Enjoy True Texas Living in Conroe, TX

Why are people moving to Conroe, Texas? Well, for starters, it’s near the big-city amenities of Houston, yet there’s ample land available for development and lots of opportunity for growth. And although the city has certainly seen some rapid growth, it still maintains the charm of a slower-paced, suburban lifestyle. Then there’s the cost of living. Conroe has managed to keep its cost of living on par with the national average, meaning there’s no premium on the good-paying jobs, high quality of life, and real estate opportunities for residents. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise your family, retire, or just be a part of an up-and-coming community, Conroe could be the perfect Texas city for you.

Planning your move to Conroe? Start with getting a quote from PODS.

Conroe, TX, at a Glance

• The city was founded by Civil War veteran Isaac Conroe.
• Conroe, TX, is 39.5 miles north of Houston and about 45 minutes away.
• The city has a population of around just over 108,000.
• The median age in Conroe is 33.5 years old.
• The 32-mile Lake Conroe is a man-made drought-prevention reservoir.

Conroe, TX, at a Glance

Living in Conroe seems like a great idea, but is it the right decision for you? It’s always good to know a little more about what it’s like to really live in another city before you decide to make the move. Here’s what we think you should know, including some of the pros and cons of living in Conroe

1. Cost of Living in Conroe, TX

This city has a lot to offer, but it’s helpful to know what the cost of living in Conroe, TX, will be, as well, before making the move, right? Fortunately, the city’s cost of living score is 100.1, which puts it right in line with the national score of 100. It is higher than the Texas state score of 94.2, but compared to other Texas cities like Austin, it’s certainly more affordable. 

Q: Is Conroe, Texas, a wealthy area?  A: While the cost of living in Conroe, TX, is slightly higher than in nearby Houston, it is considered comfortably upper middle class with a mix of incomes.

2. Salaries Needed To Live in Conroe, TX

So Conroe is an affordable area, but what salary do you need to live comfortably? According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, if you’re a family of four with at least one adult working, you’ll need to make around $83,500 before taxes living in Conroe. A single adult living alone would need around $45,500, while a working couple without children would need around $62,500.

Conroe is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and parks and trails abound.
(Source: U.S. Forest Service - National Forests and Grasslands in Texas via Facebook)

3. Pros and Cons of Living in Conroe, TX  

Pro: Lower Cost of Living in Conroe, TX

You get a lot of bang for your buck when you live in Conroe. The cost of living is almost on par with the national average, despite the amount of growth the city has experienced. What’s more, utilities and transportation costs are below the state and national averages.

Pro: Great School District

The Conroe Independent School District is ranked No. 1 on Niche’s list for “Best School Districts in Montgomery County,” and the student-to-teacher ratio is only 17:1. Regardless of your kids’ ages, you’ll be able to find schools that offer quality education close to home. 

Pro: Easy Outdoor Access

Conroe is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and parks and trails abound. You’re not far from the Sam Houston National Forest, and Lake Conroe offers easy access to water recreation.

Con: Rough Commuting

If you’re commuting to Houston on I-45, you should expect congestion and delays. The consistent population growth in the area also means that there are more residents on the road, no matter where you’re headed.

Con: Limited Entertainment Options

While there are plenty of things to do in Conroe, TX, (more on that later) some folks might find the entertainment options limited for a city this size. However, there are plenty of restaurants, lots of parks, and an art league to check out. And, of course, you could always go to the big city!

You’ll find a wide variety of home styles to choose from in Conroe, Texas.
(Source: Aaliyah_realtorhtx via Facebook)

4. Conroe Housing Market 

You’ll find affordable living in Conroe, TX, and the housing market is no different. Even though the city has been growing rapidly, the market is still relatively affordable, which is great news for buyers! The average home value in Conroe, TX, is $327,900, which is lower than the national average of $360,700 but still higher than Houston’s $271,500. 

Most of the homes in Conroe are built in the popular Ranch style, but you’ll also find Tuscan-style homes, especially around Lake Conroe.

