Cinco Ranch

Cinco Ranch is one of the most recognized master-planned communities in the greater Houston area, sitting along the western edge of Katy, Texas. The development spans an impressive 8,100-plus acres, which gives it a scale that most neighborhoods simply can’t match. Its location along the Westpark Tollway and near Interstate 10 makes commuting into Houston genuinely convenient, which is a big draw for working families.

The community was developed by Newland Communities, one of the largest private residential real estate developers in the country. Construction began in the early 1990s, and grew steadily over the following two decades into the thriving community it is today. With roughly 14,000 homes across multiple villages and sections, Cinco Ranch has a little bit of everything, from starter homes to larger luxury properties.

Because of its sheer size, Cinco Ranch is zoned to multiple campuses within the highly regarded Katy Independent School District. Depending on where your home sits within the community, you could be zoned to one of eleven elementary schools, six junior high schools, or one of four high schools. That variety actually works in your favor, because Katy ISD consistently ranks among the top school districts in Texas.

Living in Cinco Ranch means you’re never far from just about anything you need. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a walkable outdoor shopping and dining destination that sits right at the heart of the community. You’ll find popular restaurants, boutique shops, a movie theater, and regular community events all in one place. It really does feel like a town center.

Beyond LaCenterra, the surrounding Katy area is packed with retail options. Katy Mills Mall is just a short drive away and offers a massive selection of outlet and retail shopping. The Grand Parkway corridor has also exploded with newer dining and entertainment options in recent years, making the area feel more vibrant than ever for residents who want variety.

For families who enjoy the outdoors, the broader Katy area has plenty to offer as well. Mary Jo Peckham Park is nearby and features a fishing pond, putt putt course, and athletic fields. The Katy area also sits close to several top-rated medical facilities, including Houston Methodist West and Memorial Hermann Katy, which is something many don’t think about until they need it.

Cinco Ranch sets a high bar when it comes to community amenities, and honestly it’s one of the first things people mention when they talk about why they love living here. The crown jewel is the Beach Club, a resort-style aquatic facility that feels more like a vacation destination than a neighborhood pool. Add in multiple additional pools and splashpads scattered throughout the community, and you’ve got water fun covered for every age group.

Beyond the water features, the community offers something for just about every interest. Miles of walking and biking trails wind throughout the neighborhood, connecting parks, picnic areas, and community lakes along the way. The lakes themselves are a lovely touch – they add a peaceful, scenic quality to the neighborhood that you really notice on an evening walk and lend themselves nicely to fishing or kayaking, both of which are allowed here.

For those who like a little friendly competition, Cinco Ranch delivers in a big way. Tennis courts, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, and basketball courts give active residents plenty of ways to stay busy. There’s even a disc golf course, a pavilion, and a clubhouse for gatherings and events. The playground areas are well-maintained and well-distributed, so kids across the community always have somewhere close to play.

Homes in Cinco Ranch receive their annual property tax assessments from the Fort Bend County Appraisal District or the Harris Central Appraisal District depending on location. The total tax rate consists of several different taxing entities, which can vary depending on the part of the community where you live.

These rates typically apply to the school district, MUD district, and county or city services, but they can vary based on the specific section.

As of the time of this writing (January 2026), the average property tax rate for homes in the neighborhood is 2.61%. Just as with every home in the Katy and Fulshear areas, and Texas for that matter, these rates apply to every $100 of a home’s valuation. The current average sales price is $560,000, which we’ll use to map out how property taxes work. To understand how that plays out, that $560,000 home could expect to pay $14,616 / year in property taxes:

$560,000 / $100 = $5,600 x 2.61 = $14,616.

This of course does not take into account homestead, over 65, and other tax exemptions that offer significant tax savings. Read more about how property taxes work in our area. As of the time of this writing, the annual HOA Dues here are $1,400. That figure would be regarded as low considering the sheer volume of amenities available to residents here.

Homes in Cinco Ranch cover a wide spectrum, which is a big part of why the community appeals to so many different buyers. You’ll find properties ranging from modest three-bedroom homes starting in the mid-$300,000s all the way up to larger luxury homes pushing well past $2,000,000 in some of the more established sections. Lot sizes vary quite a bit as well, generally ranging from around 5,000 square feet up to over half an acre or more depending on the section.

The neighborhood features a healthy mix of lot types throughout its many villages. Standard subdivision lots make up the majority, but you’ll also find corner lots, cul-de-sac lots, and a good number of waterfront lots backing up to the community lakes. Those lake lots tend to carry a premium, and for good reason – the views are genuinely beautiful and they tend to hold their value well over time. Several well-known builders have contributed to the Cinco Ranch streetscape over the years.

Names like Toll Brothers, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes, and Taylor Morrison have all built here, each bringing their own style and quality standards to the community. New construction has long since wrapped up here, so today’s buyers are only purchasing resale homes – which means established trees, mature landscaping, and a neighborhood that already has its character fully developed. Newland Communities is now building new homes in Elyson.