Hey Neighbor!

Welcome to Hello from Houston, your weekly guide to what’s happening in the suburbs. Whether you’re settling in, moving in, or just curious, we’ve got you covered.

 In this issue:

• ✨ A $400M mixed-use project is breaking ground in Katy—what’s coming?

• 🏡 Houston home prices are dropping—what does that mean for buyers?

• 🎓 Cy-Fair ISD is launching a tuition-based pre-K—here’s what to know.

Plus SO MUCH more…..Also, don’t miss this weekend’s events and our Builder Bulletin at the end! Let’s dive in.

Danielle Kim, Publisher Hello From Houston

Texas Heritage Marketplace: More Than Just a Development

Katy’s west side is having a moment. The long-awaited Texas Heritage Marketplace is finally breaking ground, and it’s bringing more than just another Target. This 165-acre project near I-10 and Texas Heritage Parkway is setting up to be a game-changer—offering patio-style restaurants, medical offices, apartments, and a walkable greenspace anchored by a 300-year-old oak tree that developers saved from destruction.

For neighborhoods like Jordan Ranch, Tamarron, and Young Ranch, this isn’t just a new shopping center—it’s a major convenience boost and a sign of just how fast this area is evolving. Home values in this pocket of Katy have already seen double-digit appreciation in recent years, and developments like this only add to the momentum.

It’s refreshing to see suburban growth that isn’t just big-box stores and endless parking lots. Instead, this project leans into community, walkability, and long-term value. The question is—will this set a new standard for suburban development, or will it be just another overhyped retail center? What do you think? Hit reply and let me know.

Read more about the project here

Pre-K in Texas: Cy-Fair ISD’s New Tuition-Based Option

If you’ve ever looked into pre-K in Texas, you know it’s not a given for every family. Unlike in some states where pre-K is standard, Texas only offers it for kids who meet certain criteria—like qualifying for free lunch or having a military parent. That leaves a lot of families on their own when it comes to early education.

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Cy-Fair ISD is rolling out a tuition-based pre-K option for families who don’t qualify for the free program. It’s the same small class sizes, the same curriculum—just with a $650/month price tag ($600 for CFISD employees).

For parents in Bridgeland, Towne Lake, and Cypress Creek Lakes, this could be a game-changer. Early education can make a big difference, and it’s great to see Cy-Fair ISD offering more options in a fast-growing district like ours. But with the price tag, is it worth it? Would you pay for pre-K or explore other options? Hit reply and let me know!

What’s Next for Katy, Cypress, and Houston Real Estate?

Houston home prices dipped slightly in December, with homes sitting longer—58 days on average—but let’s talk about what really matters. Katy and Cypress are two of the fastest-growing zip codes in the country. Even with shifting market trends, these areas remain highly desirable thanks to top-rated schools, nonstop development, and strong community appeal.

But here’s the reality: Overpriced homes are sitting. Sellers are hoping for a strong spring market, but buyers aren’t rushing in when prices are still 57% higher than they were in 2016. The result? A market where pricing strategically is everything.

📉 If you’re selling, make sure your home stands out—overpricing will only lead to sitting.
📈 If you’re buying, now’s the time to be selective and negotiate incentives.

👉 Want insight on what homes are actually worth? Reply to this email for a home value report or a rundown of which properties are priced to move.

Figuring Out Your Next Move? I’ve Got You. 🌟

Thinking about buying or selling? There’s a lot of noise out there, but I break it down simply. If you want real insights on the market (without the sales pitch), check out my YouTube channel Here

And if you ever want to talk through your options—no pressure, just real advice—

📩 reply to this email. I’m happy to help.

Living like a local lesson #4 …More Than Just Beyoncé’s Favorite Chicken

Frenchy’s is one of those places that gets people talking. Everyone has an opinion—which location is best, whether the jalapeño is mandatory (it is), and if it really lives up to the hype (also yes).

Beyoncé name-dropped it, but for a lot of Houstonians, Frenchy’s was a staple long before it went mainstream. The crispy, Creole-style chicken, red beans, and dirty rice just hit different—especially after a late night.

If you’ve had it, you already know. If you haven’t, well… you might need to rethink some life choices.

What’s your go-to Houston fried chicken spot? 🍗 Reply and let me know.

Another 7,000 Homes? Where Does It End?

If you thought Katy and Fulshear were done growing, think again. Hines just announced a 7,000-home master-planned community in Fort Bend County, right next to the $400 million Texas Heritage Marketplace. More homes, more people, more development—it’s happening fast.

So what does this mean? This isn’t just suburban sprawl—it’s a shift. The west side is turning into a self-contained hub, where people don’t have to leave for shopping, dining, or even work. The suburbs aren’t just growing, they’re redefining what it means to live outside the city.

If you already own in Katy or Fulshear, your home just got even more desirable. Thinking of buying? Waiting might cost you.

Are we witnessing exciting progress or just too much, too fast? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your take.

This Week’s local openings and updates:

📍 Golden Chick (Opened Jan. 27) – Chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, fried catfish, and classic Southern sides. 10966 Grant Road, Houston | goldenchick.com

📍 Portillo’s (Opened Jan. 14 – Willowbrook) – Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and char-grilled burgers. 7511 FM 1960 W., Houston | portillos.com/willowbrooktx

📍 Yepo Cosmetics (Now open – Houston Premium Outlets) – Korean skincare brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Sulwhasoo. 29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress | yepocosmetics.com

📍 Piada Italian Street Food (Opening Feb. 11) – Italian-style wraps, bowls, and past 2710 W. Grand Parkway, Ste. 150, Katy | mypiada.com

📍 Shipley Do-Nuts (Coming soon – Jordan Ranch) – 60+ donut flavors, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and coffee.

