The Woodlands, TX Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in The Woodlands, TX: What You Need to Know

The Woodlands is a master-planned community in southeastern Texas. Located 28 miles north of Houston, it has grown from a bedroom community into a significant driver of the regional economy. 

Job Opportunities in The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands area is part of the robust Houston metropolitan economic region. The area’s economic base is composed of more than 8,000 businesses of all types, ranging from small firms to Fortune 500 corporations. The largest employers in The Woodlands include Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Huntsman Corp. (chemical products), Chevron Phillips, Woodforest National Bank, Wells Fargo, Baker Hughes (energy), US Foods (distributor), and McKesson Specialty Health.

Local History of The Woodlands, TX

George P. Mitchell founded The Woodlands in 1974, originally as a project of his company, the Houston-based Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Mitchell, known for his philanthropy, wanted to create a sustainable master-planned community. What used to be the wilderness was developed into the thriving communities of The Woodlands and neighboring Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah. Today, the Howard Hughes Corp. owns The Woodlands. The company manages and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. 

Is it Cheaper to Live in The Woodlands, TX than in Houston?

Living expenses in The Woodlands are comparable to Houston, not necessarily lower. The good news is, the cost of living rate, food, and housing costs in The Woodlands are 8.1%, 9.1%, and 13.7% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent is $1,566. The icing on the cake? Texas doesn’t collect state income taxes. The sales tax rate ranges from 6.25% to 8.25%.

How Big is The Woodlands, TX?

The Woodlands is home to 118,000 residents. The census-designated place lies on 28,000 acres of forested land. It has 148 parks and 220 miles of hiking and biking trails. It includes nine residential villages, commercial centers, upscale hotels, a resort, a convention center, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. The community is located primarily in Montgomery County, with a small part extending into Harris County. The Woodlands area includes the cities of Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah. 

Where Can You Go Shopping in The Woodlands, TX?

There’s no shortage of high-end retailers and unique shops in The Woodlands. In fact, every village has its own array of stores and boutiques. For a traditional mall experience, visit the Market Street and The Woodlands Mall. Market Street, an open-air mall, features more than 90 stores and lifestyle centers, as well as restaurants, a movie theater, and a hotel. The Woodlands Mall has more than 160 shops and restaurants all in one place.