HOUSTON – (By Dale King) – Two Houston suburbs, Kingwood and Katy, rank among the nation’s best communities for combining affordable housing with strong public schools, according to a new analysis from Realtor.com.
“When searching for a new home, finding something affordable in a good school district with family-friendly features, such as large backyards, tops the list of homebuyer priorities,” said Javier Vivas, manager of economic research for Realtor.com. “These markets offer strong public schools and affordable homes, making them a great fit for homebuyers with elementary school-age children.”
Realtor.com examined ZIP codes in the country’s major metropolitan areas that included at least one public or public charter school rated 8 out of 10 or higher by GreatSchools. The resulting list highlights communities across the United States—from Aurora, Illinois, to Royersford, Pennsylvania, and Chandler, Arizona—where top-rated schools and relatively affordable housing coexist.
The study began with elementary school ratings and later expanded to include middle and high schools in affordable areas. The expansion only modestly changed the rankings: seven of the top 10 elementary school communities also appeared on the top middle school or high school lists. Kingwood is one of those, anchored by Riverwood Middle School, which earned a perfect 10 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools.
Kingwood, a 14,000-acre master-planned community founded in 1970 on Houston’s northeast side, spans parts of Harris and Montgomery counties. The 2000 census recorded a population of 81,692, and Realtor.com reports that roughly 32.5% of residents are married with children.
Top-rated elementary schools in Kingwood include Deerwood Elementary (9/10), Greentree Elementary (10/10), Hidden Hollow Elementary (9/10), Shadow Forest Elementary (10/10), and Willow Creek Elementary (10/10).
These schools are part of the Humble Independent School District, one of Texas’s fastest-growing districts, which aims to develop students into lifelong learners, critical thinkers, responsible global citizens, and effective communicators. Students in Humble ISD also have the option to attend Quest High School, a magnet school in nearby Atascocita.
Portions of Kingwood that fall in Montgomery County are served by the New Caney Independent School District; students there attend Porter High School, which opened in 2010, replacing the previous assignment to New Caney High School. Middle school options in the Humble ISD portion of Kingwood include Kingwood Middle, Creekwood Middle, and Riverwood Middle schools. Kingwood Middle students feed into Kingwood Park High School, while Creekwood and Riverwood students are zoned for Kingwood High School. In the New Caney ISD portion, middle school students attend Woodridge Middle School.
Private education options in Kingwood include Northeast Christian Academy (PreK–12), St. Martha Catholic School (PreK–8), and Pines Montessori School (toddlers through middle school). The nearest Catholic high school is Frassati Catholic High School in north Harris County.
According to Realtor.com, Kingwood’s 2017 median household income was $123,201, and the median listing price that year was $323,750. The community is about 46% more affordable than its surrounding metro area and roughly 32% more affordable than the national average.
Katy, on Houston’s west side, also ranks highly in Realtor.com’s analysis, particularly for high schools. Realtor.com reports a 2017 median household income in Katy of $145,507 and a median listing price of $384,997.
Notable Katy-area schools cited in the report include Harmony Science Academy West Houston (9/10), Cinco Ranch High School (8/10), and Seven Lakes High School (9/10). Residents of Katy are served by the Katy Independent School District. Elementary schools located within the city include Zelma Hutsell Elementary, Katy Elementary, and WoodCreek Elementary. Middle school students typically attend Katy Junior High School or WoodCreek Junior High School.
Katy High School, the district’s oldest high school, was established in 1898 and moved to its current site in 1947. Katy ISD also operates three alternative education campuses—Martha Raines High School, Miller Career and Technology Center, and the Opportunity Awareness Center—within the city. Aristoi Classical Academy serves the area as a charter school option.
In summary, prospective homebuyers with children who prioritize school quality and affordability can find strong options in suburban communities like Kingwood and Katy. With targeted research and some careful timing, families can increase their chances of finding a home in an affordable neighborhood that also provides access to highly rated schools.