The North Houston area is known for its piney woods, small-town vibe and proximity to Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe and mostly located in Montgomery County! And while forested nature is its setting, it is growing with resort style master planned communities that are attracting families from all over the country! From pools and lazy rivers, splash parks and dog parks, lavish amenity centers and lifestyle directors, the North Houston Texas area is one to add to your list when you’re researching where to live in Houston.

Choosing the best master planned communities in the North Houston area was no small feat, since there are so many! But I have listed my picks below, including stats, location, amenities and gorgeous photos galore.

What is a Master Planned Community?

When you hear the phrase “master planned community” you may not know exactly what to think. In a nutshell, a master planned community is accurately named, because it is a neighborhood that is planned from the ground up, and typically includes exclusive neighborhood amenities like parks, pools and clubhouses. The more lavish master planned communities (see below!) go a step further and include resort style amenities like state-of-the-art fitness centers, lazy rivers, splash pads, nature trails, and lifestyle directors. *Note: I also compiled a list of my picks for the best North Houston Suburbs for 2022, in case you wanted to check that out as well!

So without further ado…

Best Master Planned Communities in the North Houston Area

The master planned communities listed below are not ranked in any particular order, but are my top picks for the best North Houston communities.

1. The Woodlands Hills – Conroe / Willis Texas

The Woodlands Hills is a 2,000-acre forested master planned community, featuring 112 acres of open space, 20 neighborhood parks, a 17-acre Village Park and an activity center with event space and fitness facility. The community will also include an extensive amount of trails for hiking and biking, in addition to dedicated bike lanes along the major collectors.

2. Grand Central Park – Conroe Texas

Grand Central Park is a master-planned community nestled in the heart of Conroe Texas, a small town turned boom town that is growing in a beautiful way! Commuting distance to Houston and just a few miles north of The Woodlands, the location is ideal. The community features The Lake House, a 13-acre amenity complex with resort style pool, fitness center, and woods, trails, and lakes are the center of the Grand Central Park. Homes start in the low- $300s and go up into the $800s and $900s.

Featured Homes in Grand Central Park

3. Artavia – Conroe TX

Winding trails weave through the park and along the boardwalk of the 5-acre lake, up to the Amenity Center where you can take a paddle boat out on the water, workout at the FitCenter, grab a bite to eat at the Palate Café, or catch up with friends and neighbors at the latest community gathering or event.

Unique playgrounds, natural groves and open fields provide plenty of space to explore and have fun while a splash pad offers a cool respite from the summer heat. Or if you prefer to take it easy, a tranquil meditation garden is the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

4. Northgrove – Magnolia TX

The Retreat amenity center has 7.5 acres of fun featuring a 9,400-sq.-ft. clubhouse and resort-style pool and splash pad, fitness center, hike and bike trails and over 200 acres of open space – think of it as your home away from home.

5. Woodforest – Montgomery TX

Families and individuals of all ages will fall in love with the Woodforest lifestyle—there’s something for everyone! Frequent social events and community amenities just a quick golf cart ride away mean there’s always something to do. Best of all, whether you’re buying your first house, upgrading, or downsizing, you’ll find a home in Woodforest that fits your needs.