Clute, Texas Relocation Guide: Small-Town Vibes with Coastal Proximity

1. Where Is Clute, Texas Located?

Clute is located in southeastern Texas, about 55 miles south of downtown Houston and just a few minutes northwest of Lake Jackson. The city sits at the junction of State Highway 288 and State Highway 332, offering easy access to the Gulf Coast, Freeport, Angleton, and Houston.

This prime location makes Clute ideal for those who want coastal living without coastal prices and a short drive to major employment centers.

2. Why Are People Moving to Clute?

Clute has quietly become one of Texas’s most appealing small towns—especially for those who want to get away from the congestion of city life without giving up convenience.

Here’s why more people are calling Clute home:

• Affordable housing and low cost of living

• Quick access to beaches, fishing, and boating

• Safe neighborhoods and friendly residents

• Proximity to employers in the petrochemical and healthcare sectors

• Strong sense of community and local pride

It’s also home to the quirky and beloved Great Texas Mosquito Festival, a fun reflection of Clute’s unique personality and local culture.

3. Cost of Living in Clute

One of the biggest draws to Clute is how affordable it is compared to many other cities in Texas and across the U.S. The cost of living here is significantly lower than the national average.

Let’s break it down:

• Median home price: $170,000–$250,000

• Average rent: $950–$1,500/month

• Utilities: Around $150–$220/month

• Groceries and gas: Lower than Houston’s average

• Property tax rate: Around 2.5%–2.7%

Whether you’re buying your first home or downsizing for retirement, your money goes further in Clute—especially compared to big cities.

4. Real Estate and Housing in Clute

Clute offers a mix of mid-century homes, updated single-family houses, and affordable apartments, making it ideal for a range of budgets and lifestyles.

Types of homes you’ll find:

• Single-story brick homes on quiet streets

• Newer builds with modern amenities

• Townhomes and duplexes for low-maintenance living

• Modular and manufactured homes

• Larger properties and rural-style homes just outside the city limits

The market is competitive but accessible, and Clute is becoming popular for those looking to escape Houston’s pricing while staying nearby.

5. Schools and Education

Clute is served by the Brazosport Independent School District (BISD), which includes a wide variety of public schools known for their strong academics, career pathways, and extracurricular activities.

Schools in and near Clute include:

• Clute Intermediate School

• T.W. Ogg Elementary

• Brazoswood High School – Offers advanced placement and career tech programs

For higher education, Brazosport College is located right next door in Lake Jackson. It offers associate degrees, certifications, and bachelor’s programs in a small-campus environment.

6. Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Clute’s economy is tied closely to the industrial, chemical, healthcare, and logistics sectors, with major employers in the region offering stable and high-paying jobs.

Nearby major employers include:

• Dow Chemical and BASF – Large industrial plants in Freeport

• Brazosport ISD – Education and administration

• CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – Healthcare services

• City of Clute and Brazoria County offices

• Port Freeport – International shipping and logistics hub

Remote workers and entrepreneurs will also appreciate affordable office spaces and fast internet connectivity throughout the area.

7. Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Life

If you love the outdoors, Clute is the place for you. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip, an afternoon paddle, or an evening hike, there’s something here for everyone who enjoys fresh air and open skies.

Outdoor highlights:

• Mammoth Lake Dive Park – 55-acre lake and scuba diving park

• Clute Municipal Park – Baseball fields, splash pad, pavilions, and walking trails

• Brazos River access for boating and fishing

• Nearby Gulf Coast beaches in Surfside and Quintana

• Wilderness Golf Course – A highly rated public course just minutes away

Living in Clute means being close to both the forest and the beach, offering a rare combination of natural beauty.

8. Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Essentials

While Clute retains a small-town charm, it’s just minutes from Lake Jackson, which has plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and big box stores.

Essentials nearby:

• Walmart Supercenter

• H-E-B Grocery

• Walgreens, CVS, and local pharmacies

• Banks, gas stations, and automotive shops

Dining favorites in Clute:

• El Toro Mexican Restaurant – A Tex-Mex staple

• Brian’s Bar-B-Q – Local favorite for ribs and brisket

• Table of Grace – Southern cooking with a cozy vibe

• Big Star Drive-In – An old-school burger joint with nostalgic charm

Whether you’re craving seafood, comfort food, or quick bites, you’ll find local gems and chain options within minutes.

9. Local Events and Culture

Clute has a personality all its own, and nowhere is that more obvious than during its signature events.

Local favorites:

• The Great Texas Mosquito Festival – A quirky and beloved summer event featuring a carnival, live music, and mosquito-themed fun

• Fourth of July fireworks and parade

• Christmas in the Park – Holiday celebration with lights and community booths

• Weekly farmers markets and pop-up events

This is a city where neighbors know each other, and community events create opportunities for connection, fun, and local pride.

10. Healthcare and Medical Access

Access to healthcare in and around Clute is convenient and growing, with several hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers in the region.

Nearby providers include:

• CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Hospital – Brazosport

• Brazosport Regional Urgent Care

• UTMB Health – Lake Jackson campus

• Private practice family medicine and pediatricians

Whether you need routine care, urgent services, or specialty treatment, you’ll have quality options nearby.

11. Transportation and Commuting

Clute is easily accessible by car, and most residents rely on private vehicles for daily commuting.

Drive times:

• Lake Jackson – 5 minutes

• Freeport – 15 minutes

• Surfside Beach – 20 minutes

• Downtown Houston – 1 hour

Highways 332, 288, and 36 make commuting to regional employers simple, and upcoming highway improvements promise even smoother traffic flow in the years ahead.

12. Utilities and Infrastructure

Clute offers all the modern amenities you’d expect, with services handled by both city departments and regional utility companies.

Key services:

• Electricity: Provided by TXU, Reliant, and others

• Water and Sewer: Managed by the City of Clute

• High-Speed Internet: Available through Xfinity, AT&T, and regional providers

• Trash and Recycling: Weekly city-managed services

The city also boasts ongoing infrastructure improvements and a focus on maintaining clean, safe, and accessible public spaces.

13. Community, Safety, and Local Life

Clute is a tight-knit town where residents take pride in their homes, help their neighbors, and work together to make the city a great place to live.

Highlights:

• Low crime rate compared to larger cities

• Community policing and city engagement

• Faith-based groups, civic organizations, and volunteer opportunities

• Friendly, down-to-earth people from all walks of life

If you’re looking for a community that feels like home, Clute is quiet, grounded, and welcoming—perfect for raising a family, retiring, or starting over somewhere new.

Conclusion: Is Clute, Texas Right for You?

Let’s sum it up. If you’re looking for a town that offers:

✅ Affordable homes and cost of living
✅ Easy access to beaches and nature
✅ Proximity to jobs and major highways
✅ Tight-knit community with a quirky personality
✅ Laid-back lifestyle without being isolated

Then Clute, Texas may just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.

From its welcoming vibe and budget-friendly housing to its unique local flavor, Clute proves that small-town life can come with big benefits. Whether you’re just starting out or settling into the next chapter of life, Clute is ready to welcome you home.