9 Best Master-Planned Communities Near Houston: Desirable Homes With Excellent Amenities

Each exceptional home in a master-planned community near the city of Houston is surrounded by natural beauty and a wealth of amenities. This environment provides a respite from daily life, and it nurtures a feeling of connection within the community and refreshment from outdoor activities. Attend a sunrise yoga class, join the neighbors to watch a movie in the park, or enjoy a glass of wine at a lakefront café. Each community is designed with a purpose, so residents feel they are living in an oasis of relaxation and refinement. If you're moving to Houston and have room in your cost of living budget for this lavish and exciting lifestyle, consider one of the nine best master-planned communities near Houston, Texas.

Sienna

The Sienna community has a rich history in Texas, distinguished as part of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colony settlement. The area produced sugar cane and cotton, with a shipping port where paddlewheel boats stopped to deliver and collect goods in the 1800s. The Catholic Diocese later acquired the area, where it was converted into the Cenacle Retreat.

Sienna is still a peaceful retreat for residents who enjoy its beautiful setting and wealth of amenities, such as parks, walking trails, the 12-acre Club Sienna complex, and the Sawmill Lake Club. The Sienna neighborhood club is a luxury community retreat with its inviting bar, comprehensive fitness center, ballroom, comfortable patio, and lakeside fire pit. After a day of tennis or sand volleyball, head to nearby Texas Leaguer Brewing Company and relax with an ice-cold craft beer. Then enjoy the beef and chicken combo fajitas with a visit to Fajita Pete's. No matter how one spends their day, it will seem like a vacation coming home to Sienna.

Homes for sale in Sienna typically range between $300,000 and $2 million. The homes have up to six bedrooms, and some as many as six bathrooms.

Riverstone

Riverstone is a community of new-construction homes in Fort Bend County, a flourishing area of Texas located just southwest of Houston. Riverstone's master plan encompasses 3,800 acres and offers a range of options for homebuilding, including townhomes and custom waterfront homes. The community offers a generous list of amenities, such as lakeside swimming pools with rock waterfalls, a community fishing pier, and waterside walking trails.

Riverstone contains schools that are part of the Fort Bend Independent School District. Residents will enjoy visiting First Colony Mall, where there are many shopping and dining establishments. Try on a new outfit at JJill, and then visit Coach to find a matching handbag. James Avery Jewelry is sure to offer the perfect accessory to complete the look. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal at The Cheesecake Factory, and later relax while watching a movie at the AMC Theatre. When it's time to head home, returning to Riverstone is the perfect end to an enjoyable day.

Generally ranging from $400,000 to $3 million, Riverstone real estate offers homes up to 7,000 square feet. The biggest homes can have seven bedrooms and bathrooms, while smaller ones still have three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Cane Island

Cane Island is a community of new homes extending across 1,100 acres of prairie land filled with fine details and luxurious amenities. This private community is in the city of Katy, just a few minutes from I-10 along the edge of Houston's Energy Corridor. Whether hosting a wine and cheese party within the glass frame of the Conservatory, going for a run down a trail bordered by lush landscaping, or roasting s'mores over the firepit on the expansive Lawn, Cane Island provides a lifestyle that meets every wish and whim.

The Oaks Kitchen is the on-site restaurant perfect for meeting a friend for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. It's also fun to explore nearby eateries such as Scholars and Scoundrels with its selection of draft beers, refreshing cocktails, and a menu filled with dishes such as the Cheat Burger and the BLT of Your Dreams. Pearl and Vine is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate dinner with someone special or celebrate an occasion with family or friends. It features melt-in-your-mouth USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an outdoor patio with a beautiful view. Cane Island provides the perfect backdrop to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Prices for homes for sale in Cane Island typically range between $400,000 and $2 million. Homes will usually have at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the largest luxury homes can have up to 6,000 square feet.

Lakes of Bella Terra

The Lakes of Bella Terra is a community with three different neighborhoods, each with a signature style but sharing the elegance of Tuscan architecture and sophisticated comforts. From the simplicity of a beautiful garden home to an elegant estate within a separate gated community, every home is surrounded by natural beauty and lavish amenities.

The signature community of the Lakes of Bella Terra joins the Lakes of Bella Terra West and the gated lakefront neighborhood of Lago Verde Estates. This oasis of refinement is in a prime location in West Houston, near Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway.

Delicious and unique dining experiences are not far away in the city of Sugar Land. For a meal reminiscent of a trip to New Orleans, enjoy the Crab Cake Benedict or beignets dusted in powdered sugar during a weekend brunch at The Rouxpour. Travel to Katy to taste authentic Mexican cuisine by visiting Ambriza, a Social Mexican Kitchen. After enjoying a handcrafted margarita accompanied by the tableside guacamole and Enchiladas Rojas, traveling home to Lakes of Bella Terra will feel like a never-ending vacation.

Lakes of Bella Terra real estate prices typically range between the upper $300,000s and $1 million. Homes have at least 2,000 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

Shadow Creek Ranch

Located in the scenic and spacious city of Pearland in southwest Houston, Shadow Creek Ranch is a luxurious destination with every accessible convenience. Recreation, shopping, dining, schools in two districts, and even medical facilities are conveniently located within the community, making it a place to relax and enjoy life with family and friends.

Shadow Creek Ranch offers a variety of homes to suit every need. Houston's top home builders have designed and built a community of homes dedicated to each resident's comfort and convenience. Luxury homes offer plentiful amenities such as outdoor grilling kitchens and private pet parks, and an upscale senior living residence boasts Mediterranean architecture and an on-site concierge.

