MontgomeryMontgomery, Texas
Texas history, a walkable Liberty Street and Lake Conroe next door: a guide for locals and future neighbors.
A Christmas parade, a candlelight tour and 70+ vendors, all on one Saturday
On Dec. 12, the Lone Star Christmas Parade, a holiday marketplace and the Candlelight Home Tour all land in downtown Montgomery on the same day.
It's a Saturday morning on Liberty Street. Cafe doors are opening, the Fernland park gates swing open at 9, and the Sam Houston National Forest starts at the edge of town.
Montgomery was the county seat until 1889, and its population shrank from about 1,000 to 350 by 1925. Today it counts 1,948 residents.
1837
year W. W. Shepperd founded the town
1,948
residents, 2020 Census
21,000
acres on Lake Conroe
$437K
median list price, Montgomery
A Lone Star Town at the Edge of the National Forest
Drive west from Conroe on SH 105 and Montgomery appears where the highway meets FM 149. The town sits at the southwest edge of the Sam Houston National Forest, about 15 miles from Conroe and 50 miles northwest of HoustonTSHA.
Montgomery was the first seat of Montgomery County, and it has kept its historic core while it grows. The population went from 621 in 2010 to 1,948 in 2020TSHA.
If you already live here, this guide is a look at what's happening this season and what you may have missed. If you're thinking about a move, it's an honest look at the town, its neighbors, prices, schools and what to ask before you buy.
Where Montgomery County began
A Little History
Montgomery is where Montgomery County began. A few dates tell the story.
- 1837
A town is founded
W. W. Shepperd founded Montgomery in July 1837 in the Lake Creek Settlement, the county's earliest Anglo-American settlement.
- 1837
The first county seat
Montgomery County was created on December 14, 1837, and Montgomery became its first county seat.
- 1839
The flag claim
Local tradition credits Charles B. Stewart with designing the Texas flag in 1839. Flag historians question the evidence, but the town still calls itself the Birthplace of the Texas Flag.
- 1845
The Arnold-Simonton House
The house now in Fernland Historical Park dates to 1845 and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
- 1848
Incorporated
Montgomery was incorporated on February 26, 1848, with Nathaniel Hart Davis as its first mayor.
- 1889
The seat moves to Conroe
After the county seat moved, Montgomery's population fell from about 1,000 in 1890 to 350 in 1925.
- 1954
Preservation begins
The Montgomery Historical Society was established in 1954 and now owns seven historic buildings.
“Birthplace of the Texas Flag”
Montgomery's long-standing claim, from the Charles B. Stewart story
Fernland Historical Park
The Arnold-Simonton House, built in 1845, stands in this city park.
Entry is free, with docent tours Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
770 Clepper St, Montgomery, TX 77356
Town on one side, lake on the other
Montgomery and Its Neighbors
Historic Downtown
A walkable stretch of Liberty Street: Cozy Grape and H Wines for a glass, Phil's Road House for dinner, and the Davis museum and Fernland Historical Park nearby.
Bentwater
A Lake Conroe community with 54 holes of championship golf and a full-service yacht club and marina.
Walden on Lake Conroe
A lake community with a privately owned 18-hole golf course and a 536-slip marina.
April Sound
A Lake Conroe community with a 27-hole country club course and a marina.
Woodforest
A 3,000-acre master-planned community from Johnson Development, planned for 5,500 homes. It spans Montgomery ISD and Conroe ISD, with parts in MUD 113 and MUD 121.
Country roads and acreage
Roads like McCaleb Road lead out of town to larger tracts. My new listing at 919 McCaleb Rd is a 9-acre example.
Homes & Prices
Expect a mix: older homes near the historic core, newer master-planned neighborhoods like Woodforest, lake and golf communities, and acreage on country roads.
"The median price" depends on who's counting and when. Here's the honest range:
ZIP 77316 reaches well beyond the city limits, and each source counts something different, so the figures disagree widely. Sold-price readings run from about $347K to $518K. Use these numbers as context, not as a valuation.
Next step
Looking for room to spread out?
A 9.02-acre Montgomery property with a 2,154 sq ft home, pool, spa, barn and pond.