The Conroe Connection has bus routes that go out in four directions from the city center.
(Source: Conroe Connection Transit - CCT via Facebook)

7. Getting Around Conroe

Conroe has a public transportation system known as the Conroe Connection, which has bus routes that go out in four directions from the city center. While the routes may be a little limited now, they’re working to expand them, and the system is a great way to travel without a car if the bus is near your home or workplace. There is also a park-and-ride commuter that runs from Conroe to Houston on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, most residents in Conroe use their own cars to get around. 

And Conroe, TX, to Dallas, TX, is 200 miles and just under 3 hours away. Folks from Conroe like to make the trip to this big Texas city to see the State Fair of Texas, catch a pro sports game, hear live music, go shopping, and more. 

9. Schools and Higher Education in Conroe

The Conroe ISD is ranked No. 1 on Niche’s list for “Best School Districts in Montgomery County” and No. 6 on its list for “Best School Districts in the Houston Area,” so, needless to say, it’s one of the major draws for families. It serves 72,000 students across 70 schools, making it the largest school district and employer in the county. There are lots of highly ranked neighborhood schools you can send the kids to, including:

• The Woodlands High School
• College Park High School
• Ride Elementary School
• McCullough Junior High School

Looking for higher education closer to home and want to avoid a commute to Houston? Check out Lone Star College’s Montgomery campus.

The short commute to Houston means it’s easy for Conroe locals to catch a live game in the big city.
(Source: Houston Astros via Facebook)

10. Sports Teams Close to Conroe

Residents of Conroe are passionate about supporting the professional teams in nearby Houston. The short commute to the big city means it’s easy to catch a live game. The five professional teams they cheer on include the:

• Astros (MLB)
• Texans (NFL)
• Rockets (NBA)
• Dynamo (MLS)
• Dash (NWSL)

11. Conroe Weather

When it comes to the weather in Conroe, you can expect relatively mild winters with almost no chance of snow or ice. The summer, however? That’s a different story. It’s hot and humid and can feel quite oppressive. It also rains frequently, and there is always the chance of severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, flooding, and hurricanes. The highs from May to September are in the 80s and 90s. The winter months are from November to February and reach into the 60s but don’t usually dip below the 40s.

12. Safety in Conroe

According to Neighborhood Scout, Conroe has a total crime index score of 16, meaning it’s safer than 16 percent of other cities throughout the nation. What is the crime rate in Conroe, Texas, exactly? It’s 24 per 1,000 residents, and your chance of becoming a victim is 1 in 41. Conroe’s crime rate for both violent crime and property crime is lower than the Texas state average.

13. Jobs in Conroe 

There are a variety of jobs available in Conroe, and due to the growth (and additional development expected over the next several years), lots of industries are offering good jobs. The top employer in Conroe is the Conroe ISD, but you can also find jobs in healthcare, hospitality, oil & gas, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. The unemployment rate in Conroe is 3.6 percent, which is almost in line with the state unemployment rate of 4 percent.

14. The Conroe, TX, Food Scene

While the Conroe food scene isn’t quite as extensive as Houston’s, it still offers a variety of options for residents. Whether you’re making the move to Conroe from Houston for a quieter lifestyle or a job or family brought you here, you won’t be let down.

Locals recommend the following:

• Cowboys Tacos and Burgers has some of the best Tex-Mex around, and you can’t go wrong with any of their burgers.
• Have a craving for pho? Pho Dat should be high on your list.
• Hit up 105 Cafe when you want one of your breakfast faves.
• If it’s Italian you love, you can’t miss Marsala’s.

See a show at the Owen Theatre or the historic Crighton Theatre (pictured), both of which offer musical shows, live music, and other performances.
(Source: Visit Conroe, Texas via Facebook)

15. Culture in Conroe

Many of Conroe’s residents share an appreciation for the arts, as evidenced in the vibrant cultural scene. 

