Accolades

Niche.com Best Cities

For the second year in a row, The Woodlands has been named #1 by Niche.com as the Best City in the United States to buy a house, according to its newly released survey of 2024 Best Cities to Buy a House – Niche. The Woodlands placed #2 in ranking by Niche.com as the Best City to Live in the United States and #2 in Best City to Raise a Family this year and has been in the top 5 over the past several years.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (COA) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. The goal of the program is not to assess the financial health of participating governments, but rather to ensure that users of their financial statements have the information they need to do so themselves.

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

The Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program (Budget Awards Program) in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. Approximately 1,800 governments, including states, cities, counties, special districts, school districts, and more have been recognized for transparency in budgeting. To earn recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool.

TAMI Award of Excellence

The Woodlands Township Communications Department won an Award of Excellence at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) conference on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in San Antonio. The Township was recognized for the recent relaunch of its flagship e-newsletter, Talk of the Township.

Keep Texas Beautiful

For the third year in a row, Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, designated The Woodlands Township as a Gold Star Affiliate in recognition of its efforts to maintain and improve the environment. Gold Star recognition is the highest status membership recognition any community affiliate can achieve.

3CMA Savvy Award

The Woodlands Township Communications Department received a first-place Savvy Award from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) for its redesigned weekly Talk of The Township E-newsletter. Presented in September 2024, the award honors excellence in local government communications across the U.S. and Canada. Competing in the E-newsletter category for populations over 75,000, the Township was recognized for strong branding, creative visuals and an “Excelling at Email” guide. Since its relaunch in January 2024, the newsletter has grown by nearly 3,000 subscribers and boasts an 80.6 percent engagement rate.

1st Place TATOA Award

The Woodlands Township Communications Department earned first place in the PSA Campaign category from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) for its Project 365 campaign, “Set It – Don’t Forget It.” The award recognizes impactful public safety messaging that supports the Township’s National Night Out efforts. Selected from over 500 entries statewide, the campaign reflects the Township’s commitment to producing innovative, high-quality public communications.

#1 Best Place to Bike in Texas

PeopleForBikes.org (tag page) has released its rankings for 2024 Best Places to Bike, and The Woodlands has secured the #1 rank for Texas! PeopleForBikes’ City Ratings measures the quality of a community's bike network. Factors influencing rankings include accessibility to homes, jobs, core services (such as hospitals and grocery stores), retail, transit and recreational amenities. As The Woodlands is envisioned to be a "complete" community, the Township's vast pathway network provides remarkable connectivity, allowing our residents to maintain a high-quality, dynamic lifestyle.

Gulf Coast Guard Games

The Woodlands Township lifeguards brought five teams to compete in the Gulf Coast Guard Games competition held in Jersey Village this past Monday, July 17, 2023, and the teams ended the competition with first, second, third, sixth and seventh place finishes. The events tested skills in First Aid/CPR, Water Surveillance and Rescue, and Spinal Management. This marks the fourth time since 2019 that The Woodlands Township has taken the top spot in the Gulf Coast Guard Games.

Read Township lifeguards win regional, advancing to state competition (2023)(PDF, 509KB)

Keep Texas Beautiful

Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, designated The Woodlands Township as a Gold Star Affiliate in recognition of its efforts to maintain and improve the environment. Gold Star recognition is the highest status membership recognition any community affiliate can achieve. Under the auspices of Keep The Woodlands Beautiful, directed by the Township Environmental Services department, programs have been implemented to clean up litter, reduce and recycle waste, educate residents, and beautify and enhance The Woodlands. These programs drew more than 1,800 volunteer participants in 2022. Volunteers spent more than 6,000 hours working to keep local waterways, neighborhood pathways, and parks and green spaces healthy, promoting the Township's vision to live in harmony with nature.

Read Township Environmental Services program garners Gold Star designation (2023)(PDF, 172KB)

Niche Best Places

The Woodlands has been named #1 by Niche.com as the Best City in the United States to buy a house, according to its newly released survey of 2023 Best Cities to Buy a House - Niche.

• The Woodlands placed a solid #3 ranking by Niche.com as Best City to Live in the United States this year and has been in the Top 5 over the past several years.
• The Woodlands is defined as a township but considered a "city" since it has a population of 115,716 (greater than 100,000), according to the Niche.com rankings.
• The Woodlands earned an A+ grade for its public schools, job opportunities and family-friendly environment. Montgomery County ranked second on Niche.com's list to raise a family and third on the best to live.

