About 40 miles north of downtown Houston, Conroe, the county seat of Montgomery County, is feeling the effects of Houston's boom. Conroe's population has grown by 60% in the last decade, to around 114,000 residents, as people seek more rural surroundings. "Houston [has] a lot of asphalt," says Monica Bresofski, a broker with One Property Group and lifelong Houstonian. "Here, you'll have some rolling hills. Very small ones, but still, it's not flat like Houston."
Beyond the city's hilly terrain is 21,000-acre Lake Conroe, a popular spot for boating and fishing. Conroe also has a vibrant downtown with local shops, restaurants and art galleries housed in historic red-brick buildings. The city's largest employers include the Conroe Independent School District, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and CHI St. Luke's Health The Woodlands Hospital.
Downtown Conroe is a hub of activity with many options of unique restaurants and live music.
These original, historic brick buildings were built after the fire of 1911 in Conroe.
Bareback riding is popular along those attending the Montgomery County Fair in Conroe.
Lake Conroe near Walden is the heart of the area and offers fun for the whole family.
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Conroe's growth is exceptionally rapid
Growth in Conroe has been so rapid that in August 2024, the city enacted a temporary 120-day moratorium on commercial and residential development. One of the main reasons is that Conroe's current water infrastructure cannot sustain the pace at which it's growing. "A lot of the development is off [highways] 242, 105 and especially down 105," says Liz Hunter, a Realtor with eXp Realty who's lived in Conroe for a decade.
Lake Conroe offers waterfront living on the city's far west side, which is more densely built up than east and northeast Conroe. The southern section of Conroe is known for its master-planned communities, the newest being Evergreen Communities and the most established being The Woodlands. While The Woodlands is considered older, it's still one of Conroe's most coveted areas. The median home price in Conroe is $318,000 while the median home price in The Woodlands — which is so large it extends into the cities of Spring and Tomball — is around $535,000. Local news outlets have reported Conroe’s median home price has increased 40% since 2019.
A two-story, Cape Cod home in Conroe with a large lot.
Some Conroe homes right off of Lake Conroe even have an attached, private boat ramp.
A two-story, Contemporary home is a typical home in Conroe.
The residents of the Bella Vista neighborhood in Conroe have direct access to Lake Conroe.
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Conroe's residents are 10 minutes from a park
The Trust for Public Land estimates that 23% of Conroe's residents are just a 10-minute walk from a public park. Candy Cane Park is the city's flagship park, with three playgrounds, tennis courts, pickleball courts and basketball courts. Loren Arnold, the assistant director for park operations, notes that the park's main draw is its familiarity. "It's one of our earliest parks. Everybody who grew up in Conroe knows Candy Cane Park." It's near downtown Conroe, in the same general area as the Conroe Aquatic Center and senior center. McDade Park and John Burge Park at Shadow Lakes are also popular for their disc golf courses.
Conroe's most notable natural feature is its 21,000-acre lake, which is popular for boating, jet skiing and fishing. The lake was established in the 1970s, creating Conroe's first tourist attraction. To the north and northeast, the 163,000-acre Sam Houston National Forest is another popular natural attraction. Its vast acreage preserves the diverse ecosystems of the Piney Woods ecoregion. Hikers head there to walk the state's longest hiking route, the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail.
Local Grand Republic residents can head over to the nearby Lake Conroe to cast a line.
Skaters practice their tricks at Kamiersky Skate Park in Conroe.
Conroe locals enjoy taking their boat out at the Sam Houston National Forest.
Candy Cane Park is a local treasure and flagship park of the city of Conroe.
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Wining and dining in Conroe
Conroe's recent growth has been accompanied by a booming dining scene, with many restaurants located in The Woodlands area. Waterfront restaurants along Lake Conroe are also popular, as is Downtown Conroe, where residents find hyper-local fare. "You still find mom-and-pop restaurants there that everyone just flocks to because the food is so good," Hunter says. While there, locals can catch a concert at the historic Crighton Theatre, a mainstay for over 80 years. Downtown also hosts one of Conroe's largest events each year, The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. "That's what we're known for," Bresofski says.
