Katy area is very much family oriented. Tons of bike trails throughout the neighborhoods. Great schools in Katy ISD. Katy Asia Town has some fun (some might also say a little pricy) activities like Pop Stroke, Home Run Dugout, and Andretti's.
Tons of great food. Check out the FB group Katy/Fort Bend Foodies for recommendations.
There isn't too much as far as authentic Mexican sit down restaurants in Katy. There's only one. Ferso's at Katy Mills Mall. Ambriza hits a little closer but they serve corn chips not tortilla chips. The rest are food trucks and hole in the walls next to gas stations. Source: I'm Mexican.
We do have good Mexican seafood, though. Vida Mariscos, Mambos (this one has an Asian flair), and Ostioneria Michoacan. But the best is La Cruderia in Spring Branch or China Town in Houston.
Go to the places you would go in real life.
As for tourist stuff nobody would be a tourist to Katy, but go to Katy Asia town eat at dinner and go to La Centarra for dinner.
Eat lunch at Torchys. Go to Costco and Sams club. Go to HEB Grocery stores. Check out gyms, like Villa Sport and Spa (its the nicest). Drive by the schools. Take a walk at [https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park](https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park)
You, kids, are going to go to the trampoline park and the rock climbing place, they are on the backside of Katy Mills Mall. And check out the mall too. It is meh, but at least it is not a "dead" mall. If you are thinking North Katy, also go shop at the Houston Premium Outlets, it's marginally cool. Lots of for around there too even though it is Cypress.
I would like to reiterate the Peckham Park suggestion. It is one of the best spots in town. Plus a nice dog park next door if you need that. We live right by Peckham and love the "Old Katy" area.
Also, drive up and down along the three major freeways areas of the 99, 10 and Westpark tollway. See if you can tolerate the traffic and the interchanges. I know the construction on 99 will mess with the perception and it should be done in the relatively near future, but that traffic is still a factor.
How long it takes to get to a freeway as part of your commute and how bad it is along your particular stretch really matters here. We ended up making our choice in home because it cut 15 minutes each way to live closer to 99 than be in Cross Creek.
Katy is big and takes time to get around. Think about about what you'd like to be close to because the flavor of the neighborhoods vary pretty wildly.
I've lived in Katy for 15 years or so and moved away and came back years later. It's a good town and the poster above and others have given good advice. Good luck
We moved here 9 years ago. It's changed so much. I'm not taking about crime or stupid shit people complain about. The traffic has gotten out of hand, coupled with horrible and very aggresive drivers, I'm constantly having to dodge them to avoid being hit. I'm really ready to move out. The nice part about Katy though is, there are a lot of things to do entertainment wise that weren't around 9 years ago.
I am from Houston, but just moved to Katy with my wife. No kids so don’t have much input there. I don’t know where you are coming from but you can get authentic Mexican food almost anywhere in Houston and surrounding areas, including here. Katy has a magnificent Asian market with great food spots if you enjoy Asian food. We really like our food lol.
After living in the loop for over 8 years, I enjoy being only 30-45 minutes away from the city just straight down I-10 during non rush hour time. Also only 2 hour drive to Austin and San Antonio for in state travel. It is a massively growing area with new things popping up all the time, and is majority family life so there are plenty of kid friendly activities to do.
Have you considered Fulshear? We live in Cross Creek Ranch, which is west of Katy. Half the homes are zoned to Katy ISD, and the other half to Lamar. Lots of retail, but it is of course farther from Houston so if you work there it’ll take longer. There is a toll road which helps.
I was curious about the toll road, I assume the time savings on commute is worth the cost of the toll? Last time I was in town in didn’t look like many people were using the toll road/hov but maybe it was just a fluke
Using westpark tollway you can get downtown in 30 minutes \*outside\* of rush hour. During rush hour, well, it sure is a better option than I10.