  Read The Woodlands is named the best city in the United States to buy a house (2023)(PDF, 449KB)

AVA Digital Awards

Visit The Woodlands received a Gold and Platinum AVA Award, as well as two honorable mentions, in the 16th Annual AVA Digital Awards Competition. This international competition honors excellence in digital creativity, branding, and strategy, recognizing creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communications.

Read "Visit The Woodlands" Receives Gold and Platinum AVA Awards (2023)

Maintenance Award of the Year 2023

The Woodlands Township received the Maintenance Award of the Year for excellence in artificial turf maintenance from the Texas Recreation & Park Society East Region . This award honors agencies that demonstrate superior maintenance standards and practices, highlighting innovative solutions to challenges in parks and facility care. The Township was recognized for its creative, high-efficiency approach to maintaining synthetic turf fields used by residents and sports organizations throughout the community.

Lone Star Programming Award of the Year 2023

The High Seas Adventurer Program, a new and imaginative youth recreation offering from The Woodlands Township, earned top honors in the Lone Star Programming category from the Texas Recreation & Park Society East Region. This award recognizes exceptional new programming introduced to serve a specific client group. The program was celebrated for its originality, strong participation, and ability to connect children with themed, active outdoor experiences.

2023 Best of Aquatics

The Woodlands Township was named among Aquatics International’s 2023 Best of Aquatics for its comprehensive, team-based approach to safety, training and community service. This national recognition honors aquatics programs that demonstrate excellence in staff development, facility management, and public engagement. The Township’s aquatics team was highlighted for their proactive efforts in lifeguard training, public education and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment across all 14 pools.

2023 Regional Lifeguard Competition – First Place

The Woodlands Township lifeguard team won first place at the 2023 Gulf Coast Aquatics Association Regional Lifeguard Competition, showcasing top-tier performance in emergency response, teamwork and lifesaving skills. This regional event tested participants in simulated real-world scenarios, emphasizing the high standard of training maintained by the Township’s aquatics staff.

2023 State Lifeguard Competition – First Place

Building on their regional success, The Woodlands Township lifeguard team took first place at the Texas State Lifeguard Competition hosted by the Texas Public Pool Council. Competing against top teams from across the state, the Township’s lifeguards demonstrated advanced rescue techniques, quick decision-making and unmatched preparedness, reinforcing the community’s commitment to aquatic safety.

Best City to Live in America 2022

The Woodlands Township was named Best City to Live in America by Niche.com for the second year in a row. The Woodlands is also ranked in the top 10 by Niche.com in 2022 for the following:

• Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)
• Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)
• Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)
• Best Cities to Retire in America (#6 of 228).

  Read The Woodlands named Best City to Live in America for second year (2022)(PDF, 167KB).

The Woodlands Community Magazine - June 2022

Every 2 years, The Woodlands Township contracts an independent survey company to survey residents about how they feel about Township programs and services. The surveyor noted that the Township's results were some of the highest, if not the highest, their research department had ever seen in 37 years of work. The 2022 Resident Survey showed the following:

• Residents ranked Township communications, including The Woodlands Community Magazine, the Township website and Township Facebook page as the number one source to stay informed about the Township, higher than any other local publications, social and digital platforms.
• The Township received its highest customer service rankings ever.
• Increases in high resident satisfaction in nearly every category.
• Most services rated 96% or higher.

Recycle Right Tag

The Woodlands Township has received the prestigious 2022 Outstanding Public Education and Outreach Award by Keep Texas Beautiful for The Township's Recycle Right program. The Beautify Texas Awards recognize the best efforts of working to enhance their community and protect the Lone Star State. The Recycle Right program is led by Township Environmental Services with the goal of keeping the recycling stream clear of contaminants. The program, launched in 2020, has reduced contamination of curbside recyclables by 30 percent (24.5 percent in 2019 to 17.2 percent in 2021). Recycle Right provides simple, straight-forward guidelines for residents of The Woodlands, clarifying what belongs in curbside recycle carts and, more importantly, what does not.

Read The Woodlands Township earns Beautify Texas Award for recycling program (2022)(PDF, 241KB)

Aquatics Agency of the Year

The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division was named Agency of the Year (Class 1, Population of 75,000+) by the Texas Public Pool Council. The Agency of the Year designation recognizes exceptional efforts in providing aquatics facilities, programs, and services to The Woodlands Township.

