Navigation Jump Links
- College Station At-a-Glance
- What it’s like to live in College Station
- Economy and job outlook in College Station
- Real estate in College Station
- The top neighborhoods in College Station
- How to get around in College Station
- School and education snapshot in College Station
- Weather and climate in College Station
- 10 Can’t miss things to do in College Station
College Station At-A-Glance
College Station, TX, is renowned as the home of Texas A&M University. With a population hovering around 117,000, the city is growing quickly and is considered one of the best places to live in Texas. Lovingly known as Aggieland by its residents, the city is a college town through and through. And you can bet it caters to the Aggies!
Not everything here revolves around TAMU, however. Living in College Station also means dining at unique restaurants, enjoying live music, exploring numerous museums and participating in a vibrant sports scene. Regardless of how you spend your free time in College Station, you’re sure to enjoy the city’s energy and friendly folks!
Lots To Learn And Loads To Love
If you decide to move to College Station, you’ll quickly learn why the locals adore this Texas town. The community is deeply rooted in tradition, and takes great pride in its history, its values and its people.
Here are some of the best things about living in Aggieland, along with a few minor grievances.
Excellence in Education
Texas A&M University boasts top-notch academic and research opportunities that help boost the economy and enrich the community overall. Students here are proud to call themselves Aggies and relish the community-wide support they receive from everyone in town.
Family-Friendly & Fun
College Station is considered one of the safest cities in Texas, making it an ideal place to raise a family. The residents are welcoming, the education system is strong and there are plenty of recreational opportunities to stay active.
Affordable Living
With housing and overall living costs lower than the national average, settling down in College Station is an excellent choice for individuals and families looking for a new town to call home. Furthermore, Texans enjoy a zero percent personal income tax, meaning more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket.
A Vibrant Community Spirit
This vibrant college town is diverse, welcoming and inclusive. Living in College Station means making meaningful connections quickly and feeling right at home. Along with an energetic sports and entertainment scene, you’ll enjoy cultural delights like music, theater, museums, galleries and more.
Delicious Eats
The food industry in College Station doesn’t only cater to the Aggies! You’ll find a diverse scene here with a wide range of dining options and something to please every palate. From local favorite Tex-Mex and barbecue, to food trucks, farm-to-table and international cuisine, there is truly something to satisfy everyone.
So, what’s not so great about this place?
The Heat & Humidity
Although the rest of the year is comfortable or cool, the summer months in College Station can be unbearable. You’ve got to be pretty tough to withstand temperatures that can reach the 100-degree mark! You better be a fan of AC if you plan on moving to town.
The Fluctuating Population
The academic calendar dictates the population in town, meaning certain times of the year bring heavy traffic congestion and lower housing availability for newcomers.
The Bland Scenery
College Station’s geographical location means no mountains or oceans for miles around. While there are plenty of parks and trails, the scenery here is mainly flat or rolling plains for miles (and miles) on end.
A Strong Economy With No Signs Of Slowing Down
College Station boasts a robust economy with an unemployment rate lower than the national average. As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, the job market is strong and expanding, with future job growth expected to surpass 45 percent in the next 10 years.
College Station’s entrepreneurs and small business owners enjoy a wealth of support and resources from places like the Brazos Valley Small Business Development Center, Startup Aggieland and Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley.
Major sectors in town include technology and engineering, education, manufacturing and healthcare. Top employers include Texas A&M University, St. Joseph Health System, Sanderson Farms and the Bryan Independent School District.
A Robust Real Estate Market Thanks To TAMU
College Station boasts a solid real estate market due to the strong demand from students, faculty and staff of Texas A&M University. The market is exceptionally competitive during the school year, with students seeking accommodation near campus. Home prices have increased steadily over the years, and the rental market is particularly active due to the large student population in the city.
If you’re thinking of moving to College Station, you can expect to spend an average of $335,005 on a home, an increase of over 5 percent from last year. If you’re looking for a rental property, you can expect to spend the following:
Studio: $856
1 Bedroom: $860
2 Bedrooms: $925
3 Bedrooms: $1,750
4+ Bedrooms: $2,298
Settle Down In One Of These College Station Hotspots
Indian Lakes
Located on the shores of Lake Arapahoe, this planned community is known for its large lots, beautiful natural surroundings and recreational opportunities. You’ll find a recreation center, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a fishing pond and more in Indian Lakes. Its proximity to Texas A&M University makes it a popular neighborhood for faculty and its close-knit community makes it ideal for families.
Oakmont
Oakmont is in the center of College Station and is popular with families, young professionals and students attending college in town. Plenty of amenities are nearby, along with schools, parks and recreational areas. The Porch, Oakmont’s 8,000-square foot recreation center, sits in the heart of the neighborhood, offering amenities such as swimming, sports courts and a fitness center.
