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Is Katy, Texas a Good Place to Live?

June 6, 2023

Katy, TX is one of the most desirable cities to live in the Houston area. Families, businesses, empty-nesters and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without losing conveniences, are flocking to this growing community. Here, they find A+-ranked schools, parks and trails for outdoor activities, new home communities with award-winning builders, unlimited dining options and so much more! If you’re looking for a new home near Houston, we’re going to explore what Katy, TX, has to offer and why you just might be calling Katy your new home.

How Many People Live in Katy?

The City of Katy is the hub of three counties – Harris, Waller and Fort Bend – and is located 30 miles west of Houston. Located in the greater Houston metropolitan area, the population of Katy hovers around 24,000 while the greater Katy area’s population is just shy of 400,000. Fueled by growing Katy ISD, businesses, entrepreneurs, and the thriving energy companies just down the road in the Energy Corridor, Katy continues to see exponential growth from new residents and those looking to move outside the City of Houston.   

What is Katy Known For?

Katy, Texas is a small city located in the Greater Houston area. It is well known for its lush green parks and trails, excellent schools, family-friendly recreation, and diverse dining options. Katy is also known for its heritage and humble beginnings in farming. Did you know the area’s first successful crops included cotton, peanuts, corn, and rice? Even though Katy has become more modernized over the years, it is still deeply rooted in the traditions of its farming past.

Residents of Katy have easy access to some of the top museums in the state, including the George Ranch Historical Park and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. There are also many public parks for hiking, biking, and nature walks. Additionally, there are multiple golf courses for those looking to enjoy a round of golf. Shopping opportunities are also plentiful in Katy, with a variety of specialty boutiques and outlets.

What to Expect When Living in Katy?

Katy, Texas is located near the Energy Corridor and Houston, the Energy Capital of the World, so it’s naturally home to many families who work in the energy and oil and gas industries. The city is just 25 miles away from Houston and only a few miles away from Sugar Land, making it an ideal location for those seeking a place close to big cities but with the convenience, quiet, and safety of a suburban area.

Katy is known for its established neighborhoods, as well as its new home communities. With low crime rates and A+-ranked schools, Katy has been consistently named as one of the best places to live in the United States. There are many master-planned communities in Katy, providing various housing options to suit every budget and lifestyle.

Katy also has a vibrant, diverse and active community. The City of Katy offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in the local area. Residents have access to a wide range of amenities and activities, including the active West Houston Family YMCA which provides fitness and wellness classes, while the Katy Historical Society offers educational programs. The City of Katy also sponsors a range of events throughout the year, from the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival to weekly Farmers Markets.

Nature Activities and Opportunities

Katy, TX is a great place to relax and unwind in nature. With its location on the western outskirts of Houston, residents are privy to a wealth of nature and an array of parks and trails throughout Katy. The city’s warm climate allows for plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and even hunting, making it an enjoyable place to live year-round.

The city is also home to various nature parks and trails that provide great opportunities for exploration. The Mary Jo Peckham Park is a great place to start, as it features plenty of green spaces, a disc golf course, nature trails, an exercise trail with fitness equipment, and even a swimming pool. Katy City Park is home to an assortment of ball fields, as well as tennis and pickleball courts for those craving a competitive outing. Want something historical? Head over to the Katy Railroad Park which includes the Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum or the Katy Heritage Park. Do you have a four-legged friend who loves to run off-leash? Race over to the City of Katy Dog Park for some ruff-and-tumble fun! Plus, the Harris County public library hosts nature walks in the park throughout the year. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll in the woods or an adrenaline-pumping activity like kayaking or fishing, Katy is sure to have something for everyone. Get outside and explore!

Shopping and Dining in Katy, TX

Katy is home to a variety of shopping centers, offering a wide selection of products and services for all ages. Katy Mills Mall is the most popular shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. It boasts over 200 stores, such as Adidas, American Eagle, Apple, Banana Republic, Gap, H&M, and more. There are plenty of restaurants in the mall and entertainment centers including Dave & Busters and Tilt Studio Katy. Katy also has several outdoor shopping centers like LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, which features over 50 stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. In addition to the malls, there are several boutique stores where you can shop local and support your favorite small business. The Historic District provides a fun environment to explore local antique shops and find one-of-a-kind gifts. Katy residents have plenty of shopping options that make it one of the best reasons to live in Katy.

If you're looking for a place to call home in the Houston area, you may also be wondering about the dining options, as well as kid-friendly places to eat, in the city. You'll be glad to know that there are plenty of restaurants in Katy that serve delicious meals for every palate. From classic Tex-Mex to exotic seafood dishes to award-winning food from Katy Asian Town, you'll find plenty of great places to eat in Katy. Popular favorites include Torchy's Tacos, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, True Food Kitchen, Chung Wang BBQ and Local Table. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are also many unique food trucks in the city offering unique cuisine. From local eats and boutiques, Katy provides a great experience for families and friends.