For shopping, there's the Woodlands Mall, which houses over 160 restaurants and stores and is situated along The Woodlands Waterway. The waterway is a major feature of The Woodlands, connecting most area highlights and feeding into the 200-acre Lake Woodlands.
Woodlands Mall visitors navigate its vibrant retail hub near Security.
Patrons at Red Brick Tavern chat during their lunch break in Conroe.
The Woodlands Waterway is a haven of luxurious dining and high end retail near Conroe.
Conroe Lake House is a popular spot to grab a meal and sit out on the patio.
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More hot days than not in Conroe
Conroe has had several 500-year floods — three of which were sequential, from 2015 to 2017. The last major flood was during 2017's Hurricane Harvey when 32 inches of rain fell on the city within one hour. The residential areas orbiting the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, which passes along the western side of Conroe, are most prone to flooding. Around 5 million Texans are affected by flooding, leading to a statewide flood plan adopted in 2024. Key proposals in that policy surround expanding early warning systems, enhancing dam and levee safety programs and to strengthening building and infrastructure standards.
Summers are hot and well into in the fall it stays warm and winters are mild. “Every now and then during Christmas it does get cold but January and February are our coldest months out of the year when the average is in 50s,” Bresofski says.
Wood Forest prioritizes the environment with vast, natural green spaces.
Summer Moon Coffee is a local favorite to warm up with hot chocolate during Conroe's winter.
Walden offers homes surrounded by nature and right off the water.
Children love cooling off by playing with oversized bubbles at the Conroe Kidzfest.
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Strong schools at Conroe ISD
The Conroe Independent School District (ISD) earns an A rating on Niche. Niche has also named it the best school district in Montgomery County for four years. The top-performing schools within the district are in The Woodlands, and Bresofski says people will move to that master-planned community specifically for them. The Woodlands High School earns an impressive A-plus rating on Niche and consistently ranks highly for academics and the arts. Students in Conroe ISD may also opt for application-based charter schools, whether Founders Classical Academy, Rubicon Academy or Quest Collegiate Academy. There are over 20 private school options in the city, many of which are faith-based and represent diverse denominations.
Lone Star College, a community college with over 80,000 enrolled students, has a satellite school in Conroe. Universities within 50 miles include the University of Houston, Rice University and Texas Southern University. Established in 1912, Rice University is located in Houston’s Museum District and has a small student body of just over 4,500. As of 2024, it ranked in the top 10 colleges on Forbes’ list.
Neil A. Armstrong Elementary in Conroe ensure that all students are challenged to grow.
The goal for Peet Jr High in Conroe is for all students to feel loved, accepted and to grow.
The Woodlands High School near Conroe .
Conroe High School in Conroe is a safe environment that promotes challenging programs.
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Highway access to Houston and beyond
Several major highways pass through Conroe: State Highway 105, Texas State Highway 242, Texas 75, South Loop 336 and Interstate 45, which leads to Houston, 40 miles away. Commuters can also take advantage of the city's Park & Ride Commuter Bus Service in connection with the Houston-Galveston Area Council and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. This service takes travelers to downtown Houston, the VA hospital and Texas Medical Center. Conroe operates the Conroe Connection bus service with four fixed routes and ADA paratransit services within three-quarters of a mile of those routes. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is within 30 miles of Conroe. It offers nonstop flights through dozens of airlines to over 180 international and domestic destinations.