Read The Woodlands Township Aquatics Recognized as Agency of the Year(PDF, 199KB)

Texas TreeVentures

Texas TreeVentures was awarded “Innovative Program of the Year” from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region. Texas TreeVentures is a challenge-by-choice aerial adventure course located in The Woodlands, Texas on the campus of the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. The course is directly adjacent to the expansive 1,800 acres of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, which is home to abundant wildlife, several miles of wooded trails, and Spring Creek.

Thrillist

The Woodlands is selected as one of 'The Best Suburban Neighborhoods You Should Totally Move To' by Thrillist.com.

Read the article: "The Best Suburban Neighborhoods You Should Totally Move To" (2022).

National Night Out 2023 Township Team

The Woodlands Township earned second place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2022 National Night Out Campaign. The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies. For more than 30 years, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has provided award-winning crime prevention programming to all neighborhoods in The Woodlands.

Community Forestry Award

The Woodlands Township was recognized with the 2022 Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Award for Outstanding Community Forestry Program. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, or municipalities that promoted community forestry through a program that significantly engages, educates, or enhances the community.

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

The Woodlands Township earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

WFD Logo

The Woodlands Fire Department is officially classified as Public Protection Class 1 (ISO 1), the highest classification possible, according to the Insurance Services Office, and one of very few in the nation to achieve this level of certification. The Woodlands Fire Department is committed to providing superior emergency service and life safety education to the community, utilizing a highly-skilled, professional workforce demonstrating care for our citizens and each other.

Best City to Live in America 2021

The Woodlands Township was named Best City to Live in America by Niche.com.

The Woodlands also ranked in the top 10 for the following categories:

• Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)
• Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)
• Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)
• Best Cities to Retire in America (#7 of 228).

Read The Woodlands named Best City to Live in America (2021)(PDF, 261KB).

Township Bond Rating Upgraded to AA+

The Woodlands Township achieved the highest bond rating in the State of Texas for an unincorporated community and second highest rating possible within Standard & Poor's criteria. The announcement from Standard & Poor's Global Ratings puts the Township in an elite group for its outstanding financial management. Only 53 of 1,216, or 4%, of cities/towns in Texas hold an AA+ rating.

Read Township’s bond rating is upgraded to AA+, saving taxpayers $884,000(PDF, 167KB).

2021 National Night Out Campaign

The Woodlands Township earned First Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2021 National Night Out Campaign. Since 1991, The Woodlands Township and predecessors have garnered the #1 ranking in nine different years. The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Neighborhood Services program, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies.

Read The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Wins National Award (2021)(PDF, 228KB).

Innovative Program of the Year

Riva Row Boat House was awarded "Innovative Program of the Year" from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region. Riva Row Boat House is centrally located within walking distance from Town Green Park, Market Street, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Rental options include single and tandem kayaks, single and tandem pedal kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, elliptical stand-up paddle boards, water bikes, and swan boats.

Gulf Coast Guard Games 1st Place

The Woodlands Township lifeguards concluded another successful lifeguard competition season with a first-place overall finish at the Gulf Coast Guard Games. The Woodlands Township brought five teams that competed in events testing their skills in CPR/First Aid, Water Surveillance and Rescue, and Spinal Management. All five teams placed in the top three of every event, and one team won first place overall in the competition.

Read The Woodlands Township lifeguards win regional competition (2021)(PDF, 217KB).

Multiple Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau Idea Fair Awards

Visit The Woodlands (2021) won multiple awards at the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau Idea Fair Awards:

• Judges Choice Award for Convention Promotion
• First Place for Convention Promotion
• First Place Video for promotion of destination

Media Accolades

50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure, May 27, 2021

9 Suburbs Near Houston You Should Absolutely Visit
Thrillist.com, March 23, 2021

2020 dotCOMM Gold Award Winner

The Woodlands Township Community Relations Department was selected as a 2020 dotCOMM Gold Award Winner for the Township Together Brand Awareness Campaign.

2020 National Night Out Campaign 3rd Place

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch earned Third Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000, from The National Association of Town Watch, for their 2020 National Night Out Campaign.

Read The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Wins National Award (2020)(PDF, 228KB).

Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Innovative Program of the Year Award

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation won the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Innovative Program of the Year Award relating to Recreation Facility Design for Texas TreeVentures.

Read more from the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS).

2019 National Gold Medal Award Grand Plaque for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

The Woodlands Township received the 2019 National Gold Medal Award Grand Plaque for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), awarded this honor to The Woodlands Township live during the Opening General Session at the Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Read Township celebrates National Gold Medal Award for parks and recreation (2019)(PDF, 816KB).

