What’s It Like Living in Pearland, TX (Just Outside Houston)?

If you’re thinking about a move to the Houston area, consider living in Pearland, TX — a thriving community just roughly 30 minutes from the city. Best known for its balance between small-town charm and big-city living, Pearland offers top-notch school districts, delectable dining options, entertaining attractions, green spaces that are sure to please, and more!

Pearland at a Glance

• Spanning three counties – Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Harris – Pearland is situated in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas.
• Pearland has a total land area of approximately 49 square miles. 
• The median age in Pearland, TX, is 36 years old. 
• Pearland has a population of nearly 128,000.
• The city was named in 1894 after the numerous pear trees found in the region.
• Pearland is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. 

20 Things To Know About Living in Pearland, TX

You can’t go wrong when you choose to move to the Houston area, but Pearland has its own special charm. And, of course, since it’s only about 30 minutes away from Houston, you can still take advantage of the big city whenever you want. To help you decide if Pearland is the right place for you, check out these 20 things we think you should know about life in this sought-after city in Texas.

1. Cost of Living in Pearland, TX

Pearland's cost of living index of 99.7 may be higher than other communities in Texas — since the state’s cost of living index is 94.2 — but it comes in slightly lower than the national average, making it cheaper than a lot of communities in the U.S.

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a family of four with at least one working adult would need to bring in at least $80,800 in annual income before taxes to live comfortably in Pearland. A single person should be making closer to $42,500, while a working couple without children should be making approximately $61,400 before taxes.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Pearland, TX

Pro: Proximity to Beaches

The beaches of Galveston are only about 45 minutes away from Pearland and make for an ideal weekend getaway with friends and family. You can enjoy water sports, relax in the sun, and simply take a break from the stresses of life without having to plan a big trip! 

Pro: Diversity

Pearland has received numerous accolades for its diverse culture. In fact, Niche gives the city an A+ rating for diversity. It’s not just ranked as one of the most diverse suburbs in the state; it’s also ranked as one of the most diverse places to live in the state of Texas overall.

Pro: Short Commute to Texas Medical Center

The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world’s largest medical complex, so it can probably go without saying that it’s one of the top employers in the region — not to mention one of the top healthcare facilities. And fortunately, when you live in Pearland, your commute to the center is less than 30 minutes.

Con: Intense Summertime Heat 

While it’s nice to experience year-round warm weather while living in Pearland, sometimes the heat of the summer — mixed with the Texas humidity — can be a little too much for some people. Temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but that means the heat index can easily feel much hotter, so the amount of time you spend outdoors can be limited. 

Con: Serious Weather Events

Pearland is prone to various types of severe weather, such as hurricanes, flooding, and major storms, due to its location in a coastal state. If you've never dealt with these types of weather events before, it's important to make sure you plan ahead and stay prepared.

Con: Long Commute Times

The growth of Pearland in recent years has resulted in an increase in traffic alongside major roadways, especially during rush hour. Getting to major cities nearby, like Houston, can sometimes take longer than expected.

You’ll find plenty of single-family homes of various architectural styles in Pearland. 
(Source: Cinderella Real Estate via Facebook)

3. Pearland Housing Market

In Pearland, there are plenty of single-family houses available of various architectural styles, such as ranch, modern, and contemporary. Most of the houses in the area have between three and five bedrooms, but you can still find other options to accommodate your needs. 

Average home value in Pearland, TX: $379,400

4. Apartments in Pearland, TX

Rather rent instead of purchase? Pearland has you covered there, too. Studio apartments will always be the most affordable, but you can also find plenty of options for two and three bedroom apartments, as well as single-family homes. The average monthly rental price is around $1,625 for a one-bedroom apartment, but you can typically expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 a month on rent. 

5. Quality K-12 & Higher Education in Pearland 

The Pearland Independent School District is ranked as the best school district in Brazoria County by Niche and serves over 21,000 students. Other highly regarded public school districts that serve Pearland include Friendswood Independent School District and Clear Creek Independent School District. 

Looking for higher education opportunities in Pearland? A variety of colleges and universities serve the local area, including North American University, The University of Houston, and several community colleges, such as Houston Community College..

