Convenience Big Store: Massive new master-planned community opening in Fort Bend could rival a small city

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A city-sized development is coming to Fort Bend

There are two constants that define Katy and Fort Bend: growth and the Fort Bend County Fair.

So the fact that this story by Marissa Luck still managed to amaze me says a lot.

A massive new master-planned community — about 14,000 homes — is starting to take shape out past Richmond.

What's interesting isn't just the size (though it's huge), it's what it signals: Fort Bend's next wave of development is moving deeper south and west, taking plentiful rural land. And if the planned toll road expansions come through, this area could go from quiet countryside to a major hub faster than you'd think.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Latest Developments

Prospective residents tour Austin Point, a new 4,700-acre master-planned community expected to house about 50,000 residents at full buildout, ahead of the opening of its first phase in Fort Bend County , Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Houston Chronicle

Exclusive: Massive community opening south of Houston could rival a small city

A 4,700-acre community is opening in Fort Bend County, offering an early look at how growth is pushing beyond Sugar Land into new parts of the Houston region.

Your Schools

Jay Neal, chief operating officer of the Sugar Land and Katy campuses, talks about the open land available for expansion at the University of Houston at Sugar Land Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

UH wants major expansions in Katy and Sugar Land: 'We need to own Houston'

UH President Renu Khator wants to expand the school's suburban footprint. To do it, she'll need millions from donors or state lawmakers.

Be the first to use our guided property tax protest tool

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What Else is Happening

Homes and signage associated with the Towne Lake subdivision are seen in Cypress, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle

Confused by property tax terms? Here's a guide for Fort Bend homeowners

Confused by property tax terms? Here's a simple guide for Fort Bend homeowners.

We've nominated 10 exceptional high school sports stars to be the Houston Chronicle's Athlete of the Week, including two girl's softball athletes, Lindsey DeLeon from Cinco Ranch and Courtney Mays
from George Ranch, and boy's baseball athlete Noah Diaz from Clements.

Tell us which athlete you think deserves the title this week.

🗳 Vote in the Girls Poll

🗳 Vote in the Boys Poll

Town Square

Katy ISD is has named the 2025-26 Districtwide Teachers of the Year, recognizing the exceptional educators who inspire students, elevate learning and set the standard for excellence.

Cheers to Leonard Elementary's Quarde D. Alfred, Katy Junior High's Jessica Melancon, Griffin Elementary's Victoria Stornello and Faldyn Elementary's Porchea Butler for earning the prestigious title this year.

Stay in the Know

This new promotion from Snooze Eatery cracks me up. The restaurant is hoping to soften some of the pain we're all feeling at the pump.
From March 27 through April 3, dine-in guests who mention the Gas Price Promo will receive a discount equal to their state's average gas price — no minimum spend, no sign-ups, no fine print.