2019 Texas Gold Medal Award, Class II

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department was selected as the award recipient for the 2019 Texas Gold Medal Award, Class II. The Gold Medal Award is presented by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) to one agency in the state in each population category who stood out above all others to exemplify commitment and dedication in the field of recreation and parks.

Read more from Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS).

The Township's Parks and Recreation Department was also selected by TRAPS as the award recipient for the 2019 Promotions and Marketing Excellence Award, Class II. This award is in recognition of the department's high-quality marketing program for the aquatics programs and services.

2019 National Night Out Programming 1st Place

The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed first in the nation in the Category 2 population category (100,000-300,000) for its 2019 National Night Out programming.

Read The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Wins National Award (2019)(PDF, 883KB).

First Place in the National Association of Town Watch

The National Association of Town Watch announced that the State of Texas placed first in nation, in the state category, with The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch contributing to the effort.

MarCom Gold Award

The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals honored The Woodlands Township Facebook Page with a MarCom Gold Award in its international award competition.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Woodlands Township received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ended December 31, 2016 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Township's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Arts and Humanities Award and Lone Star Programming Award

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department received the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Arts and Humanities Award and Lone Star Programming Award.

#1 place to live in Montgomery County

Niche.com ranked The Woodlands as the #1 place to live in Montgomery County and the #2 place to raise a family in America.

Number One Spot to Live for the Rest of Your Life

The Woodlands Township named the number one spot to live for the rest of your life, according to the website GoodCall.com

Aquatics International Magazine's Best of 2017

The Woodlands Township Aquatics Program earned the distinction of being named to Aquatics International Magazine's Best of 2017 list. The magazine recognized the Township's innovative approach to addressing lifeguard staffing.

Read The Woodlands Township Gets Recognized for Lifeguard Management (2017)

Lone Star Programming Award

Lone Star Programming Award from Texas Recreation and Parks Society (East Region) for Rock the Rock live concert series.

Innovations in Parks and Design Award

Innovations in Parks and Design Award from Texas Recreation and Parks Society (East Region) for the Waterway Arts Bench Program.

National Night Out Programming

• The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed first in the state of Texas for its 2016 National Night Out programming.
• The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed second in the nation in the Category 2 population category (100,000-300,000) for its 2016 National Night Out programming.

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

Bronze Telly Award

A bronze Telly Award for "Welcome to The Woodlands Township" online video.

Award of Merit

Award of Merit from the Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) for "Welcome to The Woodlands Township" online video.

Gold SIAA Award

A Gold SIAA award for the August 2014 edition of the Action Guide.

Communicator Award of Distinction (Silver Statuette)

The Communicator Award of Distinction (silver statuette) for the August 2014 edition of The Woodlands Community Magazine, featuring the Action Guide.

National Landscape Award of Excellence

National Landscape Award of Excellence for Rob Fleming Park from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

ISO rating of 1

The Woodlands Fire Department earned the prestigious ISO rating of 1 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), Inc.'s Public Protection Department.

Communicator Award of Distinction

The Communicator Award of Distinction was awarded to The Woodlands Community Magazine from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.

Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year

The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners (ISCPP) recognized The Woodlands Watch as the Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year (category 1: over 100,000 population).

National Night Out 4th Place

The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed fourth in the nation in its new population category (100,000-299,000) for National Night Out.

Special Event of the Year Award

The Association of Aquatic Professionals recognized The Woodlands Township with the Special Event of the Year award for its 2013 Splash Day Event.

LEED Gold Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the LEED Gold certification to The Woodlands Township Town Hall building.

MarCom Gold Award

The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals honored The Woodlands Community Magazine with a MarCom Gold Award in its international award competition. (October 2013 issue - Magazine/Special Edition category).

Grand Prize in Career Fire Station Design

Fire Chief Magazine awarded the grand prize (Gold Award) to The Woodlands Fire Department in the Career Fire Station Design category, for the construction of the Central Fire Station.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to The Woodlands Township.

Soccer Field of the Year Award

The Texas Turfgrass Association presented The Woodlands Township with the admired Soccer Field of the Year award for Bear Branch Sports Field 7.

Agency of the Year Award

The Texas Public Pool council honored The Woodlands Township with the Agency of the Year award for its dedication and commitment to the aquatics division.

Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year

The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners (ISCPP) recognized The Woodlands Watch as the Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year (category 1: over 100,000 population).

National Night Out 9th Place

The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed ninth in the nation in its new population category (100,000-299,000) for National Night Out.