Is Cross Creek Ranch the new Cinco Ranch?

More and more, I am hearing people compare Cross Creek Ranch [1] in Fulshear to Cinco Ranch [2] in Katy. Both kicked off as fast growing, upscale subdivisions and are zoned to Katy ISD schools.

Located about five miles west of the Grand Parkway and the Westpark Tollway, Cross Creek Ranch is a 3,200-acre master planned community that is expected to see tremendous growth in the next few years.

Cross Creek, a Trendmaker Development, heavily touts Katy ISD [3] on its Web site and there are big signs as you approach the development promoting the school district.

Schools zoned there are Katy ISD’s Stan Stanley Elementary, WoodCreek Junior High and Seven Lakes High. I’ve read that a small portion of later phases in Cross Creek will be served by Lamar Consolidated ISD but I could not find mention of that on the Web site [4].

Cinco Ranch, located close to Interstate-10 and can be accessed from Grand Parkway, is a well established 7,600 acre master planned community developed by Newland Communities. It has been around since 1991. There are 11 Katy ISD schools located within the development as well as a University of Houston System campus.

Development is still steady in Cinco Ranch despite the downturn in the economy. Homebuyers can pick from about 18 different homebuilders and view their styles in about 40 model homes in the development.

Cinco Ranch, considered by some as the “premier” subdivision in Katy, has a thriving retail center with developments such as LaCenterra and Villagio as well as a Fort Bend County Library branch and the Katy Area YMCA Fitness Center. Home prices range from the $200’s to more than $1 million.

Cross Creek has a “ranch inspired, resort-style” architectural flair and many elements of natural physical beauty with a small-town ambiance. There are more than 25 miles of trails, a large water park, lots of open space and several hundred acres of lakes. An outstanding feature is a restored Flewellen Creek, one of the centerpieces of the community.

Builders in Cross Creek include including Ashton Woods Homes, David Weekley Homes, Kickerillo Homes, Perry Homes, Trendmaker Homes, and Village Builders. Homes prices start in the $200’s and exceed the $1 million mark. Ashton Woods Homes are on the low end while Trendmaker and Kickerillo are on the high end

If you were just moving to Katy and your choices were Cinco Ranch and Cross Creek, which would you choose?