For many Aggie parents, The Woodlands of College Station is the most affordable way to buy instead of rent. It's a condo community on Harvey Mitchell Parkway, close to campus and popular with students. Don't confuse it with The Woodlands near Houston. Here's what to know before you buy one for your student.
The Woodlands of College Station at a glance
- Location: 1725 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, College Station (77840), about 2.5 miles from the Texas A&M main campus.
- Home types: 2 and 3 bedroom condos, many built around 2007.
- Prices: In November 2026, condos here were listed for under $200,000. For example, a 3 bedroom, 3 bath unit was listed at $198,500. That makes it one of the lowest entry prices near campus.
- Bus access: Recent listings describe the community as on a Texas A&M bus route. Confirm the current route and stop with Transportation Services.
- HOA: One recent listing showed HOA dues of about $350 a month. Dues vary by unit, so check what they cover, such as exterior maintenance, insurance and amenities.
- Amenities: Pool, fitness center and clubhouse.
Why Aggie parents like it
- Lower price, smaller loan. A lower purchase price can make the monthly cost competitive with rent, especially with a roommate.
- Low maintenance. The HOA handles much of the exterior, which helps when you live out of town.
- Easy to rent later. Steady student demand helps if you keep it as a rental after graduation.
What to watch for
- HOA dues add up. At around $350 a month, dues are a real part of your monthly cost. Include them when you compare buying with renting.
- Condo financing. Some lenders have extra requirements for condo loans. Talk to a lender early and confirm the community qualifies for the loan you want.
- Age and upkeep. Ask about the age of the roof, HVAC and water heater, and about any planned HOA special assessments.
Rules to know before you buy
- Roommate limits changed in 2025. For decades, College Station limited most homes to no more than four unrelated people. A Texas law that took effect September 1, 2025 (SB 1567) bars college towns of this size from limiting residents based on whether they're related. HOA rules, parking rules and your lease still apply, so confirm how the city is handling this before you count on extra roommates.
- Rental registration. College Station requires a rental registration for single-family homes, townhomes and small multiplexes that aren't owner-occupied. That applies even if your student lives there rent-free. Out-of-town owners must also name a local contact who lives within 30 miles of College Station City Hall and isn't on the lease. Ask me whether a specific property needs it.
- Game-day rentals. Renting the home for fewer than 30 nights, like a football weekend, requires a city short-term rental permit and hotel occupancy tax.
- HOA rules. Some communities cap rentals, set minimum lease terms or ban short-term rentals. Read the HOA documents before you make an offer.
Free download: Get the Aggie Parent Buying Checklist, a one-page list of what to check before you buy near Texas A&M.
Ready to look?
See current listings in The Woodlands of College Station, read my Aggie Parents' Home Buying Roadmap, or explore financing options for Aggie parents and investors. When you're ready, book a time to talk with me or call (512) 629-9050. I help parents buy near Texas A&M every year, including families who live out of town.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Prices and listings change daily, so confirm current details, HOA rules and city rules before you buy.


