Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025: Houston Area Leads Nation with Sunterra, Tamarron, Bridgeland and More
In a year marked by nationwide housing market headwinds, master-planned communities (MPCs) once again proved to be a bright spot—especially in Texas. The Greater Houston area continued its stronghold on the national scene with ten communities ranking among RCLCO’s Top 50 Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025.
The annual list, published by real estate advisory firm RCLCO, has long served as an industry benchmark for residential development trends, measuring net new home sales across hundreds of U.S. communities. In 2025, while overall national new home sales trailed slightly behind 2024, MPCs showed exceptional resilience—ending the year only 3% down compared to the previous year, despite broader economic uncertainty.
Houston Metro Area Makes a Major Mark
Leading the way for Texas—and placing fifth nationally—was Sunterra in Katy, which recorded 1,024 new home sales in 2025. Though slightly lower than its 2024 performance, Sunterra’s mix of lifestyle amenities, affordability, and proximity to top-rated schools continues to attract homebuyers seeking value and community.
Also in Katy, Tamarron, developed by D.R. Horton, made it to ninth place and saw an impressive 32% increase in home sales year-over-year, rising to 974 sales in 2025 from 737 in 2024. Nearby, Anniston, a newer Friendswood Development project, made a strong debut on the list with 775 home sales, placing twelfth on the list.
Bridgeland, a long-established Howard Hughes community in Cypress, took eleventh place on the list while holding its position as a Houston mainstay with 812 sales, continuing to attract multigenerational buyers with its robust trail systems, top-tier schools, and lakeside living.
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In Hockley, The Grand Prairie made a splash with 639 home sales, a reflection of EMBER’s development strategy centered on open space, trails, and thoughtful planning.
Also making a return to the list is Sienna in Missouri City, which recorded 432 new home sales in 2025. While slightly down from its 2024 performance, Sienna continues to attract families with its mature tree-lined streets, established schools, and strong sense of community just southwest of Houston.
More Houston-Area Communities Among the Top 50
- Elyson in Katy, by Brookfield Properties, closed 2025 with 413 sales despite a softer market compared to 2024.
- Meridiana in Rosharon, developed by Rise Communities, added 527 sales to the Houston region’s total.
- Lago Mar in Texas City, known for its crystal lagoon, logged 380 sales—up 10% from last year.
- Jordan Ranch in Fulshear, a Johnson Development Corp. community, closed out the Top 50 with 361 sales, marking a modest year-over-year gain.
Altogether, the Houston MSA contributed 6,335 sales across its top-performing MPCs—nearly 20% of all sales reported among the nation’s top 50 communities.
National and Regional Housing Trends
Nationally, Florida and Texas continued to dominate MPC development. Florida accounted for 42% of all sales among ranked communities, with Texas following at 33%. The top three national communities were The Villages in Florida (3,611 sales), Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota (2,085), and Cadence in Henderson, Nevada (1,247).
Looking ahead to 2026, industry analysts at RCLCO predict a modest market rebound—about 5% growth in new-home sales—assuming stable mortgage rates and continued economic growth. Key drivers remain affordability, product diversity, and access to community-focused amenities.
What Makes These Houston Communities Thrive?
The success of Houston’s master-planned communities comes down to a combination of strategic land use, broad housing options, and lifestyle-first planning. Most of these communities offer:
- A wide range of home types and price points
- Community centers, pools, trails, and parks
- On-site schools or access to high-performing ISDs
- Proximity to job centers and transportation corridors
- A strong sense of neighborhood identity and community engagement
These elements continue to resonate with today’s homebuyers, especially as affordability remains a top concern in markets across the country.
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The Bigger Picture: Master-Planned Communities as Market Leaders
According to RCLCO’s 10-year review of MPC rankings, several consistent trends have emerged. Communities that perform well year after year tend to:
- Prioritize lifestyle and placemaking
- Offer diverse housing types for a broad range of buyers
- Operate with disciplined, long-term development strategies
- Thrive in high-growth regions like the Sunbelt
- Deliver resilient performance through economic cycles
With ten communities in the Top 50 and several others on the rise, Houston is clearly one of the strongest markets in the nation for master-planned living. As 2026 begins, these communities are poised to continue shaping the region’s residential landscape.
Explore the Full Report
For more insights into the Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2025, including national rankings, data trends, and developer highlights, visit RCLCO.com.
Houston continues to show that when it comes to combining lifestyle, location, and long-term planning—it's hard to beat the Bayou City.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
