The Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Fort Bend County (2026 Ranked List)
What are the best neighborhoods in Fort Bend County?
The top 5 neighborhoods in Fort Bend County for 2026 are Sienna (master-planned living with 7 builders), Riverstone in Sugar Land (luxury lakefront lifestyle), Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear (modern amenities with natural beauty), Aliana in Richmond (best value for luxury features), and Harvest Green (unique agri-hood with working farm). Each offers distinct advantages for different buyer priorities and budgets.
Are you wondering which are the best neighborhoods in Fort Bend County, Texas in 2026 for your next luxury home purchase? Whether you're upgrading from your current home or making a strategic investment, this guide will show you exactly where to focus your search for maximum value and lifestyle benefit.
As Shelley Stone with The Shelley Stone Group, I'm seeing firsthand how migration from high-tax states like California and Illinois is reshaping our real estate market. With Fort Bend County's median home price at $412,216 as of May 2025, we're in what I call a neutral market—perfect for savvy buyers who know where to look.
These aren't your average subdivisions. These are the communities that locals fight for and newcomers never regret. Let me walk you through my ranked list of the absolute best neighborhoods in Fort Bend County.
#1: Sienna - The Master-Planned Gold Standard
Let me start with Sienna (formerly known as Sienna Plantation) because this 20,000-resident master-planned community continues to be my top recommendation for buyers in 2026.
What makes Sienna special isn't just its size—it's how thoughtfully everything has been planned to create a true lifestyle destination. When you're living in Fort Bend County, you want a community that offers both luxury and convenience, and Sienna delivers on every front.
Ongoing Development and Builder Variety
The beauty of Sienna lies in its ongoing development and the fact that new construction options are still available throughout 2026. I'm regularly showing clients gorgeous new model homes in the Sawmill and Sienna Oaks sections where seven different builders are offering floor plans from the low $300,000s to over $1 million.
This price range makes it one of the most accessible luxury communities for move-up buyers, and the variety of builders means you can find exactly the style and features you want:
Chesmar Homes and Perry Homes: Designs for 45-foot lots starting in the $400,000s
Newmark Homes and Highland Homes: Larger homes on 60-foot sites in the $500,000-700,000 range
Toll Brothers, J. Patrick Homes, and Jamestown: Luxury custom homes on 100-foot lots starting at $850,000+
There's something here for every family size and budget.
Explore All Sienna Communities
Lifestyle Amenities
The community centers around the beautiful Sawmill Lake Club, and they've just added a new dog park alongside existing parks for families. The retail and dining options continue to expand, making it easy to handle daily errands without leaving the community.
I've had clients tell me they feel like they're living at a luxury resort year-round. This combination of convenience and tranquility is exactly what makes Sienna such a smart investment for 2026.
Quick Facts: Sienna
Price Range: $350,000 - $1,200,000+
Best For: Families, move-up buyers, luxury seekers with various budgets
Key Amenities: Multiple water parks, golf course, 50+ miles of trails, Sawmill Lake Club
Schools: Top-rated Fort Bend ISD
Builders: 7+ active builders offering variety
Community Feel: Resort-style master-planned living
#2: Riverstone (Sugar Land) - Lakefront Luxury Lifestyle
Now let's talk about Riverstone in Sugar Land, which consistently ranks as one of the best suburbs to live in Fort Bend County. This isn't just a neighborhood—it's a lifestyle choice that comes with some serious perks.
With current home prices ranging from $435,000 to nearly $4 million and a median home price of $570,000, Riverstone attracts buyers who understand that luxury amenities are worth the investment.
What Makes Riverstone Special
Picture this:
Over 200 acres of lakes providing stunning water views
Extensive nature trails winding throughout the community
The Club at Riverstone with recreational spaces including swimming pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts
Gated sections providing extra security and exclusivity
Waterfront properties offering everything from fishing to beautiful views that boost property values
Discover Sugar Land Communities
Investment Value
Here's what I love about recommending Riverstone to my luxury clients: the resale values are consistently strong, and the community continues to evolve. The HOA fees are just under $2,000 annually, but when you see what you get for that investment—maintenance of all those amenities, professional landscaping, and year-round community events—most of my clients agree it's money well spent.
Riverstone has been ranked as one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation, and for good reason. The combination of location (prime Sugar Land address), amenities, and established reputation creates a community where property values remain resilient even during market fluctuations.
