When I talk to people moving to Montgomery County, they often tell me the same thing — they want to feel at home. Not just in their house, but in their neighborhood. They want to know their neighbors, have a place to walk the dog, grab coffee nearby, and still enjoy that sense of small-town Texas charm.
That’s exactly what master-planned communities offer. They’re not just about beautiful homes (though there are plenty of those), they’re about a lifestyle that makes daily living easy, social, and connected. And if you’re thinking about buying a home in Montgomery County soon, there’s never been a better time to explore the many master-planned communities in the area.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these communities special — and explore some of Montgomery County’s local favorites.
What is a Master-Planned Community?
A master-planned community is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a thoughtfully-designed area built around a lifestyle. Instead of one developer throwing up a few homes, these communities are carefully laid out with walking trails, parks, pools, fitness centers, schools, and shopping all woven into the plan from the start.
Think of it as a small town within a town—where you can grab coffee, hit the gym, and meet your neighbors at the park without ever leaving the community (or at least without going too far!).
The Perks of Living in a Master-Planned Community in Montgomery County
There are plenty of reasons why Montgomery County residents love living in master-planned communities. Here are a few of the biggest perks:
1. Lifestyle and Amenities – Master-planned communities are built for living, not just for housing, so everything you need to relax, connect, and play is right outside your door. Resort-style pools, clubhouses, dog parks, trails, and golf courses are simply the norm.
2. Community Connection – These neighborhoods make it easy to meet people. You’ll often find events like cookouts, festivals, movie nights, and more happening throughout the year. Master-planned communities are all designed to bring neighbors together.
3. Long-Term Value – Because everything from roads to recreation is planned in advance, home values in master-planned communities often stay strong over time.
4. Everyday Convenience – With on-site or nearby schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment, daily errands become easier: think less time driving, more time living.
This area is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, but even with all the growth, master-planned communities help preserve that small-town Texas charm so many people love.
A Look at Some of Montgomery County’s Favorite Master-Planned Communities
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking for a little more space for your growing family, or are dreaming of a lakefront retreat for your next chapter (hello, retirement!), Montgomery County truly has something for everyone.
Master-Planned Communities in Conroe, TX
Harper’s Preserve
Credit: Harper’s Preserve
Harper’s Preserve is one of Conroe’s most sought-after gated communities, known for its balance of modern design and natural setting. Homes start in the $300s, with larger properties reaching the mid-$400s and beyond. Built around a preserved forest area, it offers walking trails, playgrounds, and a resort-style pool. Families love that it’s zoned to Conroe ISD, and the location near I-45 and Highway 242 makes it ideal for commuters working in The Woodlands or Houston. If you’re after a new home with plenty of green space and a close-knit, upscale feel, Harper’s Preserve checks every box.
Grand Central Park
Credit: Grand Central Park
Spanning over 2,000 acres, Grand Central Park in Conroe is still growing and planned for approximately 1,600 homes. In its South Village phase, homesites are being introduced with pricing starting in the mid‐$300,000s for 55-60 foot lots, and luxury homes on 70-80 foot lots begin at around $750,000. The community is in Conroe ISD and features amenities like lakes, miles of trails, a town-center retail district and a strong mixture of nature and convenience. If you want the “everything” community—shopping within walking distance, natural surroundings, new homes—this is a good one to explore.
If you’re drawn to that “brand new” feeling and want to learn more about the benefits of buying a newly-built home, check out my blog on why new construction homes in Conroe are a smart investment.
The Woodlands Hills
Credit: The Woodlands Hills
Just north of Conroe, The Woodlands Hills is one of the area’s newer master-planned communities — and it’s already earning attention. Developed by the same team behind The Woodlands, it offers wide open green spaces, beautiful parks, and a 17-acre amenity center that feels like a resort. Homes here generally start in the mid-$300s, and the community is zoned to Willis ISD. With modern design, fresh amenities, and an easygoing vibe, The Woodlands Hills attracts families and professionals who love the look and feel of a brand-new neighborhood.
