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10 Things to Know Before Moving to Tomball, TX

Written by Brittany Slagle

Just over 30 miles northwest of downtown Houston, on State Highway 249, is the city of Tomball, a little Houston suburb of around 12,000 people. Tomball has been a popular destination for homebuyers in the Houston region thanks to its blend of historic charm, small-town vibe, and proximity to major industries. The city is known as “Oiltown, USA” and has strong ties to the city’s most important industries.

To those seeking a quiet escape from the bustle of downtown while yet being in close proximity to Texas’s largest urban center, Tomball could be a great choice. Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Tomball, TX!

1. Lone Star College, Baker Hughes Manufacturing, H-E-B Foods, and the Tomball Independent School District are Tomball’s major employers

Living and working in Tomball is a dream come true. More than 1,500 firms in a wide range of sectors call this city home. People relocating to this area shouldn’t have any trouble finding job opportunities nearby since these enterprises employ over 14,000 people in Tomball, which is more than the city’s total residential population.

Lone Star College, Baker Hughes Manufacturing, H-E-B Foods, and the Tomball Independent School District employ a large portion of Tomball’s population. 

New business parks are being constructed, which contributes to the continued growth of industry in Tomball. Among the most notable is the Tomball Business & Technology Park, which is home to the offices of numerous companies such as Dental Frontiers & Associates, ChemValve, JL Hardware Supply, ASR Mechanical, and Inline Services.

2. Tomball has a lower-than-average cost of living

Tomball has a reduced cost of living compared to the rest of the country, which is excellent news for new inhabitants. With an index of 96.4, the annual cost of living for a single adult in Tomball is approximately $34,400, which is $4,000 less than the national average. Everything from a place to live to eat to medical care falls under this category. 

Tomball offers even greater savings for larger homes; the city’s median home price is $352,200.

3. Summers are hot and humid in Tomball

Tomball enjoys sunny weather for most of the year, just like many other Texas communities. Also, the weather in Tomball is rather consistent throughout the year, so people can enjoy being outside pretty much all year round.

In comparison to the rest of the United States, summers in Tomball get rather hot. Summertime highs might hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit on very hot days. Even in the winter, Tomball typically experiences lows above 40 degrees, and the city experiences its highest temperatures between the end of May and the beginning of September.

The typical Houston region humidity is another aspect of Tomball summers. The weather can be described as “muggy” in June, July, and August, with a peak in May and a dip in September.

4. The city traffic is manageable

In Tomball, the average one-way commute is slightly less than 28 minutes, which is similar to the national average.

Commuting within Tomball is typically much less crowded than commuting within Houston. The city’s traffic is better distributed thanks to the abundance of surface streets. As one might expect, morning and afternoon rush hour traffic is often the worst. Congestion on weekdays is most common between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning and again at about 5:00 in the afternoon.

5. Most people drive around the city

One possible explanation for why most people in Tomball drive themselves about town is because the city is outside of the Houston METRO system’s coverage region. However, public transportation still allows residents to go to Houston, even if it means driving a short distance to a park-and-ride. If commuters use this option, they won’t have to deal with the worst of the route’s congestion, which is closer to downtown.

There are a lot of people in Tomball who use the taxi service since they don’t have a car. Tomball is a relatively tiny city, so a cab typically arrives within a few minutes of your call.

There is a special trip service available to Tomball residents who are elderly or disabled through Harris County Transit: RIDES. Residents of Tomball who are unable to access METRO services owing to physical disabilities are the target audience for RIDES. A letter confirming SSI benefits or confirmation of age is required to use RIDES.

6. Attend Lone Star College-Tomball

Tomball Independent School District (ISD) is in charge of the majority of Tomball’s K-12 institutions. Eleven primary schools, three middle schools, four junior highs, two high schools, an early college high school called Tomball Star Academy, and an academy called Tomball Connections are all part of the Tomball Independent School District.

Lone Star College-Tomball, on Tomball Parkway/SH 249, is a great option for locals looking to further their education. Numerous degree options are available at this community institution, including bachelor’s, associate’s, and professional certificates.

Tomball is also conveniently located close to several of Houston’s schools, such as Houston Community College, Rice University, and the University of Houston.

7. Enjoy the nightlife scene at Main Street Crossing and Thirsty Bee Meadery

Is a night on the town or trying a new restaurant something you’re interested in? People often go to Main Street Crossing to enjoy live music. Get your drink on while listening to the top acts from Tomball’s underground music scene.

For a taste of something different in Tomball, Thirsty Bee Meadery is a fantastic choice. Mead made from local honey is brewed by hand at this tavern. Take some mead home with you or sip it straight from the tap.

How about a combination of chocolate and BBQ? Here at Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue, indulge in the finest chocolates and the full complement of traditional Texas BBQ tastes.

8. Explore Tomball’s historic Downtown area

If you’re looking for a place to relax and recharge in Tomball, you’ll find much to do. A must-see for any visitor to Tomball is the historic downtown area. Market Street and Commerce Street are two streets on the eastern side of Tomball. There is a plethora of classic buildings, restaurants, and shops for tourists to check out.

There is a treasure trove of antiques to check out in Tomball. Among the city’s stores are The Browsery and Antiques Galore & More, which both have an extensive collection of antiques. A famous bowling alley on the outskirts of town, Tomball Bowl is another fantastic spot to have a good time.

9. Enjoy the outdoors at Theis Attaway Nature Center or Juergens Park

If you enjoy being outside, Tomball is a fantastic area to call home. Neighborhoods all across Tomball get to take advantage of the city’s abundance of parks and natural spaces.

Tomball is home to several huge parks, including the expansive Theis Attaway Nature Center. Tomball Parkway Plaza, a well-known retail district, is right next door. On its four acres, the nature center features an amphitheater, fishing ponds, and numerous walking paths.

One of Tomball’s most beloved parks, Juergens Park was the city’s original green space. The park has a number of sports courts, picnic tables, playgrounds, and BBQ pits. Parks like Burroughs and Jerry Matheson are also quite popular.

10. Tomball’s community spirit is unmistakable

Tomball residents have an exceptional feeling of community, which is one of the city’s most appealing attributes. Numerous festivals and activities held by the city throughout the year serve to strengthen community ties. 

Community events that unite Tomball residents include the Tomball Farmers Market, the Tomball Bluegrass Festival, and the Tomball German Heritage Festival. Not only do these gatherings bring people together, but they also highlight the rich cultural heritage of the city.

In Conclusion

The city of Tomball is booming and getting better all the time. It has a wide variety of entertainment options, enjoying the outdoors has never been easier, thanks to the abundance of public parks, and people living in Tomball have a lot of options when it comes to places to shop, dine, and drink. 

Plus, there are a lot of chances for locals to advance their jobs and acquire new skills thanks to Tomball’s booming economy. Located just outside of Houston, Tomball has everything you would need. 


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