Some people love the energy and excitement of living in a large city. Others prefer a slower pace and the quiet of a smaller town. And still, others want a combination of the two.
If you fall into the latter group, you’ve probably begun researching the best cities to live in near Houston Texas. And if that’s the case, Manvel has probably come up as a top contender for a place to live. It’s one of the nicer suburbs near Houston, combining easy access to major employers in the city with a tranquil lifestyle.
When you’re researching new home communities near Houston, knowing a bit of the area’s history can be interesting. Understanding the impetus behind Manvel, TX growth – and plans for future development – may help you make the best decision for your family.
Manvel Then and Now
Manvel got its start in 1857 when William Rufus Booth and his wife Elizabeth Turnsey Rawls Booth settled at the head of Chocolate Bayou near the Brazos River. By 1890 the town had seven grocery stores, a drug store, a meat market, and a hotel with 14 rooms. Known as the Packingham Hotel, it was a popular stop for people traveling to and from Galveston.
The city was initially known as Pomona until it was discovered that another city with the same name already existed in Texas. It was then renamed Manvel, after the president of the railroad. Manvel was incorporated in 1961 and has been growing steadily ever since. In 1970, Manvel had 106 residents. The population was recently projected to reach 35,000 by the year 2028.
Location, Location, Location
One of the biggest reasons Manvel has become such a popular choice for home buyers is its proximity to Houston. If you’re wondering, “How far is Manvel from Houston?” it’s just 19 miles from downtown Houston and 15 miles from the Texas Medical Center. The recent State Highway 288 Toll Road has made commuting between Houston and Manvel even more convenient.
State Highway 288 Toll Road
State Highway 288 is a 58.87-mile-long route originating in Freeport off the Gulf Coast and extending north to Downtown Houston. SH 288 connects Clute, Lake Jackson, and Angleton in Brazoria County with the south Houston suburbs of Manvel and Pearland.
An $815 million project, Drive288 expands a 10.3-mile section of SH 288 (South Freeway) from the south Harris County line north to IH 69/U.S. 59 at Downtown Houston. Divided into six segments, work included adding two managed lanes in each direction and expanding or reconstructing interchanges with Beltway 8 and IH 610.
The SH 288 expansion includes three major interchanges:
- Beltway 8, which will include (8) new direct connector/ramp bridges
- Loop 610, which will include (8) new direct connector/ramp bridges
- The Texas Medical Center, which will include (2) new direct connector/ramp bridges
These improvements encompass a 10.3-mile stretch from US 59 to the Harris County line at Clear Creek. Between the addition of toll lanes and the improved functionality of these interchanges, traveling on SH 288 will be more direct and more accessible than ever before.
Development Plans for Manvel, TX
There are several exciting projects in the works to meet the demand for shopping and services in Manvel. In June of 2021 groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the first phase of Manvel Town Center. Anchored by H-E-B, Manvel Town Center will incorporate more than 1 million square feet of retail, entertainment, hospitality, medical, and office space. The project is located at the major intersection of SH-288 and SH-6.
The groundbreaking ceremony represented the beginning of infrastructure improvements at the 273-acre site of the mixed-use development. The new H-E-B is designed to total more than 100,000 square feet of retail space and will include a fuel station and car wash. The first phase of Manvel Town Center is scheduled to come online in the late summer of 2022.
Manvel Town Center, surrounded by vibrant housing growth, is positioned for visibility and access for the heavy vehicular traffic at the intersection of Highway 288 and Highway 6, offering extensive frontage along both thoroughfares at the major intersection. The toll road completion has increased the already strong benefits for retailers at this location since the completion of the toll road has Manvel Town Center positioned at what is on track to be the most heavily trafficked intersection for the regional trade area as it creates ease of access for the key employment centers like the Medical District.
Strong residential growth surrounding Manvel Town Center is one reason that the population within the trade area is on track to jump almost 16% by 2025. Manvel, which is experiencing notable residential growth and is on track to see its population boom over the next two decades, is the first major growth market past Pearland. The area currently reports nearly 182,000 residents within a seven-mile radius of Manvel Town Center, and the households in the radius report an average household income of $119,567.
New Homes in Manvel, TX
With Drive288 making commuting so much more convenient, new homes in Manvel, TX are in high demand. Fortunately, Pomona by Hillwood Communities features the area’s best builders with a wide range of styles and price ranges.
Pomona is thoughtfully designed to promote building bonds between neighbors, friends, and families. As a Live Smart community, amenities have been carefully designed to promote genuine connection, inspiration, and growth. In fact, we recently won the Lifestyle Program of the Year award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Our Lifestyle Director, Lori, was also recently named the Lifestyle Director of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA). Our commitment to providing an exceptional place to live is just one reason to consider Pomona for your new home.
Find Your builder
Pomona includes only the best builders, all hand-selected to ensure quality and commitment to our standards of excellence. With prices ranging from the $300s to the $800s, you’re sure to find the right fit for your family and your budget.
Our builders include:
- Coventry Homes
- Highland Homes
- Perry Homes
- Toll Brothers
Learn first-hand why Manvel is one of the best cities to live in near Houston, TX – and why Pomona by Hillwood is the ideal community for your new home. We’d be happy to show you around and answer your questions! Start your search for the perfect new home here. When you’re ready to schedule an onsite visit, just give us a call at (832) 937-9538.