Pecan Grove, TX
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Transportation
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Pecan Grove is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Fort Bend County, Texas, United States. It is a suburban area located just southeast of the city of Richmond and is part of the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Primarily a residential community, it is known for its pecan trees and master-planned layout.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Pecan Grove, Texas.
- Administrative Status: Pecan Grove is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a recognized community for statistical purposes but does not have its own municipal government. It is under the jurisdiction of Fort Bend County .
- Regional Context: The city is located in Fort Bend County, Texas, part of the sprawling Greater Houston metropolitan area. This region is a global hub for the energy industry, particularly oil and gas, and is also a major center for healthcare and medical research, home to the Texas Medical Center.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Unlike many older Texas towns, Pecan Grove does not have a long list of historical names. Its identity is tied to its development as a modern residential area. The name itself is descriptive, derived from the many pecan trees that are native to the area and were preserved during the community's development. This arboreal heritage remains a key part of its character .
Date of Foundation and Age
Pecan Grove is a relatively modern community. Its development as a master-planned community began in the 1970s. Therefore, as of the current year, the community is approximately 50 years old. Its growth is tied to the expansion of the Houston metropolitan area and the development of the nearby ExxonMobil complex .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 29.6235° N, -95.733° W (as provided).
- General Location: Pecan Grove is situated in the coastal plains of Southeast Texas, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Houston .
- Positioning: It is located just south of the Brazos River, a major Texas waterway, and is bordered by the cities of Richmond to the north and Sugar Land to the east. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the Gulf Coastal Plain .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Pecan Grove is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town. Its primary economic function is to serve as a bedroom community for the Houston metropolitan area. The vast majority of its residents commute to jobs in Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding Energy Corridor, which is home to numerous oil and gas companies .
Population and Demographics
- Population: While the provided data indicates a type_id of '1', specific current population figures were not in the search results. As a CDP, its population is counted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- City Class: It is a small to medium-sized suburban community. The population fluctuates with the housing market and regional economic trends.
- Demographic Features: Like many suburbs in the Houston area, Pecan Grove is characterized by families, professionals, and a high rate of homeownership. The community is known for its peaceful atmosphere and master-planned feel .
"Visiting Card" of the City (In Short)
Pecan Grove, Texas, is a tranquil, family-oriented suburb in the Greater Houston area, defined by its shady pecan trees and master-planned community design. Residents and visitors appreciate its quiet, residential character and its convenient access to the job centers and urban amenities of Houston and Sugar Land.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Pecan Grove has a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Gulf Coast region. It is characterized by very long, hot, and oppressively humid summers and mild, short winters. The area experiences significant rainfall throughout the year .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The climate is marked by a wide temperature swing between summer and winter. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 93°F (34°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month is January, with an average high of 63°F (17°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C) .
| Month | Avg. High (°F/°C) | Avg. Low (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63 / 17 | 45 / 7 |
| February | 67 / 19 | 49 / 9 |
| March | 73 / 23 | 55 / 13 |
| April | 79 / 26 | 61 / 16 |
| May | 85 / 29 | 68 / 20 |
| June | 90 / 32 | 73 / 23 |
| July | 93 / 34 | 75 / 24 |
| August | 93 / 34 | 74 / 23 |
| September | 89 / 32 | 70 / 21 |
| October | 81 / 27 | 62 / 17 |
| November | 73 / 23 | 53 / 12 |
| December | 65 / 18 | 47 / 8 |
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: Pecan Grove receives significant rainfall, averaging over 45 inches per year. The wettest months are typically May, June, and October, each averaging over 4 inches of rain .
- Humidity: Humidity is a defining feature of the climate, especially in summer. The area experiences extreme seasonal variation in humidity, with July having an average of 30.5 days with muggy or oppressive conditions .
Sunlight and UV Index
- Sunlight: The area enjoys long daylight hours in the summer, with up to 14 hours of daylight in June. The sunniest period of the year, in terms of clear skies, is from late September to early November .
- UV Index: During the summer months, the UV index is typically very high, requiring sun protection for outdoor activities.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): This is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, ranging from the 70s to 80s°F, and the landscape is green from spring rains.