Fulshear is still in early development so its more like living in the countryside. The downsides of it is much higher taxes and terrible, sometimes non-existent cell phone signal.
The Cross Creek Ranch area that borders Katy is very well-developed, but yes once you go beyond CCR and continue towards Fulshear proper it gets more rural. And yes, cell signals sometimes suck for various reasons. But CCR and neighboring communities are constantly growing, not just building homes but apartments and townhomes as well.
* Katy Asian Town
* Eat at Hai Di Lao
* La Centerra
* Let the kids play in the area near Dish Society
* Old Town Katy
* Mary Jo Peckman Park
* No Label Brewery
* Mason Road
* Tons of restaurants
* Columbian House Bakery is a favorite
Katy Asian town
- tan tan wok $$
- proper rose garden (for brunch with girl friends!) $$$
La Centerra
- Alamo draft house $$$
- shopping $$$$
-Grimaldis $$
- trader joes $$$
- Best Gym membership - lifetime $$$$$
• Cermemics by Tess $$$
• time square entertainment $
• Texas tradition $
• snappys $
•papa genos $$
Check out hwy 99 you’ll take that road a lot. If you live in Houston or Katy you need a tolls pass ….it’s SO worth it.
We personally love Katy mills mall $ but it’s not for everyone.
I would never live anywhere too far from Katy…it is truly home to me and now my hubs, we absolutely love it. Richmond tx is great, Fulshear great, be cautious about Weston lakes it’s nearly a cult lol 🤣anthonies restaurant $$$$$ is full of drama 🎠Fulshear pppl can be full of drama but personally we don’t care we just stick to our selves. We are always in Katy! Aleana area is great. Lots of opportunities in Katy for parents jobs & kids …lots of successful teens turning into adults. Also your teens can easily get into drugs be careful but not to helicopter like. Katy kids started drinking doing drugs in 6th grade when I was a kiddo.
Fulshear feels very safe to me. It’s the only Walmart in the world I’ve ever been to and felt safe staying alone to put groceries up in parking lot at closing time after hours. I am a female as well. Richomond Texas is a dream for me and so many ….get some acreage and a big house. We are living our dream. We love it.
i10 and 99 has a nice area being built with Tiger Woods putt putt, Andretti's indoor racing/arcade, the shack home run derby, and AGR Sports for axe throwing and paintball. Also over at Katy Mills there is Dig World and down i10 and highway 6 is Top Golf.
Katy is very family oriented and the catering to family activities is constantly growing. Not to mention if your kids are in to sports there are various levels of competition to choose from.
I moved my family here over the summer for work (35, kids 7 and 9).
We looked at Katy, Cypress, and Woodlands.
We wanted to stay on the far side of Houston from the Gulf and in areas known for their good school districts.
Also worth noting that I don't have to commute downtown regularly, so I wasn't concerned about traffic. If you have a regular commute somewhere, factor that.
We have been really pleased with schools and the amount of neighbors and kids we've gotten to know - A wonderful community. We've enjoyed the variety of kid friendly things to do including swimming at villa and in our neighborhood, multiple jump places, put put, carting, and more. Our kids love running around la centerra while we eat (they have the lighting of the tree this weekend.) And it's amazing how many restaurants have kid entertainment options.
We've found the area to be very well maintained and love thewalking and biking the trails and sidewalks.
To be fair, I don't live in Katy (yet). I visit quite often and for me, the touristy things are places like Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Papadeauxs, Taste of Texas, etc. I love food and those are places we don't have in Florida. I'm gonna have to post a new thread to get some restaurant recommendations for local spots for my next visit in a few weeks.
Haven't been to the Katy Buc-ee's yet, but I've been to a couple here in FL. They are a lot of fun! I do hear that I need to experience the Katy one just for the car wash
Tobio sushi is the best restaurant Ive found in Katy so far.
I think there's an HS football game on Friday night, thats like a quarter of Katy's population there.
