Houston's Best Master-Planned Communities

Houston’s master-planned communities are proving that bigger isn’t just better—it’s best. With 12 of the top 50 nationally ranked master-planned communities (MPCs), the Houston metro area isn’t just thriving; it’s leading the charge.

 

The Houston area is not just a region; it’s a real estate powerhouse, and the latest numbers are here to prove it. The big news? In the 2024 rankings from RCLCO, the greater Houston area secured the top spot among the nation’s best-selling master-planned communities, accounting for 22% of all sales and solidifying its reputation as a real estate powerhouse.

 

While all 12 communities deserve applause, the spotlight shines brightest on Katy, Cypress, and Fulshear—areas renowned for their suburban charm, top-rated schools, and proximity to urban conveniences. Impressively, half of the master-planned communities that made the list are located in these three sought-after Houston suburbs, each offering unique lifestyle advantages like resort-style pools, extensive green spaces, and vibrant town centers.

 

Sunterra in Katy, Texas, takes center stage as the top-selling community in the Houston region, securing an impressive fourth place nationally in RCLCO’s ranking and was the top-selling community in Texas. 

 

Named 2024 Master Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders, the 11,500-acre Bridgeland earned the distinction of being one of the top two best-selling master-planned communities in Texas and earning the No. 7 spot nationally.

 

• Sales: 938 homes.
• Accolades: Named 2024 Master-Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders.
• Bridgeland seamlessly blends recreation, convenience, and nature into everyday living: Bridgeland spans 11,500 acres, with an impressive 28% dedicated to open spaces, parks, lakes, and an extensive network of trails. The community is thoughtfully divided into four villages, each featuring its own playgrounds, pool complexes, schools, and convenient access to employment, places of worship, and shopping—all reachable on foot or by bike. Enjoy a variety of activities year-round, from swimming, working out, and playing tennis at the 6,000-square-foot activity center to hiking and biking along scenic nature trails. For water enthusiasts, the community’s waterways offer opportunities to kayak, paddleboat, and canoe.

Here are all of Houston’s best master-planned communities that made the list of the top-selling new construction neighborhoods in the nation:

 

#4) Sunterra in a Katy, from Land Tejas and Starwood Land with 1,325 sales;

#7) Bridgeland in Cypress, a Howard Hughes MPC with 938 sales;

#15) Tamarron in Katy, a D.R. Horton Community with 737 sales; 

#16) Tavola in in New Caney, a Friendswood Development Co. community with 669 sales; 

#23) Sienna in Missouri City, by Johnson Development with 574 sales; 

#24) Meridiana in Rosharon, a Rise Communities community with 555 sales.

#27) Breckenridge Forest in Spring, a D.R. Horton Community with 541 sales; 

#31) Marvida in Cypress, a Land Tejas/Starwood Land community with 518 sales; 

#34) Elyson in Katy, a Brookfield Properties community with 491 sales (up 23% from the previous year);

#42) The Grand Prairie in Hockley, an EMBER community with 436 sales; 

#47) Caldwell Ranch in Rosharon, a D.R. Horton community with 382 sales;

#49) Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear, a Johnson Development community with 376 sales.

 

Jordan Ranch, also by Johnson Development Corp., earned an honorable mention with 357 homes sold, down slightly from 385 in 2023.

 

These master-planned communities in Houston, Katy, Cypress, and Fulshear offer more than just homes—they deliver an all-encompassing lifestyle tailored to residents’ needs. From local grocery stores and restaurants to scenic hiking trails, championship golf courses, and stunning crystal lagoons, these neighborhoods are designed to foster a strong sense of community and convenience.

These amenity-rich master-planned communities often go far beyond the typical clubhouse or pickleball court. Take Sunterra in Houston, which claimed the title of the best master-planned community in Texas and the No. 4 on the nationwide list.

Homebuyers have the opportunity to build a new, personalized home at an affordable price in a community that offers an abundance of amenities, including two world-class amenity complexes – The Retreat Amenity Village anchored by a resort-style pool and lazy river and the Sol Club Lagoon Amenity Village (scheduled to open this year) where people can walk along white-sand beaches and swim, kayak and paddleboard on turquoise blue waters.

The best part? Homes in the top master-planned communities are all built by the area's top builders, offering a wide range of home styles, sizes, and price points. Even better? Builders in these sought-after suburbs have also adapted to high interest rates by offering incentives, making new homes in these areas even more attractive.

 

Buyers, MPCs deliver unparalleled amenities, community vibes, and top-rated on-site schools. Want peace of mind that you made a sound investment? Master-planned communities tend to hold their value even in a down market, unlike lesser-known small neighborhoods that might struggle to maintain appeal.

 

Sellers, these communities ensure strong equity growth and steady demand. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, these neighborhoods are a win-win. 

 

 

As new projects continue to break ground, Houston’s master-planned communities in Katy, Cypress, and Fulshear are set to thrive further, solidifying the region’s status as a leader in real estate development. Ready to explore these exceptional communities and find the one that perfectly fits your home needs and lifestyle goals? If you’re searching for the best master-planned community in Houston, Katy, Cypress, or Fulshear, I’m here to help you navigate your next move with confidence and ease.

 

Do you want more insights into what the current market trends in the Katy, Fulshear, and Houston real estate markets mean for your real estate goals?

Are you on the hunt for the best Houston suburb to buy a house? Head to Houston's Top Selling Suburbs to discover which areas worth considering if you want a community-focused lifestyle that is ideal for families.

Wondering how the real estate market is performing in Houston, Katy, and Fulshear? The 2024 Houston Real Estate Market Recap provides valuable insights into the areas equity wins, market timing, and more homes to choose from!