With access to big-city conveniences in Houston and the laid-back lifestyle of a suburb, it’s no wonder why people are flocking to cities slightly north such as Porter. Located in Montgomery County, Porter is the ideal place to kick back, relax and explore a different side of Texas, with Houston’s bustling city center just a short drive away. From golf courses and other outdoor recreation to big-city conveniences and a close-knit community, you can truly have it all in Porter. Read on to discover why so many people are moving to the area, and why you should consider calling this pocket of the Houston metropolitan area home.

The beauty of living in Texas is that outdoor adventure is never more than a few steps away — and this couldn’t be more true in Porter. New to The Highlands, one of Empire’s communities in the area, is a 2,300-acre natural oasis with over 30 miles of trails, a 200-acre nature preserve, and multiple lakes and ponds where residents can fish, hike, or just sit by the water and soak up the scenery. And if that’s not enough, Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest are just a stone’s throw away, always providing a reason to venture outside.

With Texas’ abundance of outdoor space, it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best golf courses in the country. And for those who don’t want to travel far, one of the best courses in the region is located right in The Highlands community itself. The Highland Pines Golf Course is a stunning, semi-private 18-hole golf course that weaves through The Highlands’ natural terrain offering breathtaking views of lakes, meadows and valleys — covering more than 7,200 yards of some of the most gorgeous landscapes you can imagine.

With downtown Houston nearby, Porter residents have access to all the conveniences, employment opportunities, culture, entertainment and excitement of America’s fourth-largest city — without the high cost of living. Porter natives can spend the night exploring The Woodlands, one of Houston’s premier destinations, or shop and dine at Market Street and the Woodlands Mall, with a short drive home at the end of the evening. And for those who travel often, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a mere half-hour drive away.

There are few places like Porter that provide the amenities you seek and the laid-back lifestyle of a small town. Appreciated by locals, the area’s close-knit community and family-oriented vibe make it an ideal place to plant roots. Smaller schools with a higher teacher-to-student ratio, along with caring neighbors who look out for one another and affordable homes on quiet, residential streets, are just a few of the many reasons why locals love Porter.

Looking for the perfect home in Porter, TX? Check out our available homes at The Highlands.

Before you go, learn why The Woodlands is adored by many and discover what makes our communities in North Houston so great.

Empire at The Highlands is one of our most anticipated communities, and it isn’t hard to see why. With recreational lakes, over 30 miles of walking and biking trails, and an 18-hole semi-private golf course on-site, The Highlands is where the beauty of nature melds seamlessly with the fulfillment of home. Located in Montgomery County, this exceptional master-planned community offers something for everyone, and with so much interest in the community and the neighborhood, we thought we’d share an exciting first look into the new home designs coming soon to The Highlands.

Empire’s homes at The Highlands have been tailored to complement the community’s exceptional lifestyle, with 3 to 5 bedroom floor plans on 55′ homesites designed to suit the diverse needs of your family. Homes range from 2,404 sq.ft. to 3,100 sq.ft. and have designed to suit the diverse needs of your family, including the Cameron, Bandera, Eastland and Burleson plans.

Ready to experience The Highlands’ exceptional lifestyle for yourself? Explore our community website to learn more.