College Station, TX, is renowned as the home of Texas A&M University (also known as Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University), part of the Texas A&M University System. With a population hovering around 117,000 in Brazos County, the city is growing quickly, thanks to economic stability, new housing developments, and community diversity, making it 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, home to the Texas A&M Aggies and passionate Aggie Sports fans. And you can bet it caters to the Aggies!
Not everything here revolves around TAMU, however. Living in College Station (part of Bryan-College Station) also means dining at unique restaurants, enjoying live music, exploring numerous museums, participating in outdoor recreation, and following Texas A&M Sports. 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, join the Corps of Cadets, participate in traditions like Silver Taps and Bonfire Memorial, celebrate Aggie Ring Day, and relish the community-wide support they receive from everyone in town, including the Fightin’ Aggie Band and Aggie Voice spirit.
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 with strong community diversity, the education system is strong and there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities to stay active.
Affordable Living
With housing costs and overall cost of living lower than the national average, plus reasonable property taxes in Brazos County, 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 celebrates community diversity and is welcoming and inclusive, from Corps of Cadets traditions to Aggie Voice unity. 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 Bryan-College Station doesn’t only cater to the Aggies, with options from the Brazos Valley Farmer’s Market to the Texas wine scene! 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 cuisine from the Brazos Valley Farmer’s Market, Texas wine scene tastings, 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’d better be a fan of AC and climate controlled self storage 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 economic stability and 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 with new housing developments and traditions neighborhoods 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. Housing prices and the median home value 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 (the median home value), an increase of over 5 percent from last year, with housing costs and property taxes in Brazos County remaining competitive. Consider hiring a moving company to help with the relocation. If you’re looking for a rental property in Bryan-College Station, you can expect to spend the following in housing costs:
Studio:
1 Bedroom: $860
2 Bedrooms: $925
3 Bedrooms: $1,750
4+ Bedrooms: $2,298
Settle Down In One Of These College Station Hotspots
Saddle Creek
This family-friendly neighborhood features well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets, and easy access to shopping and dining. Saddle Creek is popular with families and young professionals who appreciate its quiet atmosphere and proximity to Texas A&M University.
Mission Ranch
Known for its spacious lots and modern homes, Mission Ranch offers a suburban feel with convenient access to College Station amenities. The neighborhood appeals to families seeking newer housing developments with strong schools nearby.
Tuscany Trace
This upscale neighborhood features Mediterranean-inspired architecture and beautiful landscaping. Tuscany Trace is ideal for professionals and families looking for elegant homes in a peaceful setting.
Castlegate II
Located in a prime area of College Station, Castlegate II offers a mix of traditional and contemporary homes. The neighborhood is popular with Texas A&M University faculty and staff due to its proximity to campus.
The Gardens
A master-planned community, The Gardens features resort-style amenities including pools, parks, and walking trails. The Gardens is one of College Station’s most sought-after neighborhoods, offering a variety of home styles in beautifully landscaped housing developments. Residents of The Gardens enjoy an active community lifestyle with frequent neighborhood events.
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 traditions 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 & 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.
Henderson Harbor
This waterfront community offers lakefront living with private boat docks and water access. Henderson Harbor is perfect for those seeking outdoor recreation opportunities right outside their door.
Getting Around Is A Breeze In College Station
With several safe and reliable transportation options, you’ll easily get anywhere in Bryan-College Station. If you’re moving here, consider hiring a moving company to help transport your belongings and moving supplies.
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 (including the Corps of Cadets), staff and faculty, with routes to RELLIS Campus and Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
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 (part of the Texas A&M University System), or TAMU, is the number one choice for students in College Station, home to the Texas A&M Aggies, Texas A&M Sports, the Fightin’ Aggie Band, and the Corps of Cadets. The school enrolls close to 70,000 students (lovingly known as Aggies or Texas A&M Team members, unified by Aggie Voice), 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 Bryan-College Station and Brazos County is characterized by scorching summers and brief, chilly winters, though nearby Sam Houston National Forest offers cooler outdoor recreation escapes. 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.
16 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 for Texas A&M Sports and Texas A&M Aggies games, with performances by the Fightin’ Aggie Band and Aggie Voice spirit. Kyle Field is one of the country’s largest stadiums.
- 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, a highlight of the Texas wine scene 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.
- Visit the Albritton Bell Tower: This iconic landmark on the Texas A&M University campus honors traditions and serves as a gathering place for students and visitors.
- Explore Aggie Park: This popular outdoor recreation spot features walking trails, sports fields, and family-friendly amenities perfect for weekend activities.
- Discover Bottle Cap Alley: This quirky College Station landmark showcases thousands of bottle caps embedded in the alley walls, creating a unique photo opportunity and local attraction.
- Play at Research Park & Disc Golf Course: Enjoy outdoor recreation at this scenic disc golf course, perfect for casual players and serious competitors alike.
- Tour the Brazos County Arboretum: This peaceful garden space showcases native Texas plants and provides a tranquil escape for nature lovers seeking outdoor recreation.
- Experience Raymond Stotzer Parkway: This scenic route offers beautiful views and connects key areas of College Station, perfect for leisurely drives or bike rides.
Find Self Storage Near You In Bryan-College Station—Perfect for Storing Moving Supplies and Furniture Assembly Tools During Your Relocation.
