2021 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Texas

Harris County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,408 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Harris County for 20 years and do not see myself moving anytime soon! The county is very diverse, from the people to the food. Law enforcement is also excellent and as a woman, I feel safe. I attended all of my years of schooling in the Harris County school system and felt like I received an excellent education...Read 1,408 Reviews

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• 4,646,630 Population

Montgomery County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.89 out of 5  146 reviews

Current Resident: I like Montgomery County for the most part. Taxes are cheaper here than other counties. The police respond to emergencies in a timely manner and non-emergencies as well, though, of course, not so much in a "timely" manner as emergencies. Police officers will actually stop to help someone stopped on the side of the road with car problems. Not all are good 'ole boys, but not all are corrupt either. There are excellent places to dine whether you're one looking for a cheap or a five-star dinner. You can boat on Lake Conroe, ride jet skis or just swim at the park. There are quite a few antique shops in Conroe, Montgomery (the city), other little towns that make up Montgomery County. The people are very welcoming and Lone Star Cowboy Church in Montgomery is the best church to attend, hands down, especially if you are a rodeo fanatic! Look 'em up on lonestar.tv. You can watch them live or watch pre-recorded sermons. This county has a country feel and is comprised of southern hospitality...Read 146 Reviews

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• 571,949 Population

Brazos County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: I have loved my time in Brazos County the past 4 years! I live in Bryan/College Station and it is a wonderful little town once you really get to know the place and people in it.Read 4 Reviews

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• 222,981 Population

Galveston County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Galveston is a party city if people aren't waiting for one holiday to celebrate and decorate the city, they're waiting for the next. Due to thousands of tourists that flock to our beaches, there is always someone new you can meet. In the heart of the city you can see all types of history and have a drink of two and the many bars/clubs...Read 31 Reviews

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• 332,885 Population

Travis County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.71 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: I just moved to Travis county from Tennessee and have been pleased with all the things the city has to offer. Considering the pandemic, people have been very respectful and conscious about one another and trying to keep businesses moving while also minimizing risks. Travis county services in terms of local stores and settling as a Texas resident has been great and made the process so much less stressful...Read 63 Reviews

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• 1,226,805 Population

Fort Bend County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Fort Bend County is a good area with an overall amazing education. Overall I've realized the community has far fewer minorities, yet is still accepting of other cultures. The school system is very advanced, which may lead to others falling behind. The area has many options for churches and communities...Read 30 Reviews

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• 765,394 Population

Williamson County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Living here you seem to have access to a good amount of resources or are otherwise close to places that have what it does not. People are nice, but not a whole lot of fun things to do here. Still is a family-friendly place to live...Read 5 Reviews

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• 547,604 Population

Brazoria County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.67 out of 5  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

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• 360,677 Population

Chambers County

• County in Texas

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• 41,305 Population

Dallas County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.27 out of 5  348 reviews

Current Resident: Dallas to me is like my second home. It has opened doors for me. I love Dallas! Even though i'm not from here, but this is my "home".If you want diversity, inclusion, respect, and good city living, come to the Big D.You can find a place here for you and your loved ones.One suggestion I would include would be more degree or online type of education that would include Bachelor's and even Master's type of level of degrees at the Community Colleges. This is especially a good fit for Dallas Colleges, which is the largest college system in Dallas, and for good reason. They are one of the most diversified and talented group of educators and students, the Big D can offer. It would be a win-win for both the communities and for employers. Even the students would be able to afford a traditional degree in less time with less funding. Plus it would give students more options for things of their interest and liking's to pursue. ...Anyways, just a thought.Read 348 Reviews

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• 2,606,868 Population

Hardin County

• County in Texas
• Rating 5 out of 5  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

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• 56,765 Population

Gregg County

• County in Texas

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• 123,443 Population

Collin County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: I have enjoyed living in Collin County for the last few years. It has many places with diverse and amazing places to experience exquisite cuisines. Moreover, this place is excellent for anyone wanting to live considering it is the seventh most populous county in Texas. Specifically, Mckinney, a city in Collin County, is one of the safest areas to live in the entire country. There many opportunities for people to find jobs in this county...Read 52 Reviews

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• 973,977 Population

Anderson County

• County in Texas

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• 57,810 Population

Nacogdoches County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.04 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in the small community of Douglass, TX. It is a family like no other and comes together in times of tragedy and celebration. The only change that I would like to see is the community being more open minded and more receptive to change...Read 27 Reviews

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• 65,339 Population

Smith County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Great area to live in. Not too big. Not too small. There’s shopping, tons of restaurants and activities to do.Read 3 Reviews

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• 227,449 Population

Van Zandt County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

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 2 Reviews

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• 55,103 Population

Burleson County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Burleson is a great place to call home. The schools are excellent. There are great community experiences and events. They offer sportsman amazingly awesome community center. Our church is amazing at connecting us with a variety of people actively involved in community. The neighborhoods are clean and well maintained ...I am pleased to call this area homeRead 7 Reviews

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• 18,058 Population

Jasper County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.5 out of 5  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

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• 35,506 Population

Waller County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4 out of 5  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

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• 51,832 Population

Polk County

• County in Texas
• Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

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• 48,913 Population

Jefferson County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: My experience with Jefferson County is really great. The people are super friendly, and there is a lot of space and open areas. There is a very country lifestyle here as there are many farms. There is so much support of the local school and its teams. The only thing I wish we had more of is local restaurants. The closest thing is about 15-20 minutes away which isn't very far, but it is still an inconvenience...Read 4 Reviews

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• 254,340 Population

McLennan County

• County in Texas
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: My experience living in McLennan County has been a pleasant one. The weather is very nice and balanced, and the people here are nice. When driving it’s not often you’ll find rude drivers on the road unlike others big cities. The public schools are very nice here, I am currently enrolled in one and the teacher and facilities are great. My experience in McLennan County has been a good one, for however much longer i’m Here I will definlity enjoy it...Read 17 Reviews

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• 251,089 Population

Angelina County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

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• 87,322 Population

Bell County

• County in Texas
• Rating 3.78 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: During these times of uncertainty during the Corona Virus, my community has still been able to come together and serve one another while social distancing. My community has gathered worship groups to meet in front of hospitals, prayer groups are being held online, individuals are sewing masks for people who need them, and people are constantly supporting Bell county's local businesses...Read 18 Reviews

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• 348,574 Population