Thinking about moving to The Woodlands in the next 90 days? You have a lot to juggle, from neighborhoods and schools to financing and utilities. With a clear plan and the right local guidance, you can land in the right home on the right timeline. This guide gives you a practical, week-by-week roadmap designed for corporate transferees and international buyers so you can relocate with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why The Woodlands works for relocations
The Woodlands is a master-planned community north of Houston with village-style neighborhoods, parks and trails, retail, and business centers. The area’s population is about 116,000, according to the U.S. Census QuickFacts for The Woodlands. You will find a range of homes, from townhomes and single-family to new construction.
Commute access is straightforward. You are typically 30 to 45 minutes from downtown Houston, depending on traffic, with primary routes along I-45 and TX-99. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is usually under an hour, which helps for business travel and visiting family. Local parks, trash services, and community events are coordinated by The Woodlands Township.
Schools are a key factor for many families. Most of The Woodlands is served by Conroe Independent School District. Attendance zones can change, so always verify the current boundaries directly with the district when you target a specific address.
Your 90-day game plan
Weeks 1–2: Virtual intake and pre-approval
- Schedule a virtual consult to align on budget, commute tolerance, school needs, and lifestyle. You will get a village overview, HOA context, and sample listings.
- Connect with a lender for pre-approval. If you are a foreign national, ask about mortgage options that support non-resident buyers. Expect to gather passport and visa ID, proof of employment, recent bank statements, and a transfer letter if applicable.
- For international buyers, discuss document translation, notarization or apostille needs, and wire transfer logistics. Ask your bank about timing for international wires.
Weeks 3–4: Narrow neighborhoods and plan temporary housing
- Build a shortlist of 3 to 5 target villages or neighborhoods. Compare lot sizes, home ages, HOA rules, parks and trail access, and walkability to Market Street or Hughes Landing.
- Map commute times to the office during peak hours. Use both I-45 and TX-99 where it makes sense.
- If you have children, begin school inquiries. Conroe ISD offers online resources, but confirm each campus’s current attendance zone with the district.
- Reserve temporary housing that aligns with your scouting trip and potential closing window. Corporate apartments and extended-stay hotels often offer monthly rates.
Weeks 5–6: First trip and on-the-ground reconnaissance
- Drive your shortlist during morning and evening rush to understand real travel times.
- Tour 6 to 10 homes and include new construction model homes if you want builder options. Combine in-person tours with video walkthroughs for any misses.
- Meet your lender or closing contacts if schedules allow. If you prefer support in Spanish or another language, bring an interpreter to complex meetings.
Weeks 7–8: Offer, negotiation, and logistics
- Work with your agent to submit a strong offer, including earnest money, inspection timelines, and appropriate contingencies.
- Coordinate with your employer’s relocation team on reimbursement guidelines, temporary housing, and move timing.
- Pre-book inspections to match your availability. If you are remote, set up video inspections and a live debrief.
Weeks 9–10: Inspections and final financing steps
- Review inspection reports and negotiate repairs or credits. In this region, it is common to evaluate roof, HVAC, pest, and foundation.
- Complete appraisal and any final underwriting requests. If funds are coming from overseas, schedule wire transfers early to meet bank compliance.
- Order homeowners insurance and confirm if flood insurance is recommended. Assess property-specific risk with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Weeks 11–12: Closing and move-in preparation
- Do a final walkthrough in person or via live video. Complete closing documents with a notary or attorney. Some items may require in-person signatures.
- Transfer utilities into your name and schedule service start dates to match move-in. Set up internet and test speeds.
- Complete school enrollment, select a primary care physician, and open local accounts such as the library or recreation center.
Week 13 and beyond: Settle in and integrate
- Register vehicles and update your driver’s license as needed.
- Apply for the homestead exemption if this is your primary residence. Check process and deadlines with the Montgomery County Appraisal District.
- Review HOA rules for exterior changes and community use. Join local events and programs through The Woodlands Township to plug into the community.
Neighborhood and lifestyle filters to choose the right village
Start with the big levers: commute, school needs, lot size, and proximity to parks and retail. If you want easy access to restaurants, office parks, and concert venues, focus near Town Center, Market Street, or Hughes Landing. If you prefer more privacy or larger lots, look to villages with older sections and larger parcels.