📍 Braids of Katy (Grand Opening Party – Feb. 16) – Specializing in braiding, dreadlocks, silk presses, and natural hair care. Grand opening with food, drinks, giveaways & a live DJ.

💡 Have an opening coming up? We’d love to feature you! Reply to this email to be included in an upcoming issue.

Harris County Property Taxes Are Up—Again. Feeling It?

If your property tax bill feels higher than ever, you’re not imagining it. Harris County taxes have jumped 25% since 2019, with the average homeowner now paying $5,721 a year. That’s way above the national median of $3,018, and with home prices up 42% in five years, there’s no sign of relief.

So, what can you do? Protesting your appraisal with HCAD is still your best bet. Otherwise, we might just be stuck riding this tax rollercoaster.

How’s this affecting you? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

New 216-Mile Natural Gas Pipeline Coming to Katy

Kinder Morgan is set to build a $1.7 billion natural gas pipeline starting in Katy, stretching 216 miles to Port Arthur. Once completed in early 2027, it will transport 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.

This expansion is part of Texas’ growing demand for energy, especially with AI data centers and industrial growth fueling demand. Kinder Morgan says the project is already backed by long-term contracts and is working with landowners to address concerns.

What do you think—a necessary upgrade or too much expansion? Hit reply and let me know!

📅 Events This Week: Jan 29 - Feb 3

(Looking for something to do? Here’s what’s happening around Cypress/Katy)

🎪 Cirque Italia Water Circus Jan 31 - Feb 3 | Houston Premium Outlets, Cypress
A European-style traveling water circus with stunning acrobatics and a unique stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water.

🎶 Live Music with Juba Jan 31 | Brew30 Taphouse
Enjoy an evening of live music at Brew30 with local favorite Juba.

🎨 The Fenix Experience: R&B and Paint Feb 1 | Krab Kingz, Cypress
A vibe-filled night of R&B music while painting—perfect for a fun night out!

🧘‍♀️ Yin Yoga and Sound Bath Workshop Jan 31 | YogaSix Cypress Creek
A deeply relaxing yoga session combined with sound healing techniques.

🍷 Galentine’s Charcuterie, Chocolate, and Champagne Jan 31 | Graze Craze, Cypress A fun night celebrating friendships with charcuterie, chocolate, and bubbly.

🎭 6th Annual CYFEN Fashion Show & Tea Feb 1 | A Thousand Oaks Events & Retreats An elegant afternoon of fashion, networking, and tea hosted by CYFEN.

🍹 Dueling Pianos @ Scholars & Scoundrels Jan 31 | Scholars & Scoundrels, Katy A high-energy, interactive music experience with dueling pianos.

🎨 Terrarium Workshop - Create a Tiny Garden! Feb 1 | Axelrad Beer Garden Make your own terrarium at this hands-on workshop in a casual setting.

🎨 Paint & Sip: Cypress Creek Edition Feb 1 | Pinot’s Palette, Cypress
A fun, guided painting session with drinks to spark your creativity.

🎭 BAIA Fine Art Print Fair - Houston Edition Feb 1 | Houston Museum of African American Culture A showcase of contemporary and fine art prints from diverse artists.

🍦 Ice Cream for Breakfast Feb 1 | 12545 Jones Rd, Houston
Yes, you read that right! Celebrate this fun, unofficial holiday with morning ice cream.

👗 Valentine’s Rose Bunch Candle Workshop Feb 1 | 9006 S Fry Rd, Katy
Create a custom rose-shaped candle—perfect for Valentine’s Day.

👩‍💻 Coding and Robotics Belt Class Feb 1 Onward | iCode Katy
A hands-on introduction to coding and robotics for young tech enthusiasts.

📢 Hosting an event soon? We’d love to feature it! Reply to this email with the details.

Builder Bulletin 🗞️

Ready for the rundown on this month’s hottest builder deals? Here’s what caught my eye—and could save you big:

🛠 Perry Homes: $25K to use your way on select inventory homes. (Pick your perk: rate buydown, upgrades, or closing costs!)

🏠 Highland Homes: Take $10K off your rate or closing costs when you grab one of their inventory homes.

✨ Drees Homes: Fixed rates as low as 4.49% (6.572% APR) on select homes when you finance with their in-house lender. Plus, a 2-1 buydown option!

🔌 Ravanna Homes: A free whole-home generator and $10K in design credits or closing costs. (Your future self during a power outage will thank you.)

🍽️ Lennar Homes: FHA fixed rate at 3.99% (4.943% APR), $40K off the price, and an appliance package on move-in-ready homes. Talk about a triple threat.

💸 David Weekley: 4.99% fixed rate for year one, 5.99% after that—plus move-in-ready options now available.

🌳 Brookfield Residential: Get $20K-$30K off select inventory homes. (More cash for your backyard oasis!)

💡 Brightland Homes: $35K for design and structural upgrades, plus $10K toward closing costs.

📦 Tri-Point Homes: $30K in flex credit to make your home truly yours.

_{Disclaimer: Builder incentives change fast, so check with the builder directly to confirm current offers.}

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