Moving to Walker County, Texas
Whether you’ve been exploring a move to the sunbelt to escape the cold, are looking outside of Houston and Austin for a quieter, simpler life, or are relocating to our region for a job opportunity, Walker County has a lot to offer. From small-town living in Phelps and New Waverly to the historic and academic setting of Huntsville, each enclave has its own unique personality and perks, as well as the traditional Eastern Texas charm that draws new residents each year.
But any relocation can be daunting, from navigating new roads to finding the right place to call home. In this post, we’ll explore Walker’s general lifestyle stats, from the cost of housing to its job market, as well as our favorite things to do and see in our beautiful corner of Texas. Keep reading to learn more about moving to Walker County!
Quality of Life in Walker County, Texas
With a low cost of living and strong sense of community, Walker County offers many reasons to call our region your new home.
Cost of Living
One of the biggest perks about living in Walker County is its affordability, with a cost of living 14% below the national average, according to Best Places. To afford a comfortable lifestyle in Walker, you’ll only need an annual income of $47,160 for a family and $36,800 for a single person. However, when moving to Walker County, it’s important to budget for typical Texas expenses, which include utilities and transportation, potentially higher than in some other regions.
Housing Prices in Walker
Lower housing prices in Walker can have a huge benefit to your budget. In fact, the typical home in Walker costs $246,500—cheaper than both the national average of $338,100 and the average Texas home at $297,600. Looking to rent till you’re ready to buy? A two-bedroom apartment in Walker averages only $1,090 per month.
What you’ll pay for a home will vary greatly on its location, size, condition, and amenities. With Walker County currently designated a buyer’s market (more homes for sale than buyers), it’s possible to get a good deal on housing, as opposed to other areas of Texas and the US.
Transportation in Walker County
Everything is bigger in Texas, they say, and with longer distances between amenities, housing, and major population hubs, you might find you spend a little more time in your car or truck.
As we mentioned above, your costs for transportation (about $15,000 a year for a family of four) may be slightly higher in Walker County than other areas, compared to the cost of living. There are several reasons for this including those commute times to jobs and fewer options for alternative transportation like public transit or bicycle-friendly roads. However, other lower living expenses can make up for these slightly elevated costs. Let’s break down the full picture of transit in Walker County.
Public Transportation Options: There is no public transit in Walker County per se. However, the Brazos Transit District can provide on-demand transit services for both disabled and non-disabled persons. Individuals may also utilize private services like Uber, which has been serving the county since 2017.
Airports: The nearest airport to Huntsville is College Station (CLL) Airport which is about 50 miles away. However, most fliers will utilize Houston (IAH), which is only a tiny bit farther but offers far more options for flights domestically and internationally.
Major Highways: The City of Huntsville relies on one interstate and multiple state highways for its transportation infrastructure. These include:
- Interstate 45: Running from Dallas to Houston, this interstate serves as a key artery for Huntsville.
- State Highway 30: Stretching from College Station to SH 19 in Huntsville, Highway 30 between I-45 and US 190 (Phelps Dr).
- State Highway 75: Passes through the heart of Huntsville, in part along Sam Houston Avenue, a prominent street in the city.
- State Highway 190: Diverges from SH 6, turning northeast and joining SH 21. It passes many cities including Madisonville before meeting I-45, leading to Huntsville and further into East Texas.
Additionally, the construction of Interstate 14, also known as the Central Texas Corridor, is under way. Route 14 will pass through Bryan College Station, Huntsville, Livingston, and several other cities.
Walkability: Despite our county’s name, it’s important to note that Huntsville and Walker County are definitely car dependent. With a Walkability Score of 15 and a bikability score of 22, you’ll need a vehicle for most everyday errands and tasks. However, if you prefer to avoid the car, there are options for more walkable neighborhoods in Huntsville, especially in the neighborhoods surrounding Sam Houston State University—home to dozens of shops, cafes, restaurants, and points of interest.
Recreation and Entertainment
When the working day is done, there’s much fun to be had in and around Huntsville.
Local Entertainment
Walker County offers a vibrant local entertainment scene, from live music at the historic Old Town Theatre and the Main Street Music series in Rather Park to movies at Cinestar. While the nightlife might be quieter than larger metropolitan areas, there many cozy spots for those interested in enjoying a relaxed evening out.
Looking for big city appeal? Huntsville is just a little over an hour from Houston, where you can enjoy major concerts, sporting events, and lots of fine dining opportunities.
What’s the local food Like?