Artavia
Credit: Artavia
Artavia offers wooded surroundings, convenient access to I-45 via SH 242, and a beautifully master-planned environment. Homes here span a range of styles, lot sizes and builders, with pricing beginning in the high $300s for smaller plans and moving up depending on size, lot and finish-level. For buyers seeking resort-style amenities, ARTAVIA delivers: the community features trails, a lake, café, fitness-center and art-inspired installations that create a unique “live where you love” feel. It’s located within Conroe ISD, giving families access to quality schools while offering more value compared to some of the older, more expensive nearby developments.
Master-Planned Communities in Magnolia, TX
Audubon
Credit: Houston Business Journal
Audubon is Magnolia’s newest master-planned community, and it’s growing fast. When complete, it will include around 5,000 homes, and a new expansion called Heron Run will add more than 1,400 additional residences. Homes here range from the low $300s to $1 million, depending on lot size and builder. Zoned to Magnolia ISD, the community is being designed with sustainability and nature in mind, featuring lakes, trails, and a future amenity center called Club Audubon. For those who like to get in early on a blossoming neighborhood, Audubon offers a chance to be part of something special from the start.
NorthGrove
Credit: Toll Brothers
Tucked into the tall pines of Magnolia, NorthGrove is a beautiful, family-friendly community with a laid-back, outdoorsy feel. Homes start in the mid-$300s and range up to the $700s. Amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, dog park, and miles of trails — everything you’d expect from a high-end master-planned neighborhood. It’s zoned to Magnolia ISD, and because it’s still adding new homes, buyers can choose from several modern floor plans and builders. NorthGrove is ideal for anyone who wants the peace and quiet of nature, with easy access to The Woodlands and Tomball.
Master-Planned Communities in Montgomery, TX
Woodforest
Credit: Perry Homes
Located just six miles south of Lake Conroe and only five miles north of The Woodlands, Woodforest is built on approximately 3,000 wooded acres. The community broke ground in 2007 and has continued to grow steadily. Homes in Woodforest begin in the low $300,000s, with many homes priced up to $1 million in certain sections. Townhomes and patio homes are now being introduced, including a new collection of 86 townhomes priced around the $400,000 mark. School zoning depends on the specific part of the community, but portions of Montgomery ISD and Conroe ISD serve the area. For someone who wants a mature neighborhood that still has room to grow, Woodforest is a strong contender.
Two Step Farm
Credit: Houston Public Media
Two Step Farm is one of Montgomery County’s newest and most distinctive master-planned communities, bringing a fresh take on Texas living just north of The Woodlands between FM 1488 and Highway 249. Developed by Oxland Group, this 2,000-acre community blends modern comfort with a down-home Texas spirit — even using a herd of goats to naturally clear brush and preserve native trees. Homes here will range from the high $300s to well over $1 million, offering a variety of styles and lot sizes to suit every lifestyle. Residents can look forward to a long list of creative amenities, including a Texas-style dance hall, community café and general store, scenic trails, and homes pre-wired for smart tech and backup power. For families or buyers looking for a one-of-a-kind community with tons of character, Two Step Farm offers a compelling mix of modern living and rustic Texas spirit.
Kresston
Credit: David Weekley Homes
Kresston is a thoughtfully designed 1,400-acre master-planned community by Johnson Development, located near the intersection of SH 249 and FM 1488. This new neighborhood will include approximately 3,500 homes and features a mix of builders offering homes starting in the mid-$300s and up, with a variety of floor plans and lot sizes to fit different lifestyles. True to Johnson Development’s signature style, Kresston blends small-town charm with modern amenities — think parks, trails, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces that make it easy to connect with neighbors. The “Boot House” Welcome Center and Horseshoe Heights Park set the tone for the community’s rustic-yet-refined Texas personality. Zoned to Magnolia ISD and offering convenient access to The Woodlands, Tomball, Montgomery, Navasota via the Aggie Expressway, and even greater Houston. Kresston is perfect for families and anyone looking to put down roots in a vibrant new part of Montgomery County.
Moving to Montgomery County? Let’s Tour Master-Planned Communities Today
At the end of the day, home is about more than square footage, it’s about how a place makes you feel. Montgomery County’s master-planned communities make it easy to feel connected, comfortable, and right where you’re meant to be.
If you’re ready to find a neighborhood that feels like home — whether it’s lakeside, tucked into the pines, or a brand-new community with all the amenities — I’d love to help you explore your options. Reach out today, and let’s find you the perfect place to call home!
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