Top 5 Fastest-Growing Cities Near Houston: Discover Houston's Booming Suburbs

If you're thinking about buying a home in the Houston area, you'll want to keep an eye on these up-and-coming cities. The Houston metro area has experienced significant growth in recent years, with new residents pouring into the region for its job opportunities, culture, and relatively affordable cost of living. The fastest-growing cities near Houston encompass bustling urban centers and quiet suburban neighborhoods, luxury real estate and starter homes, beautiful natural areas and manicured master plans; you're sure to find something to suit your needs in one of these fast-growing Houston suburbs.

Fulshear

Fulshear is located in Fort Bend County and has earned the designation of the fastest-growing city in Texas from the 2020 U.S. Census. Starting from a population of just over 1,000, the city has seen a rapid increase to over 16,000 residents. Homebuyers have flocked to Fulshear due to below-average home prices combined with the small-town atmosphere and local schools in Lamar Consolidated ISD and Katy ISD. Some of the big-city amenities moving to the area include retail opportunities and a bustling country club.

Originally incorporated in 1977, Fulshear remains a marketing hub for locally produced crops such as rice, cotton, soybeans, and corn. Following the significant population growth, the city has also extended its geographical reach to 11 square miles for the city limits and another 40 square miles of extraterritorial jurisdiction. As it’s only a 45-minute drive to downtown Houston in the off-peak traffic, Fulshear residents don't have to miss out on the metro’s cultural opportunities while enjoying the more rural atmosphere on the outskirts of Houston. 

Fulshear’s new construction homes dominate the local market with features such as vaulted ceilings, back patios, open-concept family rooms, and formal dining areas. The median list price for all homes in Fulshear is typically in the low-to-mid-$500s range, though the abundance of large luxury homes for sale brings the average home value significantly higher. This number has seen a 40%+ increase over the past several years thanks to the new development.

Sugar Land

Sugar Land holds the spot as the largest city in Fort Bend County, anchoring the southwestern region of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area. Typical homes for sale in Sugar Land have a median list price in the high $500s, and there are plenty of luxury properties to be found in the higher price brackets as well. The rising home values and affordable cost of living draw many homebuyers to the area, as well as the convenient access to Houston, which is usually just 20–30 minutes away and a fairly straightforward commute. 

The best neighborhoods in Sugar Land include master-planned communities that feature shaded tree-lined streets, playgrounds, and community pools, and tennis courts. There are over 200 subdivisions in the city, ensuring that every homebuyer can find a community they want to call home. Popular neighborhoods include Aliana, Lake Pointe, and Avalon. Homebuyers can find plenty of waterfront homes for sale, as well as communities with clubhouses and luxury amenities on-site.

Over the last decade or so, the population within Sugar Land has skyrocketed by nearly 50%, yet the city still has a spacious suburban feel. New master-planned and gated communities are popping up every year.

Conroe

The city of Conroe has secured a top spot among the fastest-growing Houston-area cities. It's no secret why people are flocking to the area, with below-average housing prices, new construction homes, and proximity to natural areas. The population has seen a steady increase, with city officials expecting the number to continue this upward trend. 

Homes for sale in Conroe often average around 2,300 square feet of living space, with a median listing price generally falling in the mid-to-high $300s. The city is bordered by the massive 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, one of the best lakes near Houston, as well as other natural scenery from Sam Houston National Forest and W. Goodrich Jones State Forest. The bustling downtown area is home to various big-city amenities such as breweries, theaters, and retail shopping facilities. Music lovers can rejoice in the multitude of live music options, with Conroe being designated by the state of Texas as a "Music-Friendly Community."

Some of the main economic drivers in the area include healthcare, social assistance, education, and agriculture. There are many job opportunities in these fields, as well as in the oil and gas industry. 

Pearland

Pearland is a suburb of Houston located in Brazoria County. The population has surpassed 125,000 and is expected to continue rising. It’s even made WalletHub’s list of the fastest-growing cities in America (you might also notice Sugar Land a bit higher up!). Commute times to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center are generally around 25–40 minutes, even during rush hour.

Many homebuyers are drawn to the convenient commute and suburban atmosphere, and there are enough shopping and dining opportunities to avoid having to brave Houston traffic to find fun things to do. Pearland has a respectable nightlife offering to those wanting to spend an evening on the town. This mid-sized city has a great cost of living and is close enough to the world-class sports leagues and cultural amenities of downtown Houston to get a taste of big-city living without paying big-city home prices. 

Homes for sale in Shadow Creek Ranch, the area's largest master-planned community, typically list from the high $200s to the high $700s. The Park at Southlake is a newer lakeside community sprawling across 315 acres. Pearland homes see an average square footage of 2,500+ with many floor plans featuring four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Average home values have seen rapid increases, but it’s still one of Houston’s most affordable suburbs, with a median home listing price in the mid-$400s.

The Woodlands 

Located in Montgomery County, The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre community approximately 30 miles north of downtown Houston. The area features a prime location, strong property values, and employment opportunities.

The median list price for a home in The Woodlands is usually in the mid-to-high $700s, with larger homes surpassing the million-dollar mark. Many floor plans begin at 3,000 square feet. It’s definitely one of Houston’s most expensive suburbs, but its abundance of amenities and conveniences continually draws eager homebuyers.

The Woodlands has an extensive park and recreation scene, with over 150 parks and 220 miles of hike and bike trails, plus multiple golf courses entwined throughout the neighborhoods. Residents will enjoy the wooded oasis of the city, as well as a bustling culinary scene. The Woodlands has been recognized as one of the top master-planned communities in the nation. There are three school districts, opportunities in high-paying industries such as healthcare, finance, and energy, and access to the urban center of Houston and the Texas Medical Center.

Ready to Discover Houston’s Rising Stars?

If you keep up with the most recent real estate trends and possibilities as the Houston region expands and changes, you'll be in a good position to make a wise investment in a home that fits your needs and lifestyle. These fast-growing cities near Houston have so much to offer, from career prospects to cultural experiences and all in between.