Conroe's Citizens Police Academy
The city’s total crime rate is well below the national rate. In February 2024, the Conroe Police Department inaugurated a Citizens Police Academy program to educate residents about how the department fights crime on a daily basis.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Nathan Allen
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Conroe, TX sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Conroe, TX over the last 12 months is $308,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been completely renovated and is truly move-in ready. Updates include a new roof, new flooring, fresh paint, new windows, new doors, and a fully remodeled kitchen and bathrooms with a modern, clean design.Enjoy a bright and open feel with new lighting, ceiling fans, and upgraded A/C ducts and vents, plus added attic insulation for energy efficiency. Every
This is more than a home, it's a statement of lifestyle, ease, and intentional living; where modern design meets resort-style living.This beautifully appointed home offers a seamless open-concept layout; 4 spacious bedrooms; and 3.5 baths, all wrapped in an open, light-filled layout with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light.The dedicated game room and private office provide thoughtfully
A stunning new two-story home floorplan with endless accommodating space. From the open concept design of the dining, family room & kitchen which provides the ideal space for entertaining, to the upstairs retreat with a game room plus entertainment room, this home is perfect for someone who enjoys open space & high ceilings. All bedrooms have their own ensuite baths! This home boasts many
This stunning home blends timeless elegance with modern refinement. A graceful brick exterior and arched architectural lines set an impressive tone from the moment you arrive. The chef’s kitchen is a standout, offering rich cabinetry, granite countertops, a gas cooktop, and an oversized island—ideal for entertaining. The open-concept living area features a dramatic beamed ceilings & a
Luxury living at its finest in a prestigious gated community, showcasing designer finishes and a stunning resort-style pool. Ideally located just minutes from The Woodlands’ premier shopping, dining, top-rated schools, and renowned medical facilities. Zoned to highly acclaimed schools including The Woodlands High School, McCullough Junior High, and Powell Elementary, with convenient access to
Built in 2022, this single-story home offers open-concept living with high ceilings, upgraded finishes, and a bright, functional layout. The island kitchen features a gas cooktop and flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating an easy space for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious primary suite includes double sinks, a soaking tub, a separate shower, and a walk-in
Meticulously maintained, this move-in ready home is located in the highly desirable, Windsor Hills, a 55+ adult community in The Woodlands. The home features updated replacement windows, granite countertops in the kitchen and both bathrooms, wood flooring, freshly painted cabinets, water heater, and a new microwave. The open floor plan is filled with natural light and offers a spacious feel. The
Built by Highland Homes, this all-brick one-story in Artavia delivers the space buyers want at a price that is hard to find in the neighborhood. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1,674 square feet, this thoughtfully designed layout features wood-look flooring in the main living areas, an open kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island workspace, and walk-in pantry.
THE GEM OF Madison Bend in Conroe.... BUILT IN 2022,THIS HOME IS conveniently located 1.5 miles off I-45 and N FM 3083 WClose proximity to Lake Conroe and The Woodlands with a low tax rate!!! ZONE CONROE ISD SCHOOLS!!!! This LEGEND HOME Poole floor plan is a spacious two-story home with 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS, OVER 2700 SQFT, THAT INCLUDES A GAMEROOM AND MEDIA ROOM!!!! The gourmet kitchen
Beautifully updated home featuring a 2-year-old roof, new flooring, and stylish modern upgrades throughout. This property offers an inviting open layout filled with natural light, enhanced by newly installed window blinds that add both comfort and privacy.The updated kitchen and living areas create functional, welcoming spaces ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Bedrooms are
Welcome to your private retreat! This beautifully maintained single-story home sits at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac with no back neighbors, offering exceptional privacy and serene wooded views from the spacious backyard.Four generous bedrooms, with primary suite tucked in the back of the home for ultimate peace. Convenient interior laundry room (no garage trips with baskets!) Huge
Move-in ready one-story brick home just minutes from Lake Conroe and Waterpoint Marina with quick access to dining, shopping, and waterfront recreation. This clean, well-maintained property features laminate flooring in all common areas and an island kitchen with granite countertops that opens to the main living space. The split floorplan offers privacy, with a spacious primary suite tucked away
Beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home owned by the original owners and located in a highly desirable community zoned to sought-after Woodlands schools! Step inside to a grand entry with soaring ceilings that create an inviting first impression. The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings at home. Upstairs, you’ll find a versatile family room and a
Located on a peaceful cul-de-sac street, this charming home offers the perfect combination of privacy and convenience. The inviting interior features granite countertops, tile flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms, and vinyl wood flooring throughout the main living areas, creating a warm and low-maintenance space. The open kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, making it ideal
Well maintained home in great condition. All floors recently replaced with LVP throughout. NO carpets! This spacious, open plan home is one of the largest in the subdivision. Central, island kitchen is open to the living and dining rooms. White appliances with refrigerator included. Loads of cabinetry with updated hardware. Large utility room off the kitchen houses water heater and furnace.