Is It Expensive to Live in Katy?

Katy is a diverse area, offering everything from older homes to robust master-planned communities with all the bells and whistles, making it a great city to live in regardless of your budget. While Katy’s cost of living index ranks slightly above the national average in housing and transportation, it ranks below average in groceries and utilities. The median home value in Katy is $435,000; however prices are leveling off after the homebuying surge of 2020 and 2021. Thanks to a number of eager homebuilders, buyers are now enjoying declining home prices and exciting builder incentives, the ability to lock in lower rates and enjoy thousands of dollars towards upgrades and closing costs. In addition, Katy residents benefit from lower taxes, compared to newer cities in surrounding areas.

Katy, TX, is one of the most desirable Houston suburbs as it offers exceptional educational opportunities at award-winning A+-ranked Katy ISD schools, safe neighborhoods, local shopping and dining, parks throughout the city, and so much more!

Overall, Katy offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life. Whether you’re looking to buy a house or rent an apartment, you can find something that fits your budget and your family’s needs without compromising on location or amenities.

Reasons to Live in Katy

Whether you’re looking for a new home for your growing family, wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city, relocate for a job in the Energy Corridor or simply move to an area where your kids can enjoy top-notch education, Katy is the place for you. This West Houston suburb is home to A+ schools, master-planned communities with resort-style amenities, parks and trails, shopping, dining, entertainment venues, and more! 

Pros of Living in Katy, TX

There is a reason Houstonians and those relocating to Houston are flocking to Katy, TX. Katy is a city unlike any other, offering everything a family needs without having to venture elsewhere. Here’s a look at the many pros to living in Katy, TX:

●      Convenience: Katy has everything a big city has without the traffic and congestion. Residents can enjoy a number of entertainment options including TopGolf, Home Run Dugout, PopStroke, live music venues, family-friendly and pet-friendly parks, and more.  

●      Shopping and Dining: From shopping local to well-known stores and outlets, as well as world-class dining, you can find it all in Katy. In fact, Katy is home to James Beard Award semi-finalist, Alex Au-Yeung of Phat Eatery in Katy Asia Town, a unique area boasting first-class Asian cuisine. Katy has dining options for every palette, from authentic Texas BBQ to crawfish and so much more!

●      Parks and Trails: Katy is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with parks and trails throughout the city. These parks include Katy City Park for sports lovers, Katy Railroad Park which includes the Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum, Katy Heritage Park for history fanatics, Mary Jo Peckham Park for water enthusiasts, and City of Katy Dog Park for those who want to let their four-legged friends run off-leash. Wanting to do some biking or fishing? Head over to the Mason Creek South Hike and Bike Trail. Katy may not be a large city but it’s the perfect place for residents to get outside and explore!

●      Schools and Athletics: School-aged residents are lucky to grow up and learn in such an acclaimed school district. Katy ISD is not only highly-ranked academically, they are muti-time football champions. Katy is the ideal place for families who study hard and enjoy relaxing under the bright Friday night lights of Texas! In addition, there are a number of premier private schools located in Katy. 

Cons of Living in Katy, TX

Though the pros far outweigh the cons, there are some drawbacks to living in Katy.

●      New Home Prices: While home prices and rates are dropping, they may still be higher than some surrounding areas, particularly the less developed areas.

●      Commute Times: During rush hour commute time can be lengthy. There are a number of large businesses, as well as oil and gas headquarters nearby, but if you find yourself working in Houston, you may need to factor in additional time on the road.

●      Lack of Nightlife: While live music and late-night venues are around, they are not as plentiful as in the heart of Houston. Katy is a family-oriented community so restaurants and bars close a bit earlier here.

●      Public Transportation: Living in the suburbs means less access to public transportation. With Katy’s many conveniences, it’s less likely you’ll need to venture far but if you need to, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Ready to Call Katy Home?

Katy, Texas continues to grow and thrive as a community with many new families and businesses coming to this west Houston suburb. If you’re looking for a city with plenty of things to do, exciting amenities, shopping, dining, acclaimed schools, thrilling athletics, small-town charm, big city conveniences, all surrounded by picturesque parks, Katy is the place for you. From the convenience of being close to one of the country’s largest cities while enjoying the calmness of the suburbs, it’s no wonder why Katy, Texas is becoming a popular city to live in. Visit Katy today and tour Cane Island’s master-planned community and find the perfect new home for you and your family.

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