Conroe, TX, United States

Capital City

Conroe is a rapidly expanding city north of Houston, but don't be fooled by the population boom - the bureaucratic headaches are real. With over 89,956 residents as of 2020, the city has grown by annexing surrounding areas, leading to constant battles over development and property rights. Frequent flooding is also a persistent issue, with 500-year floods hitting the area three years in a row. While the oil money of the 1930s once made Conroe a hub of millionaires, today it's more of a suburban commuter town for Houstonians seeking more affordable living. Those drawn to Conroe's fast growth and proximity to the big city may find the tradeoffs worth it, but others may be better off looking elsewhere.