Hometown Highlights
From small towns to big cities, Sam Houston State University is surrounded by a wide variety of communities that faculty can call home. Discover the rich history of Huntsville, the vibrant urban culture of Houston, the serene beauty of The Woodlands, the collaborative spirit of Bryan/College Station, and the welcoming charm of Conroe. Learn more about the places to live below, and find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Huntsville
The city of Huntsville is nestled in the East Texas Piney Woods and is centrally located on a direct route between Houston and Dallas. With a population of roughly 40,000 (excluding SHSU), Huntsville offers the simplicity of small town life and easy access to surrounding cities including Conroe, The Woodlands, and Bryan/College Station. Full of Texas history and charm, this county seat is home to multiple museums, annual festivities, antique stores, year round outdoor activities, vineyards, and a state park.
Houston
In a little over an hour after leaving main campus, you can arrive in downtown Houston. America's fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. Houston has consistently ranked as one of the most diverse cities in America and as one of the best "foodie" cities. It provides access to large entertainment venues and professional sporting events.
The Woodlands
Located about 27 miles north of downtown Houston and home to SHSU’s The Woodlands Center, The Woodlands is a master-planned community with approximately 120,000 residents. The Woodlands is well known for its extensive parks and recreation, golf, corporate headquarters, schools, places of worship, shopping, dining, hospitality, healthcare and much more. Today, there are 151 parks and 220 miles of hike and bike trails. The township is frequently named to lists of best places to live and buy a house.
Bryan/College Station
Bryan and College Station are historic sister cities, located about an hour from the main SHSU campus in Huntsville. The cities are situated less than three hours from the three largest metropolitan areas in the state: Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth. As the home of Texas A&M University, College Station and its surrounding area have grown into a vibrant hub with a strong academic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Conroe
Conroe is the fastest-growing city in Texas and home to the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Located about 30 miles south of Huntsville and bordered by 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, Sam Houston National Forest, and W. Goodrich Jones State Forest, the city provides an outdoor oasis. In addition, Conroe has a bustling downtown with breweries, theatres, shopping, and live music.