Clear Lake Neighborhood Guide

Clear Lake questions buyers ask

Is Clear Lake part of Houston?

Mostly, yes. The City of Houston annexed Clear Lake City in 1977. Nearby communities such as Webster, Nassau Bay, Seabrook and League City are separate cities that are often grouped together as "Clear Lake."

Is Clear Lake a good place to live?

For many buyers, yes: major employers like NASA's Johnson Space Center, boating on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, Clear Creek ISD schools and lower prices than much of Houston. Trade-offs include hurricane and flood exposure and a roughly 24-mile drive to Downtown.

Is Clear Lake safe?

The Houston part of Clear Lake is served by the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake division, and nearby cities such as Webster, Nassau Bay, Seabrook and League City have their own police departments. Review recent crime data from the agency that covers the address, and visit at different times of day.

How much do homes cost in Clear Lake?

In the 12 months through September 2026, about 1,115 homes sold in Clear Lake on the MLS at a typical (median) price around $285,000 and an average near $325,000. Waterfront and newer homes sell for much more.

Why are homes in Clear Lake less expensive?

Much of the housing was built from the 1960s through the 1980s, there are many condos and townhomes near the lake, and it's farther from central Houston. Updated, newer and waterfront homes command higher prices.

Did Clear Lake flood during Hurricane Harvey?

Some Clear Lake neighborhoods flooded during Harvey. Low areas near creeks, bayous and the lake carry more risk, and storm surge matters closer to Galveston Bay. Check the FEMA flood zone, flood history and the seller's disclosure, and get flood and windstorm insurance quotes during your option period.

What county is Clear Lake in?

Clear Lake is in Harris County. Neighboring communities such as League City and Kemah are in Galveston County.

What school district serves Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is served by Clear Creek ISD. Zoned schools depend on the address, so confirm before you buy.

What is Clear Lake known for?

NASA's Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, the University of Houston-Clear Lake, marinas and boating on Clear Lake, the Armand Bayou Nature Center, and the Kemah Boardwalk nearby.

What ZIP codes are in Clear Lake?

Clear Lake addresses in Houston mostly use ZIP codes 77058, 77059 and 77062. Confirm the ZIP code and city for a specific address.

What is there to do in Clear Lake?

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, is the area's best-known attraction. Armand Bayou Nature Center protects one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the country, and the lake itself is lined with marinas, waterfront restaurants and sailing schools. The Kemah Boardwalk is about 15 minutes away.

What are property taxes like in Clear Lake?

Most of Clear Lake is inside the City of Houston, so homes pay City of Houston, Clear Creek ISD, Harris County and related taxes. Many Clear Lake City sections also pay the Clear Lake City Water Authority and community association fees. Combined, rates usually run roughly 2% to 2.5% of assessed value before exemptions.

How long is the commute from Clear Lake to Downtown Houston?

Downtown is about 25 miles north via I-45, usually 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. The Texas Medical Center is a similar distance via I-45 and Loop 610 or Hwy. 288. Johnson Space Center and other large employers are close by, so a local commute can be much shorter.

Who are the major employers in Clear Lake?

NASA's Johnson Space Center and the aerospace contractors around it anchor the local economy. The University of Houston-Clear Lake, area hospitals such as Houston Methodist Clear Lake and HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, and the petrochemical plants along the Hwy. 146 corridor are also large employers.

Is Clear Lake good for boating?

Yes. Clear Lake connects directly to Galveston Bay, and marinas in Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, Nassau Bay and Seabrook make it one of the largest recreational boating hubs on the Texas coast. Sailing schools and day-charter companies operate on the lake for newcomers.

Should I live in Clear Lake or League City?

Clear Lake is mostly inside the City of Houston, with established 1960s to 1990s neighborhoods and lower average prices (about $325,000 over the 12 months through September 2026). League City is its own city in Galveston County with more newer master-planned communities and a higher average (about $431,000). Both are largely served by Clear Creek ISD.

Where are the best places to eat in Clear Lake?

Popular choices include Tommy's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Gulf seafood since 1994), Frenchie's Italian Restaurant (Italian, NASA memorabilia), Mediterraneo Market & Cafe (Mediterranean), Masa Sushi (sushi) and the new Kirby Ice House (patio bar with food trucks).

Where can I shop local in Clear Lake?

Independent options include Adelaide's Boutique (women's fashion and gifts since 2008), Space Center Souvenirs (NASA and space gifts) and the Assistance League Bay Area Resale Shop (nonprofit resale on NASA Parkway). Baybrook Mall, on the area's west side, covers national brands.

Is Clear Lake in a hurricane evacuation zone?

Parts of Clear Lake are in the Houston-Galveston Area Council's coastal hurricane evacuation zones. Zones are assigned by ZIP code and updated each year, so check the current zip-zone map at h-gac.com and Harris County's ReadyHarris site for a specific address.

Who is a good realtor in Clear Lake?

Compean Group ranks #4 on AgentPronto's list of top agents for Clear Lake and #3 on its Houston list (November 2026; AgentPronto compares agents on transaction data, specialties and client reviews). We commonly help clients buy and sell in Clear Lake, and we follow this local market closely. Evan Compean and the Compean Group bring more than 1,000 homes sold and hundreds of 5-star reviews to every move. Use this guide to get started with your search; it has much more information about the area.

Sales figures are MLS closed sales for the 12 months from October 2025 through September 2026. Driving distances are approximate. The Average Sales Price and Total Listings box further down this page is calculated automatically from homes currently listed for sale in the area and updates daily, so it can differ from these closed-sale figures.