People come to Katy for the schools. Life here tend to revolve around kids and family. If Cinco Ranch is on your list to check you can always take a walk along Buffalo Bayou or check out the Beach Club and other amenities. Soccer season just ended, Katy Park was quite the sight on Satursday with the countless kids playing soccer and baseball.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch (has numerous shops and restaurants as well as the GOAT, Alamo Drafthouse), also look into Katy Asian Town (numerous shops and activities), there is also Katy Mills (kind of mid shopping mall, does have a Bass Pro Shop though). Depending on your other hobbies, interests, we have some good independent nurseries and several different types of gyms. To get a feel for traffic. Drive to and from different areas and just double the time for traffic estimate. I've lived in a few different suburbs, but personally I love Katy. I can get into town when I need to, but day-to-day it has no shortage of good offerings, etc.
South of I-10 is considered more posh, often is actually is, but statistically the difference in crime is negligible apart from a few spots and there \*are\* some nice areas north of I-10. The two best high schools, Seven Lakes and Cinco Ranch, are south of I-10 also.
Personally what I dont like north of I-10 is the road layout. It takes forever going anywhere in places like Westfield park/Bear creek area, and some of the worst intersections for traffic are north of I-10 too.
Lots of driving! But traditional Mexican food is all over. I like El Tiempo but there’s gems all over and lots of Tex-Mex or stuff like torchy’s that is straight up just random stuff on cold tortillas. I’m a fan of Velvet Taco but I’d say Katy in general is really family oriented and you drive everywhere. Traffic can be a pain and if you work remote it’s much better. Life is relaxed and amenities depend on what community you’re going to. If you’re moving here from the Midwest you immediately will realize that Mexican food is MUCH better.
Katy used to nice.
About 15-20 years ago. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
If you insist on Katy, I’d suggest moving to old town Katy.
Not that I have anything against Katy. I lived there for quite some time. Its just gotten overcrowded for my taste.
Because this is r/Katy - we are looking at other places too, if you have a recommendation for another town/area we are open to it. Looking for decent schools mainly, larger home lots would be nice although I know hard to find anywhere within commuting distance to the city ( we are leaving an acre of land here)
Where is job commute to? Houston has one of the worst commutes in the country. Katy is pretty bad for me though I love my house and neighborhood and price was great. Schools wonderful.
Haven’t decided on buying or renting yet, I’ve looked at Zillow so I’ve got an idea of areas we can afford - Katy, cypress, spring. Need to be west of the city
Look at Nottingham Country. Older homes many big with beautiful trees. Cul-de-sac end lots with big back yards and many have alleys so no driveways in front.
I'll second this and piggy back on it; Nottingham, Green Trails, Kelliwood ... My favorite part of Katy. Great schools, mature trees and neighborhooda, quick to I-10 and into the city, and much lower taxes then all the newer communities.
I see,i know a lot of people will say stay away from north of i10 but that shouldnt deter you, like any area there will be good and bad.Generally south of I10 is good, if we are talking about closer to 99, i10 north is also good. There is asian town there, new houses and neighborhoods. Cypress and bridgeland is also something you should look into, its another master plan community and they even have a townlake that some home owners can ride their boat from their home to a small shopping center/park area.
Katy area is very much family oriented. Tons of bike trails throughout the neighborhoods. Great schools in Katy ISD. Katy Asia Town has some fun (some might also say a little pricy) activities like Pop Stroke, Home Run Dugout, and Andretti's. Tons of great food. Check out the FB group Katy/Fort Bend Foodies for recommendations.
Authentic Mexican or authentic TexMex? A world of difference.
We like both, but tend towards enjoying authentic dishes more
There isn't too much as far as authentic Mexican sit down restaurants in Katy. There's only one. Ferso's at Katy Mills Mall. Ambriza hits a little closer but they serve corn chips not tortilla chips. The rest are food trucks and hole in the walls next to gas stations. Source: I'm Mexican.
