Humble

About 18 miles north of downtown Houston in the city of Humble is Park Lakes — a conglomerate of subdivisions boasting spacious homes and stellar accessibility to nearby amenities, including one of the busiest airports in the United States. Park Lakes is close to Lake Houston, which is a hot spot for outdoor recreation, and in the heart of Humble, the community also comes with a storied past. "It has a great history, because it's a part of the beginning of the oil capital of Houston. That's where Humble Oil started, so it has that flare," says local Realtor Deborah Rose Miller of Rose Realty, who has sold dozens of homes around the area. "The attraction to Humble would obviously be that it's close to the airport, so that's a big attraction is how easy it is to get there." Canyon Village features New Traditional and ranch-style homes with brick facades, while The Estates offers larger properties with Tudor Revival and modern Greek Revival accents centered around small ponds with picturesque water features. Smaller, more established homes can also be found in the Timberhills subdivision. According to local Realtor Marcey Rogers of Berkshire Hathaway, the area is seeing a massive growth spurt, as evidenced by the development of Park Lakes East and Sunset Ridge. Homes in the community typically price between $200,000 and $400,000, though some larger residences can top out closer to $500,000. Houston has a history of taking on considerable flood damage from major storms, so homebuyers should keep this in mind on their search. Students in Park Lakes are served by the Humble Independent School District. Kids may go to Park Lakes Elementary School, which earns an overall grade of B from Niche, or the B-minus-rated Humble Middle School on Will Clayton Parkway. Humble High, the area's high school, also earns a B-minus grade and offers a wealth of after-school clubs and organizations, including a competitive athletics program. Lindsay/Lyons Park and Sports Complex is the community's hub for outdoor recreation, serving as a top spot for pickup soccer and Little League games, while the Be an Angel Playground is a premier destination for after-school playdates. And, of course, Park Lakes is just a 7-mile drive from Lake Houston, where locals kayak and fish throughout the year. Residents don't need to travel far to reach shopping destinations. Walmart Supercenter sits on the neighborhood's southside, making for easy grocery runs, while big-box retailers are just across the street. National chain eateries line the Sam Houston Tollway, but locally owned restaurants steal the spotlight. That One Place offers Cajun staples and snowballs, while 1886 Humble Backyard is known for its burgers and regular live entertainment. Park Lakes' individual subdivisions are walkable, though residents will need vehicle access for trips beyond the confines of the neighborhood. Luckily, Park Lakes offers solid access to the Sam Houston Parkway and Interstate 69, which runs less than a mile west of the neighborhood. And, of course, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is just 9 miles west of Park Lakes, making for easy trips to the terminal for frequent flyers. Noise from planes passing overhead can be a factor in the community, though. Community is paramount in Humble, which is reflected by its host of annual festivals. The Good Oil Days Festival is a yearly celebration of the area's rich history as an oil manufacturer, and the inaugural iteration of the Humble Bacon Festival is expected in June of 2024, where bacon lovers from across Texas will enjoy bacon-centric foods from vendors.