Home to just over 4,400 people, Magnolia offers a quiet country lifestyle 45 miles from downtown Houston. "At the moment, Magnolia is seen as a more rural kind of area, even though it's growing more than it has in the past," says Nathan LaLonde, a local Realtor with Compass RE Texas, LLC. Magnolia was founded in the 1800s around a sawmill and a railroad that transported lumber and farm goods across Texas. The railroad still crosses through the oldest part of the city, and the Magnolia Historical Society preserves the original depot. Today, its major economic drivers are HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital and the Magnolia Independent School District. Culturally, the city hosts one of the nation's largest Renaissance festivals, featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary "Ren Faire."
The railroad that Magnolia was built around still crosses through the heart of the city.
The Magnolia Historical Society preserves the original depot right next to the railroad.
Magnolia's Texas Renaissance Festival is one of the nation's biggest Renaissance festivals.
Houston Methodist Hospital The Woodlands is one of the largest employers of Magnolia locals.
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A taste of the countryside in Magnolia
Magnolia is known for its country homes on 1 to 20 acres and its burgeoning master-planned communities. Indigo Lake Estates is a distinctive acreage neighborhood famous for its 1990s and early 2000s-era custom-builds costing upward of $900,000. Magnolia's master-planned options are built around playgrounds, walking trails and clubhouses with swimming pools. Only one, High Meadows Ranch, is built around a golf course. Magnolia Ridge and Audubon are the city's newest master-planned communities. Its latest addition, Kresston, will begin construction in 2024. Most new homes are to the east, in a section of the city called "new Magnolia," closest to The Woodlands. The city’s vintage cottages from the 1930s and ’40s settle close together downtown. The median home price in Magnolia is $340,530, around 17% lower than the national average of $412,300.
On the outskirts of Magnolia lies country homes situated on multiple acres of land.
Early 2000s-era homes found in Magnolia's Indigo Lake Estates offer instant lake access.
High Meadows Ranch is the only community in Magnolia with a built-in golf course.
Magnolia Ridge is one of Magnolia's newest master-planned communities.
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Plenty of local flavor in the heart of Magnolia
Local dining, from Mexican to barbecue, is centered in the downtown area around FM 1488 and Magnolia Boulevard. For major shopping, locals head to The Woodlands or Tomball. The Woodlands Mall, about 30 miles away from downtown Magnolia, features over a million square feet of retail space and 160 stores.
Magnolia's Rancho Grande Bar & Grill offers a wide array of authentic Mexican dishes.
Magnolia Diner provides locals a classic 1950s American diner experience.
Much of Magnolia's local retailers occupy the 1940s homes along Magnolia Boulevard.
Thirty miles from Magnolia, The Woodlands Mall offers over 160 retail stores to shop from.
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Outdoor recreation abounds in this small Texas town
Unity Park is a centerpiece of the community, spanning 30 acres and featuring winding forested trails. Blaze Rucker, the city's utilities clerk, says its amphitheater is the site for chili cookoffs and country music concerts that happen randomly throughout the year. The Stroll — a half-mile pedestrian walkway that connects to Unity Park — passes by local businesses, public art, retail and restaurants in the downtown area. Magnolia Youth Sports Complex offers three football, four softball and two baseball fields. The city’s forested landscape is used for hunting and horseback riding.
Unity Park is a hub among the Magnolia community that offers over 30 acres of activities.
The Stroll stretches alongside the heart of Magnolia and features pieces from local artists.
Magnolia Youth Sports Complex showcases several sports fields and even a concession stand.
Magnolia has several other parks hidden away amongst the city's vast wooded areas.
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Travel back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival
The Texas Renaissance Festival has been a city staple since the 1970s, drawing in more than 500,000 visitors from October to December. Festivalgoers enjoy entertainment across 21 stages and more than 400 on-site vendors.
The Texas Renaissance Festival has been a staple in Magnolia since its inception in 1974.
Festivalgoers enjoy dressing as medieval patrons at Magnolia's Texas Renaissance Festival.
Roaming performers bring smiles to onlookers at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Magnolia.
Children at Magnolia's Texas Renaissance Festival eagerly await their turn for face paint.
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Magnolia is served by a top-rated school district
The Magnolia Independent School District earns an A-minus rating from Niche and is the only district offering an International Baccalaureate within Montgomery County. Texas A&M University is a popular higher education option within 50 miles. The A-plus-rated college earned the 2024 U.S. News & World Report ranking as one of the best bang-for-buck universities in Texas.