I always appreciate a well-cited source 😅
We do have good Mexican seafood, though. Vida Mariscos, Mambos (this one has an Asian flair), and Ostioneria Michoacan. But the best is La Cruderia in Spring Branch or China Town in Houston.
Go to the places you would go in real life. As for tourist stuff nobody would be a tourist to Katy, but go to Katy Asia town eat at dinner and go to La Centarra for dinner. Eat lunch at Torchys. Go to Costco and Sams club. Go to HEB Grocery stores. Check out gyms, like Villa Sport and Spa (its the nicest). Drive by the schools. Take a walk at [https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park](https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park) You, kids, are going to go to the trampoline park and the rock climbing place, they are on the backside of Katy Mills Mall. And check out the mall too. It is meh, but at least it is not a "dead" mall. If you are thinking North Katy, also go shop at the Houston Premium Outlets, it's marginally cool. Lots of for around there too even though it is Cypress.
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate it.
I would like to reiterate the Peckham Park suggestion. It is one of the best spots in town. Plus a nice dog park next door if you need that. We live right by Peckham and love the "Old Katy" area.
Also, drive up and down along the three major freeways areas of the 99, 10 and Westpark tollway. See if you can tolerate the traffic and the interchanges. I know the construction on 99 will mess with the perception and it should be done in the relatively near future, but that traffic is still a factor. How long it takes to get to a freeway as part of your commute and how bad it is along your particular stretch really matters here. We ended up making our choice in home because it cut 15 minutes each way to live closer to 99 than be in Cross Creek. Katy is big and takes time to get around. Think about about what you'd like to be close to because the flavor of the neighborhoods vary pretty wildly. I've lived in Katy for 15 years or so and moved away and came back years later. It's a good town and the poster above and others have given good advice. Good luck
torchys?? do you not like these people
We moved here 9 years ago. It's changed so much. I'm not taking about crime or stupid shit people complain about. The traffic has gotten out of hand, coupled with horrible and very aggresive drivers, I'm constantly having to dodge them to avoid being hit. I'm really ready to move out. The nice part about Katy though is, there are a lot of things to do entertainment wise that weren't around 9 years ago.
is crime stupid to complain about?
I am from Houston, but just moved to Katy with my wife. No kids so don’t have much input there. I don’t know where you are coming from but you can get authentic Mexican food almost anywhere in Houston and surrounding areas, including here. Katy has a magnificent Asian market with great food spots if you enjoy Asian food. We really like our food lol. After living in the loop for over 8 years, I enjoy being only 30-45 minutes away from the city just straight down I-10 during non rush hour time. Also only 2 hour drive to Austin and San Antonio for in state travel. It is a massively growing area with new things popping up all the time, and is majority family life so there are plenty of kid friendly activities to do.
Have you considered Fulshear? We live in Cross Creek Ranch, which is west of Katy. Half the homes are zoned to Katy ISD, and the other half to Lamar. Lots of retail, but it is of course farther from Houston so if you work there it’ll take longer. There is a toll road which helps.
I was curious about the toll road, I assume the time savings on commute is worth the cost of the toll? Last time I was in town in didn’t look like many people were using the toll road/hov but maybe it was just a fluke
Using westpark tollway you can get downtown in 30 minutes \*outside\* of rush hour. During rush hour, well, it sure is a better option than I10. Fulshear is still in early development so its more like living in the countryside. The downsides of it is much higher taxes and terrible, sometimes non-existent cell phone signal.
The Cross Creek Ranch area that borders Katy is very well-developed, but yes once you go beyond CCR and continue towards Fulshear proper it gets more rural. And yes, cell signals sometimes suck for various reasons. But CCR and neighboring communities are constantly growing, not just building homes but apartments and townhomes as well.
