Best Master-Planned Communities in Texas 2026
Texas's Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities for Every Lifestyle
Texas is home to more top-selling master-planned communities than any other state, offering resort-style amenities, diverse home styles, and lifestyle programming that creates genuine neighborhood connections. These communities go beyond housing to deliver a complete living experience with pools, trails, community centers, and activities for every age group.
Best Master-Planned Communities in Texas 2026
Expert-ranked guide updated for 2026
Schedule a ConsultationWhat to Look For
Key factors our experts evaluate when ranking Texas best options
Builder Selection
Top MPCs feature multiple builders offering diverse floor plans and price points. Look for communities with 5+ builders for maximum selection and competitive pricing.
Amenity Completion
Evaluate which amenities are built vs. planned. Established MPCs offer immediate enjoyment, while newer phases may offer lower prices with future amenity access.
HOA Management
Research the HOA management company, fee structure, and reserve funds. Well-managed MPCs maintain property values and community standards over time.
School District & Zoning
Verify exact school assignments within the MPC, as large communities may span multiple attendance zones or even different school districts.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Ranked by our Texas real estate experts based on comprehensive analysis
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Elyson (Katy)
From $300KA Newland Communities development in Katy, Elyson has quickly become one of Texas's top-selling master-planned communities. The community features Elyson House, a resort-style amenity center with pools, fitness facilities, and a cafe. A 30-acre recreational complex includes sports courts, a dog park, and an event lawn. Zoned to top-rated Katy ISD schools built within the community.
Key Features: Katy ISD, Elyson House amenity center, 10+ builders, Grand Parkway access
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Sienna (Missouri City)
From $280KConsistently ranked among the nation's top 10 master-planned communities, Sienna by Johnson Development offers over 3,000 acres of family-focused living. Amenities include Sienna's Sawmill Lake Club with a water park, Camp Sienna for outdoor adventure, an on-site amphitheater, and 100+ acres of parks and trails. Fort Bend ISD schools serve the community with campuses built within Sienna.
Key Features: Fort Bend ISD, Sawmill Lake Club, Camp Sienna, 100+ acres parks
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Bridgeland (Cypress)
From $350KA Howard Hughes Corporation community in Cypress, Bridgeland is one of the best-selling MPCs in Texas. The Lakeland Activity Center features a massive resort pool, fitness center, and event space overlooking a scenic lake. Bridgeland also offers a nature center, canoe launches, community gardens, and over 3,000 acres of lakes, trails, and open space. Zoned to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
Key Features: Cy-Fair ISD, lakes & nature center, Lakeland Activity Center, trails
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Rough Hollow (Lakeway)
From $450KA luxury lakeside master-planned community on Lake Travis, Rough Hollow offers a yacht club and marina, a central community center, resort pools, parks, and miles of hike-and-bike trails. The community features diverse home options from townhomes and condos to waterfront estates, all within Lake Travis ISD. Residents enjoy direct lake access and a vibrant social calendar year-round.
Key Features: Lake Travis ISD, yacht club & marina, lakefront living, diverse options
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Rancho Sienna (Georgetown)
From $350KA premier Hill Country master-planned community in Georgetown, Rancho Sienna features stunning terrain with creeks, canyons, and mature live oaks. The Sienna House amenity center offers a resort pool, fitness center, gathering spaces, and outdoor kitchen. The community hosts regular events and activities for all ages. Zoned to Georgetown ISD with excellent ratings and a strong community identity.
Key Features: Georgetown ISD, Hill Country terrain, Sienna House, community events
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Harvest (Argyle)
From $400KHarvest by Hillwood is a master-planned community in Argyle that blends North Texas agriculture heritage with modern living. The community features the Farmstead amenity center with a working farm, resort pool, sports courts, and community gathering spaces. Farm-to-table events, a community garden, and agricultural education programs set Harvest apart from traditional MPCs. Zoned to Argyle ISD.
Key Features: Argyle ISD, working farm, Farmstead center, agricultural heritage
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Cane Island (Katy)
From $350KA Rise Communities development in Katy, Cane Island features the stunning Cane Quarter amenity village with a resort pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and fire pit lounge. The community's signature feature is the multi-million dollar Cane Island Community Center, one of the most impressive amenity buildings in Texas MPC history. Katy ISD schools serve the community.
Key Features: Katy ISD, Cane Quarter village, resort amenities, premium builders
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Travisso (Leander)
From $500KTravisso is a Hill Country master-planned community in Leander offering panoramic views, wide-open spaces, and a distinctly Texan lifestyle. The community center features a pool, fitness center, sports courts, and event spaces with sweeping Hill Country vistas. Residents enjoy trails through preserved natural areas, community orchards, and regular social events. Zoned to Leander ISD.
Key Features: Leander ISD, Hill Country views, community orchards, premium homes
How We Ranked These
Our methodology for evaluating and ranking these options
Our master-planned community rankings evaluate amenity quality and completion, school district ratings, builder diversity, home sale volumes, HOA management and financial health, resident satisfaction, appreciation rates, and overall lifestyle programming. Data sourced from RCLCO, John Burns Real Estate Consulting, and developer reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our Texas real estate experts
A master-planned community (MPC) is a large-scale residential development designed with a comprehensive plan for homes, amenities, parks, schools, and sometimes commercial areas. Unlike traditional subdivisions, MPCs invest heavily in community infrastructure like pools, fitness centers, trails, and social programming. Texas leads the nation in MPC development and sales.
HOA fees in Texas MPCs typically range from $100-$300 per month for standard communities and $250-$500+ for luxury communities with extensive amenities. Fees cover common area maintenance, amenity operations, social programming, and community management. Always review the HOA budget and reserve funds before purchasing.
Generally yes. Well-managed master-planned communities in Texas appreciate at rates equal to or above surrounding areas. The combination of amenities, architectural standards, and community management creates sustained demand. Top-performing MPCs like The Woodlands and Sienna have shown excellent long-term appreciation. However, location and school district quality remain the primary value drivers.
Bridgeland (Cypress) offers exceptional lakes, trails, and nature programming. Sienna (Missouri City) features Camp Sienna and a water park. Harvest (Argyle) is unique with its working farm concept. For luxury, Rough Hollow (Lakeway) provides yacht club and marina access on Lake Travis. Each community offers a distinct amenity philosophy tailored to its target lifestyle.
Related Resources
Explore more Texas real estate guides and tools
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