Kingwood, TX

Nestled in the forests northeast of Houston, Kingwood bills itself as the "Livable Forest." A master-planned community situated on Lake Houston, Kingwood is one of the largest of its kind in the Houston area. This growing community, which was formally annexed by Houston in 1996, has a population of approximately 65,000.

COMMUNITIES

Kingwood prides itself on being a community that lives in harmony with nature. Residents have been careful to preserve the surrounding forest, and numerous species of birds and wildlife, including some endangered species, can be found there. An annual event known as Kleenwood encourages residents to participate in community cleanup and beautification projects.

Kingwood is a prosperous community with a median household income considerably higher than the national average. The population is well-educated, and more than half have at least a college degree. Residents tend to be employed in relatively high-status professions, with a significant percentage working in management positions. Many residents commute to downtown Houston for work.

Kingwood is a very family-oriented community, and nearly three-fourths of its residents are married.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Kingwood is made up of "villages," which are each governed by independent associations. Home design and price vary from village to village; however, most of the 21 villages provide parks, community pools and other amenities for their residents. Kingwood's first homes were built in 1971 in the Trailwood village. Newer villages include Kingwood Greens, Kings Point and Barrington.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The top industries in Kingwood include:

• Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
• Management of companies and enterprises: corporate, subsidiary and regional managing offices
• Health care and social assistance: offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)and dentists
• Arts, recreation and entertainment: golf courses and country clubs
• Accomodations and food services: full-service restaurants
• Other services (except public administration): religious organizations

Administaff, a human resources service provider, is based in Kingwood. The company is one of the Houston area's largest employers.

FOR VISITORS

Kingwood Town Center: Also known as Kings Crossing Town Center, this is the heart of commercial life in the community. It is home to a diverse group of shops and eateries. Community events are also held here throughout the year. Kingwood has worked to create a hometown feel in this area, with old-fashioned street lamps, park benches and tree-lined streets.

For those wishing to venture beyond Kingwood, tourist attractions in nearby Houston proper include:

• The Houston Zoo
• The Houston Space Center
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science

FAMILY FUN

• Kingwood Greenbelt: Kingwood's "greenbelt" consists of 75 miles of trails that wind through the community. Full of trees and wildlife, the greenbelt is a popular place for walking, hiking and bicycling.
• River Grove Park: River Grove Park serves the entire Kingwood community. It offers fishing and picnic areas, a boat launch into Lake Houston and soccer fields.
• East End Park: East End Park is a Kingwood nature preserve. Open to all community residents, its 155 acres include wetlands, meadows and woodlands. It features more than five miles of developed and natural trails and two miles of Lake Houston frontage. Visitors can observe 131 species of birds in the park.
• Oakhurst Gulf Club: Billing itself as "Houston's best-kept golf secret," the Oakhurst Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole course designed by Dave Marr and Jay Riviere. The club is open to the public for daily play, and club memberships are also available.
• Kingwood Country Club: One of two private clubs in Kingwood, the Kingwood Country Club is home to an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by Joseph S. Finger.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Art shows are frequently held at Kingwood Community College. Residents and visitors looking for arts and culture on a larger scale can draw upon the many resources of the larger Houston community, including:

• The Children's Museum of Houston
• The Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston
• The Museum of Fine Arts Houston

EVENTS

• Kingwood Mardi-Gras Festival: Each year Kingwood hosts the Kingwood Mardi Gras Festival in Town Center Park. The event features live Zydeco and New Orleans Jazz, Cajun food and a Mardi Gras parade.
• Picnic on the Park: The residents of Kingwood come together on the day before Easter for a community picnic. Held in Town Center Park, Picnic in the Park features an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment from local artists, games and vendors.
• Fourth of July Celebration: Kingwood celebrates Independence Day with a Fourth of July celebration in Town Center Park. The event includes a parade, an open-air concert, vendors and a fireworks display.
• Kingwood Auto Show: Kingwood holds two auto shows each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. These events take place in Town Center Park and displays approximately 200 automobiles.
• Christmas in the Park: Each December, Town Center Park is the scene of Christmas in the Park, a Kingwood celebration that includes live entertainment and vendors. It concludes with the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

LOCAL MEDIA

Kingwood is served by the Kingwood Observer, which is published by Houston Community Newspapers.

EDUCATION

Kingwood is home to two community colleges: Lone Star College-Kingwood and Kingwood Community College. Nearby Houston colleges and universities include:

• Rice University
• The University of Houston
• Texas Southern University
• Baylor University
• The University of Texas-Houston