The Best Houston Suburbs for Families
- Cinco Ranch
- Crime Rate
- Notable Schools
- Michael L. Griffin Elementary School
- Tays Junior High School
- Seven Lakes High School
- Things to Do in Cinco Ranch
- Play Areas for Toddlers
- Natural Parks
- Hiking
- The Woodlands
- Crime Rate
- Notable Schools
- Creekside Forest Elementary School
- The John Cooper School
- The Woodlands College Park High School
- Things to Do
- The Woodlands Children’s Museum
- George Mitchell Nature Preserve
- Sugar Land
- Crime Rate
- Notable Schools
- Cornerstone Elementary School
- Fort Settlement Middle School
- Commonwealth Elementary School
- Things to Do
- Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
- The Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center
- Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center
- Friendswood
- Crime Rate
- Notable Schools
- Westwood Elementary
- Lord of Life Lutheran School
- Friendswood High School
- Things to Do
- Friendswood Fairy Trail
- Spring Valley Village
- Crime Rate
- Notable Schools
- Valley Oaks Elementary School
- Bear Boulevard School
- Academy of Choice
- Things to Do
- The Escape Game Houston
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park
It’s not easy deciding on where to live—especially if you have a family to care for. There are a lot of factors that can influence your decision.
Think of things like the schools in the area or things to do to keep your family happy. Fortunately, Houston contains plenty of communities that are family-friendly in various ways.
You won’t find most of them just by looking for a guide to Houston’s neighborhoods in a bookstore, though. So, to help you out, we’ve done all the research for you and compiled a list of the best suburbs in Houston for families.
1. Cinco Ranch
Life in Cinco Ranch allows most residents a break from corporate housing and to enjoy a relaxed suburban lifestyle. While a majority of people who live in Cinco Ranch own their own homes, some families rent out apartments for a more budgetable lifestyle.
Data is sourced from niche.com a database revolving around Houston’s suburbs and neighborhoods.
| Population | 17,588 |
| Average Home Value | $377,200 |
| Average Rent Price | $1,552 |
Crime Rate
Cinco Ranch crimes often occur in retail areas away from the majority of family homes. Regardless, it’s never a crime to be cautious of your family’s safety, so hiring that locksmith might not be a bad idea.
This data is sourced from bestplaces.net—a public database for Houston neighborhoods.
| Property Crime | 28.6 |
| Violent Crime | 13.4 |
Notable Schools
Here are a few notable schools in the suburbs of Cinco Ranch.
Michael L. Griffin Elementary School
| Website | Michael L. Griffin Elementary School |
| Address | 7800 South Fry Rd Katy TX 77494 |
| Contact Info | 281-237-8700 |
| School Hours | 8:03 AM to 3:20 PM |
Tays Junior High School
| Website | James and Sharon Tays Junior High |
| Address | 26721 Hawks Prairie Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-234-2400 |
| School Hours | 8:48 AM to 4:05 PM |
Seven Lakes High School
| Website | Seven Lakes Junior High |
| Address | 6026 Katy Gatson Rd., Katy, TX 77494 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-234-2100 |
| School Hours | 8:48 AM to 4:05 PM |
Things to Do in Cinco Ranch
There are plenty of things to do in Cinco Ranch for families who have little children to keep occupied. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to get their children spending time in the sun.
Play Areas for Toddlers
| Website | Play Street Museum |
| Address | 9910 Gaston Rd. Ste. 120 Katy, TX 77494 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-666-4217 |
In and around the area, you’ll find a variety of exciting play spots that can entertain the kids for hours. Whether your kids are crafting, building, shopping, or trying new costumes, Play Street, Cinco Ranch, has plenty to keep their wild imaginations occupied.
Alternatively, Exploration Park is another good place to take your kids if they are older than five. With swings, slides, children’s gyms, and a host of outdoor adventures, this park will leave your kids smiling all day long.
Natural Parks
| Website | Mary Jo Peckham Park |
| Address | 5597 Gardenia Ln., Katy, TX 77493 |
| Contact Info | 281-353-8100 |
Cinco Ranch offers several natural parks for visitors of all ages. The picturesque scenery, fishing pond, and natural walking paths of Mary Jo Peckham Park make it one of the area’s most popular parks.
Other natural parks in Cinco Ranch include Central Green Park, Malcolm E. Beckendorff Family Park, and Splash Pad Park. Its natural parks are a never-ending source of fun for residents and visitors of Cinco Ranch.