One-story brick and stone home in ARTAVIA with arched covered entry and landscaped front yard. Interior features open living and dining layout with natural light and sightlines to the backyard. Kitchen positioned central to living spaces for everyday use and gatherings. Primary suite separated from secondary bedrooms for privacy. Covered back patio overlooks a manageable fenced yard. Two-car
Two-story rental in Grand Central Park with open-concept living and kitchen layout and large center island. Recessed lighting and durable flooring throughout main living areas. All bedrooms located on the second level along with a spacious game room and utility area. Primary suite upstairs with private bath and walk-in closet. Multiple rear windows provide natural light across the living and
Ready to move in now! Love where you live in River's Edge in Conroe, TX - zoned to The Woodlands schools! Enjoy this charming 1-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This kitchen is open to both the dining and family rooms and features tall cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The primary bedroom has a sizable shower and a walk-in closet. The
Ready to move in now! Love where you live in River's Edge in Conroe, TX - zoned to The Woodlands schools! Enjoy this charming 2-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This kitchen is open to both the dining and family rooms and features tall cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The primary bedroom has a sizable shower and a walk-in closet. The
Nestled in the desirable Fosters Ridge community, this modern residence backs up to a serene reserve with lush forest views, with no rear neighbors. The interior is defined by an open-concept design with abundance of natural light. At the heart of the home, the gourmet island kitchen. Sleek quartz countertops paired with 42" flat cabinetry and under-cabinet lighting, a 5-burner gas range and
Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath town home with modern finishes! Located a quiet neighborhood with quick access to I-45. This home boasts high ceilings, vinyl plank wood look floors, 42" kitchen cabinets, GAS range, built in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, Refrigerator (included). Convenience of Full size washer/dryer upstairs next to bedrooms. Over-sized single car garage with enlarged 3-car
Room to breathe, space to gather, and a layout that simply works define this inviting two-story home in Cliffstone Hills. The main level offers open living and dining spaces ideal for everyday living, anchored by a kitchen with generous cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, and a refrigerator. Upstairs, the bedrooms are well-appointed and create a private retreat away from the main living areas.
Experience timeless elegance and exceptional value in this beautifully refreshed home set directly on the golf coursean ideal setting for golf enthusiasts. Recent updates enhance the warm and refined atmosphere throughout. The expansive living area features impressive high ceilings and peaceful green views, perfect for everyday comfort and stylish entertaining. The first-floor primary suite
Welcome home to the community of Mavera! This brand-new Enloe Centex floorplan is Move-in ready! This two-story home addresses needs for both privacy and socialization. There is a home office/study as well as the owner's suite on the first floor. The gourmet kitchen with island and cafe area are perfect for entertaining, and your guests can relax and gather in the great room. Three additional
Welcome home! Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath townhome with modern finishes! BRAND NEW STAINLESS KITCHEN APPLIANCES!! Locate in a quiet neighborhood with quick access to I-45. This home boasts high ceilings, vinyl plank wood floors, beautiful 42" kitchen cabinets, GAS range, built in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, Refrigerator w/ice maker, Full size washer/dryer included! Over-sized single
Welcome home to the community of Mavera! This brand-new Hewitt Centex floorplan is Move-in ready! The house features an open one-story plan with the kitchen overlooking the dining and great room spaces. The owner’s suite features a huge walk-in closet and a private bath. With three secondary bedrooms, there is always space for family and friends to visit. Mavera also has a large amenity center
Welcome home to 9747 Gulfstream Drive in the charming Sterling Place community of Conroe! This inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open, functional layout with approximately 1,685 sq ft of living space on a 5,400 sq ft lot. The single-story design features a spacious living area that flows seamlessly into the dining space and kitchen, creating an easy setting for everyday living and
