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By Shian Munro, Realtor® | Coldwell Banker Realty
ExxonMobil recently completed the move of its legal headquarters from New Jersey to Texas, bringing the company’s legal home in line with where its main corporate campus has been for years: Springwoods Village in Spring, Texas.
At the same time, the company announced plans to consolidate its research operations, giving hundreds of employees the opportunity to relocate to the Houston area.
If you’re one of them, you’re probably asking the same question I hear from relocating professionals every week.
“Where should we live?”
The answer depends on your commute, your budget and the lifestyle you’re looking for. Here are the areas I most often discuss with clients relocating to ExxonMobil.
Where Many ExxonMobil Employees Choose to Live
Although the corporate campus sits in Springwoods Village, relatively few people buy there.
Instead, many employees choose nearby communities that offer a balance of commuting convenience, established neighbourhoods and a wide choice of homes.
The Woodlands
The Woodlands remains one of the most popular choices.
Neighbourhoods such as Panther Creek, Alden Bridge and Sterling Ridge offer mature landscaping, excellent amenities and a wide range of resale homes. Depending on traffic, many residents can reach the ExxonMobil campus in around 15 to 20 minutes.
Home prices commonly range from around $500,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the size, age and location of the property.
Spring and Klein
Spring and Klein are also popular because they sit close to the campus and offer a wider range of price points.
Buyers will find everything from established neighbourhoods to new construction, with many homes priced from the high $300,000s into the $700,000s.
For families wanting newer homes without moving too far from work, these communities are well worth considering.
Vintage Park and Champions
Some buyers prefer the Vintage Park and Champions areas.
The commute is slightly longer, but many homes offer excellent value and larger floor plans compared with communities closer to the campus.
Cypress
Cypress is another area many relocating families consider.
Communities such as Bridgeland continue to attract professionals looking for modern master-planned neighbourhoods with excellent amenities, while still offering a practical drive to Spring via the Grand Parkway.
Always Test the Commute
One piece of advice I give every relocating client is simple.
Don’t buy the house before you’ve driven the commute.
A home can look perfect online, but the daily drive often tells a different story. I always recommend testing the journey at the same time you’ll actually be travelling to work, not on a Sunday afternoon when traffic is light.
Sometimes a home that’s only a few miles further away can add twenty minutes to your day.
Relocating From the UK or Overseas?
International buyers often experience two surprises.
The first is that Texas is a non-disclosure state.
Unlike the UK, actual sale prices are not part of the public record. Online estimates from sites such as Zillow can therefore be inaccurate because they don’t have access to verified sales data. Local agents using the Houston Association of REALTORS® MLS can access comparable sales that aren’t available on public websites.
The second surprise is financing.
If you’re relocating on an H-1B, L-1 or another work visa, your mortgage options may be different from those of a US citizen or permanent resident. FHA loans are generally no longer available to non-permanent residents following changes introduced in 2025, so conventional lending is now the route many buyers explore with lenders experienced in international relocations.
Both situations are manageable, but they’re much easier to deal with before you begin viewing homes.
The Financial Picture
Many people relocating from New Jersey, the UK or other higher-cost markets find their money goes further in Houston.
Texas has no state income tax, which can increase take-home pay compared with many other states.
Homes also tend to offer more space for the money than buyers are used to in many international markets.
Property taxes are part of that equation, however. Depending on the county and community, effective tax rates often fall between 2% and 3% before any exemptions are applied. Filing for your Homestead Exemption after purchasing your primary residence can help reduce your future tax bill if you’re eligible.
If your employer offers relocation benefits, it’s worth understanding exactly what’s included before accepting the package. A managed move, lump sum, tax gross-up or home sale assistance can all make a significant difference to your overall costs.
Every Relocation Is Different
No two relocations are the same.
Some clients are moving from another part of Texas. Others are arriving from London, Aberdeen, Singapore or Calgary with children, pets and an international shipment already on the way.
That’s why I always start with the same conversation.
Where will you be working?
How do you want to live?
Once we answer those questions, finding the right neighbourhood becomes much easier.
If you’re relocating to Houston for ExxonMobil and would like help understanding the different communities, commute patterns and housing options, I’d be delighted to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Spring to work at ExxonMobil?
No. Many employees choose nearby communities such as The Woodlands, Spring, Klein or Cypress. The best location depends on your commute, budget and lifestyle.
Can I rely on Zillow while searching from overseas?
Use it as a starting point, but not as your only source. Texas is a non-disclosure state, so online estimates don’t always reflect actual sale prices.
Can I get a mortgage on a work visa?
Yes. Many buyers on H-1B and L-1 visas obtain conventional financing through lenders experienced with international clients. The available loan options will depend on your individual circumstances.
When should I begin my home search?
I normally suggest beginning your planning around 60 to 90 days before your move. That gives you time to arrange financing, narrow your preferred areas and organise a house-hunting trip if needed.
About Shian Munro
I’m Shian Munro, a British Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty based in Katy, Texas. Having relocated internationally several times myself, I understand that moving countries is about much more than buying a house.
I specialise in relocation and luxury homes, helping clients moving locally, nationally and internationally navigate Houston’s property market with confidence.
A global perspective, tailored locally.