Retail and dining choices are plentiful, with many enjoyable options nearby. Head to Pearland Town Center near Highway 288 South for a day of retail therapy. Relax and enjoy a meal at La Madeleine or Fish City Grill. Finish off the evening with a treat from Smallcakes, A Cupcakery famous for its specialty flavors such as Pink Chocolate, French Toast, and Pumpkin. It's a perfect way to end a day of relaxation in the beautiful Shadow Creek Ranch community.

Homes for sale in Shadow Creek Ranch typically have at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while larger homes can have five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Prices generally range between $300,000 and $900,000.

Bridgeland

Thoughtfully planned against a natural backdrop of 3,000 acres of lakes and walking trails, Bridgeland is a distinctive community designed to connect residents to nature, community, and each other. With a commitment to the environment and sustainability, Bridgeland has created an atmosphere where the outdoors is a vital part of daily life.

There are four unique villages within Bridgeland: Lakeland Village, Parkland Village, Prarieland Village, and Creekland Village. Residents can quickly reach a playground, pool complex, school, place of employment, or shopping destination by walking or riding a bike. Outside of the community in the nearby city of Cypress are several welcoming activities and establishments. Pay a visit to the Little Eclectic House boutique to find a special gift for an upcoming celebration. Enjoy live music and share a charcuterie board with friends while sampling a special bottle of wine from the extensive collection at the Hidden Cellar. Living in the Bridgeland community offers residents the perfect natural backdrop for the chance to build stronger connections.

Bridgeland real estate prices typically range between $350,000 and $1.5 million, with homes having as much as almost 6,000 square feet. Homes usually have between three and five bedrooms and two and five bathrooms.

Elyson

From the moment the beautiful Elyson House comes into view with its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, it's clear this community is unique. Elyson House is at the heart of the neighborhood, where neighbors gather for fun, outdoor recreation, or maybe a glass of wine at the end of the day. This feeling of connection is why residents love living in Elyson. Take a walk along a trail bordered by wildflowers, take the dog to Pooch Playground for a run, or watch a movie on the Great Lawn.

Elyson is a place to create unforgettable memories right around the corner from home. Another reason residents love living here is its proximity to Katy and the Cy-Fair areas of Houston. Spend the day shopping at Katy Mills Mall and enjoy an evening of entertainment at either Top Golf or Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. There are plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment choices nearby. When it's time to come home, the peace and beauty at Elyson will provide the perfect finish to each day's activities.

Elyson homes for sale have up to 4,000 square feet of living space with between two and five bedrooms and bathrooms. Prices typically start around $300,000 and stretch up into the $900,000s.

Balmoral

Relaxing on a sandy white beach next to a crystal-clear lagoon may sound like a tropical vacation, but it's possible to enjoy this setting every day at Balmoral. Imagine arriving home after a busy day and taking a paddleboard onto the clear blue waters, or maybe relaxing in a hammock nearby in the shade. The eight-acre Amenity Village offers these indulgences and more, so recreation and relaxation become part of daily life.

Just northeast of Houston in the city of Humble, Balmoral offers a choice of neighborhoods that feature gated, non-gated, and waterfront homes. It's possible to travel a short distance from Balmoral to the South of France to visit Chez Nous nearby. Set in a house with an ambiance that feels like it's in the French countryside, this charming establishment is beloved for its extensive wine list and delicious French cuisine. Don't forget to preorder a soufflé!

Of course, sometimes a more casual evening is in order. After spending the day swimming in the lagoon, take a trip to Georgia's Catfish Kitchen to enjoy the fried catfish, shrimp, and gumbo. It's the perfect end to a day spent in Balmoral's tropical paradise.

Balmoral real estate prices generally range between $200,000 and $700,000. These homes have up to 4,000 square feet with at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Towne Lake

Stretching across 300 acres and spanning 14 miles of shoreline, Towne Lake is by the largest private lake in the Houston area. Take a pontoon boat tour of Towne Lake and see firsthand how lakeside living is at the heart of this community.

The Boardwalk features an extensive array of shopping, dining, and wellness options, all waterfront and accessible by boat. Cruise over to the Lakehouse to attend a spin class in the fitness center, sail to the Waterpark for a picnic on the beach, and float down the lazy river. Living in Towne Lake means embracing the lakefront lifestyle.

Personalize the details of a home designed by a premier builder—or start from scratch with a customized plan. Each neighborhood within Towne Lake is distinctive, and living in Cypress offers many dining opportunities. Enjoy the casual sophistication of Local Table, sample the Cast-Iron Baked Goat Cheese, or head to Aroma Mexican Artisan Kitchen for brunch and enjoy the Breakfast Migas. Living in Towne Lake offers endless fun and relaxation.

Towne Lake homes for sale can have up to 5,500 square feet of living space, including as many as six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Prices typically start around $380,000 and can reach $1.9 million.

A Refreshing Oasis Awaits in a Master-Planned Community Near Houston

Plan a picnic on the beach, take a boat ride to meet friends for a lakefront dinner, or enjoy an outdoor concert as the sun sets over the water. These are a few benefits residents enjoy when they live in a master-planned community near Houston. Residents in these communities enjoy living in a beautiful home in a scenic setting, and they also strengthen their connections to nature and the community. Living in a master-planned community in Houston provides homeowners with an oasis of refinement in today's busy world.