Pebble Creek
This upscale, picturesque neighborhood is a golf and nature lover’s dream. Home to both the renowned Pebble Creek golf course and 515-acre Lick Creek Park, there is no shortage of opportunities to spend time on the course or the trails. Pebble Creek is close to several amenities, and community members enjoy monthly events, a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse and live music at the Creekside Grille.
Getting Around Is A Breeze In College Station
With several safe and reliable transportation options, you’ll easily get anywhere in College Station.
Public Transportation: The Brazos Transit District operates public transportation and paratransit services for all its residents. This fixed-route bus service has several routes running throughout the city.
Texas A&M University Transportation: TAMU runs its own transportation service to accommodate nearly 70,000 students, staff and faculty. This includes buses, shuttles and a bike-share program.
Walking/Biking: College Station maintains an extensive and growing system of bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks, focusing on getting people from Point A to Point B efficiently and safely.
Rideshare & Taxis: Traditional taxi services are available, as are ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft.
Prepare To Become A Proud Aggie
College Station is known for its excellent education system and is considered a city with some of the “Best Public Schools in America.” The College Station Independent School District (CSISD) operates the city’s elementary, intermediate, middle and high schools, which all follow curricular guidelines set by the Texas Education Agency. Families can also send their children to one of the city’s many private schools.
Regarding higher education, Texas A&M University, or TAMU, is the number one choice for students in College Station. The school enrolls close to 70,000 students (lovingly known as Aggies) and is considered one of the top public schools in the nation. TAMU offers an impressive 133 undergraduate programs, 175 master’s degree programs and 92 doctoral degree programs. Students looking for a more intimate learning experience attend Blinn College. The school is considered the premier two-year college in Texas and has an enrollment of over 17,000. Students attend Blinn College for its workforce training, continuing education classes and academic transfer to prepare for a four-year college or university.
Hot and Sticky Summers, Snow-Free Winters
The climate in College Station is characterized by scorching summers and brief, chilly winters. Temperatures fluctuate between 42°F and 96°F throughout the year, with mid-May to late September being the best time to enjoy the outdoors. Summer highs typically surpass 89°F, and August is the hottest month, with average highs in the mid-90s. On the other hand, the winter temperatures usually hover below 67°F, with January being the coldest month of the year.
There is plenty of humidity in the summer months, and on average, College Station receives 40 inches of rain, but no snowfall. And when it comes to sunshine, the city enjoys 209 sunny days per year, slightly higher than the national average.
10 Can’t Miss Things to Do in College Station
As a college town, you may think that Texas A&M University is the main attraction in College Station. While the school is considered the town’s pride and joy, there is SO much more to experience. We suggest you start with these gems.
- Explore The Brazos Valley Natural History Museum: Celebrating the Brazos Valley area’s animal, plant and mineral life, this impressive museum has several permanent and rotating exhibits to keep visitors educated and entertained.
- Catch an Aggie Game at Kyle Field: This Texas A&M University field seats over 100,000 fans, making it one of the country’s largest stadiums. The fans are passionate, the energy is electric and the experience is unforgettable!
- Visit the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum: You’ll find the Presidential Limousine, a piece of the Berlin Wall and a reconstruction of the Oval Office at this museum dedicated to the nation’s 41st President.
- Enjoy the Nightlife in Northgate: If you’re looking for a fun night of dancing, live music and bubbly beverages, be sure to hit up Northgate. This is the entertainment hub of College Station, and if you’re looking for a good time, it will not disappoint.
- Sip Your Way Through Messina Hof Winery: Take an hour-long tour through College Station’s resident winery and learn about the fascinating wine-making process. After touring the grounds and sampling some wines, you can enjoy a meal at their on-site restaurant.
- Get Interactive at The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley: This museum in nearby Bryan prides itself on its hands-on approach to learning. You’ll find plenty of incredible attractions here, like a spaceship, a mini-construction site and a model television station.
- Get in the Holiday Spirit at Santa’s Wonderland: With attractions like communal campfires, hayrides, horse and carriage rides and visiting Santa himself, you’re sure to get in the Christmas spirit after visiting Santa’s Wonderland.
- Pay Your Respect at the Museum of the American GI: Dedicated to educating people about the brave men and women who have been in service in the United States, this museum houses many military memorabilia. You can also explore permanent and traveling exhibits showcasing artifacts from several different wars.
- Indulge in Some Mouth-Watering Dixie Chicken: Dixie Chicken has been a College Station staple since it opened in the 1930s. Aside from its delicious fried chicken, fries and burgers, you can also play some pool or dominoes while enjoying a cold beer and listening to country music.
- Get Some Fresh Air At Lake Bryan: Locals and tourists alike flock to Lake Bryan to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the water. The 2,000+ acre lake is the perfect spot for fishing, swimming, boating and picnicking. You’ll also find several beautiful trails to enjoy.
