Are you looking for land in Texas? If so, here are 9 reasons to consider looking for land for sale in Walker County, Texas plus tips and resources on finding available properties.
Walker County, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing Texas counties, offering up something for everyone seeking a Texas-size slice of country paradise.
Conveniently located at the corridor between Houston and Dallas and at the gateway to Texas’ Forest country and the Gulf Coast, this commuter-friendly county is surrounded by beautiful pine forests, rolling hills, open prairies, fertile farmland, ranches, majestic nature, big skies and friendly Texas hospitality.
With a direct one-hour commute to Houston and close proximity to other desirable city suburbs, this rural place offers all the peace and quiet of country living without sacrificing big city amenities.
Imagine having total freedom to design your land and home without the constraints or hassles of homeowners associations, zoning restrictions or urban sprawl, while enjoying cheaper land, generous tax credits and easy access to two of Texas’ largest cities and international airports.
Whether you’re looking to start a family homestead or hobby farm, retire, live off-grid or invest in a recreational or ranch property, Walker County is your kind of place.
This article will show you 9 reasons to consider buying land in Walker County, Texas.
9 Reasons To Look For Land For Sale in Walker County, Texas
1: The Ultimate Convenient Country Location
Walker County is one of Texas’ fastest-growing counties because of its prime location between Dallas and Houston. Most Walker County towns are a one-hour drive to Houston, less than three hours to Dallas and a convenient 30-minute drive to nearby Conroe.
Huntsville retains the largest population, followed by Riverside and New Waverly.
Sam Houston State University continues to attract a steady stream of residents, while land prices and close proximity to Houston make the area attractive to investors, retirees, families, ranchers, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts and vacation-home-owners.
An easy one-hour (or less) drive straight down I-45 will get you to vibrant Houston, TX, with its award-winning restaurants, shopping, international airports, and big-city amenities. Travel about an hour further, and you’ll arrive at the Gulf Coast with beautiful beaches for relaxing and ocean water sports. Dallas is less than three hours away, and the popular weekend destination, Lake Conroe, is only a 30-minute drive.
2: Prime Farmland for Hobby Farming, Homesteading, Or Agricultural Business
Walker county has a rich history of agriculture and ranching, with rich loamy soil, rolling hills, open prairies, active 4H and Young Farmer’s clubs, extension education classes and resources through Texas A&M and attractive agricultural tax credits.
The local Walker County Extension Office, a branch of Texas A&M Agrilife, is the place to go for information on local agriculture, to join the 4H club and other agricultural, gardening, ranching and environmental services.
3: Affordable and Diverse Land Tracts
Walker County is home to a diverse range of properties, including wooded lots, pasture land or a mixture of both.
Whether you're looking for the ultimate privacy and amenities of forested land or a mixture of woods and pasture to take advantage of timber opportunities plus have space to farm, Walker County delivers.
Land in Walker County is also generally affordable compared to other areas of the country.
View available lots for sale in Polk County here.
4: Close Proximity to Huntsville and Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University drives much of the local economy and currently enrolls over 19,000 students from across the globe.
Originally a teacher’s college, Sam Houston is now best-known for their business, marketing, homeland security and law enforcement programs.
The University's presence brings an upbeat and artistic atmosphere to the town of Huntsville, inspiring a University-town feel and amenities.
For more information, visit: http://www.shsu.edu/.
5: Walker County Is Made for Nature Lovers, Lake Lovers and Recreation
Looking for local fun and recreation? From boating, swimming and fishing in the Trinity river and nearby lakes, to hiking, camping, mountain biking, antiquing, golf, hunting, bird watching, museums and mountain biking, Walker County has something for everyone. Here are some of the area’s sought-after highlights:
- Huntsville State Park: At Huntsville State Park you can camp, hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, paddle (at 210 acre Lake Raven), geocache and study nature. The park is conveniently located and boasts 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center.
- Sam Houston National Forest: In southern Walker County is Sam Houston National Forest, home to the famous Lone Star Hiking Trail. Visitors can also enjoy lake access, camping, hiking, some of the best mountain biking trails in the area, bird watching and deer hunting.
- Big Creek Scenic Area and Trails in Sam Houston National Forest: A specially designated area within the Sam Houston National Forest, Big Creek encompasses 1,460 acres of creeks, lush pine-hardwood forest and varied flora and fauna perfect for hiking and bird watching.
- Big Thicket National Preserve: Big Thicket protects a whopping 9 different ecosystems, and offers visitors a variety of nature-based activities including hiking trails (including Big Sandy Hiking Trail), waterways for paddling, ranger-led programs, camping and hunting (with many free permits available).
- The Trinity River: Offers a serene setting for canoeing, kayaking, birding and even the occasional alligator sighting.
- The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville: A beautiful former-limestone quarry turned scuba and swimming hole. The limestone gives the water a crystal blue color that attracts visitors from near and far. If you plan to go on the weekend, get there early as space is limited.
- Lake Livingston: A short drive away in neighboring Polk County sits Texas’ second-largest lake, Lake Livingston. Thousands of tourists and locals flock to its sandy beaches, clear waters and spectacular pine forests. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, boat docks, nearby rentals, fishing (the lake is known for its white bass), camping, sheltered picnic areas, mountain biking trails and bird watching.
6: Generous Tax Credits
Owning rural land in Walker County may qualify landowners for various tax credits, including agricultural credits, timber, wildlife or others.
Your CPA or land agent can advise you on what tax credits may be available based on land use and location.
Get more details and resources in: How to Buy Land in Texas.
7: Diverse Educational Opportunities
Walker County has two independent school districts and one charter school, made up of 8.371 students in the 2016-17 school year, spanning four high schools, three middle schools, two intermediate schools and seven elementary schools (including online public school).
Walker County is home to several private schools, including religious-based preschools, elementary and high schools and a Montessori school serving children age six months to sixth grade.
If you plan on homeschooling, you'll be in good company!
Walker county’s rural settings, tight-knit community and University town amenities make it a desirable spot for homeschooling families.
Texas homeschooling families enjoy some of the greatest educational freedoms in the United States, they are considered “private schools” and do not need to register with a school district or have annual evaluations. The only requirements are parents provide bona fide education with curriculum in visual form and include the 5 basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and citizenship.
For more information on homeschooling in Texas and Walker County, visit the Texas Homeschool Coalition Association.
8: No Zoning Restrictions In Rural Areas
Though there are specific zoning laws within Walker County towns and cities, there is no zoning in the county’s rural areas.
That means land use and development is generally unrestricted, provided the land is outside city limits.
Want to build a family compound? Homestead? Retreat center? Recreational paradise? Hobby Farm and RV Park? You'll have more freedom to do with you want with your land in Walker County.
9: The Freedom To Work Where You Live, Work From Home Or Commute
Thanks to Sam Houston University and other large companies within Walker and neighboring counties, jobs in education, healthcare, corrections/law enforcement and other industries are not difficult to find.
Due to its close proximity to Houston, many residents work in Houston full-time or part-time and live in Walker County.
You'll also be within an hour's drive to Houston's international airports and business resources.
And if you work exclusively from home, you'll appreciate Walker County's peaceful setting, close proximity to local towns and entrepreneurial spirit.