6. Pearland’s Thriving Economy

Pearland’s labor force has grown tremendously over the years, and the city’s proximity to Houston has enabled residents to hold jobs in all sorts of professions. Some of the top jobs in Pearland, Texas, are in industries such as life science, energy, and manufacturing, along with healthcare, thanks to the prominent Texas Medical Center — which is home to over 7,500 employees in total! Education establishments also provide many jobs in Pearland, TX. 

7. Crime Rate in Pearland 

According to NeighborhoodScout, compared to comparably sized communities, Pearland has a crime rate that’s noticeably lower than the average. In fact, Pearland has been considered the sixth safest city in America, according to a survey conducted by GoodHire. 

Pearland has several top-notch neighborhoods to choose from.
(Source: William Onye - NB Elite Realty via Facebook)

8. Best Places To Settle Down When Living in Pearland, TX

Here are a few of our top choices for neighborhoods when considering a move to the Pearland area. 

Shadow Creek Ranch

The 3,500-acre master-planned community of Shadow Creek Ranch is home to a number of great amenities, and it’s located less than 20 minutes away from downtown Houston. Along with close access to the Texas Medical Center, residents in the area can enjoy popular golfing communities, such as Southwyck Golf Club and the Golfcrest Country Club. Young professionals especially enjoy Shadow Creek Ranch.

Silverlake

Silverlake is one of Pearland’s best neighborhoods for families. Kids being raised in the area will receive a quality education from the Pearland Independent School District, which has an overall A grade on Niche. And there are plenty of parks available for the whole family to enjoy, including Centennial Park, which has playgrounds, basketball courts, and even picnic areas.

Bellavita at Green Tee

Most popular for its lake and trails for biking and walking, the splendid gated community of Bellavita at Green Tee is an ideal spot for retirees to settle down. Along with a clubhouse that includes a fitness center and ballroom, retirees living in the community can take advantage of  Memorial Hermann Healthcare — located only two miles away. 

9. Public Transportation Options

Pearland doesn’t have its own public transit, but because the city is in close proximity to Houston's major hubs — including downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center — residents can take advantage of several nearby transit resources. The METRO system, for example, provides various forms of transportation, such as park-and-ride facilities, bus service, and the METRORail.

And through the METRO STAR ride-share service, people can save money and get to and from work more easily. It operates in various counties, such as Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Liberty, and Montgomery.

Pearland Parks & Recreation offers a variety of sports programs for kids and adults, including pickleball (pictured).
(Source: Visit Pearland via Facebook)

10. Pearland Sports

Both kids and adults looking to stay active and join sports teams can do so easily in Pearland, whether it be for a competitive reason or just to get out there and have fun! Pearland Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of sports programs for kids and adults, including youth basketball and kickball, and adult softball, volleyball, and pickleball. 

11. Pearland’s Year-Round Warm Temperatures

You won’t have to worry about any frigid winter weather when living in Pearland, TX, as the temperatures remain relatively warm all year. The hottest season in Pearland is from May to September, and the month with the hottest temperature is August, which has an average high of 92 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest in Pearland, with a low of 47 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. A Variety of Offerings for Foodies

There’s a lot to love about living in Pearland, TX, and the food scene, in particular, is one to brag about! No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can most likely find it within the city limits. 

Some of the hottest places to eat in Pearland include: 

• Killen’s Steakhouse: Killen’s Steakhouse is a renowned establishment that serves some of the best prime cuts of beef (including Wagyu) in the city! This restaurant has been a hot spot beloved by residents from all over Houston for almost two decades (since 2006).
• Fish City Grill: This special seafood restaurant serves up a variety of delicious dishes, all made with fresh ingredients. One of the most popular items is the Oyster Nachos, which are fried oysters topped with garlic cream sauce and house-made chips.
• D’Caribbean Curry Spot Cuisine: This restaurant serves a variety of Caribbean and Indian dishes that are created using fresh and organic ingredients. Some favorites include the Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, and Shrimp.

13. Local Cultural Art Programs in Pearland

Looking for things to do in Pearland of the culture and arts variety? No problem! The Pearland Arts League is specifically designed for arts enthusiasts, to bring together the talents of residents within the community. It’s a non-profit organization that’s managed by a community-oriented board.

