2019 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in TexasAbout this List

Galveston County

• County in Texas
• 29 reviews

Former Resident: Galveston County is a very friendly community. Due to its small size a resident living in Galveston County, especially Galveston Island could feel like the community itself is like a second family. Here people support each other. While there are many positive aspects to the county such as its continued development and job opportunities from UTMB there are also negative aspects of the county. The county itself could use some more improvements and upgrades in public buildings.
Read 29 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A-

• 321,184 Population

Brazos County

• County in Texas

• A

• A-

• A-

• 214,231 Population

Harris County

• County in Texas
• 1,337 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Harris County for 11 years now and I have love it here! The schools in Harris County are excellent. Over the years, there has been a decrease in fights and an increase in test scores. The area is populated with good restaurants and the traffic is moderate. One thing I would like to see is for roads to be completed as soon as possible. Construction allows for traffic to be backed up and it's a minor inconvenience.
Read 1,337 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A-

• 4,525,519 Population

Travis County

• County in Texas
• 58 reviews

Current Resident: There are a lot of great opportunities for employment, always events going on around the county and a very low crime rate. If you already own property in Travis County, it can be very profitable since the real estate market is high. This can make it a lot harder renting or trying to buy a house though. There are a number of higher education options, with campuses around the county. Traffic is generally pretty heavy, but more highways and toll roads are being built to help reduce the congestion.
Read 58 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 1,176,584 Population

Brazoria County

• County in Texas
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Brazoria County and although it isn’t a busy area, I love it. It’s a great place to raise a family and you definitely don’t have to hear police sirens and ambulances every 5 seconds like you would in Harris County. It’s not country living, but it’s not city living. It’s just right. We have some great school systems throughout the county and great law enforcement.
Read 6 Reviews

• A

• A

• A-

• 345,995 Population

Montgomery County

• County in Texas
• 127 reviews

Current Resident: Moving from California, I was in complete culture shock coming to Texas. Compared to my tiny, dusty town, Montgomery was a fountain of life in which everyone knew their neighbor, said "yes ma'am" and "no sir," and held a rich history as the birthplace of the Texas flag. Living in Montgomery has taught me to always respect your elders, love your neighbors, and never give up on what you want. After spending half my life in Montgomery county, I have been able to establish myself as a proud Texan who cares about my state and its citizens. Montgomery is a wonderful atmosphere full of beautiful places and filled with the Texas spirit.
Read 127 Reviews

• A

• A

• A-

• 535,187 Population

Williamson County

• County in Texas
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: I just moved here from Houston, TX and I feel a lot more safer in this county than my last. There is a lot less criminal activity and I feel safe traveling to school and going into towns and shopping.
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A-

• 508,313 Population

Dallas County

• County in Texas
• 283 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Dallas County for 25 years and love this city. The city provides so many different opportunities from exploring different areas, restaurants, and museums. It is the hub of all DFW which allows you to travel out for 30 minutes each direction into a different city. The city is busy and beautiful!
Read 283 Reviews

• A

• B

• B+

• 2,552,213 Population

Smith County

• County in Texas
• 2 reviews

Current Resident: The medical facilities are outstanding. Patient care is highly regarded in this area. People come to this area from miles away to see the excellent doctors.
Read 2 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• B+

• 222,277 Population

Fort Bend County

• County in Texas
• 20 reviews

Current Resident: Fort Bend County is an amazing county and area. It is so very green with many amazing neighborhood parks. There are a lot of great things to do in the area. One of the more outstanding things that I have witnessed in the Fort Bend County is their great selection of libraries. They have many libraries spread around the area. I also really admire the amount of lakes and beautiful ponds they have. There are many amazing things you are able to do around the area such as fishing, running, and even camping. Overall, I really love the fort bend County and the many amazing characteristics sit it carries.
Read 20 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• B+