Next step
Already own in Montgomery County?
Curious what your home might be worth today?
Shade, pine and a trail that keeps going
Lake, Parks & Hidden Gems
Lake Conroe
The San Jacinto River Authority describes about 21,000 acres and roughly 21 miles of lake, completed in January 1973, with about 5,000 acres inside the Sam Houston National Forest. Texas Parks and Wildlife lists the lake record largemouth bass at 15.93 poundsSJRA · TPWD.
Sam Houston National Forest and the Lone Star Hiking Trail
The trail runs about 129 miles through the forest as a National Recreation Trail. Call the Forest Service at (936) 344-6205 for current conditionsUSDA Forest Service.
Memory Park
Next to the Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library at 202 Bessie Price Owen Drive, with a pond, walking trails and a StoryWalkCity of Montgomery.
Fernland and the Davis complex
Two free historic sites in town; hours are in Things to Do belowCity of Montgomery.
Cedar Brake Park
Five acres of century-old cedars make this the town's shady living room.
It hosts the Light Up the Park tree lighting on Dec. 5.
21358 Eva Street, Montgomery, TX 77356
Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe
The lakefront resort has a Montgomery address on Lake Conroe's shore.
Its Instagram feed shows sunset boat rides over the water.
600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77356
Liberty Street, one stop at a time
Eat, Shop & Linger
Cozy Grape Wine Bar & Bistro
14340 Liberty St. A wine bar and bistro with a covered patio, open Tuesday through SaturdayCozy Grape.
H Wines
14343 Liberty St. A wine tasting room across the street, open Wednesday through SundayH Wines.
Phil's Road House & Grill
14075 Liberty St. A Liberty Street dinner stop, open dailyPhil's Road House.
Montgomery Burger Fresh
14409 Liberty St. The quick burger stop downtown, per its current restaurant listings.
Perfect Blend Coffee Shop & Boutique
202 McCowan St. Coffee and a boutique, open Tuesday through SundayPerfect Blend.
Whitley Vineyards
27014 FM 1097 West. A vineyard tasting room open Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoonsWhitley Vineyards.
Cozy Grape Wine Bar & Bistro
A wine bar and bistro on Liberty Street with a covered patio.
It is open Tuesday through Saturday.
14340 Liberty St, Montgomery, TX 77356
The sun goes down over the lake
Things to Do
Light Up the Park (Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 8 p.m.)
Local events: Cedar Brake Park lights its tree with community performances, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Light Up Montgomery contest winners. No registration is requiredCity of Montgomery.
Lone Star 1st Saturday Market (first Saturday monthly, next: Dec 5)
Local events: vendors set up in downtown Montgomery. The September market ran 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so confirm the December hoursCity calendar.
Christmas in Historic Montgomery (Sat, Dec 12, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Local events: the Historical Society's day of holiday marketplace, Cookie Walk at 14420 Liberty St and Candlelight Home Tour from 4 to 7 p.m. (tickets $15 adults, $5 students, free age 4 and under)City of Montgomery.
Lone Star Christmas Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 10 a.m. to noon)
Local events: floats, marching bands, community groups and Mr. and Mrs. Claus on a new route through townCity calendar.
Fernland Historical Park (year-round, closed Mondays)
Hidden gem: free docent tours at 770 Clepper St, Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 3 and Sunday noon to 4. It closes in bad weatherCity of Montgomery.
Nat Hart Davis Pioneer Complex (Wednesday to Saturday, 11 to 3)
Kids and families: free admission and a docent on duty at the Liberty Street museum complexCity of Montgomery.
Fall fishing on Lake Conroe (November)
Outdoors: Visit Conroe calls November the lake's best-kept fishing secret, and the state lists a 15.93-pound largemouth recordTPWD.
Lake Conroe sunset dinner cruise (check the schedule)
Date night: a three-hour cruise with dinner ($100) or cruise only ($50), departing from Willis near MontgomerySouthern Empress Cruises.
Local tip: On Dec. 12 the parade and the Candlelight Home Tour share the day. The city suggests parking at the MISD stadium (22628 TX-105) and taking the shuttle.