Another organization is The Pearland Theatre Guild, which is dedicated to presenting high-quality performances in the community. Apart from great shows, the group also offers various classes and camps for children and adults.

The Houston Dynamo FC, the Houston Astros (pictured), and the Houston Rockets are beloved by fans from all across the country.
(Source: Houston Astros via Facebook)

14. Nearby Houston’s Professional Sports Scene

Fans of sports can easily travel from Pearland, TX, to Houston, TX, to enjoy some pretty spectacular playing fields, courts, and stadiums, where they can watch some of the most prominent teams in the league. The Houston Dynamo FC, the Houston Astros, and the Houston Rockets are beloved by fans from all across the country. The city is also a popular venue for major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Houston Open.

15. Fun When the Sun Goes Down

Whether you’re looking for exciting nighttime things to do in Pearland, Texas, or you’re just in the mood for a chill night, you can certainly find something to suit your desires. Want some music and good eats? Look no further than Bogie’s Pub and Grill, which hosts live music and DJs and serves up some delicious food, including steak, crawfish, and loaded nachos. Looking for something a bit more unique? Head to King’s BierHaus, which serves up some quality beer in a fun and festive German atmosphere.

16. Pearland’s Parks and Trails

In Pearland, there are plenty of parks and trails that are ideal for residents of all ages. One of the city's most family-friendly parks is Centennial Park, which features a large playscape. Another popular park is the recently renovated Independence Park, which now features an amphitheater to host festivals, concerts, and plays, as well as tennis courts, a playground, and more.

If you're looking for a more leisurely trail, head over to the Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail, which has paved paths that lead through natural landscapes. An observation tower also provides kids with a unique opportunity to look through the marsh.

17. Cole’s Flea Market

Speaking of shopping, Cole’s flea market is not only the largest flea market in Pearland, but it’s also the oldest, as it first opened in 1968. With over 40 acres of indoor and outdoor shopping, customers can find art, home decor, toys, food, and more. Looking for a way to make some money on the side? Book a spot yourself!

The Southwyck Golf Club features links-style courses designed to challenge players of all abilities.
(Source: Southwyck Golf Club via Facebook)

18. Golfing in Pearland 

There are two public golf courses in Pearland, and both of them are great for players with any experience. The Pearland Golf Club course features 18 holes of championship quality, a driving range, a putting green, and a variety of other facilities. The Southwyck Golf Club is another popular spot located in the Silverlake community, and it features links-style courses that are designed to challenge players of all abilities.

19. Bird Watching in Pearland

Did you know the city of Pearland is a great place to go bird watching? It’s because it’s located in the heart of an important migratory route. Its diverse habitats, such as wetlands and riparian forests, provide a safe haven for a wide variety of birds that are rarely seen in one place. You can even take birding classes with the city of Pearland!
Various bird species, such as songbirds and red-tail hawks, arrive during the spring and fall. And other birds, such as ducks, geese, and woodpeckers, can be seen in the area throughout the year. Some of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures? The Shadow Creek Ranch and John Hargrove Nature Trail.

20. Pearland Shopping Options

The Pearland Town Center is where you can find some of the best deals, when it comes to the city's shopping scene, and it features a massive outdoor retail area that houses major department stores such as Macy's and Dillard's. You can also take a trip nearby to places like Barnes and Noble Bookstores, James Avery Jewelry, or Pandora.

And even though the Pearland Town Center has plenty of shopping to keep you occupied, you can still explore plenty of various boutique and antique shops in places like Broadway Street — like The B’s Boutique, a locally owned shop that offers a wide variety of sassy and affordable sports apparel that you won’t find anywhere else.

Plan a Move to Pearland, TX, With PODS

Sure, moving can be stressful. But getting to your new home in Pearland can be much easier with the help of PODS. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your doorstep, where you can load your belongings on your own schedule. PODS can also recommend local packing and loading companies to help you with the heavy lifting. Once you're ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home or kept safe and secure at a PODS Storage Center until you're ready for it. 

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: Visit Pearland via Facebook)