• 711,421 Population

Gregg County

• County in Texas

• B+

• B+

• B+

• 123,402 Population

Chambers County

• County in Texas

• A-

• A-

• B+

• 39,283 Population

Liberty County

• County in Texas
• 12 reviews

Current Resident: Well im 34 years old and iv always lived here. Its a small town which i liked as a child and now love as a mother. Crime rate is low, friendly smiling faces, and great law enforcement. Also all of my family resides here as well.
Read 12 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• B+

• 79,884 Population

Hardin County

• County in Texas
• 1 review

Current Resident: I have lived in Hardin County my whole life. It is very peaceful with no major cities. The people are friendly and willing to help one another. It mostly consists of small communities where everybody knows everybody. Hardin County is a great place to live for anyone who loves wildlife and nature, as it is located in the piney woods. I love it and would not consider leaving anytime soon.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• A-

• B+

• 55,993 Population

Jasper County

• County in Texas
• 2 reviews

Current Resident: Jasper County is a small town lake-country area. Which offers a variety of interests for many people and families. Jasper county is growing all the time.
Read 2 Reviews

• B-

• B-

• B+

• 35,444 Population

Polk County

• County in Texas

• B-

• B-

• B+

• 46,974 Population

Anderson County

• County in Texas

• B

• B+

• B+

• 57,747 Population

Nacogdoches County

• County in Texas
• 24 reviews

Current Resident: A neat little college town. SFA is nearby and a good many affordable and good to high quality restaurants are located in and around the area. The only thing that could be improved is the streets and traffic, as Nac is literally the oldest town in Texas, it has some things (namely narrow roads) that were obviously designed in an older, simpler time.
Read 24 Reviews

• B+

• B-

• B+

• 65,411 Population

Van Zandt County

• County in Texas
• 1 review

Current Resident: There's actually lots to do in such a rural country. Water park, skating rink, seasonal amusement park, largest flea market ever, lots of great locally owned restaurants just to start. Everyone is pretty friendly, but I'm also a white female so I'm not sure how hostile it can be for those outside of cultural 'norms'. It's an affordable area and makes a great commute to both Tyler and Dallas since it's all right off the interstate. Our schools in Van ISD are excellent but I'm not so sure about surrounding districts.
Read 1 Review

• B-

• B+

• B+

• 53,607 Population

Washington County

• County in Texas

• B+

• B+

• B+

• 34,667 Population

Angelina County

• County in Texas
• 1 review

• B+

• A-

• B+

• 87,700 Population

Waller County

• County in Texas
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: Waller County is quiet and the people are very kind. The local business are caring and helpful. The sense of community is strong. There are lots of local attractions to check out as well.
Read 8 Reviews

• B

• A

• B+

• 48,443 Population

Tyler County

• County in Texas
• 2 reviews

Current Resident: Tyler is quite calm and a good environment to raise children. Students are also at an advantage if they study in Tyler because of it's quietness.
Read 2 Reviews

• B

• B-

• B+

• 21,456 Population

Orange County

• County in Texas
• 13 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Orange, TX in 2007. I was searching for work and wanting to continue my education. I found a position in healthcare which I love. I didn't really plan on staying in Orange but as I was working I decided that I wanted more out of life and started attending Lamar State College Orange. While my daughter was in school I was working and going to school as well. Fast forward to 2011 when I earned my LVN certification from Lamar State College Orange was a very proud time in my life. Orange is a very small town. I've heard that its easy to get into trouble here but from my experience I've gone far. I'm a professional now. I want to continue my education in becoming a RN at Lamar State College and it will be my honor to be able to do it right here in Orange, TX.
Read 13 Reviews

• B

• B

• B+

• 83,909 Population

Bastrop County

• County in Texas
• 33 reviews

Current Resident: Although not large like Austin, Bastrop County has grown immensely over the past years. It has the essential stores that one needs and is currently expanding on creating stores that offer tech support, home goods, and doctors. At the moment, Bastrop County is building a hospital to attend the needs of the people quicker, instead of driving all the way to Smithville or Austin. However, Bastrop County has grown in size and their is many traffic issues, such as accidents, speeding, and road rage. Overall good county, but needs better management of roads.
Read 33 Reviews

• B-

• C

• B+

• 80,306 Population