Thanks to a diverse cultural landscape and proximity to major cities, Walker County offers a robust food scene, featuring everything from traditional Texan BBQ to international cuisines. American and Mexican restaurants reign supreme however, with much-loved options including Cafe Texan, Bennie J’s Smokepit, Carbonero Rotisserie, Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Los Pericos Mexican Restaurant, Mr. Hamburger, and 1836 Steakhouse.
What are the top options for outdoor recreation?
From Huntsville State Park to Sam Houston National Forest, opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. And with mild temperatures for much of the year, enjoy fishing, boating, mountain biking, and hiking year-round.
Popular outdoor attractions include:
Lone Star Hiking Trail: 129 miles of trail to explore in Sam Houston National Forest
Shawshank Disc Golf Penitentiary: A 23-hole technical course located in the Eastern part of the county.
Blue Lagoon: It’s crystalline blue waters make it famous for scuba diving and lessons.
Lake Livingston: A man-made reservoir across Houston, Madison, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties that offers plentiful opportunities for water recreation.
Tourist Attractions
Looking for things to do when your in-laws or grandkids visit? Walker County has many attractions to check out with your out-of-town guests, or on your next staycation.
Downtown Huntsville: From shopping to dining, make a day of simply strolling through our lovely downtown.
Sam Houston Memorial Museum: Located on SHSU’s campus (on the original farm owned by General Houston), the Sam Houston Memorial Museum is dedicated to exploring the vibrant history of Texas and the life of Sam Houston and his family.
Sam Houston Statue and Visitor Center: Home to a 67-foot-tall statue of Sam Houston, the tallest statue of an American hero in the world.
Huntsville State Park: Huntsville State Park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating in a scenic pine forest setting.
Texas Prison Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the history of the Texas prison system, including exhibits on famous inmates and artifacts from the prison.
Old Town Theatre: This historic theater in downtown Huntsville hosts live performances, movies, and community events.
How to Pay for Your New Walker County Home
While homes in Walker County are certainly more affordable than other parts of the country (and Texas!), finding the best way to pay for your home can still be a challenge—especially for first-time homebuyers.
Mortgage Options
There are a variety of mortgage options to choose from, and finding the right product can make a huge difference in the amount of home you can afford, and your monthly payment options. A few popular mortgage products offered through CSCU include:
Conventional Loans: A conventional mortgage, also called a “conforming loan,” often comes with 15- or 30-year terms. While a 20% down payment is ideal, it’s possible to get a conventional loan with a lower down payment. A credit score of 620 or higher is generally required.
FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are a low down payment mortgage that allows you to put as little as 3.5% down—as well as having more flexible credit requirements than conventional loans.
USDA Loans: USDA Rural Development Loans are available to low- and moderate-income homeowners and are guaranteed by the US Department of Agriculture. They can be used to buy, build, or renovate a primary residence in designated low-population areas, which covers much of the state of Texas. They offer 0% down payment and flexible terms.
VA Loans: These loans, backed by the department of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are a flexible financing option for eligible current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses. Like USDA loans, they are income-based and offer 0% down payment and flexible terms.
Find the Right Lending Partner
Working one-on-one with a community lender can help you navigate the mortgage application process and ensure you get the best loan for your needs. Local lenders like CSCU can offer:
- Regional Expertise: CSCU has a strong understanding of the local real estate market, providing tailored advice that aligns with area housing trends and insights.
- Variety of Mortgage Options: Local financial institutions often offer the same range of mortgage products as national lenders. Whether you’re looking for conventional loans, FHA loans, or VA loans, having multiple options allows you to choose a mortgage that best suits your financial situation and goals.
- Competitive Rates: At CSCU, we’re known for offering competitive interest rates on their mortgage products, which can result in lower monthly payments and less interest paid over the life of the loan.
- Community Involvement: Local credit unions are deeply involved in the community, translating into a customer-first approach with an aim to assist members in achieving their homeownership dreams rather than merely profiting from their needs.
- Additional Benefits: Being a member of a credit union like CSCU often comes with additional benefits such as lower fees and personalized customer service, which can make the mortgage process smoother and more affordable.
By choosing a local lender like CSCU for your mortgage needs, you benefit from their community-focused approach and deep local knowledge, both of which can help make the transition to a new home in Texas more seamless and financially advantageous.
Looking for a Mortgage in Walker County? Choose CSCU
Whether you’re a long-time resident of our region or are looking to start your life here in eastern Texas, Community Service Credit Union is here to meet your lending needs. From selecting a home loan to navigating the steps of your application, our experienced local lenders will be with you every step of the way. Check out our competitive rates, apply online, stop by a branch to get started!