The Woodlands, a forested community with a population of approximately 75,000, is a terrific place to live with its scenic views, rich culture, and vibrant life. Sam National Forest is just a stone’s throw away, but even closer still are the many beautifully kempt parks and recreation areas. Currently divided into 10 villages, The Woodlands has a similar feel to that of New York City minus the urban attitude. Each village is self-sufficient including local shopping centers, schools, healthcare facilities and more – but more than that, each village has a different flavor and atmosphere to enjoy.
Location
The community known as The Woodlands is one of many unincorporated areas located in the southeast portion of Texas. Considered part of the Houston metropolitan area, The Woodlands straddles the south end of Montgomery County and the north end of Harris County. Other nearby counties include Walker County, San Jacinto County, Liberty County, Waller County, Grimes County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.
Geography/Terrain
The Woodlands is a master-planned community incorporating beautiful forestlands and lush, green-rolling hills with wonderfully laid out urban and suburban development -- so much so that the community recently received the Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute and the International Nations in Bloom Gold Award. Southeast to nearby scenic Lake Conroe and southwest of the eastern portion of beautiful and historic Sam Houston National Forest, The Woodlands sits 130 feet above sea level and encompasses 23.9 square miles, 23.4 miles of land and 0.5 miles of water. The famous Gulf of Mexico is due south of the unincorporated area.
Distance to 3 closest major cities
Houston is a stone’s throw away from The Woodlands – a short half an hour drive 31 miles southeast. The capital of Texas, Austin, is 152 miles west. San Antonio is 220 miles southwest. In addition, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is 213 miles northwest.
Jobs
At first glance, it is surprising to find that only 5% of The Woodlands residents commute to work given their close proximity to the Houston metropolitan area. However, it is an understandable figure given the more than ideal living circumstance The Woodlands provides its residents. In fact, over 30% of the resident population chooses to live and work within The Woodlands -- a true testament to the attraction of the community. The Woodlands is known for its exceptional education, health, and social services – the industry provides almost 20% of the residents’ employment. Other major industries providing employment include professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services, as well as manufacturing. Noteworthy companies established in The Woodlands include Lexicon Genetics Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and Chicago Bridge and Iron.
Housing
The Woodlands offers a wide variety of housing options including apartments, modern condominiums, single or multi-family homes and even luxurious estates. The community is currently divided into 11 neighboring villages, each with a different flavor, to suit each unique need. The friendly atmosphere and close proximity to the Houston metropolitan area attract many to the area.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
The Community Associations of The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department offers approximately 100 parks spread across the 11 villages within the community limits, totaling over 1,800 acres of beautiful parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities.
Take the Village of Alden Bridge, for example. In this village alone, there are a total of 26 parks, each offering unique amenities to the park facility. One such lovely park, Alden Bridge Park, encompasses 13.62 acres and offers 2 bridges offering a quiet spot to collect your thoughts while admiring scenic views, a lighted pavilion which can be reserved for private use and a number of sports facilities including 4 (yes, 4) lighted tennis courts, a sand volleyball court and a soccer field.
The village of Cochrans' Crossing offers 22 parks, including beautiful Shadowbend Park which encompasses 12.68 acres. This particular park offers plenty of open spaces and such amenities as picnic tables, barbeque pits, and benches to facilitate the yearly office barbeque, or family reunion. There are playground areas for children beginning at age two with restrooms and drinking fountains nearby. An Olympic size swimming pool equipped with a diving board, tube slide, and even lap lanes is available for the aquatic sportsman.
The Woodlands Pathway System consists of well-maintained concrete pathways interwoven amidst the pine wood trees and greenery designed to connect users to villages, schools, parks, and retail centers. The pathways are shared cooperatively amongst those on bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades or simply on foot whether it be walking, jogging, running, or strolling.
There are a grand 81 area golf courses within a 20-mile radius of The Woodlands -- each surrounded by fragrant pine trees, amidst green, rolling hills. Within the community limits of The Woodlands, there are five courses including two awarding winning courses: the Club at Carlton Woods offering an 18-hole course featuring 7,368 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72, and the Player offering a challenging 18-hole course.
Special Attractions/Events
Be enchanted by The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, musically directed by Dagang Chen, and now in its 13th season. One of the only communities in the country to have its own symphony orchestra, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra has a unique approach, commonly known to play in such intimate venues as the local high school, and even – by special arrangement only – in people’s own homes.
Stay abreast of the Community Associations of The Woodlands’ calendar of events. This organization coordinates such events as the 2006 Concert-in-the-Park fall series – free musical concerts by local talent offered to residents and visitors alike at Northshore Park. The Community Associations also puts together more high profile events such as Bonnie Raitt with Keb Mo performing to a live audience at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Visit the fairs and festivals bringing locals and out-of-towners together for fun and entertainment throughout the year. The annual Texas Renaissance Festival is held in nearby Plantersville -- it is one of the country’s largest and most celebrated renaissance themed festivals. Be transported back to the 16th century through performances, elaborate costumes, and realistic props. Alternatively, experience the annual “Taste of the Village,” where local master chefs exhibit their most prized culinary delights for visitors to sample.
You will soon discover one of the secrets of The Woodlands… the exquisite shopping experience. The Woodlands Mall is a gem, with over 100 shops including antiques, jewelry, clothing and more. There are four other shopping districts to uncover as well: Market Street, Research Forest, College Park, and Pinecroft Center.
Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
George P. Mitchell established The Woodlands in 1974, and today the community is owned by the partnership of Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties Inc.
Will Makar, a top 20 finalist on American Idol lives in The Woodlands.
Every public school in The Woodlands in recent years, has received high state rankings from the Texas Education Agency.
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