Getting Around
By car
SH 105 runs east to Conroe, about 15 miles away, and FM 149 crosses it in town. Houston is about 50 miles southeastTSHA.
On foot
The historic sites cluster around Liberty and Clepper streets, and Memory Park sits beside the library. Most visitors park once and walk.
Event days
The parade and Candlelight Home Tour close and crowd the streets, so use the shuttle parking the city posts.
How Montgomery Compares
Realtor.com's median listing prices for October 2026 put Montgomery between Conroe and The Woodlands:
What the price buys you: Montgomery's median list price sits well above the county median of $382,500, with a historic downtown and lake access close by.
How the neighbors compare: The Woodlands has the highest median in this set. Magnolia sits just below Montgomery, while Porter, Conroe and Willis come in lower.
Schools
Montgomery ISD
District
Montgomery ISD earned a B (88) in the 2026 TEA ratings, with 9,699 students on 12 campuses. The district says its 2025 score of 87 was the highest in Montgomery County.
Montgomery Elementary
C (79), with 681 students.
Montgomery Junior High
B.
Montgomery High School
A (90), with 1,467 students and a 96.8% four-year graduation rate.
Lake Creek High School
A (93), with 1,686 students and a 98% graduation rate.
Other Montgomery ISD elementaries rated in 2026 include Lone Star (B), Madeley Ranch (B), Keenan (A), Stewart Creek (A), Creekside (C) and Lincoln (C). Oak Hills Junior High also rated a B.
Always confirm school assignment with the district for a specific address. Woodforest spans Montgomery ISD and Conroe ISD.
Slow mornings by the water
Thinking About Moving Here?
Moving within the area? I can help you sell your current home and buy your next one here, timing both sides so you only move once.
Relocating from out of the area or out of state? I'll coordinate your relocation, working hand in hand with the listing agent selling your current home.
Together we line up closings, dates and logistics, so your move is seamless and stress-free. Exciting times ahead!
Let’s map out your move together
Wherever you’re coming from, I’d love to hear about your plans. Reach out anytime.
Know the water before you buy
Things Every Buyer Should Know
MUDs and special-district taxes
Many Montgomery County homes sit in a municipal utility district (MUD). Before you sign, the seller must give you a written notice that states the district's current tax rate and bonded debt (Texas Water Code 49.452).
Posted rates vary: MUD 113 lists $0.765 per $100 of assessed value, MUD 142 lists $1.00 and MUD 209 lists $1.25. Ask which district an address is in.
Flood zones
Parts of Montgomery County sit in FEMA flood zones, including areas along Lake Creek. Check the county's floodplain viewer or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, then ask for a surveyor's elevation certificate.
In Zone AE, a substantially damaged or improved structure must be elevated at least one foot above base flood elevationMontgomery County.
Septic, wells and acreage
Outside city utilities, a septic (OSSF) permit is required to install, alter or repair a system. For a new rural lot, the county's requirements generally call for at least 1.5 acres with both a well and septic, or 0.75 acre without a well.
Keep the septic tank at least 50 feet from a well and the drainfield at least 100 feetMontgomery County.
Lake Conroe shoreline
If you're buying waterfront, ask about docks and bulkheads. The San Jacinto River Authority runs the licensing and permitting for docks, bulkheads and marinas on Lake Conroe, whose conservation pool sits at 201 feet above mean sea levelSJRA.
Next step
Ready to see what you qualify for?
A quick pre-qualification shows your price range before you tour.
Let's Find Your Place in Montgomery
Maybe you've been here for years and wonder what your property is worth now, or maybe you're picturing a holiday weekend on Liberty Street and a sunset on Lake Conroe. Either way, I'd love to help you get to know Montgomery.
My Montgomery listing
My current, pending and sold listings in the area. They are shown as examples of my work and are not part of any number in this guide.
Questions about Montgomery?
Let’s talk about your next move.
No pressure and no obligation. Call or text Brian at 936-249-0767.
Brian Mathieson
Real Estate Agent, Eagle Nexus Real Estate Group | LPT Realty