Maybe you and your brood have outgrown your apartment in Houston, or are scoping out school systems to enroll your almost-kindergartner? Whatever your reason may be, consider branching out into the Houston-area suburbs, where families like yours often enjoy more space and even some cheap neighborhoods.
Houston is Texas’s most populous city and growing day by day- another great reason to look for a two- or three-bedroom apartment outside of the Beltway 8. We dive into the best suburbs for families in Houston, discussing schools, family-fun activities, child-friendly restaurants, and more! The Best Family-Friendly Houston Suburbs:
- Katy, TX
- Conroe, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Humble, TX
- League City, TX
KATY, TX
Situated on the west side of Houston, Katy, TX is a popular city for families because of its convenience and award-winning school district. Parents enjoy the classic amenities of a family-friendly town, including an excellent park system, attractions, and events for kids. Mary Jo Peckham Park, for example, is located on Katy’s north end. Parents bring their children here to fish in the pond, ride their bikes along the paved trails, and play on the playground.
Every year the community gathers for its annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. This event is a full two-day affair with fair food, games, and kids’ arts and crafts. Family-fun doesn’t stop there. Typhoon Texas features water rides and a lazy river for families to enjoy some summertime fun at this outdoor water park. Katy Mills Mall is abounding with kid-approved eats and retail. The local library hosts a story time for young kids and programs for the older ones a couple of hours a week.
When you rent an apartment in Katy, you’ll be close to Interstate 10 and the Kingsland Park Station. Commuting to downtown only takes about a half hour. Renters with kids are drawn to the city because of the Katy Independent School District, which is routinely recognized for its academic excellence. Apartments in Katy, TX rent for an average of $1,891 for a two-bedroom and $2,093 for a three-bedroom rental.
CONROE, TX
Conroe is a city north of Houston, along Interstate 45. A town within the greater metro, Conroe, TX is an attractive area for those with kids because of its family attractions and a great education system. The town itself is very scenic due to its locale next to Lake Conroe and Sam Houston National Forest, a perfect spot for a family hike.
Weekend activities also include a tour of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County in Candy Cane Park (no, it’s unfortunately not made up of the minty holiday treat). After absorbing the culture and history of Conroe’s past, walk over to one of the many family-friendly restaurants close to the park or bring your own picnic lunch to have at the park. It’s up to you! Blueberry picking at Moorhead Blueberry Farm is a fun family event for the spring and early summer months. Take home your pickings so you and your kids can make a delicious pie to share - or not share!
Renting in Conroe, TX means you’re located within a great school zone. The Conroe Independent School District is highly rated, making it extremely attractive for families. Locals enjoy taking their kids for a night of pizza, mini-golf, and bumper cars at Conroe’s Incredible Pizza Company. A two-bedroom apartment in Conroe averages for about $1,085 per month, while a three-bedroom goes for $1,587 on average.
PEARLAND, TX
Pearland is a suburb just south of Houston, encompassed with a variety of family comforts. From top-notch schools to equally great healthcare, this community has everything a family could want. Most of the apartments in Pearland are zoned to the Pearland Independent School District. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment goes for approximately $1,460 and a three-bedroom home for $2,261.
Nestled in the Houston metro, residents and their children adore the Pearland community for its relaxed vibe. The Pearland Town Center and Shadow Creek Town Center both boast many retail stores, activities, and restaurants for kids.
Centennial Park is a popular destination for parents, kids, and their pups to spend one-on-one time together. The green space houses a dog park as well as a disc golf course. Independence Park is more forested but does include recreational sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts. In addition to good school ratings, Pearland residents enjoy its public libraries' book clubs and workshops for patrons of all ages.
HUMBLE, TX
The name says it all really. Humble, TX is quite the charmer and abounds with humbling amenities. As part of the Humble Independent School District, with a rapport for student success, Humble, TX checks off all of the boxes on a city checklist for parents.
Humble is about 20 minutes from Houston and Interstate 610 for a breezy commute via Interstate 69. Parents and their kids will especially enjoy all of the family-friendly entertainment. Old MacDonald Farm (yes, like the nursery rhyme) is just a short drive away. Here, children are greeted with a petting zoo as well as a miniature train ride.
Families will love that their Humble, TX apartment is close by to Schott Park and its 24-acre preserve and jungle gym. Great family restaurants can be found near Deerbrook Mall, the city’s premier shopping destination. Renting an apartment in Humble averages approximately $1,427 for a two-bedroom home and $1,870 for a three-bedroom.
LEAGUE CITY, TX
Not only do families love League City for its proximity to Galveston Bay, but also for its top-rated schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District. This waterfront suburb is very family-friendly on the southeast side of Houston. It’s home to several marinas, the Bayou Wildlife Zoo, and Challenger Seven Memorial Park with trails that spread over 300 acres.
Residents of League City are close to Interstate 45 for an easy commute. Families look forward to time well spent at the nearby Johnson Space Center, where they can see retired rockets and satellites used in the U.S. space program! The Tanger Outlets Houston and Baybrook Mall are in short driving distance of area rentals, surrounded by eateries that are popular with children.
Close to Galveston Bay, League City is also suited for those with older kids attending the University Of Houston-Clear Lake. Two- and three-bedroom apartments rent for on average $1,590 and $2,071, respectively. Parents and kids alike love relaxing at Hometown Heroes Park, which comes equipped with a sports center and playground.
These Houston suburbs have everything you could ever need to accommodate a family, from top schools to family attractions and events. Explore all of your options before deciding on a place to live, especially when you’re apartment hunting in a new city!
*Apartment rents are provided by CoStar Group’s June 2023 rent data.
