see the Wikipedia entry for The Woodlands.
Edit  |  History
What is special about this retirement community
Master-planned community built around the old town square concept. There is a housing choice and an activity for everyone, plus a commercial base that stabilizes the community. The bright lights of Houston are just a short drive away. Schools are very good except for special needs children.
Edit  |  History
What is not special about this retirement community
Somewhat homogenous. Humidity runs 80% frequently; risk of hurricanes and tornados; summer heat.
Edit  |  History
What kinds of people like retiring here
People who like living in a master planned community with like-minded people. For information on other great towns in Texas such as Nacogdoches, Austin, go to the state retirement guide to Texas
Edit  |  History
Local economy is driven by
Many businesses have chosen to locate here because of its pleasant environment and affluent, educated population. The presence of multiple corporate campuses for companies like Andarko, Chevron Phillips, Baker Hughes offers a diversified economic base that is good for taxpayers. There are at least 150 restaurants in town, plus multiple cultural venues that attract residents and visitors alike.
Edit  |  History
Climate and Physical Environment
The Woodlands is 28 miles north of Houston along I 45. The development is situated in a heavily forested area of rolling hills. Winters are fairly temperate in southern Texas, summers are hot. The July average high temperature is 94 and the average January low is 40. May is the rainiest month with 5.5".
Edit  |  History
Cultural environment
Mitchell Pavilion offers local performing arts and it is a short drive to all of Houston's offerings. The Children's Museum of Houston has opened a branch in The Woodlands Mall. The Woodlands Symphony performs Fall and Spring: the Houston Symphony performs at Mitchell Pavilion in the summer; many shows in the summer are free. The Woodlands features an ever-growing list of entertainment venues including an amphitheater, two movie theaters, over 150 restaurants, and a publicly accessible waterway complete with  light,s and dancing waterfall.
Edit  |  History
Medical facilities
Memorial Hermann Hospital is a 24 hour acute care facility with 92 beds. There is also the Sadler Clinic, Conroe Regional Medical Center, and The Woodlands Healthcare Center (convalescent and nursing with over 200 beds).
Edit  |  History
Transportation
I 45 and the Hardy Toll Road lead to Houston. Bush International Airport is 30 miles away. No mass transportation in the county except park and ride buses to Houston Monday through Friday.
Edit  |  History
 
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Please share your opinions on this community in the Forum
Register
to become a Site Guide to Edit these sections or Add a Community If you have suggestions on how Topretirements.com could improve these reviews, contact us.
Suggest a community we want to know about your top retirement spots

Please note that all contributions to Topretirements may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then don't submit it here. By submitting content and/or photographs here you agree to give Topretirements.com the rights to use them in any manner without cost or attribution.You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Project:Copyrights for details). DO NOT SUBMIT COPYRIGHTED WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION!
Forward to a Friend | print
Bookmark and Share
Facts about THE WOODLANDS
  • State: TX
  • Environment: Suburban,College Town,
  • City Population: 50,001-100,000
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
  • Median HH Income: 80,000+
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
  • Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
  • Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
  • Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
  • State Sales Tax: Yes
  • State Income Tax: No
  • Name of the Guide: Bev

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

Vote on the Ratings for The Woodlands
Update Your Ratings
1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)