Use these quick filters to fine-tune:
- Walkability to retail or parks
- Age of homes and renovation appetite
- HOA rules and architectural controls
- New construction access and builder preferences
- Trail network reach and community amenities you will use most
Tour by day and evening to see traffic, lighting, and neighborhood activity. Then compare your top two picks side by side and run updated commute checks to the office, school, and airport.
Utilities, services, and setup at a glance
Confirm providers by address before you move in. Typical providers include:
- Electricity: CenterPoint Energy manages distribution in the Houston region.
- Natural gas: Many neighborhoods use Atmos Energy.
- Water, sewer, and trash: Service is managed by local municipal utility districts or through Township-contracted providers. Check schedules and setup instructions with The Woodlands Township.
- Internet and TV: Test availability with major providers by address. Two common options are AT&T Internet and Xfinity Internet.
Plan start dates 7 to 14 days ahead when possible, especially if you need professional installation or equipment delivery.
Bilingual and international support that smooths the process
If you are purchasing from abroad or prefer Spanish, ask for bilingual representation and document translation. Lenders familiar with foreign-national loans can guide you on down payment expectations, required identification, and how to document income and assets. Many buyers open a U.S. bank account early to streamline wires and earnest money deposits.
For non-U.S. documents, confirm notarization or apostille needs with your lender and title company. If you have cross-border tax questions, speak with a CPA who understands U.S. and international reporting. Starting these steps in Weeks 1 to 2 keeps your contract timeline on track later.
Insurance, inspections, and HOAs in The Woodlands
Expect a full inspection set that may include general, roof, HVAC, pest, and foundation. If an inspector flags structural items, bring in a specialist promptly to avoid delays. Obtain insurance quotes early and confirm any mitigation requests from your carrier.
Flood risk varies by street. Review FEMA maps and ask about neighborhood drainage history. Even if a home is outside a mapped floodplain, you may still consider a policy if your lender or risk profile calls for it.
HOAs in The Woodlands can have architectural review rules, exterior change guidelines, and fee structures. Ask for HOA resale documents early and verify seller dues are current, since association paperwork can affect closing timelines.
What to expect on timing and costs
Most contracts close in 30 to 45 days once you are under contract. International buyers should plan extra time for bank wires, translation, and underwriting.
Texas does not have a state income tax, but local property taxes can be a significant cost. Budget for annual taxes and confirm estimated rates for the address you are targeting. If you will occupy the home as your primary residence, explore the homestead exemption with the Montgomery County Appraisal District.
Ready to move with a clear plan?
A focused 90-day timeline helps you control variables, compare neighborhoods with clarity, and hit your closing date without surprises. If you want hands-on guidance from a bilingual, locally rooted team that regularly supports corporate and international moves, we are ready to help. Start your consult with Ahiri Merlo and get your custom relocation plan.
FAQs
How long does a typical home purchase take in The Woodlands?
- Once under contract, most transactions close in 30 to 45 days, and international buyers should allow extra time for underwriting, translation, and wire transfers.
What documents do international buyers need for a mortgage in Texas?
- Expect to provide a passport and visa ID, proof of employment, recent bank statements, tax returns if available, and lender-guided identification such as an ITIN or SSN if you have one.
How do I verify The Woodlands school zones before I buy?
- Confirm current attendance boundaries directly with Conroe Independent School District for any specific address you are considering.
Who provides utilities in The Woodlands and how do I set them up?
- Electricity is distributed by CenterPoint Energy, many areas use Atmos Energy for natural gas, and water or trash is coordinated through local districts or The Woodlands Township.
How do I check flood risk for a home in The Woodlands?
- Review the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask your agent about neighborhood drainage history and flood insurance recommendations.
How do property taxes work in Montgomery County?
- Property taxes are assessed locally; confirm the estimated tax rate for the property and review homestead exemption details with the Montgomery County Appraisal District.
Can I arrange internet service before move-in?
- Yes, most providers let you schedule installation in advance; check address availability with AT&T Internet or Xfinity Internet and coordinate your start date with closing.
