If you’ve been thinking about moving to Houston someday soon, you’re not alone—with a strong job market, world-class dining and retail, a beautiful arts and culture scene, and a big professional sports presence, Houston has become a popular destination for budding professionals and young families alike.

However, not all of what Houston has to offer is located in the city center. For those who want to be close to the excitement but not the constant hustle and bustle, moving to the Houston suburbs might be a good option. From picturesque landscapes to growing career opportunities, you have more space and flexibility to live your life your own way.

Houston Suburbs to Consider

There are many new homes available outside of the Houston area, situated in desirable locations. While still within reach of all the downtown attractions, these communities also offer a lot to explore, and a metropolitan flair to call their own. Here are 5 Houston suburbs on our radar:

  1. Katy, TX

  2. Spring, TX

  3. Iowa Colony, TX

  4. Missouri City, TX

  5. Humble, TX

1. Katy

Katy appeals to many people in the greater Houston area due to its proximity to Houston’s renowned Energy Corridor—the business hub for some of the world’s largest energy companies. With the accessibility of major freeways and the number of career opportunities available, this neighborhood is a great place to put down roots.

If you’re shopping for new homes, Cane Island is a beautiful master-planned community in the heart of Katy. Served by the Katy Independent School District, Shea Homes in Cane Island offers a variety of floorplans within a community that encompasses a charming country feel while still being close to major business centers.

Cane Island home details:

  • 4-5 beds
  • 3.5-4.5 baths
  • 3,287-4,615 sq. ft.
Cane Island Plan 6015 Great Room
Plan 6015: Great Room
 
Cane Island Plan 6015 kitchen
Plan 6015: Kitchen

2. Spring

From hiking, biking, and canoeing in the Spring Creek Greenway nature preserve, to teeing off on a pristine golf course, Spring offers many opportunities for exploration and recreation. With the Conroe Independent School District and the addition of the new ExxonMobil campus, Spring is a burgeoning employment center for those who want to get away from the city. Located about 25 miles north of downtown Houston, residents of Spring can expect to drive about 25 minutes to reach downtown.

Shea Homes has several home plans in Spring in the community of Harmony, featuring modern-rustic styles and personalized designs. Single or two-story layouts, optional bonus rooms, outdoor living areas—the Shea Homes Harmony series is designed to match the lifestyle you want to live.

Harmony 50’ Series at Vivace home details:

  • 3-6 beds
  • 2-4 baths
  • 1,804-2,979 sq. ft.
Plan 4132 Kitchen
Plan 4132: Kitchen
 
Plan 4132 great room
Plan 4132: Great Room

Harmony 60’ Series at Vivace home details:

  • 3-6 beds
  • 2.0-5.5 baths
  • 2,431-3,867 sq. ft.
Plan 5128 Living Room
Plan 5128: Living Room
 
Plan 5128 kitchen
Plan 5128: Kitchen

3. Iowa Colony

Located south of Houston and within convenient driving distance to Downtown and the Medical Center, as well as Lake Jackson and Freeport, Iowa Colony offers an environment for those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle. Whether you come for the charming, family atmosphere or the educational and career opportunities, there’s a lot in store for everyone. The suburb of Iowa Colony is about 25 miles from downtown Houston, so residents can expect an average commuting time of about 30 minutes.

There are many new homes available in Iowa Colony to keep up with the growth of the area. Shea Homes is building in the community of Meridiana which is in an ideal location, served by the Alvin Independent School District and featuring amenities such as an amphitheater, conservatory, pools, fitness center, and more.

Meridiana 50' Series home details:

  • 3-6 beds
  • 2-4 baths
  • 1,804-2,776 sq. ft.
Meridiana Plan 6020 kitchen
Plan 6020: Kitchen
 
Meridiana Plan 6020 Great Room
Plan 6020: Great Room

Meridiana 70' Series home details:

  • 4-5 beds
  • 3-4.5 baths
  • 3,073-4,615 sq. ft.
 

4. Missouri City

Missouri City is part of Fort Bend County, just outside of Houston proper. The area is known for its number of outdoor recreational activities, corporate community, education, diversity, and economic growth. With many parks, trails and recreation centers, it can be a perfect suburb for the outdoor enthusiast. More and more people who plan on moving to Houston end up settling down in Missouri City and the surrounding Fort Bend County, making it a great Houston suburb to live in. Missouri City is about 17 miles southwest of downtown Houston, making commutes to downtown about 20 minutes or so.

Shea Homes has beautiful homes built into the wooded landscape of Sienna, one of Fort Bend County’s premier developments. Water parks, hiking trails, and a fitness center all contribute to the resort-like amenities Sienna offers, and the variety of plans across two Shea Homes home sites ensures you can live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted here.

Sienna 60’ Series home details:

  • 3-4 beds
  • 2.5-3.5 baths
  • 2,431-3,554 sq. ft.
Sienna Plan 5118 living room
Plan 5118: Living Room
 
Sienna Plan 5118 kitchen
Plan 5118: Kitchen

Sienna 65’ Series home details:

  • 4-6 beds
  • 2.0-5.5 baths
  • 2,651-3,867 sq. ft.


5. Humble

Within the innovative, 750-acre master plan of Balmoral in the popular town of Humble Texas, is a new home community of beautifully designed homes with incredible amenities. This Northeast Houston community, is just half a mile north of Beltway 8, surrounded by natural beauty, close to excellent shopping, restaurants, and entertainment at Generation Park, and located within the Humble Independent School District. 
 
The lifestyle hub of Balmoral is Amenity Village. Here, residents of Balmoral can enjoy the white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters of Texas’ only Crystal Clear Lagoon, along with a 7,500-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, splashpad, playground, and sand volleyball court. Shea Homes in Balmoral feature stylish Texas Traditional design, and are value-engineered to provide sought-after features and in-demand details at excellent prices.   

Balmoral home details:

  • 3-5 beds
  • 2-3 baths
  • 1,804-2,979 sq. ft.
Front exterior of plan 4039 model home in Balmoral
Plan 4039: Front Exterior
 
Interior of Shea home at Balmoral with sitting area and kitchen
Plan 4039: Great Room and Kitchen

Are there any other cities that you would add to our list? Let us know what you think is the best Houston suburb in the comments below!

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