Woodlands

Very few master-planned communities bring the vision of their developers to fruition quite like Woodlands, Texas. Conceived in the mid-90s as a collection of subdivisions encircling a state forest, Woodlands is a tight-knit residential community near Conroe, Texas with highly rated schools, picturesque water features and high-quality amenities all within walking distance of its custom-designed luxury homes. Neighborhood streetscapes combine elements of master-planned communities – cul-de-sacs, manicured lawns and fountain ponds – with plenty of towering live oak trees, buck-and-rail fences and open-sky vistas to remind locals that they’re deep in the heart of Texas. “This lifestyle appeals to so many people,” says Wendy Welsh, a Broker Associate at Coldwell Banking Realty with over 20 years of experience in home sales. “You’re sort of away, but yet you’re close enough to the big city.”

With over a dozen small master-planned communities spread across Woodlands, it’s impossible to capture with any totality the architectural makeup of the neighborhood. Homes were carefully and systematically developed by reputable home-builders such as D.R. Horton and Legend Homes over the last 30 years, with many buyers opting to design custom homes on lots ranging from .5 to 2.5 acres. Houses include single-story traditional brick ranches with attached garages, custom Farmhouses with Craftsman-inspired accents, and two-story Victorian estates on sprawling wooded lots. Most homes take full advantage of the pleasant weather, maximizing outdoor living spaces with covered patios, outdoor fire pits, screened-in porches and backyard pools. Homes are typically priced between $400,000 and $600,000, although gated properties on large plots of lakefront land can sell for up to $1.2 million.

It’s easy to stay active in Woodlands. Lake Creek meanders through the woods along the community's northern edge, forming a natural border between Woodlands and Conroe and creating endless outdoor adventures for neighborhood kids. The 3 Palms Action Sports Park welcomes visitors at the entrance of the neighborhood, home to a motocross race track, children’s bike park, adult soccer league and aquatic wakeboarding park. At the southern entrance to the community, WG Jones State Forest provides educational opportunities for school groups and scout troops, as well as fishing, hiking, bird watching and geocaching. Schedule a playdate or feed the ducks at Durango Creek Park, one of the many community parks sprinkled throughout Woodlands, each of which includes a playground, field, pond and pavilion. Work up a sweat at CrossFit Magnolia, dive into the sand volleyball courts at Woodlands Revolution Volleyball Club, or do your best to avoid the sand at Lake Windcrest Golf Club. On rainy days, scale the walls at the CLIMB Woodlands Indoor Rock Climbing gym, or sink into the plush, reclining seats and enjoy a movie on the massive screens at Xscape Movie Theater.

Fuel your outdoor adventures at one of the many neighborhood restaurants, including Citizens Grill, Good Charlie’s Seafood or Mezcal Cantina Mexican Kitchen, an authentic Mexican Restaurant famous for its colorful dining room, house-made guacamole and top-shelf margaritas. Meet up with friends for the big game at Tapped Drafthouse, or opt for a fresh fruit smoothie at Raw Creations Juice Company. Woodlands is home to two HEB Grocery Stores and a Kroger, with retail opportunities along Farm to Market Road 1488 – the neighborhood’s commercial artery and busiest thoroughfare – including Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. “There’s all kinds of great things to do there,” says Welsh. “Houston is only 30 minutes away, but honestly, there’s rarely any reason to head into Houston.”

Students in Woodlands enjoy access to the award-winning Woodlands Independent School District. US News and World Report gives Galatas Elementary School an overall score of 99.5 out of 100, making it the 25th-ranked elementary school in Texas. Neal Knox Junior High School has an A-rating from Niche and ranks among the top five percent of public middle schools in Texas. Woodlands High School boasts a rare A-plus-rating from Niche, and the entire community descends on the 9,600-seat Woodforest Stadium on Friday nights to cheer on the Highlanders as they compete for district championships in the famously competitive 6A Texas high school football league.

Written By

Jack Hale

Photography Contributed By

Ashley Boyles

Video By

Taylor Noll