Why Families Are Choosing Tomball Over The Woodlands in 2025

by Cristóbal Jiménez Priego

A Strong Neighbor to The Woodlands

When people think about moving to North Houston, The Woodlands usually tops the list. It’s a nationally recognized master-planned community, and with good reason. But in the past few years, I’ve seen more and more buyers asking about Tomball.

Some are relocation families who want more space. Others are first-time buyers who want newer homes at approachable prices. And others simply fall in love with Tomball’s historic charm, Saturday farmers markets, and growing master-planned communities.

As someone who lives and works in The Woodlands but often helps clients in surrounding markets, I can tell you: Tomball has become one of the strongest alternatives for buyers in 2025.

Tomball at a Glance

• Location: Just 10–15 minutes south of The Woodlands.

• Vibe: A blend of small-town charm with modern master-planned convenience.

• Highlights: A historic downtown, strong community spirit, and regular local events.

• Schools: Served by Tomball ISD, which continues to be recognized for academic performance and community engagement.

 Housing Options — Variety and Value

Tomball offers a wide range of housing options, appealing to different buyer priorities:

• Master-Planned Communities

  • Lakes at Creekside: A newer development with lakes, trails, parks, and modern homes. It’s just minutes from The Woodlands, offering buyers proximity plus attractive builder incentives.

  • Wildwood at Northpointe & Northpointe East: Family-friendly layouts, community pools, and quick access to Hwy 249.

• Established Neighborhoods
  Larger-lot homes with mature trees and character, often at lower price points than comparable homes in The Woodlands.

• New Construction
  Tomball continues to expand with builders offering modern floor plans, energy-efficient designs, and customization options.

👉 For many buyers, Tomball provides more home for the money compared to The Woodlands—while keeping access to nearby amenities.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Tomball balances tradition and modern living:

• Historic Downtown Tomball: Full of antique shops, local restaurants, and a weekend farmers market.

• Parks & Trails: Burroughs Park (320 acres of lakes, trails, and playgrounds) and Theis Attaway Nature Center.

• Access: Quick connections to The Woodlands, Cypress, and Houston via Hwy 249 and Grand Parkway.

• Community Events: From parades to food festivals, Tomball offers a steady calendar of local activities.

Market Snapshot (2025)

Based on HAR.com and Redfin data from mid-2025:

• Median Home Price in Tomball: ~$420K–$450K

• Median Home Price in The Woodlands: ~$650K

• Average Days on Market: 30–40 days (similar to The Woodlands)

• Buyer Mix: First-time buyers, move-up buyers, and relocation families.

👉 The numbers tell a clear story: Tomball remains a competitive yet attainable market that continues to attract a broad range of buyers.

My Perspective — Realtor, Neighbor, and Man of Faith

I often tell clients: choosing between Tomball and The Woodlands isn’t about “better or worse”—it’s about priorities.

For example, some close friends of ours originally considered buying in The Woodlands. But after weighing their options, they purchased a brand-new home in Lakes at Creekside. The builder was offering great incentives, the homes were modern, and the location kept them close to The Woodlands. Today, they couldn’t be happier with their choice.

On a personal note, my family has enjoyed spending time in Tomball too. We’ve visited the Saturday Farmers Market, which is full of local vendors and a welcoming atmosphere. We’ve also gone bowling together as a family in Tomball, creating simple but meaningful memories.

For me, that’s the beauty of this area: every community has its own personality and strengths. Some people are drawn to the trails and golf courses of The Woodlands, while others find what they’re looking for in the charm and value of Tomball.

From my faith perspective, I believe God places families in communities for a purpose. For some, that may be The Woodlands. For others, it may be Tomball. What matters most is finding the place where your family, values, and future can grow.

Conclusion

So, why are buyers choosing Tomball in 2025? Because it offers:

• More variety in housing options.

• A balance of modern master-planned living and small-town character.

• A convenient location just minutes from The Woodlands.

• Strong value, with price points that open doors for more buyers.

Whether you’re looking for a new construction home with incentives, a historic house with character, or a modern master-planned community, Tomball offers plenty of opportunities.

👉 If you’re considering Tomball—or weighing it against The Woodlands—I’d love to be your guide. Let’s talk through the differences, tour the communities, and find the home that’s right for you.