Quick Facts: Riverstone
Price Range: $435,000 - $4,000,000
Median Price: $570,000
Best For: Luxury buyers, professionals, families seeking prestige
Key Amenities: 200+ acres of lakes, Club at Riverstone, gated sections, nature trails
Schools: Exemplary-rated Fort Bend ISD schools
HOA: ~$2,000/year
Community Feel: Upscale lakefront resort living
#3: Cross Creek Ranch (Fulshear) - Modern Amenities Meets Natural Beauty
This 3,200-acre master-planned community in Fulshear perfectly balances modern amenities with natural beauty—exactly what today's move-up buyers are looking for when they want more space and a different pace of life.
Preserved Natural Beauty
Johnson Development has preserved over 400 acres of scenic waterways and native grasses. The stunning 50-acre polishing pond serves as a peaceful retreat with walking paths and breathtaking views that make you forget you're just minutes from the Houston Energy Corridor.
Homes typically start in the mid-$300,000s, making it accessible for first-time luxury buyers while still offering options for those seeking higher-end properties in the $600,000-800,000 range.
Strategic Location
The transportation access is phenomenal. You've got easy connections to Westpark Tollway, I-10, and the Grand Parkway, which has become more essential than ever with Houston's growing traffic patterns. For Energy Corridor employees, Cross Creek Ranch offers one of the shortest commutes in Fort Bend County—often just 15-20 minutes.
The community is still growing with new homes being built by some of the nation's top builders, which means you're buying into a community with momentum and long-term value potential.
As one recent client shared with me: "We wanted modern living with natural beauty, and Cross Creek Ranch gave us both without compromise."
Quick Facts: Cross Creek Ranch
Price Range: $350,000 - $800,000
Best For: Energy Corridor commuters, nature lovers, families seeking space
Key Amenities: 50-acre polishing pond, 400+ acres preserved land, resort-style pools, fitness centers
Schools: Katy ISD (highly rated)
Commute: 15-20 minutes to Energy Corridor
Community Feel: Natural beauty with modern master-planning
#4: Aliana (Richmond) - Best Value Luxury Investment
Aliana in Richmond has quietly become one of the smartest investments in Fort Bend County, with resale prices surging throughout 2025-2026.
This master-planned community offers that perfect sweet spot of luxury features, prime location, and value that move-up clients absolutely love.
Premium Features at Accessible Prices
What makes Aliana special is how it seamlessly blends modern living with natural beauty while maintaining a strong sense of community. The homes were built by top builders including Perry Homes, Highland Homes, and Coventry Homes, with prices ranging from $400,000 to over $1 million.
Every home comes with high-end features:
Open-concept floor plans
Gourmet kitchens with granite/quartz countertops
Spa-like master bathrooms
Energy-efficient technology
Modern finishes throughout
This is exactly what today's luxury buyers expect, but at a more accessible price point than Sugar Land alternatives.
Strategic Location and Amenities
The community sits strategically near Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway, giving residents easy access to Houston's business districts and shopping while maintaining that peaceful suburban feel.
The amenities are world-class:
The Club at Aliana with state-of-the-art fitness centers
Banquet halls for community events
Multiple swimming pools and splash pads
Scenic walking trails and lakes throughout
You're getting resort-style living at a fraction of the cost of comparable Sugar Land communities.
My clients consistently tell me that Aliana offers the best value proposition in Fort Bend County—luxury features without the luxury premium.
Quick Facts: Aliana
Price Range: $400,000 - $1,000,000+
Best For: Value-conscious luxury buyers, move-up families
Key Amenities: Club at Aliana, fitness centers, pools, lakes, trails
Schools: Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD options
Value Proposition: Luxury features at 15-20% less than Sugar Land
Community Feel: Upscale suburban with strong community engagement
#5: Harvest Green (Richmond) - The Unique Agri-Hood Experience
Finally, let me tell you about Harvest Green, which has become my secret weapon for younger, eco-conscious buyers who want something truly unique in Fort Bend County.
The Nation's Premier Agri-Hood
This 1,700-acre agri-hood in Richmond is the only community in the Houston area centered around a working farm, and it's consistently ranked as one of the top-selling communities nationwide.
