Katy, TX
Houston's #1 Family Relocation Destination
Avg Home Price
$425,000
Commute Time
35-45 min
School Rating
9.2/10
Property Tax Rate
2.4–3.1%
School District
Katy ISD
"Katy gets dismissed as "suburban" and "cookie-cutter" — but families with kids aren't looking for cool. They're looking for safety, schools, and space. Katy delivers all three, consistently ranking as one of the top relocation destinations in all of Texas."
Local Amenities & Lifestyle
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Open-air mixed-use district with dining, shopping, entertainment
Katy Prairie Conservancy
16,000 acres of protected Houston prairie
Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Major water park, great for families
Cinco Ranch Golf Club
Well-maintained golf course within the community
Memorial Hermann Katy
Major hospital campus — short drive from most communities
Katy Mills Mall
Large outlet mall 10 min from most Katy neighborhoods
Average Home Prices by Community
Top communities in Katy and what you get at each price point.
Elyson
$350k–$650kThe newest master-planned community in Katy. Resort-style amenity center, 700+ acres of green space, lake views.
Cinco Ranch
$380k–$800kEstablished master-planned community around multiple lakes. Golf course, tennis, water parks.
Cane Island
$400k–$750kNewer community with strong architectural standards and Katy's most upscale amenity center.
Firethorne
$300k–$500kValue-focused master-planned community on Katy's southern edge. Good schools, lower tax rates.
Schools & Education
Katy ISD
One of the top 10 largest ISDs in Texas. Consistently ranked among the best in the Houston metro.
Tompkins High School
Flagship Katy ISD high school. Multiple state championship athletics.
Seven Lakes High School
Serves Cinco Ranch and surrounding areas.
Cinco Ranch High School
One of the original Katy ISD high schools.
Property Tax Breakdown
Katy area property taxes are among the higher rates in Greater Houston due to Katy ISD levy plus MUD district fees in newer communities. Most Katy addresses see effective rates of 2.4–3.1%. The trade-off: no Texas state income tax means most California/NY transplants still save significantly on total tax burden.
2.4–2.7%
Older Katy (no MUD)
2.7–3.1%
Newer communities w/ MUD
~$10,200/yr
On a $350k home
Commute Times from Katy
Energy Corridor (BP, Shell, ExxonMobil)
20–30 minVia I-10 West — Katy's #1 commute corridor
Downtown Houston
35–50 minVia I-10 East — manageable off-peak, heavy rush hour
Houston Medical Center
45–60 minVia I-10 + Beltway 8 or US-59
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
45–55 minVia Beltway 8
Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
55–70 minVia Highway 290 or Sam Houston Tollway
Is Katy Right for You?
Perfect For
- ✓Families with school-age children relocating from California or the Northeast
- ✓Energy Corridor and West Houston office workers (20–30 min commute)
- ✓Parents who prioritize Katy ISD's nationally ranked school district
- ✓Buyers seeking new construction homes under $600k with modern layouts
- ✓Families who want space, safety, and community over walkability
- ✓Out-of-state relocators wanting a turnkey suburban experience
Consider Elsewhere If…
- ✗You work downtown Houston and want a short, easy commute (35–50 min rush hour)
- ✗You want a walkable, urban lifestyle with coffee shops and bars in walking distance
- ✗You seek diverse cultural venues, indie restaurants, or nightlife
- ✗You prefer older, established neighborhoods with mature trees and character