The dedicated teachers of Magnolia Elementary in Magnolia received a B grade from Niche.
Magnolia Junior High School in Magnolia is recognized for its academic achievements.
Magnolia High in Magnolia provides students a safe learning environment.
Salem Lutheran School accesses spiritual growth through the adjacent church in Magnolia.
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Located 45 miles from Houston
Magnolia is within 45 miles of downtown Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport on State Highway 249. Interstate 45 is about 20 miles east of the city along FM 1488, and U.S. 290 is about 20 miles to the west. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s busiest and largest airport, offering nonstop flights with a dozen airlines to over 180 international and domestic locations.
Weather and crime in Magnolia
In true Texas fashion, Magnolia’s summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild. Located in FEMA flood zone X, its most significant environmental risk is flooding. The city has flooded from major rainfall and hurricanes, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Hurricane Beryl in 2024. In 2024, Texas adopted a statewide flood plan with key policy recommendations, including expanding early warning systems.
Magnolia had just three violent crimes in 2022 and rarely has more than 10 violent crimes in any year. The overall violent crime rate in Magnolia is around 100 crimes per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the Texas rate of 431.9.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Ashley Boyles
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Magnolia, TX sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Magnolia, TX over the last 12 months is $318,810, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fabulous one story with customization throughout home! The highlight of the home is the open family room adjacent to the huge and workable kitchen. Beautiful stone fireplace and high beamed ceilings add a touch of Texas elegance to the home. The pantry is more of a room than a pantry and even accomodates a spare fridge! Another highlight is the spacious yet comfortable primary bedroom. Its
Welcome to your private oasis, an ideal blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor living. Inviting foyer opens to the spacious formal dining, study, and den. The island kitchen features custom cabinetry, granite counters and a breakfast room overlooking the pool. The primary suite with recently remodeled ensuite bath. Situated 19,998 sq. ft. lot, this immaculate home offers an inviting escape
This well-maintained one-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Inside, the home has a cozy, comfortable feel with practical updates throughout. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a recently added walk-in shower. Step outside to enjoy added privacy with no back neighbors and only one side neighbor. The oversized backyard features a newly added patio and gazebo — great for
Nestled in River Park Ranch Community on 3.45+/- acres, this stunning property boasts a recently updated 1,000 sq. ft. guest house with a bedroom, balcony, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and living area. Enjoy a pool, pergola, hot tub, and impeccably landscaped grounds with a pond, fountain, and water features. The main house features recently updated vinyl plank floors, carpet, painted
Fabulous one story with customization throughout home! The highlight of the home is the open family room adjacent to the huge and workable kitchen. Beautiful stone fireplace and high beamed ceilings add a touch of Texas elegance to the home. The pantry is more of a room than a pantry and even accomodates a spare fridge! Another highlight is the spacious yet comfortable primary bedroom. Its
Welcome to this updated midcentury home on 4 acres—animals allowed! The heart of the home is a custom kitchen with Amish-built cabinets & an oversized copper sink. The main floor features a primary ensuite with walk-in closet, two more bedrooms, & a full bath. The living room boasts vaulted ceilings, wood beams, surround sound, & a brick fireplace framed by custom cabinetry. Upstairs includes two
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cul-de-sac lot home designed for comfort and versatility. The open floor plan, with high ceilings, a stunning kitchen with double ovens, and an oversized island with sink, creates a bright and airy atmosphere. The spacious primary suite features double sinks, soaking tub, separate shower, and the two additional bedrooms provide plenty of room for family or guests.
Nice split plan. The kitchen is open to the living room. The primary bedroom is downstairs ( Spacious walk-in closet ) 3 bedrooms up with game room and media room ( media room is large and good be another bedroom by adding a storage element. Some features include walk-in closets, Sprinklers, a covered porch, a doublewide panty,3 walk-in closets full-size laundry room stylish door, walking trails,
This upgraded 2022 one-story home provides privacy and charm with no back neighbors and a peaceful greenbelt view. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 4th room perfect for a home office, playroom, or anything you need!Upgraded wood-tile flooring throughout living areas and carpet in the bedrooms, a stone and brick exterior, and energy-efficient windows. The open-concept layout
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