Conroe, Montgomery, sees a Housing Boom as More Residents Move North from Houston

Conroe and Montgomery County are witnessing a rapid increase in new single-family housing developments, as an increasing number of individuals move from Houston and Harris County, according to Conroe Mayor Duke Coon. He credits the area's attraction to the recreational allure of Lake Conroe and a robust feeling of safety and community.

Prominent master-planned communities, including Cielo, Chapel Run, The Woodlands Hills, and Two Step Farm, offer a diverse range of pricing options, from $250,000 to $1 million, complemented by features such as walking trails. Tom Woliver, co-president of Oxland Group, anticipates that Two Step Farm will contribute a minimum of 4,000 homes in the upcoming decade.

Montgomery Mayor Sara Countryman described her city as “western Montgomery County’s emerging hub of growth,” while acknowledging that swift development brings its own set of challenges. 

Last August, Conroe implemented a temporary halt on development in its northern sector due to infrastructure limitations, halting parts of projects such as Chapel Run and The Woodlands Hills. In June, the city allocated $549,500 for a study focused on implementing impact fees to finance infrastructure upgrades. 

This process is anticipated to span 16 to 18 months before adoption.

Mayor Coon announced that the city is focusing on enhancing the sewer system and expanding public safety facilities, which include a new $4.2 million fire station in southeast Conroe. “He cautioned that cities may overextend their services without sufficient infrastructure.”

In Montgomery, with approximately 40% of the city developed, officials are progressing with the implementation of Water Well No. 5 and Water Plant No. 4. They are coordinating road projects with TxDOT and county leaders. Countryman highlighted the city's innovative mindset: “We’re not merely responding—we’re strategically preparing.”

The increase in population highlights the pressing need for action. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the eight ZIP codes served by Community Impact experienced a significant growth of 23.2% from 2018 to 2023. 

“Our intentional progress guarantees that expansion aligns with our enduring sustainability objectives,” Countryman stated.

Developers and city leaders emphasize that striking the right balance between development and infrastructure capacity is crucial to sustaining progress while maintaining a high quality of life.