Grand Lakes

Lakeside living is at the forefront for homeowners in this Katy neighborhood that stays true to its name. With more than two dozen lakes dotted throughout the residential enclave, Grand Lakes is rich in outdoor recreational opportunities and separates itself from neighboring communities with its scenic charm. “There’s also a solid sense of community, coupled with the area’s convenience and highly rated schools nearby; they’re all major factors when it comes to why people are moving to Grand Lakes,” says Steve Montgomery, real estate agent with Keller Williams Premier Realty.

Homes in Grand Lakes were primarily built over 10 years, from 1998 to 2008. Craftsmans, new traditional homes and custom builds with two- to three-car garages sit snugly on flat, sidewalk-lined streets, many of which feature cul-de-sacs to keep the flow of traffic moving. While yards are smaller, at or below a quarter-acre, mature trees and gardens add to the curb appeal. With all the lakes throughout the neighborhood, waterfront views are common. For the rare home that does not have the luxury of being lakeside, many buyers have added in-ground pools to the backyards. Pricing tends to range from $550,000 to $750,000, and the market in Grand Lakes is competitive. Homes are rarely listed for more than two weeks.

Homeowners with children flock to Grand Lakes, according to Montgomery, because it is zoned for some of the highest-rated schools in the Katy Independent School District. Students attend one of two elementary schools, Michael Griffin or Roosevelt Alexander. The latter offers a unique program to fifth-grade students called Read, Deed and Run. Over the course of 26 weeks, students are tasked with reading 26 books, performing 26 good deeds in the community and running a total of 26.2 miles. The final 1.2-mile stretch is conducted in a race-style format, and at the end, students get a t-shirt and a medal, and all gather to celebrate their hard work. Both elementary schools, along with Beckendorff Junior High School and Seven Lakes High School, earned A-plus ratings from Niche. Seven Lakes High School also offers robust extracurriculars, including an award-winning theatre program and an athletics program with multiple state titles, as recently as 2023, in boys' soccer.

Each phase of Grand Lakes was built to include the surrounding waterways and be centered around a park, each with a different focus. One may feature playgrounds and tennis courts, while others may boast swimming pools, a splash pad and a dog park. When you want to stretch your legs, go for a walk along the trails woven throughout the neighborhood. You may spot neighbors casting a line into the lakes as you go, hoping to catch a fish. Community involvement is another significant part of everyday life for Grand Lake residents. When school lets out for the summer, kids ages four through 18 can join the Grand Lakes Gators Swim Team, part of the West Houston Aquatic League. People of all ages are welcome to tend to the community garden, which has 12 raised beds for growing produce, herbs and flowers for residents to enjoy and admire.

While Grand Lakes provides residents with a sense of suburban seclusion, you’re never too far from shopping and dining hubs. When you need groceries, head to the Whole Foods or H-E-B Supermarket along South Fry Road, which runs directly through the neighborhood’s center. Several local eateries also sit along the thoroughfare, including DaVinci’s, which Montgomery describes as “a quaint five-star restaurant that, to me, has the feel of restaurants you’d see in the Godfather movies.” Living in Grand Lakes also puts you within 2.5 miles of the La Centerra Mall, which houses big box retailers like J. Jill, Athleta and Sephora. Montgomery also recommends checking out some of the dining options here, like The Rouxpour for Creole dishes or Snooze for breakfast or brunch.

“Grand Lakes has continuously been one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in the Katy area due to the school district. It offers an active lifestyle and convenience to shopping, food and many other essentials,” Montgomery says.

Written By

Sara Ferguson

Video By

Lucas Dyke