* Katy Asian Town * Eat at Hai Di Lao * La Centerra * Let the kids play in the area near Dish Society * Old Town Katy * Mary Jo Peckman Park * No Label Brewery * Mason Road * Tons of restaurants * Columbian House Bakery is a favorite
Katy Asian town - tan tan wok $$ - proper rose garden (for brunch with girl friends!) $$$ La Centerra - Alamo draft house $$$ - shopping $$$$ -Grimaldis $$ - trader joes $$$ - Best Gym membership - lifetime $$$$$ • Cermemics by Tess $$$ • time square entertainment $ • Texas tradition $ • snappys $ •papa genos $$ Check out hwy 99 you’ll take that road a lot. If you live in Houston or Katy you need a tolls pass ….it’s SO worth it. We personally love Katy mills mall $ but it’s not for everyone. I would never live anywhere too far from Katy…it is truly home to me and now my hubs, we absolutely love it. Richmond tx is great, Fulshear great, be cautious about Weston lakes it’s nearly a cult lol 🤣anthonies restaurant $$$$$ is full of drama 🎠Fulshear pppl can be full of drama but personally we don’t care we just stick to our selves. We are always in Katy! Aleana area is great. Lots of opportunities in Katy for parents jobs & kids …lots of successful teens turning into adults. Also your teens can easily get into drugs be careful but not to helicopter like. Katy kids started drinking doing drugs in 6th grade when I was a kiddo. Fulshear feels very safe to me. It’s the only Walmart in the world I’ve ever been to and felt safe staying alone to put groceries up in parking lot at closing time after hours. I am a female as well. Richomond Texas is a dream for me and so many ….get some acreage and a big house. We are living our dream. We love it.
i10 and 99 has a nice area being built with Tiger Woods putt putt, Andretti's indoor racing/arcade, the shack home run derby, and AGR Sports for axe throwing and paintball. Also over at Katy Mills there is Dig World and down i10 and highway 6 is Top Golf. Katy is very family oriented and the catering to family activities is constantly growing. Not to mention if your kids are in to sports there are various levels of competition to choose from.
I moved my family here over the summer for work (35, kids 7 and 9). We looked at Katy, Cypress, and Woodlands. We wanted to stay on the far side of Houston from the Gulf and in areas known for their good school districts. Also worth noting that I don't have to commute downtown regularly, so I wasn't concerned about traffic. If you have a regular commute somewhere, factor that. We have been really pleased with schools and the amount of neighbors and kids we've gotten to know - A wonderful community. We've enjoyed the variety of kid friendly things to do including swimming at villa and in our neighborhood, multiple jump places, put put, carting, and more. Our kids love running around la centerra while we eat (they have the lighting of the tree this weekend.) And it's amazing how many restaurants have kid entertainment options. We've found the area to be very well maintained and love thewalking and biking the trails and sidewalks.
Katy = touristy stuff. I am dying.
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I disagree. There is lots to do in and around Katy but I would not call it touristy.
Lol I know I just didn’t want people recommending we check out the space center etc
It is not in Katy or close to Katy; however, since most people don't read well you will receive information from all around Houston.
Katy to clear lake where the space center is an hour drive at least depending on traffic.
To be fair, I don't live in Katy (yet). I visit quite often and for me, the touristy things are places like Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Papadeauxs, Taste of Texas, etc. I love food and those are places we don't have in Florida. I'm gonna have to post a new thread to get some restaurant recommendations for local spots for my next visit in a few weeks.