• The Conroe Art League features a fine art gallery, offers classes and workshops, and hosts its own invitational show and Fall Arts Show.
• See a show at the Owen Theatre or the historic Crighton Theatre, both of which offer musical shows, live music, and other performances.
• Tour the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and see exhibits that feature historical artifacts that tell the tale of the diverse history of Conroe and the surrounding county.
• Love music? You don’t have to travel all the way to Houston to hear the classics — the Conroe Symphony Orchestra features all kinds of captivating performances.

16. Things To Do in Conroe, TX, for Families

Looking for things to do in Conroe, TX, that are great for families? You’re in luck because Conroe offers a lot of family-friendly activities that kids would be interested in and that parents will enjoy right along with them. 

• The Learning Zoo is a fantastic zoo right in Conroe that gives kids the chance to get up close and personal with animals like zebus, axolotls, parrots, iguanas, tortoises, and even pythons.
• 7 Acre Wood is an old-fashioned family fun park that kids will love, featuring a petting zoo, mini golf, playgrounds, and a Western play town.
• Go retro with the whole family at the popular Rainbow Roller Rink and enjoy roller skating to your favorite tunes.

17. Date Night Options in Conroe, TX

Conroe definitely has options when it comes to date night. You can always choose to go to one of the nice restaurants such as Zanti Cucina Italiana and enjoy fine dining, but why not try something a little different while still staying close to home?

• Bartletts Distillery offers tasting sessions where you can try out their small-batch whiskey or rum and take home your favorite.
• Grab your significant other and catch the latest movie at the Grand Conroe.
• Enjoy a little relaxation with a spa day at the St. Somewhere Spa, located at the Margaritaville Lake Resort at Lake Conroe — it’s open to the public!

18. The Nightlife Scene in Conroe

The fun of living in Conroe, TX, doesn’t stop after the sun goes down, and although the city is much smaller than Houston, it offers residents plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.

• Catch live music at Marshall’s Tavern.
• Enjoy a night at the Conroe Symphony or watch a play at the Crighton Theatre.
• Take a brewery tour at Copperhead Brewery or B-52 Brewing Co.
• Enjoy cocktails on the lake at Conroe Lake House.

Featuring lakeside resorts, camping, horseback riding, and hiking trails, Lake Conroe is a perfect place for locals to unwind on the weekend.
(Source: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe via Facebook)

19. Best Things To Do Outdoors in Conroe, TX

Residents love having beautiful natural scenery all around them while living in Conroe, and when you call this place home, you’ll have plenty of things to do outdoors.

• Head to Lake Conroe and get out on the water! You can put boats in (or rent them) at The Palms Marina or April Plaza Marina, or bring your canoe or kayak along with you. Stay the weekend at the Margaritaville Lake Resort or rough it with camping, horseback riding, and trail hiking all around the pristine lake.
• Visit the Sam Houston National Forest, which is just a short drive up I-45, where you can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking in Wolf Creek Park, or boating and swimming in Lake Livingston.
• If you don’t feel like driving too far, head over to Martin Luther King, Jr., Park and enjoy relaxing with friends and family.

So is Conroe, Texas, a good place to live? While it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons of living in Conroe, TX, before making the move, we think that it’s obvious! It’s a very affordable city with housing that matches, which is something that’s hard to find these days. It offers residents a small-town feel but is still close enough to a big city when you’re looking for something more. And Conroe, Texas, reviews consistently rave about the breathtaking scenery and all the ways to stay active and involved in the community. 

Move to Conroe, TX, With the Help of PODS

If you’re serious about living in Conroe, TX, perhaps it’s time to make it official! And PODS? They can help make your move a little less stressful with portable storage containers. They’re delivered straight to your driveway, and you can load them up on your schedule. When you’re ready, PODS pros will pick up the containers and drive them to your new Conroe home, where you can unload them or store them in a secure PODS Storage Center as long as you need to. The best part? One month of storage is included with each move!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

(Source for image featured at top: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)