- Summer (June - August): Summer is characterized by intense heat and high humidity. While indoor activities are comfortable, spending extended time outdoors can be challenging for those not accustomed to the climate.
- Fall (September - November): Fall is another ideal time to visit. The oppressive humidity drops, and temperatures become very comfortable, especially in October, which is also the sunniest month .
- Winter (December - February): Winters are short, mild, and generally pleasant, with cool days and chilly nights. Freezing temperatures are rare.
Specific Weather Phenomena
The region is prone to heavy thunderstorms and occasional flooding due to its flat topography and high rainfall rates. Being part of the Gulf Coast, it is also important to note that the area is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).
Transportation
Main Airports
Residents of Pecan Grove have access to two major airports serving the Houston area, both easily reachable by car or rideshare .
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Located approximately 35-40 miles away, this airport primarily handles domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Located about 45-50 miles away, this is the largest airport in the region, offering numerous domestic and international connections.
Commuting Patterns
Pecan Grove is fundamentally a car-dependent community. Public transportation options within the immediate area are extremely limited .
- Private Vehicle: The vast majority of residents commute by personal car. The average one-way commute time is 36.4 minutes, which is significantly longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes, reflecting its role as a suburb for Houston workers .
- 82.1% of residents drive alone to work.
- 11.6% carpool with others .
- Major Highways: The primary road artery is Farm to Market Road 1464 (FM 1464) , which connects Pecan Grove to nearby Richmond and Sugar Land. From there, residents can access U.S. Highway 59 (future I-69) and the Westpark Tollway, providing routes into Houston.
Public Transit
- Bus: While some generalized sources mention bus services , specific routes serving Pecan Grove are minimal. The primary transit agency for the region is METRO in Houston, but its services do not extensively cover unincorporated areas like Pecan Grove.
- Train: There is no passenger rail service in Pecan Grove. The nearest Amtrak station is in Houston.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and provide an alternative to driving, especially for trips to the airports or nearby cities .
Museums
The Museum of Southern History
Located just 3.5 km west of the Pecan Grove CDP is The Museum of Southern History . This museum focuses on the history and heritage of the American South. While specific artifacts on display are not listed in the available information, its presence nearby offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the region's past. The museum is situated near the communities of Pecan Grove and Richmond in Fort Bend County .
Sport and Sports Legends
Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club
Pecan Grove is home to the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club, a private club that serves as a central hub for sports and recreation in the community . The club features an 18-hole, state-of-the-art golf course designed to challenge and delight players of all skill levels. Members can enhance their experience with a dedicated app that includes GPS, an interactive scorecard, and the ability to book tee times .
Beyond golf, the country club boasts an impressive array of athletic facilities, including:
- Six lighted tennis courts for leagues and lessons
- A fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center
- A junior Olympic-sized swimming pool
The club also offers a variety of junior tennis and golf activities for children, making it a comprehensive family sports destination .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Colleges and Universities Nearby
While there are no colleges or universities within the Pecan Grove CDP itself, residents have access to over 28 institutions of higher learning within a 50-mile radius . The closest include:
- Remington College Houston Campus (11.8 miles)
- Houston Community College (22.7 miles)
Other notable universities in the greater area include:
- Rice University: Ranked #9 in the nation by CollegeSimply, it is one of the top-rated schools in the region .
- Prairie View A & M University: A public university located 36 miles from Pecan Grove, it is recognized as one of the best public universities in Texas .
- University of Houston-Clear Lake: Located 38 miles away, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs .
- Wharton County Junior College: Noted as the most affordable option for colleges in the area, with tuition at $768 per year .
Local School
- Pecan Grove Elementary School: Serves the community's youngest students and is located within the area .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Clinical Services in Nearby San Antonio
For residents seeking specialized clinical care, a facility is available at 5027 Pecan Grove Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78222 . This center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including:
- Rehabilitation and nursing restorative programs
- Wound care and post-surgery recovery
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart-related diseases
- Podiatry, dentistry, and optometry services
- Psychiatric and psychological services
- Hospice care and transportation services
The facility accepts various payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance .