9 Best Master-Planned Communities in Katy TX: Katy's Best Neighborhoods

Katy Best Neighborhoods

Homebuyers moving to Katy will find a variety of master-planned communities offering a mix of neighborhood amenities, home styles, and prices. There are gated communities, waterfront properties, and new construction homes aplenty, with established developments found throughout the region as well. The area also spans multiple counties and several school districts. Explore this guide and discover the best neighborhoods in Katy with homes, schools, amenities, and attractions that best fit your particular lifestyle.

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Cinco Ranch

The master-planned community of Cinco Ranch is the largest residential development in the Katy area. Positioned along both sides of Grand Parkway south of I-10, Cinco Ranch lies almost entirely within Fort Bend County, with a small portion in the northeast corner located in Harris County. Since its inception in the early 1990s, Cinco Ranch has grown to include a variety of homes and neighborhoods serving a population approaching 20,000.

Cinco Ranch features a mix of gated community sections, golf course homes, and waterfront properties. While numerous established neighborhood sections exist, some parts of the community continue to grow, with floorplans for new construction homes available from several top-area builders. Home prices in Cinco Ranch can vary from the $300s to $1.5 million and higher. The typical property here averages around $400k.

Residents of Cinco Ranch are zoned for schools in the Katy Independent School District, with students feeding into Seven Lakes, Tompkins, or Cinco Ranch high schools. A mix of private programs is also found throughout the area, including The Learning Center, British Private Prep School, and Cinco Ranch Montessori. Among the higher education opportunities convenient to the community are the several University of Houston and Houston Community College campuses.

Cinco Ranch Amenities

  • Swimming Pools and Water Park
  • Tennis and Basketball Courts
  • Multi-Use Sports Fields
  • Great Southwest Equestrian Center
  • The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch 
  • Willow Fork Country Club 
  • Central Green Park 
  • Willow Fork Park 
  • Community Lakes
  • Buffalo Bayou Nature Trail 
  • Wildlife Refuge

Cane Island

Reasons to Live in Cane Island in Katy, TX

One of the best new construction neighborhoods near Katy is Cane Island, a master-planned community established in late 2014. Located in Waller County on the north side of Interstate 10, the development features approximately 2,000 homesites across more than 1,000 acres. Cane Island’s amenities are plentiful, including multiple neighborhood pools, a local fitness center, and parks and trails throughout the community.

Among the different villages in Cane Island, homebuyers can choose from several gated community sections, including half-acre properties in The Estates, lakefront lots in The Legends, and patio homesites behind the gates of The Trails and Oak Pointe neighborhoods. The typical home for sale in Cane Island is a two-story plan with four beds, three baths, and more than 3,000 square feet. Recent sales range from the $300s to more than a million, with a median price of around $500,000.

Students living in Cane Island attend Katy ISD schools, including the Robertson Elementary campus, conveniently located inside the community. Other nearby public schools serving residents here are Katy Elementary, Katy Junior High, and Katy High School. Private and parochial programs like St. John XXIII College Preparatory, Trinity Spiral School, and Katy Adventist Christian School are also close. 

Cane Island Amenities

  • Amenity Village and Welcome Center
  • Swimming Pools and Splash Pad
  • Fitness Center 
  • Sports Courts
  • Event Lawn and Amphitheater
  • Parks and Playgrounds
  • Walking Trails
  • Private Lakes
  • Greenhouse and Gardens

Cross Creek Ranch

Ranked among the best-selling master-planned communities in the country with around 400 closings in 2022, Cross Creek Ranch also ranks as one of the best new home neighborhoods near Katy. This mixed-use development west of Houston is located on 3,200 acres in the northeast corner of the city of Fulshear, with easy access to the Westpark Tollway (FM 1093) and Grand Parkway.

Cross Creek Ranch comprises new construction homes in several residential sections, including Bonterra 55+, a gated community designed for active adults. Other parts offer properties ranging from patio homes to lakeside luxury homes. Established in 2012, plans for the development call for more than 7,000 single-family homes from area builders like Lennar, Newmark, and Taylor Morrison. Sales start from the $300s, with an average list price near $600,000.

The Cross Creek Ranch neighborhood straddles both Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and Katy ISD. Residents on the neighborhood's west side are zoned to Lamar CISD schools, all of which are conveniently located in the educational complex at the southwest corner of the community. Addresses on Cross Creek's east side are zoned for nearby Katy schools.

Highlights of the many lifestyle amenities Cross Creek Ranch provides homeowners include the multiple resort-style swimming pool complexes. The Adventure Island Waterpark and Splash Pad boasts attractions like a 140-foot water slide, spray park, water jets, and a wading pool. At Flewellen Creek Park, residents enjoy a lap pool and tanning deck. And the swim complex at Greenthread Park features yet another pool, water slides, and an adjacent playground and pavilion.

Cross Creek Ranch Amenities

  • Swimming Pools and Waterparks
  • Fitness Center and Yoga Studio
  • Community Lakes
  • Fishing and Paddle Sports
  • Hiking and Biking Trails
  • Sports Courts and Fields
  • Pocket Parks and Playgrounds
  • Italian Maid Café On-Site Bistro

Elyson

Another best-selling master-planned community near Katy is the residential development of Elyson, west of Grand Parkway, between I-10 and US-290. This 3,600-acre mixed-use development comprises approximately 1,500 new construction homes surrounding private neighborhood lakes and greenbelts.

Most of the properties here feature traditional and contemporary style architecture. Typical floorplans measure about 2,800 square feet, with many of the lots large enough for backyard swimming pools. Homes for sale in Elyson typically start from the $300s, ranging to the $900s for some of the more luxe lakeside properties.

Elyson students attend Katy ISD schools. The McElwain Elementary School campus is conveniently located in the community, within walking distance of many homes. The Harmony School of Excellence PK-6 charter school is nearby, and Stockdick Junior High and Paetow High School campuses are just two miles away down Peek Road. Magnolia Preparatory Academy, Children's Lighthouse of Katy, and the Kiddie Academy of Elyson provide daycare and early learning for the neighborhood's youngest residents.

Those living in Elyson enjoy easy access to an abundance of area attractions and activities. There's shopping nearby at Katy Mills Mall, as well as restaurants, retail, and recreation scattered up and down the interstate. Residents will also find relatively reasonable commutes to employment centers like the Energy Corridor and downtown Houston. Inside the community, Elyson amenities include a massive central park complex, a dog park, a resort-style pool and splash pad, and even on-site shopping, among other benefits.

Elyson Amenities

  • Elyson House Amenity Center
  • Lakeside Landing Recreation Center
  • Swimming Pools and Splash Pad
  • Fitness Center and Game Room
  • Tennis Courts
  • Elyson Cafe
  • Event Lawn and Sports Fields
  • Parks and Trails
  • Community Lakes 

Kelliwood

Regarded by many as one of the best neighborhoods in Katy, Kelliwood is located along Fry Road, minutes south of Interstate 10. This master-planned community features a variety of distinct residential sections across Fort Bend and Harris counties. Several of the Kelliwood neighborhood villages are gated, with many homeowners here enjoying waterfront and golf course views. 

Homes in the different Kelliwood neighborhoods vary significantly in size, style, and price. Some more modestly priced neighborhoods feature homes from the $300s, with luxury lakeside properties typically priced from the $700s. Many homesites along the lakes and fairways in Kelliwood are big enough for private pools and other backyard amenities.

Kelliwood residents attend Katy ISD schools, with numerous campuses convenient to the community. Students funnel into either Taylor or Seven Lakes High School. Preschoolers are served by various private educational facilities and daycare centers in the area, including Katy GT Academy Montessori and the Primrose School of Kelliwood. 

Residents here enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions throughout the west side of the city of Houston. Kelliwood residents can access dozens of Katy golf courses, public parks, and nature trails. And the community backs up to the 7,800-acre George Bush Park, offering visitors an abundance of things to do, including hiking and biking trails, sports fields, and horseback riding.

Kelliwood Amenities

  • Willow Fork Country Club and Golf Course 
  • Great Southwest Equestrian Center
  • Community Club House
  • Swimming Pools
  • Tennis Courts
  • Parks and Playgrounds
  • Private Lakes and Walking Trails

Seven Meadows

The master-planned golf course community of Seven Meadows is another popular Fort Bend County neighborhood. Located north of Westpark Tollway and west of Grand Parkway, homeowners can conveniently access attractions and activities throughout West Houston. Residents also enjoy spacious homesites, upscale home designs, and Meadowbrook Farms golf course at the center of the subdivision.

Seven Meadows features a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, with around 1,700 single-family homes. With properties ranging from 2,000 to over 7,000 square feet on lots averaging around a quarter of an acre, residents of Seven Meadows enjoy fenced yards and private pools with plenty of fairway and lakeside views. Some neighborhood sections, like Avalon at Seven Meadows, are gated communities with luxury waterfront homes and direct lake access. Recent sales range from the $200s to more than a million.

Public schools serving students in Seven Meadows are in the Katy Independent School District. Nearby campuses include Holland Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High, and Seven Lakes High School. Among the numerous private programs in the area are several Sugar Creek Montessori campuses, multiple Goddard School facilities, and the Discovery Schoolhouse preschool.

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club is the highlight attraction for residents of the Seven Meadows community. Members enjoy reserved starting times, private events, clubhouse amenities like down-home cooking at The Grille, and access to the practice facilities at the Player Development Center. A limited number of tee times are also available to the public.

Seven Meadows Amenities

  • Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club
  • Clubhouse and Fitness Center
  • Swimming Pool and Waterpark
  • Tennis Courts
  • Parks and Playgrounds
  • Covered Pavilion
  • Walking Trails

Pine Mill Ranch

Reasons to Live in PIne Mill Ranch in Katy, TX

South of the main city of Katy, in the area between the Cinco Ranch and Cross Creek Ranch communities, lies the popular neighborhood of Pine Mill Ranch. Developed in the early 2000s, this master-planned community features about 1,500 upscale single-family homes positioned around its private lake and abundant greenbelts.

Typical floorplans in the Pine Mill Ranch neighborhood average more than 3,200 square feet of living space on fenced homesites large enough to accommodate private pools and other backyard amenities. Home prices here usually start in the mid-$200s and range up to a million or more, with an average price of around $415,000.

Katy ISD's Davidson Elementary School is located in the heart of Pine Mill Ranch, within walking distance for many neighborhood kids. Other Katy schools serving students here include the nearby campuses of Tays Junior High and Tompkins High School. A mix of preschools and daycare centers is also found throughout the area.

Pine Mill Ranch residents enjoy easy access to various area retail shops, restaurants, and recreation opportunities. The community is surrounded by small shopping centers featuring popular grocery stores like H-E-B and restaurants like Maple Street Biscuit Company, Little V Vietnamese Bistro, and Palinuro Italian Cuisine.

Pine Mill Ranch Amenities

  • Splash Pad Water Park 
  • Pine Mill Ranch Pool Complex
  • Tennis Courts
  • Beach Volleyball Court
  • Community Lake
  • Parks and Playgrounds
  • Hike and Bike Trails

Sunterra

The Sunterra neighborhood north of Katy ranks as one of the highest-selling new home communities in the country, with around 800 home closings in 2022. Located on 1,000-plus acres near Clay and Pitts roads, this subdivision features a variety of gated community sections and waterfront homes from dozens of area builders like HistoryMaker, Chesmar, Perry Homes, and Ashton Woods. 

Homebuyers considering Sunterra will appreciate the variety of floorplans and homesite options found here. New construction homes are available in a mix of styles and sizes on 40-, 50-, and 60-foot lots, many with lakeside views. Prices run from the high $200s to the $800s.

Addresses in Sunterra are zoned to the Katy Independent School District. Students in the community attend the nearby campuses of Robertson Elementary, Haskett Junior High, and Katy High School. Early learning programs convenient to Sunterra residents include several Kids' R' Kids facilities and Ivy Kids of Silver Ranch.

The main attraction of the Sunterra lifestyle is its Crystal Lagoon, following in the footsteps of the Balmoral Lagoon: five acres of turquoise water where homeowners enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up some sun on the white sand beach. With vacation-style attractions like this, residents can easily forget that they're only 30 miles away from downtown Houston.

Sunterra Amenities

  • Crystal Lagoon and White Sand Beach
  • Swimming Pool and Splashpad
  • Community Clubhouse
  • Tennis and Basketball Courts
  • Sand Volleyball Court
  • Parks and Playgrounds

Jordan Ranch

Folks looking for a balance of country living and city conveniences will find it in the Jordan Ranch community. Located in the western reaches of the Greater Houston area, the neighborhood enjoys the more rural flavor of nearby small towns like Brookshire and Fulshear. However, when the conveniences of the city call, quick access to I-10 and the Westpark Tollway make for an easy trip into town.

This mixed-use development features a variety of single-family homes, multi-family properties, retail shops, and commercial real estate across different villages. While some sections of the community are already built out, several neighborhoods continue to offer new construction homes from a variety of local Katy home builders. The average Jordan Ranch property is around 2,600 square feet and sells from the $200s to the $700s.

Lamar Consolidated public schools serve the residents here. Nearby Lamar CISD campuses include Lindsey Elementary, Roberts Middle School, Leaman Junior High, and Fulshear High School. A variety of daycare and preschool programs are also found throughout the area. Ivy Kids of Young Ranch, Lifetime Learners Child Development, and the Children's Lighthouse of Brookshire are just minutes from homes in Jordan Ranch.

Jordan Ranch Amenities

  • The Shed Amenity Center
  • Resort Pool, Splash Pad, and Lazy River
  • Tennis Courts and Sports Fields
  • Fitness Center
  • Parks and Playgrounds
  • Walking Trails
  • Sunset Farm Community Gardens

Discover the Best Communities in Katy

The best neighborhoods in Katy offer prospective buyers an ideal mix of home types, price ranges, lifestyle amenities, and area conveniences. Some of these master-planned communities—several of which are among the best master-planned communities near Houston—are home to country clubs and golf courses, while others offer gated sections with waterfront living and lakeside views. With the western portion of Greater Houston marked by hundreds of attractions and activities suited to every interest and lifestyle, there's a home for sale in Katy offering something for everyone.

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Ready to discover your next home in Katy? Call The RealFX Group at (512) 956-7390 to get in contact with an experienced local real estate agent today and let us help you find your dream home in Katy, TX.

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