Located 50 miles from the Gulf Coast inland and less than 30 miles from Houston, lies Richmond, TX, a little city that offers big benefits. Despite its cozy and laid-back charm, Richmond, TX is vibrant, taking pride in its rich past, varied cultural influences, and solid community spirit. It also has an incredibly good real estate market, and those looking for houses for sale in Richmond, TX, will find great homes at great value.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why so many are looking at Richmond, TX as their relocation destination.

1. A rich heritage

   Richmond, TX traces its roots almost two centuries back when a modest fort was built along the curving stretch of the Brazos River. Named Fort Bend a community sprang up around the fort and over time, the settlement evolved into Richmond City.

   Explore downtown and you will find numerous structures built in the 1800s that have been meticulously restored and maintained. Immerse yourself in the city’s layered past by visiting these attractions:

   • Fort Bend Museum is owned and managed by the Fort Bend History Association, a non-profit organization committed to conserving and providing information about the area’s history. Through exhibits and dioramas, you can witness Fort Bend County’s event highlights, such as the rise of Anglo-American settlers and the development of its cotton and sugar industries.
      
   • George Ranch, formerly called the George Ranch Historical Park, spans 22,000 acres. Today, it offers interactive school tours and learning programs, allowing students and visitors to experience an important piece of Texas history.
      
   • The Fort Bend County Courthouse was built by notable architect Charles Henry Page in 1908. The three-story structure is topped by an expansive dome made of copper and is a main feature of the city’s skyline.
      
2. A thriving job market

   One of the reasons so many are looking for houses for sale in Richmond, TX is the employment opportunities in the area, especially within industries such as energy, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Top employers include Halliburton, Baker Hughes, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Best Buy, and Texas Instruments. Emerging industries like real estate, professional and scientific services, insurance, and finance are other drivers of the city’s economic growth.

   Business Facilities cited Texas as State of the Year in 2023 because of its business-conducive practices. Its legislation, benefits, and employee training programs make the state ideal for corporate expansions and relocations. Richmond’s job market is set to reap the rewards as its mother state continues to entice fast-growing sectors like electric vehicles and chip manufacturing.

   With so many positive factors around business and employment, Richmond’s job market is predicted to grow in the next decade at an impressive 37.7%, exceeding the national average of 33.5%.
    

3. Affordable cost of living

   The State has a long history of independence, and just doing things different from most of the country. This is true with how taxes are handled in Texas. It’s one of the few states, including Alaska, Nevada, Florida, South Dakota, Washington, Tennesee, Wyoming, and Alaska, with no state income tax. Additionally, Texas does not tax retirement disbursements.

   Texas finances infrastructure development and public services from revenues from sales and excise taxes. You may think that these taxes would be high and act as a substitute for the fact there is no income tax. However, the Economic Research Institute, shows that Richmond, TX’s living costs are 12% lower than the national average. This is based on the accumulated expenses for food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.

   States that don’t levy income taxes usually cut down their services. This is not true for Texas. Despite having one of the nation’s lowest tax burdens, Texas ranks 35th in US News’s list of the most desirable states to live in.
    

4. Quality education system

   

   If you’re moving to Richmond, TX with your family, or if you’re planning to start one, you’ll have access to excellent educational opportunities. The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, which caters to the area, runs reputable schools that deliver quality education. Parents will also be able to select excellent private schools. Nearby there are good options for colleges and universities, such as the Wharton County Junior College and the University of Houston Sugar Land. Prestigious institutions such as Texas Southern University and the University of Houston are just 30 miles away.

   GreatSchools rate these elementary schools as the top five in Richmond, TX based on academic achievement and other factors:

   • Carolyn and Vernon Madden Elementary School
   • Frost Elementary School
   • Judge James C Adolphus EI
   • School of Science and Technology Sugarland
   • Don Carter Elementary School

   Then there are the public high schools that have been recognized as the best in preparing students for college success. These schools display outstanding performance in ensuring that students enroll and finish college.