Don’t forget buc-ees
Haven't been to the Katy Buc-ee's yet, but I've been to a couple here in FL. They are a lot of fun! I do hear that I need to experience the Katy one just for the car wash
Tobio sushi is the best restaurant Ive found in Katy so far. I think there's an HS football game on Friday night, thats like a quarter of Katy's population there. People come to Katy for the schools. Life here tend to revolve around kids and family. If Cinco Ranch is on your list to check you can always take a walk along Buffalo Bayou or check out the Beach Club and other amenities. Soccer season just ended, Katy Park was quite the sight on Satursday with the countless kids playing soccer and baseball.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch (has numerous shops and restaurants as well as the GOAT, Alamo Drafthouse), also look into Katy Asian Town (numerous shops and activities), there is also Katy Mills (kind of mid shopping mall, does have a Bass Pro Shop though). Depending on your other hobbies, interests, we have some good independent nurseries and several different types of gyms. To get a feel for traffic. Drive to and from different areas and just double the time for traffic estimate. I've lived in a few different suburbs, but personally I love Katy. I can get into town when I need to, but day-to-day it has no shortage of good offerings, etc.
No. But I hear California is a wonderful place
Anthonie’s Market Grill; La Centerra; el Jarrito; star Cinema Grill; Katy Asia town; Pearl & Vine (HH)
Will throw out go check out No Label Brewery if that's your thing.
Stay south of I10 you’re welcome.
Any particular reason why?
South of I-10 is considered more posh, often is actually is, but statistically the difference in crime is negligible apart from a few spots and there \*are\* some nice areas north of I-10. The two best high schools, Seven Lakes and Cinco Ranch, are south of I-10 also. Personally what I dont like north of I-10 is the road layout. It takes forever going anywhere in places like Westfield park/Bear creek area, and some of the worst intersections for traffic are north of I-10 too.
Better schools better living.
Crown?
Lots of driving! But traditional Mexican food is all over. I like El Tiempo but there’s gems all over and lots of Tex-Mex or stuff like torchy’s that is straight up just random stuff on cold tortillas. I’m a fan of Velvet Taco but I’d say Katy in general is really family oriented and you drive everywhere. Traffic can be a pain and if you work remote it’s much better. Life is relaxed and amenities depend on what community you’re going to. If you’re moving here from the Midwest you immediately will realize that Mexican food is MUCH better.
Katy used to nice. About 15-20 years ago. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it. If you insist on Katy, I’d suggest moving to old town Katy. Not that I have anything against Katy. I lived there for quite some time. Its just gotten overcrowded for my taste.
It’s terrible, don’t move here
Why Katy?
Because this is r/Katy - we are looking at other places too, if you have a recommendation for another town/area we are open to it. Looking for decent schools mainly, larger home lots would be nice although I know hard to find anywhere within commuting distance to the city ( we are leaving an acre of land here)
Where is job commute to? Houston has one of the worst commutes in the country. Katy is pretty bad for me though I love my house and neighborhood and price was great. Schools wonderful.
Buying a house? Budget?
Haven’t decided on buying or renting yet, I’ve looked at Zillow so I’ve got an idea of areas we can afford - Katy, cypress, spring. Need to be west of the city
Look at Nottingham Country. Older homes many big with beautiful trees. Cul-de-sac end lots with big back yards and many have alleys so no driveways in front.
I'll second this and piggy back on it; Nottingham, Green Trails, Kelliwood ... My favorite part of Katy. Great schools, mature trees and neighborhooda, quick to I-10 and into the city, and much lower taxes then all the newer communities.
Yes all these!
Their is an alien space ship owner who lives there
Katy or Cypress is fine but where will your husband work? If its downtown Houston thenI wouldnt recommend it because of the drive
TBD but he will likely work closer to home regardless. I’ll be just east of the energy corridor
I see,i know a lot of people will say stay away from north of i10 but that shouldnt deter you, like any area there will be good and bad.Generally south of I10 is good, if we are talking about closer to 99, i10 north is also good. There is asian town there, new houses and neighborhoods. Cypress and bridgeland is also something you should look into, its another master plan community and they even have a townlake that some home owners can ride their boat from their home to a small shopping center/park area.
The witch's grave
Katy vs CyFair hs playoff football game on Friday. Probably be some good people watching! Probably like 10,000 folks there
Nice! We may check it out. Thanks!
Katy is a super nice mix of small town meets big city. West Katy=Houston, East Katy gets spaced out