Right on the edge of the bustling Downtown District in Northern Houston lies The Woodlands, Texas. A master-planned township community filled to the brink with amenities, leisure activities, corporate powerhouses, and luxury facilities. The census-designated population of around 118,000 residents enjoys a low-crime, high-opportunity quality of life.
The Woodland, Texas, has always been considered a pretty incredible location, but in 2021 it became official. Niche.com is one of the most trusted voices for families, students, and businesses when looking for a trustworthy opinion on where to live or study. When Niche gives the seal of approval, there is no denying it. In 2021, The Woodlands was named the number one place to live in all of America- a title whose prestige cannot be ignored.
Let’s look back at the journey The Woodlands took to earn the crown and find out more about what makes it so wonderful.
A Brief History of The Woodlands
The history of the Woodlands is brief, as it was only established as recently as 1974. George P. Mitchell- a businessman with a background in oil and real estate- created the township alongside the Community Associations to build a new way of living for Texans.
Quite the philanthropist, his vision was to better merge man and nature by building a responsible community within a natural forest and trusting the people to adhere to a set of rules. He believed that a community with a thriving business scene and a policy for openness and opportunity for all could co-exist with unspoiled natural beauty.
2007 saw a significant growth in The Woodlands area when residents voted to expand to encompass neighboring acreage and officially renamed the area as The Woodlands Township under its own governing control. An agreement was also signed to disallow the city of Houston to annex the township or make any governing decisions on its behalf.
The Way of Life in The Woodlands
A high standard of living for every resident was always part of the vision. An excellent selection of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, varied places of worship, and an unrivaled collection of recreational activities contribute to that mantra.
Walking around The Woodlands feels more like a holiday destination than a place people live. Golf courses galore, stunning nature parks, and shopping streets that could make anyone giddy are just a few of the highlights.
Without a doubt, one of the most famous attractions in the township is the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Named for the township’s co-founder and wife of the man behind the vision, the Cynthia Woods Pavilion is a hub of culture and art. The open-air amphitheater hosts concerts, plays, contemporary art performances, and much much more. Often toted as the heart of the arts community in The Woodlands, a show at the pavilion is a must-see for anyone passing through.
Calling The Woodlands a rich area could be construed in several ways- all of which would probably be true. More than half of the households in the township earn more than $100,000 per year. House prices are high across the board, but they do differ from village to village. The booming corporate enterprises based within the boundaries of The Woodlands Township, and the countless other incredible opportunities that come with living in such a place, justify the money spent to live there.
Fun Facts about The Woodlands
- Roughly five and a half percent of The Woodlands residents are millionaires. That is the fifth-highest percentage in Texas and 133rd in the USA.
- The Woodlands Township is made up of nine separate villages: Allen Bridge, College Park, Indian Springs, Cochran’s Crossing, Panther Creek, Creekside Park, Grogan’s Mill, Town Center, and Sterling Ridge.
- Market Street and The Woodlands Waterway are considered amongst the very best retail shopping areas in all of Texas.
- The area was voted the 10th safest place to live in Texas.
- Education is one of the things The Woodlands is praised for. McCulloch High was the first school to open in 1976.
- All this luxury comes at a cost. The Woodlands is the 10th most expensive place to live in the country.
- The Woodlands is almost completely self-reliant financially, surviving on property tax, hotel tax, and other income generated within its boundaries.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to see why The Woodlands has spent years ranked as one of the top 10 places to live in America, and the number one spot seems well deserved. Although its history is short, it is very sweet. George P. Mitchell’s vision for a greener, cleaner, and safer way of living has been realized through this passion project- which the residents and visitors benefit from every day.
From the vibrant arts scene and expansive cultural outlets to world-class retail therapy and superior educational opportunities, The Woodlands has everything. Costs of living may be high, but that is to be expected when there is so much on offer.
