What to know when moving to Friendswood, TX
Friendswood at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 47.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 24% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $121,914, providing a strong financial backdrop.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,689, housing costs can be significant.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,689/mo rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Friendswood is characterized by a population of about 54,082, where the median household income is notably high at $121,914. The area has a low poverty rate of 3.1%, and education is a priority, as seen in the 47.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. However, only 24% of the population rents, indicating a significant number of homeowners. The area's transit share is very low, with just 0.4% commuting via public transportation, so be prepared to rely on a car.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high percentage of rental options or robust public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,689, which may be on the higher side for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $354,300, making homeownership a significant investment.
- Education is emphasized here with 47.3% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree.
- The poverty rate is low at 3.1%, highlighting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the overall crime rates show some positive trends, particularly in property crime and violent crime.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 345.5 per 100,000, slightly above the national rate of 325.3, but down 21.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,797.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national rate of 1,546.9, but has dropped by 23.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 35.1% since 2022, with a current rate of 4.6 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Friendswood offers access to a variety of educational institutions in the nearby area. There are a total of 9 postsecondary schools accessible to residents.
- Remington College-Houston Southeast Campus in League City.
- Alvin Community College in Alvin.
- University of Houston-Clear Lake in Houston.
- San Jacinto College-South Campus in Houston.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Galveston County experiences an annual precipitation of about 38.8 inches with 75 rainy days each year. This means you might want to invest in some quality rain gear. The area does not see any snowfall.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Clear Lake Park - 4.7 stars (4,825 reviews)
- Walter Hall Park - 4.7 stars (2,043 reviews)
- Bay Area Park - 4.7 stars (1,937 reviews)
- Stevenson Park - 4.8 stars (1,810 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.