Jubilee - Jubilee is featured in the Houston Business Journal for its vision for sustainable growth and holistic living initiatives

In the dynamic landscape of Texas real estate, master-planned communities (MPCs) stand as beacons of growth, innovation, and opportunity. Texas MPCs consistently rank in the top 50 fastest-selling communities in the nation, driven by a unique blend of strategic development, highly amenitized communities, and a healthy mix of housing products meeting the needs of all demographic groups, from families with children to empty-nesters. As the state continues to experience a population surge, these thoughtfully crafted neighborhoods are not only addressing the housing demand but also transforming the very concept of modern living.

What sets Texas master-planned communities apart?

Texas consistently leads national lists measuring new home starts, home purchases, and community growth. These rankings reflect not only the speed at which homes are sold but also the depth of amenities that make these communities desirable places to live. Angie Lutz, partner at ABHR, a public finance law firm committed to the creation and management of municipal utility districts (MUDs), special purpose districts, and public-private partnerships, emphasizes that the growth and success of Texas MPCs are propelled by a well-coordinated mix of public financing tools, such as MUDs and management districts, and an ever-expanding network of developers who bring their expertise to bear on large-scale projects.

“MPCs in Texas often succeed because they are not just about building homes — they’re about creating a sense of place,” says Lutz. “That sense of place attracts individuals and families, contributing to the growth we have seen in this region and across the state. Communities like Cross Creek Ranch, for example, which ranked in the top selling MPCs in the nation for many years, no longer sits in the top 20 list of fastest selling communities due to its near sell-out, but it exemplifies how successful this model is. Cross Creek, with a clearly defined sense of place, developed and sold out rapidly, reaffirming that this approach works. The developer doesn’t then stop once the community builds out; they simply shift their focus to new ventures in new places, ensuring that the master-planned community concept remains viable and attractive across the region and across the state.”

The power of public financing and specialized districts

The success of Texas MPCs can be attributed in no small part to the availability of specialized public financing tools unique to Texas. MUDs and special purpose districts are essential for providing the infrastructure that makes these communities both feasible, affordable, and sustainable. These tools allow developers to fund the necessary water, sewer, drainage, roadway infrastructure, and parks upfront, with reimbursement mechanisms in place to ensure that the burden of these costs is fairly distributed amongst those who live in the communities and enjoy the benefits. By doing so, communities that may not otherwise develop come to life as the developer’s risk is mitigated and the larger community does not bear the financial burden of the new MPC. In short, the residents of the MPC pay for the infrastructure over time versus building the infrastructure costs into the price of the house or spreading the cost across all the city’s residents.

The city of Fulshear saw its population grow from just over 1,000 in 2010 to over 42,000 in 2023, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The city’s growth may be attributed to the development and growth of Cross Creek Ranch and the additional residential developments spurred on by the success of this master planned community. Cross Creek, a highly amenitized community with a variety of housing products and a strong sense of place, was made possible through the establishment of a MUD that enabled the developer to invest in infrastructure like wastewater and water treatment plants, which were eventually turned over to the city. Fulshear now collects water and sewer revenues, further fueling the city’s priorities and additional expansion.

Case study: Jubilee — A vision for holistic living

A shining example of modern MPC development is Jubilee, a new project from Johnson Development located just south of U.S. 290 in Hockley, Texas. Spanning 1,600 acres, Jubilee is designed to be more than just a residential community — it is an embodiment of a lifestyle centered on wellness and community engagement, with a consideration of environmental sustainability. As a part of the Call 4 Projects initiative, Jubilee exemplifies how the collaboration between developers, local governments, and community partners can create something truly beneficial for local residents.

 

“Jubilee is not just a place to live — it’s a place to thrive,” explains Lutz. “It’s a forward-thinking community that prioritizes wellness, not just in its homes but in every aspect of the neighborhood, from parks and schools to retail spaces and walkable streets. The project’s partnership with local government agencies, such as Harris County, has supported Jubilee’s efforts in bringing this vision to life.”

Jubilee features state-of-the-art homes equipped with wellness technology, designed to enhance the physical and mental well-being of residents. Every detail is carefully crafted to improve quality of life, from healthier homes to intentionally designed amenity spaces that relax, inspire, and ground residents.

“Our vision for Jubilee is rooted in health and wellness because we believe that well-being fosters a vibrant, joyful community,” says June Tang, general manager and vice president of Jubilee for Johnson Development. “This philosophy guides every development decision, from transforming functional elements like detention ponds into tranquil meditation or exploration spaces, to enlivening our playgrounds and communal areas with bright, inviting colors tht encourage connection and celebration of life.”

The development also emphasizes accessibility, strategically placing plans for schools, retail, and entertainment options to ensure convenience and community interaction. This balanced approach to design makes Jubilee an ideal model for the next generation of Texas master-planned communities.

Affordability without compromise

Amid Texas’ growing affordability challenges, particularly in urban centers like Houston and Dallas, master-planned communities offer a solution that blends premium amenities with housing accessibility. Lutz highlights that the development of MPCs is becoming increasingly focused on offering diverse housing options to meet the needs of all income levels. From starter homes to multi-generational living spaces, these communities provide a variety of choices for prospective homeowners.

“One of the advantages of master-planned communities is that they cater to a wide range of buyers,” Lutz explains. “Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking for a luxury estate, the community offers opportunities to grow, upsize, or downsize as your family’s needs evolve. The integration of MUDs and special purpose districts helps manage infrastructure costs, which in turn keeps home prices more affordable and encourages development quickly that might not otherwise take place for many years or at all.”

In addition, the infrastructure pre-funding model used in MUDs allows for cost savings that benefit residents in the long term. By issuing bonds to cover infrastructure costs, developers reduce the immediate financial burden on buyers, ensuring that home prices remain competitive even as demand grows.

The future of master-planned communities in Texas

Looking ahead, the future of master-planned communities in Texas appears increasingly robust. As Texas continues to expand, Lutz predicts that the demand for well-designed, amenity-rich communities will only grow. However, she notes that this evolution will require continued innovation in public-private partnerships and an increasingly collaborative approach to development.

“The next 10 to 20 years will likely see MPCs becoming even more integrated into their surrounding regions,” Lutz says. “As cities and counties face new regulatory challenges and changing demographics, master-planned communities will evolve to meet these needs. The key to success will be ensuring that developers and local governments work hand-in-hand to create sustainable, livable spaces that meet the needs of future residents.”

A future built on collaboration, innovation, and wellness

Texas master-planned communities offer more than just homes — they provide a vision for how communities can flourish, evolve, and create lasting value for generations to come. Through the strategic use of public financing tools, and collaboration between developers and local governments, Texas is poised to remain a leader in the development of master-planned communities that are both sustainable and deeply enriching for residents.

Learn More about Jubilee's vision

To learn more about ABHR, visit abhr.com.

Bell, Brittany. “The Evolution of Master-Planned Communities in Texas: A Vision for Sustainable Growth and Holistic Living.” Bizjournals.Com, www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2025/03/17/master-planned-communities-texas.html. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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