The Village Farm is the heart of this community and includes:
Vineyard and orchard with fruit trees and grapevines
Greenhouses for year-round growing
Livestock area with chickens and other animals
Aquaponic garden demonstrating sustainable food production
Educational demonstrations and classes for residents
Farm-to-Table Living
Through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, residents can get fresh, seasonal produce delivered directly to their door. They even offer farmland plots that residents can lease to grow their own food.
This isn't just marketing—it's a genuine commitment to sustainable living that resonates with today's environmentally conscious buyers. Families love teaching their children where food comes from, and the farm creates a unique community gathering space.
Award-Winning Development
From an investment perspective, Harvest Green checks all the boxes for long-term value:
Master-Planned Community of the Year at the Greater Houston Builders Association Prism Awards (2018)
Best Community in Texas at the Texas Association of Builders Star Awards (2021)
Expanded from 1,700 to 2,330 acres due to tremendous demand
Home lots range from 40-foot to 90-foot widths, and the community offers all the resort-style amenities you'd expect from a Johnson Development property, plus the unique farm component.
Quick Facts: Harvest Green
Price Range: $350,000 - $700,000
Best For: Eco-conscious families, farm-to-table enthusiasts, millennials
Unique Feature: Working farm with CSA program, farm plots available
Key Amenities: Village Farm, pools, fitness centers, trails, farm classes
Schools: Lamar CISD
Awards: Multiple industry awards for innovation
Community Feel: Sustainable living with modern amenities
2026 Market Trends Affecting These Neighborhoods
Several crucial trends are affecting buyers in these top Fort Bend County neighborhoods:
1. Out-of-State Migration: The continued relocation from California, Illinois, and New York is driving up demand and prices, particularly in master-planned communities like the ones I've highlighted. These buyers often have significant equity from selling homes in expensive markets and can compete aggressively.
2. Remote Work Flexibility: Hybrid schedules mean buyers are willing to live farther from downtown Houston if they're only commuting 2-3 days per week, making Fulshear and Richmond communities more attractive.
3. Amenity Demand: Post-pandemic, buyers prioritize communities with extensive amenities—pools, trails, fitness centers—that were used heavily during lockdowns and remain valuable.
4. New Construction Premium: With limited resale inventory, new construction commands premiums, but builder incentives (rate buydowns, closing cost assistance) can offset higher prices.
5. School Quality: Fort Bend ISD and Katy ISD reputations continue attracting families willing to pay premiums for top-rated school zones.
Choosing Your Perfect Fort Bend County Neighborhood
Each of these five communities offers distinct advantages:
Choose Sienna if: You want master-planned living with maximum builder variety and amenity options at multiple price points.
Choose Riverstone if: You prioritize Sugar Land address, lakefront luxury, and established prestige with strong resale values.
Choose Cross Creek Ranch if: You work in the Energy Corridor and want natural beauty with modern amenities at great value.
Choose Aliana if: You want luxury features and prime location without paying Sugar Land premium prices.
Choose Harvest Green if: You value sustainability, farm-to-table living, and a unique community unlike anything else in Houston.
Making Your Investment Decision
These communities represent the best of what Fort Bend County offers in 2026. Each has proven track records for property appreciation, strong builder reputations, and amenities that enhance daily life and resale value.
The key is matching your priorities—commute, schools, lifestyle, budget—with the right community. That's where working with a local expert makes all the difference.
Can't decide between the natural beauty of Cross Creek Ranch or the lakefront luxury of Riverstone? Or wondering if Sienna's master-planning is worth the premium over Aliana's value? Schedule a tour with Shelley Stone and The Shelley Stone Group to see multiple communities in one day. We'll walk you through each neighborhood, compare builder options, discuss school zones, and help you experience the lifestyle differences firsthand.
If you're considering moving to Fort Bend County and want to explore any of these incredible neighborhoods, I'd love to help you navigate this market and find your perfect home. These communities represent smart choices for families looking to invest in Fort Bend County's continued growth and exceptional quality of life.
Ready to find your dream home in Fort Bend County's best neighborhoods? Contact The Shelley Stone Group today for your free consultation. We'll create a customized tour of communities that match your priorities, budget, and lifestyle—giving you the insider perspective that makes all the difference in your decision.
Important Note: Home prices, builder availability, and community amenities change frequently. All information reflects conditions as of publication and should be independently verified. This guide is educational only and not intended as specific investment or purchasing advice. Contact The Shelley Stone Group for current inventory and pricing in these communities.