Skim the brochures from any master-planned community around Houston, and you’ll likely read about all of the nearby amenities, with caveats like, “Only 40 minutes from Houston!” But for the developers of Wood Forest, “nearby” wasn’t close enough. When laying out the plan for the 3,000-acre community in 2009, they designated large swaths of the Texas woodland for commercial use, ensuring that dining, retail and entertainment opportunities would be available immediately within the neighborhood. Today, Wood Forest's grocery store parking lots include spaces for golf carts, a testament to the proximity between the neighborhood’s houses and amenities. “The way they designed the neighborhood is perfect,” says Wendy Welsh, a Broker Associate at Coldwell Banking Realty with over 20 years of experience. “There are schools, parks and walking trails inside the community.” <br><br>The housing market in Wood Forest is “build or buy,” allowing prospective residents to buy a pre-owned home or to purchase a lot and collaborate with a builder to design their own custom house. Move-in ready homes include traditional brick-and-stone ranches, Craftsman-style Colonial Revivals and contemporary cottages priced between $450,000 and $650,000. Custom builds start at $300,000, offering 13 distinct architectural styles ranging from modest town houses to multi-million dollar estates on the golf course. Regardless of the architecture, homes in Wood Forest feature attached garages, large manicured lawns and plenty of outdoor living space, including covered patios and backyard pools. Sidewalks are rare, but with through-traffic funneled to the major roads on the neighborhood's perimeter, locals can walk their dogs in the streets or along the pedestrian trails that link subdivisions with neighborhood parks. <br><br>Wood Forest is home to more than a dozen neighborhood parks scattered throughout the neighborhood. Parents host birthday parties under the pavilion at the Lily Pad Spray Park, perfect for children ages 3 and younger, while older children run to Forest Island, where the 42-foot water tower, water slides and sports zone create hours of supervised entertainment under the watchful eye of the lifeguards. Christine Allen Nature Park is the largest park in Woodforest, a 33-acre nature preserve with jogging trails, fishing ponds and a beautiful pedestrian bridge. Other neighborhood parks include hard-to-find recreational features, including disc golf courses, outdoor yoga spaces, scooter tracks, dog parks and accommodations for children with disabilities. Wood Forest even has its private golf club – a 27-hole course designed by PGA Tour pro Steve Elkington – and additional indoor recreation opportunities are available at The Palm, an event center with space for private parties, dances, spa facilities and an indoor swim complex. <br><br>Approximately 90 acres of the Woodforest master plan are zoned for commercial use, allowing immediate access to retail, dining, medical facilities and everyday necessities across Wood Forest’s three distinct commercial districts. The Medical District includes a family hospital, dental office and sports rehab center; the Pine Market District caters to weekday errands, as coffee shops, gas stations, salons and boutiques surround Harvest Market, a fresh-food grocery store modeled after Whole Foods; and the West District caters to kids and families, offering schools, day-care centers and chain restaurants. “The shopping district is very similar to The Woodlands, but it’s all much newer,” says Welsh. Weekday dinners are easy thanks to Grab N Go Tacos, a Tex-Mex restaurant with a gourmet fusion tacos carry-out menu. On weekends, start your day with a latte from Luv Coffee, order spring rolls for lunch at WO Sushi Fusion, or book a table for two at Orioli’s Cucina Italiana, where the house-made pastas are perfectly paired with fine wines to create an ideal date-night destination. <br><br>Two separate highly rated school districts intersect within Wood Forest – Montgomery and Conroe ISDs – creating a fun intra-neighborhood rivalry during the high school football season.<br>Many students in Wood Forest are within walking distance of Stuart Elementary, a school with an A-rating from Niche. From there, students graduate to the A-rated Peet Junior High School and B-plus-rated Conroe High School, where students have access to over 30 Advanced Placement courses and programs to help them prepare for college.
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