   • George Ranch High School
   • Foster High School
   • William B Travis High School

    

5. Outdoor activities

   Richmond, TX is famed for its stunning natural scenery. The city and the surrounding area attract visitors and new residents for their abundant greens, tranquil parks, and the Brazos River. Residents have easy access to great fishing spots, hiking trails, and plenty of areas where they can just relax and have a picnic. Here are some of Richmond’s great outdoor spots:

   • George Park is a spacious and well-maintained park that offers dedicated areas for various outdoor sports, including baseball, football, jogging, volleyball, and soccer. Families love its picnic areas and playground.
      
   • Just over 20 minutes away from Richmond is Mayde Creek South Pocket Park and Hike and Bike Trail. It connects to Mayde Creek North Pocket Park, providing cyclists, hikers, and joggers over three miles of outdoor fun.
      

   Love golfing? Then you’ll be pleased to know there are numerous golf courses within the area.

   • The Greatwood Golf Course is just 15 minutes away from Richmond. The course is a full 18 holes and also offers a driving range, putting green, and chip practice area. After your game, you can head indoors for a casual meal and a cold drink at the clubhouse.
      
   • Meadowbrook Farms has a Greg Norman Signature Course. The par-72 course has excellent features including hardwood trees, creeks, and wetlands, that provide a stern challenge, even for the strategic golfer.
      
6. Vibrant community

   

   You’ll find Richmond, TX is warm and friendly. It has a relatively small population of just over 12,000, small enough to maintain a strong sense of community but big enough to enjoy a raft of important amenities.

   The city has become a melting pot of cultures and teems with family-oriented festivals that celebrate culture and art. These local markets and community events foster a sense of belonging.

   • Food Truck Lunch Fridays feature a different concessionaire at the end of the work week. The food truck is always parked at Richmond’s Central Fire Station from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many different cuisines, it’s a delightful way to be surprised when you don’t know what you want for lunch.
      
   • The Richmond Farmers Market sets up shop at the City Hall Park Plaza every first Friday of the month. It offers fresh produce from local farmers, handmade items, and a variety of ready-to-eat foods.
      
   • The non-profit organization Historic Richmond Association holds three yearly events. Art in the Bend features pieces highlighting the best from local artists. Motown on Morton is a street party with live music, food, and drinks. Miracle on Morton St. is a Christmas festival with arts and crafts, food, refreshments, and great family fun.
      
7. Dining & nightlife

   Whether you’re into resto-hopping or bar crawls, Richmond, TX has many options for you.

   • Joseph’s Cigars main offerings are their hand-rolled cigars. However, this more than 120-year-old business sits inside Joseph’s Coffee Shop. Here, you can enjoy a fresh brew while learning more about the city’s history.
      
   • Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant has been around since the 1960s. Its cheese enchilada is a must-order, with thick yellow cheese, rolled tortilla, and chili gravy.
      

   You can’t go wrong with these night spots that also serve excellent food:

   • The Lone Star Saloon takes pride in its burgers, said to be the best in town. You also get your fill of live music, a dozen different draft beers, and a great wine selection.
      
   • The County Line Bar and Grill has been famous for its slow-grilled smoked barbecue since 1975. Paired with a cold beer, it’s the perfect way to end a long day.
      
   • The Dry Creek Social Club is the bar to hit for live music and refreshments. If you’d rather drink al fresco, you can do so in their gorgeous patio or backyard.
      
8. Health & wellness

   Healthcare companies have their headquarters in or near Richmond, TX, providing employment and round-the-clock medical services.

   • OakBend Medical Center has two facilities in the city—one in the Jackson Street Hospital Campus and another in the Williams Way Hospital Campus. OakBend has received awards and recognition, including accreditation by The Joint Commission, and the Texas Ten Steps Education Award, which acknowledges the center’s family-friendly initiatives.
      
