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
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Video By
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Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Cypress
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On average, homes in Magnolia, TX sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Magnolia, TX over the last 12 months is $360,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare Affordable Opportunity! Charming Private Cul-de-Sac Location. Step into comfort and luxury style, highly sought-after community, elegant 4-beds, 3-baths offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Spacious 2-story home ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The heart of the home is a beautifully updated island kitchen featuring a gas range, stainless steel appliances, an
Shantel Landry
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - The Woodlands
***Use Google Maps to get here.*** Entertain in style and enjoy the everyday comforts of The Penmark by David Weekley Homes, located in the beautiful Northwest Houston-area community of Audubon. Begin and end each day in the paradise of your Extended Owner’s Retreat, which features a refined bathroom, with large walk in shower, double sinks and a large walk-in closet. Each spare bedroom provides
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! TO BE COMPLETE IN DECEMBER! LOCATED IN A CUL-DE-SAC Introducing the Moscoso - a spacious home with 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, covering 1,914 square feet. The open-concept floorplan showcases a beautiful kitchen with an oversized island, walk-in pantry, and dining room. The secondary bedrooms offer access to a shared hall bathroom. The owner's retreat is a serene oasis
Welcome to this stunning two-story home that checks all the boxes! Step inside to find wood flooring in the living room and a bright kitchen/breakfast area with tile flooring and sleek black appliances. The spacious backyard offers plenty of room to add a pool or create your own outdoor retreat. The oversized primary suite features dual walk-in closets, while the generously sized secondary
Rare Affordable Opportunity! Charming Private Cul-de-Sac Location. Step into comfort and luxury style, highly sought-after community, elegant 4-beds, 3-baths offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Spacious 2-story home ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The heart of the home is a beautifully updated island kitchen featuring a gas range, stainless steel appliances, an
Shantel Landry
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - The Woodlands
Awesome floor plan with wide open living spaces and two bedrooms plus two full bathrooms on the first floor. Upstairs are three bedrooms, two more full bathrooms and a spacious game room. High ceilings and loads of windows make this home very welcoming. Private back yard with covered patio. Highly acclaimed Tomball ISD and easy access to 249 and Grand Parkway. Walk to the neighborhood park and
Nestled in Lakes at Black Oak, this never-lived-in Century Communities Whitney model is in a quiet new section. Inside you will find an open layout with a spacious great room flowing into a dining area and a kitchen with a center island and a walk-in pantry. The primary suite features an attached bath and a roomy walk-in closet. Additional main-floor highlights include a laundry room and a valet
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: Bedrooms: 7 | Bathrooms: 8 | Square Feet: 4,400Lot Size: 9.00 Acres | Property Type: Single Family HomeCondition: Fully Furnished | Key Feature: Exceptional Event Potential This property is a true versatile opportunity. Beyond a premier private residence, it is perfectly suited for short or long term stays, corporate parties and retreats, extended-stay housing, or as
Welcome to this brand-new 1-story, 4-bed, 2-bath single-family home in Montgomery, TX. This subdivision is a newly released community. Be the 1st to live in the community & in this home. Built in 2025 and never lived in, this modern home features an open layout, new appliances, fridge, washer/dryer included, and a large fenced yard perfect for pets (very big backyard!). New blinds the landlord is
Plenty of green space exists in a highly regarded school district; the Pinehurst neighborhood is located about 40 miles northwest of downtown Houston. The way the community is laid out, there’s a feeling of seclusion. “We have a lot of forested areas that are a big draw for people who live here,” says Sandy Barton, the president of the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce. “Developers have built homes while preserving the beauty of the community. It’s a lovely community to live, work and play.” <br><br>Students in Pinehurst can attend schools in the Magnolia Independent School District, ranked 21st out of 53 districts in the Houston area. The district gets an A-minus overall grade on Niche, with A’s in preparation for college, academic rigor and the quality of teachers. Children who attend Cedric C. Smith Elementary School enjoy a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Even in elementary school, students can explore computer coding and engineering courses. Bear Branch Junior High School has an overall B-plus grade and allows kids to work on the school newspaper or be part of the speech and debate club. Magnolia High School has a 96% graduation rate, and juniors and seniors can sign up for dual credit courses through a partnership with Lone Star College.<br> <br>Even in the gated subdivisions of Pinehurst, you won’t find sidewalks, and there is more space between yourself and your neighbor. These are atypical of what you usually see as some homes sit on over an acre of land, and there is often a view of forested land out your back window. Prices range from about $200,000 for a modest remodeled ranch-style home or a manufactured home under 1,000 square feet to a five-bedroom modern contemporary house with over 5,000 square feet as part of a master-planned community with homes that back against the Lake Windcrest Golf Club. People within the community have access to four lakes suitable for power boats or kayaking. If you prefer your home in a more rural setting, there are homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 range with multiple-acre lots.<br><br>Melany Meadows Park is one of the outdoor recreation opportunities residents have in the master-planned community. There are dedicated walking and horseback riding trails and a playground. If you like getting in shape within the confines of four walls and want to build up your muscles, Iron Legends Gym has trainers to help you achieve your goals, whether you’re a seasoned bodybuilder or just starting. <br><br>A gathering place for the community operated by the Magnolia Independent School District, the Magnolia Event Center is a multi-purpose facility that is the site of events for the district and community events like wedding receptions and corporate meetings. The Chamber of Commerce uses it often. “We didn’t have anything like that in the community that could host several hundred people until this opened in 2018,” Barton says. “The foresight of the Magnolia ISD to build that and to continue to operate it is a great benefit.” <br><br>While driving along Route 1488, one of the more unique buildings is also one of the most popular places to eat. Yes, an actual tree house is available for reservations only. It seats up to 20 people that can be booked for special occasions. The main restaurant is accessed via a narrow walkway through the woods. Inside, you can sink your teeth into classic American dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches and meatloaf. <br><br>Although some people may take the nearly-hour trek to downtown Houston for work, a sense of being away from everything is evident when living in Pinehurst. “Picturesque nature settings surround many homes in this area, and more land is available,” Barton says. “There’s something for everyone whether you want multiple acres or more of a suburban feel.”
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