Hiking
| Website | Mason Creek South Hike & Bike Trail |
| Address | 2500 Porter Rd., Katy, TX 77493 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-496-2177 |
A variety of parks in the community provide miles of walking, cycling, and running paths, such as the Mason Creek South Hike & Bike Trail. There are also several subdivisions with tree-lined trails in Cinco Ranch.
These scenic paths naturally loop around various rivers, lakes, and creeks in the neighborhoods. Some hiking trails worth mentioning are the River Green Park, Buffalo Bayou Nature Trail at Spring Lake, and Cinco Ranch II Park at Spring Lake.
2. The Woodlands
Families in The Woodlands enjoy a rare harmony of a modern lifestyle blended into their natural surroundings. Fun-filled attractions like nature trails and cooking classes keep families busy.
Life in The Woodlands means enjoying the conveniences of city life with a dose of serenity.
| Population | 114,532 |
| Average Home Value | $374,800 |
| Average Rent Price | $1,558 |
Crime Rate
Even though The Woodlands can make family life comfortable, it is wise to be aware of the crime rate to keep your family safe.
| Property Crime | 34.5 |
| Violent Crime | 16.2 |
Notable Schools
School districts and schools in The Woodlands are among the best in the region. Down below are three possible schools to attend.
Creekside Forest Elementary School
| Website | Creekside Forest Elementary School |
| Address | 5949 Creekside Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77389 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-357-4526 |
| School Hours | 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM |
The John Cooper School
| Website | The John Cooper School |
| Address | One John Cooper Dr. the Woodlands, TX 77381 |
| Contact Info | 281-367-0900 |
The Woodlands College Park High School
| Website | The Woodlands College Park High School |
| Address | 3701 College Park Dr. The Woodlands Texas 77384 |
| Contact Info | 936-709-3000 |
| School Hours | 7:20 AM to 2:35 PM |
Things to Do
You can experience The Woodlands in countless ways. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy in The Woodlands.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum
| Website | The Woodlands Children’s Museum |
| Address | 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280 The Woodlands, TX 77381 |
| Contact Info | 281-465-0956 |
Children ages ten and under can enjoy interactive exhibits and fun playscapes at The Woodlands Children’s Museum. Make sure your little ones take full advantage of the museum’s hands-on displays when they visit this charming museum.
George Mitchell Nature Preserve
| Website | George Mitchell Nature Preserve |
| Address | Flintridge Drive Trailhead, The Woodlands, TX, 77381 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-210-3800 |
At least five miles of trails are within the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, perfect for a long walk. Here, parents and children can enjoy quality time together amidst the beautiful landscape.
Hike, bike, take many photos, observe passing wildlife, enjoy a picnic, and more with your family.
3. Sugar Land
Sugar Land is an urban area with a dense population, which makes it a hectic place where people interact regularly and live closely together. Families who enjoy being close-knit will relish the family-like community in Sugar Land.
| Population | 118, 563 |
| Average Home Value | $337, 600 |
| Average Rent Price | $1,768 |
Crime Rate
Sugar Land is a considerably safe place for families with children to take evening strolls around the neighborhood. Besides the relative freedom, it’s still a great idea to have a gate to protect your home in case of property theft, though.
| Property Crime | 26.3 |
| Violent Crime | 7.6 |
Notable Schools
Schools in Sugar Land are among the top rankings in Texas. The following schools in Sugar Land are public schools open to enrollment all year around.
Cornerstone Elementary School
| Website | Cornerstone Elementary School |
| Address | 1800 Chatham Ave.Sugar land TX 77479 |
| Contact Info | 281-634-6400 |
| School Hours | 8:10 AM to 3:25 PM |
Fort Settlement Middle School
| Website | Fort Settlement Middle School |
| Address | 5440 Elkins Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 |
| Contact Info | 281-634-6440 |
| School Hours | 8:55 AM to 4:10 PM |
Commonwealth Elementary School
| Website | Commonwealth Elementary School |
| Address | 4909 Commonwealth Blvd., Sugar land TX 77479 |
| Contact Info | 281-634-5120 |
| School Hours | 8:10 AM to 3:25 PM |
Things to Do
Sugar Land has plenty of attractions to explore for families who are going into town. Here are a few things you can do with your children in Sugar Land.
Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
| Website | Houston Museum of Natural Science |
| Address | 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, USA |
| Contact Info | 713-639-4629 |
Children can dive into the deep mysteries of earth or blast off into space at Houston’s Museum of Natural Science. It’s a fun way for children to learn and enjoy themselves.
The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
| Website | Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center |
| Address | 198 Kempner St. Sugar Land, TX 77498 |
| Contact Info | 832-742-2800 |
Kids can experience life in a virtual city by engaging in different activities, like working at a restaurant, a market, and many other local businesses.
Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center
| Website | Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center |
| Address | 162225 Lexington Blvd Sugar Land, TX 7749 |
| Contact Info | 281-265-7465 |
Families with children of all ages can tie up their ice skates and enjoy indoor chilled fun. For those who’ve never skated before, you can take lessons.
4. Friendswood
Most Friendswood residents own their homes and live in a sparse suburban area. The smaller population size makes it easier for families to make connections in the community.
| Population | 39,893 |
| Average Home Value | $300,100 |
| Average Rent Price | $1394 |
Crime Rate
Due to the lower crime rate in Friendswood, it’s a prime choice for families looking to settle down. Families can rest assured that the Friendswood community is a safe option to raise a family.
| Property Crime | 18.2 |
| Violent Crime | 8.6 |
Notable Schools
The following schools do not cross Friendswood boundary lines. Parents who have to commute to and from work can easily drop their kids off at any of the below schools.
Westwood Elementary
| Website | Westwood Elementary |
| Address | 506 W Edgewood Friendswood, TX 77546 |
| Contact Info | 281-482-3341 |
Lord of Life Lutheran School
| Website | Lord of Life Lutheran School |
| Address | 4425 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546 USA |
| Contact Info | 281-482-0481 |
Friendswood High School
| Website | Friendswood High School |
| Address | 702 Greenbriar Friendswood TX 77546 |
| Contact Info | 281-482-3413 |
| School Hours | 8:45 AM to 3:53 PM |
Things to Do
Unfortunately, there are not many things to do in Friendswood. Most attractions are further out into the city.
Nevertheless, we’ve listed an activity in Friendswood that can be a fun bonding experience for parents with younger children.
Friendswood Fairy Trail
| Website | Friendswood Fairy Trail |
| Address | 1100 S. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546 |
| Contact Info | 281-996-3220 |
Friendswood Fairy Trail offers nature-based educational experiences. An imaginative cedar wood door with nature and fairy images carved throughout begins the Fairy Trail.
Children can pursue the different fairies and trolls along the trails in a magical treasure hunt.
5. Spring Valley Village
Life in Spring Valley Village is laid-back as most of the homes are outside of the city. Still, families can explore the schools, nature parks, and all that conservative Spring Valley Village offers.
| Population | 4,294 |
| Average Home Value | $859,400 |
| Average Rent Price | $2,750 |
Crime Rate
Spring Valley Village’s low violent crime makes the village a decent choice for parents with small children who tend to wander off. Parents can rest assured that their children can play at the neighborhood park and be relatively safe.
However, family heads may want to keep a close eye on any luxurious belongings on their property.
| Property Crime | 41.1 |
| Violent Crime | 9.7 |
Notable Schools
With gas prices on the rise, going to school within the area you live may be a good idea. If you want your children to go to school close to home, here are a few schools in the area.
Valley Oaks Elementary School
| Website | Valley Oaks Elementary School |
| Address | 8390 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055 |
| Contact Info | 713-251-7500 |
| School Hours | 7:15 AM to 2:35 PM |
Bear Boulevard School
| Website | Bear Boulevard School |
| Address | 8860 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055 |
| Contact Info | 713-251-7900 |
| School Hours | 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM |
Academy of Choice
| Website | Academy of Choice |
| Address | 9016 Westview Dr Houston, TX 77055 USA |
| Contact Info | 713-251-1500 |
| School Hours | 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM |
Things to Do
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Spring Valley Village. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
The Escape Game Houston
| Website | The Escape Game Houston |
| Address | 794 Sorella Ct Suite 127, Houston TX 77024 USA |
| Contact Info | 713-999-1496 |
If you have older children, you can face off against them in this family-friendly race to solve as many puzzles as you can in 60 minutes. Parents can bond with their children as they strive to make it out of the escape room in time.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
| Website | Houston Arboretum & Nature Center |
| Address | 4501 Woodway Drive Houston TX 77024 |
| Contact Info | [email protected] 713-681-8433 |
Children who love nature will adore a trip to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. There are tons of hands-on exhibits for kids to immerse themselves in their environment.
Parents can relax and enjoy a sip of coffee while strolling through the arboretum gardens.
Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park
| Website | Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park |
| Address | 2800 Post Oak Blvd. Houston TX |
| Contact Info | 713-850-8841 |
There is nothing like standing in the mist of Gerald D Hines’ Waterwall and relishing the sound of cascading water. Plus, parents can take the chance to let their children run around and get their energy out.
