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    Your Expert Guide

    Katy: Small-town charm with big-city convenience

    CultureMap Create
    Sep 19, 2022 | 1:37 am
    Realtor Nadia Carron
    Agent Nadia Carron
    Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

    There are so many great places to live in Houston that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
    ---

    The city of Katy is a suburb about 30 miles west of Houston with a population of just approximately 20,000. Its old-town heritage is alive and well, but the town is also thriving with beautiful neighborhoods, master-planned communities, and abundant green space as well as a top school district, Katy ISD.

    “I love that it caters to any lifestyle,” says real estate agent Nadia Carron. “The vibe is refined country living, but it’s just a short drive from the city and it caters to everyone: single, families, empty nesters, and retirees.”

    Carron has been working in Katy for 10 years and has found homes for many of her family members and a lot of friends and clients there, so it holds a special place in her heart.

    “I grew up in the country, which is why Katy feels like home to my family and me!” she says.

    Carron knows that purchasing or selling a home is a milestone in people’s lives — one that she views very seriously. “I enjoy being part of the process, but I never forget that I have a responsibility to my clients to see that their interests are protected.”

    Carron offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Katy. Here's her guide to the area:

    Where to eat & drink
    For American food with a Southern flair, Carron heads to Pearl & Vine. “It has an energetic atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion — an intimate dinner, private event, drinks with friends, or weekend family brunch,” says Carron.

    Roko Grill has indulgent takes on burgers, like the Elite Burger: Two Wagyu beef patties piled with sharp cheddar, fresh arugula, a fried egg, truffle butter, and Roko’s signature sauce.

    Loc Cucos is Carron’s go-to for authentic Mexican flavors.

    And grab a craft beer in the neighborhood at No Label Brewing Co. They also host events like a running club, trivia nights, axe throwing, and more.

    Where to play
    Carron loves Mary Jo Peckham Park. The 32-acre green space features a putting green, miniature golf course, playground, a large pavilion, gazebo, fishing lake, and a six-hole disc golf course.

    Central Green is another great park space with an outdoor stage, large oak shade trees, and an open lawn; they’re always hosting live performances, movie nights, and fitness events.

    Katy Mills is the local shopping center and The Club at Falcon Point is the premier golf and country club in the area.

    In the warmer months, Typhoon Texas Waterpark is a family favorite. For bowling, arcade fun, and laser tag any time of year, head to Times Square Entertainment, Carron says.

    What to see
    Art Museum TX at Cinco Ranch shows off the best of Texas’ local, contemporary art.

    You can explore the town’s agricultural and pioneering history at the Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum, where vintage farming equipment and artifacts are on display along with old photographs and fascinating antiques.

    The three-story, 36,000-square-foot City Hall also reflects the history and traditions of Katy with its Federalist neo-classical design.

    Where to live
    “Katy is known for its ranch-style traditional homes,” says Carron. “But we are seeing more developers introducing a wide variety of styles to the community, including modern, contemporary, and Spanish. Warm, inviting exteriors are influenced by historic architecture and interiors are spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows, coffered ceilings, and media rooms, not to mention lush backyards and outdoor entertaining spaces.”

    Carron recently sold the five-bedroom property at 2319 Legends Way, which is located in the highly sought-after master-planned community of Cane Island.

    It’s a home that exudes elegance and comfort. Plus, Cane Island residents have access to the community’s fitness center, pool, walking trails, onsite restaurant, and more.

    ---

    Nadia Carron works and plays in Katy. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email ncarron@marthaturner.com, or call 832-647-9462.

    2319 Legends Way is a recent sale of Carron's in Katy.

    2319 Legends Way Houston home
      
    Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
    2319 Legends Way is a recent sale of Carron's in Katy.
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    rent affordability news

    Houstonians need to make nearly $68,000 to afford rent in 2025

    Amber Heckler
    May 13, 2025 | 12:30 pm
    Dolce Midtown Apartments Houston
    Photo courtesy of Dolce Midtown Apartments
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    A new rental report from Zillow has revealed Houston renters need to make about 23 percent more money than they did five years ago in order to afford rent in 2025.

    Zillow analysts examined the income needed to afford rent in 50 major U.S. metros, and determined rent prices in each city as of April 2025.

    The average Houston renter needs to make $67,731 a year to afford living in the city, the report found. To afford rent for a single-family home, the income needed increases even further to $85,017.

    Despite Houston's rising rent cost of living, it's still more affordable than many other cities. Nationally, the average income needed for someone to comfortably afford rent comes out to nearly $81,000. The study says that figure has increased nearly 35 percent since 2020.

    "Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing quite a bit faster than wages," said senior Zillow economist Orphe Divounguy. "This often leaves little room for other expenses, making it particularly difficult for those hoping to save for a down payment on a future home. High upfront costs are often overlooked, which can keep renters in their current homes."

    Rent prices in Houston averaged $1,693 last month, which is less costly than the national average rent price of $2,024. Additionally, Houstonians are spending about 24 percent of their income on rent, while the typical American spends almost 30 percent of their income on rent.

    Renters are also saving hundreds of dollars in comparison to those that own their homes, as a recent SmartAsset study discovered the median monthly housing costs for a Houston homeowner came out to $2,219.

    At least we're not living on the East or West Coast, where eight U.S. metros require six-figure incomes to afford rent. Residents in San Jose, California need to make $136,532 a year to afford rent, the highest out of all 50 U.S. cities. Rent prices in San Jose came out to $3,413 in April.

    Here's how much money renters need to afford living in other Texas metros, according to Zillow:

    • Dallas – $71,413
    • Austin – $68,840
    • San Antonio – $58,590
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