The Woodlands, Texas
What It Is Like to Retire in The woodlands
The Woodlands in Texas, about 30 miles north of Houston often makes the lists of "best" retirement communities, although many younger families live here as well. 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 the many 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, growing from 55,000 in 2000 to over 114,000 in 2020, an increase of about 108%. Photo of Woodlands Waterway above courtesy of Photolander at En.Wikipedia and photo of Downtown The Woodlands, Texas by Anders Lager, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to Retire in The woodlands and Home Prices
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 everything in between. There are even communities for senior citizens. The National Association of Realtors reported the median sale price of a home in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area was $327,000 during the 1st quarter of 2023.
What Is Special about The woodlands
It is a 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 Woodlands Waterway offers water taxis as a means of transportation through the community. The bright lights of Houston are just a short drive away.
What Is Not Special about The woodlands
Somewhat homogenous.
Who Will Like Retirement in The woodlands
People who like living in a master planned community with like-minded people. For information on other great towns in Texas see Nacogdoches and Austin.
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, and 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.
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".
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
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 the Mitchell Pavilion in the summer, and many of its shows are free in the summer. 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 lights and a dancing waterfall. The Friendship Center has many programs for those 60+.
Crime
The crime rate here is low.
Medical facilities
Memorial Hermann Hospital is a 24 hour acute care facility. There is also the Sadler Clinic, Conroe Regional Medical Center, and The Woodlands Healthcare Center. Of course nearby Houston has every kind of healthcare and famous hospitals.
Transportation
I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road lead to Houston. Bush International Airport is 30 miles away. No mass transportation is in the county except park and ride buses to Houston Monday through Friday. The Woodlands is below average in walkability when compared to other towns.
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