Just west of Houston, Waller County is anchored by Hempstead (the seat) and Prairie View, home to Prairie View A&M University. Established in 1873, the county historically thrived on cotton and railroads but today is shaped by Houston’s westward sprawl. The area is now a mix of suburban and rural living, with farmland steadily transitioning into subdivisions and logistics hubs. Housing includes cottages, small-town ranchers, student rentals, suburban-style homes, and new master-planned communities near Katy. Prices are rising quickly: most homes run $250,000–$400,000, while land averages $20,000–$40,000 per acre close to Houston. Buyers are families, commuters, and investors riding suburban expansion.