Katy, TX real estate guide.

Katy questions

What buyers ask about Katy.

• Are the schools in Katy (Katy ISD) actually good?

  Katy ISD is one of the most sought-after districts in the Houston metro and a primary reason buyers relocate here, but ratings still vary by attendance zone. Newer master-planned communities and older subdivisions can feed different campuses. Confirm the exact attendance zone for any address at txschools.gov before writing an offer — the district's reputation isn't the same as the specific school you'd attend.
• How much does a home cost in Katy, TX?

  In Katy's southwest submarket the typical home sold around $570,000 in mid-2026 (per HAR), at roughly $183 per square foot, and prices have risen steadily since 2021. Established communities like Cinco Ranch and newer ones like Cane Island span a wide range, so the headline figure hides real spread — let's look at comps in the specific community you're considering.
• What's the realistic commute from Katy to Houston?

  I-10 (the Katy Freeway) is the main route downtown, with the Westpark Tollway a common faster alternative for many submarkets. Many residents work in the Energy Corridor and skip the longer downtown drive. At rush hour, downtown can run 35–60 minutes depending on which part of Katy you're in.
• Is Cinco Ranch or Cane Island better?

  Cinco Ranch is the established, largely built-out master-planned community with mature amenities and a deep resale inventory; Cane Island is newer, lake-centered, and heavier on new construction. The trade-off is established-and-mature versus new-build-with-warranty. School zoning differs by exact address, so check the attendance zone, not just the community name.
• Do homes in Katy flood?

  Parts of Katy saw flooding during Hurricane Harvey, including some areas affected by Barker Reservoir operations. Flood-zone status varies street by street, even within the same community. Always pull the address-specific FEMA flood map and ask about Harvey water levels before committing.
• How do MUD taxes work in Katy's master-planned communities?

  Most Katy master-planned communities sit in Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), which add a separate line to your property tax to fund water, drainage, and roads. MUD rates vary materially between communities, and Katy spans both Katy ISD and Lamar CISD tax structures. Confirm the combined effective tax rate for your specific address — it matters more than purchase price alone.