   • Near the city is the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, which provides comprehensive services, including acute care for patients in Fort Bend County and its neighboring areas. The hospital is equipped to handle cancer patients, vascular issues, and sports medicine among others.
      
   • Also nearby is the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, which serves as a pioneering site for novel processes and innovations for its mother company, the Memorial Hermann Health System. It was awarded the Baldrige Category Best Practice and the Texas Award for Performance Excellence in 2015.
      
   • Richmond, TX also has health centers, including the Community Health Center of Richmond and AccessHealth.
      
   • According to the Census Bureau, 7.8% of Richmond residents under 65 years old are living with a disability. The Richmond State Supported Living Center houses those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, giving them 24/7 care and supervision.
      
9. Safety & security
    
   • The Richmond Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency dedicated to safeguarding and serving the residents within its official city boundaries.
      
   • The Richmond Fire Department is active in disseminating information about its activities and fire prevention tips. It has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association for over a century to promote annual campaigns. Its special operations division is equipped to handle hazardous materials at a technician level, various rescues in confined spaces and high angles, and during trench and structural collapse.
      
10. Wide range of homes for sale in Richmond, TX

    

    Although housing costs in the Greater Houston region are generally more affordable than in other areas of the US, the average price of houses for sale in Richmond, TX tends to be a bit higher. High home values indicate Richmond TX real estate’s thriving market. People are willing to pay more to secure a home in a desirable location with a better quality of life and economic growth.

    This charming city is home to in-demand master-planned communities and residences that cater to a wide range of budgets. Everything from vintage homes to contemporary luxury residences and comfortable apartments can be found here. Whether you’re on the lookout for detached homes or ranch-style residences, Richmond’s diverse housing market offers choices that suit different needs and preferences.
     

11. Climate

    Generally, the Houston area experiences mild and short winters with balmy, sun-filled summers. Due to its flat terrain and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the region enjoys a humid subtropical climate.

    August typically sees the highest temperatures, with an average of 95°F. January tends to be the coolest month, with an average low of 41°F. Expect precipitation throughout the year, with the autumn months September to November receiving the most rainfall. February and October are usually the drier months.

    Because of its moderate climate, Richmond is filled with lush vegetation. A long growing season guarantees abundant flowers, plants, trees, and even homegrown food in your garden.

    This climate is also the reason for the area’s thriving and diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for many plants and animals. With such breathtaking settings within your reach, you can take your time and just enjoy the natural beauty around you. Outdoor recreation can be enjoyed almost year-round, promoting better physical and mental health.
     

12. Transportation

    Similar to other parts of Texas, most of the residents in Richmond rely on their cars for transportation, with 75% of its workforce driving to work. The mean travel time to work is 26.7 minutes.

    Commuting is generally a breeze with neighboring towns within a 30-mile radius. The main routes for reaching Rosenberg and Houston are the Southwest Freeway (US-59), Highway 90-A, and Westpark Tollway. If you want to get to Katy, Cypress and most of Northwest and West Houston, you can take the Grand Parkway (TX-99) and Highway 6. In 2022, Houston opened the Grand Parkway, also known as the State Highway (SH 99). It spans 184 miles with eleven segments crossing seven counties. This has made it easier to get around while easing traffic jams and supporting the growing population and businesses in the Houston area.

    Public transport is also available in Richmond. The Fort Bend County Transit provides public bus transportation with various daily routes spanning the city and adjacent towns. Apart from the buses that follow the usual routes, the county also has the Demand Response Service. This is a shared-ride, curb-to-curb transportation option covering Fort Bend County. To use the service, customers must register and make reservations.
     

Work with Wale Lawal to Find Your Home In Richmond, TX

Richmond, TX is a place where you can get a great home and enjoy a fantastic lifestyle. When you’re ready to find your home in this exceptional community, contact Realtor Wale Lawal at 832.776.9582 or leave a message here. Together let’s explore your options in Richmond, TX.