Sunterra vs Elyson: Comparing Katy, TX 77493’s Two Largest Master Planned Communities
Sunterra and Elyson are the two biggest brand name master planned communities in Katy, TX 77493. Both are large, multi builder communities, but they differ in scale, builder count, and price range. Here is how they compare as of August 2026.
How big is each community?
Sunterra spans roughly 2,300 acres with approximately 7,000 homes planned at build out, and at least 18 active builders as of August 2026 (two additional sections, Adams Homes and KB Home, showed as sold out or delisted as of this pass).
Elyson opened in 2016 and spans roughly 3,600 acres. Nine builders are active as of August 2026: Beazer Homes, Brookfield Residential, Chesmar Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers, and Westin Homes. Two additional builders, Drees Custom Homes and Taylor Morrison, have sold out their sections. A total planned home count for Elyson is not published on any source checked, so we are leaving that figure out.
How much do homes cost?
Sunterra’s active builders start from $261,990 (Village Builders) up to $449,910 (Westin Homes).
Elyson’s active builders start from $299,615 (Chesmar Homes) up to $809,990 and above (Highland Homes, 80 foot lots); Perry Homes’ larger lot product in Elyson starts at $738,900. Elyson’s top end runs meaningfully higher than Sunterra’s, reflecting its larger lot luxury sections.
What is the property tax rate at each?
Sunterra: four separate MUD districts apply, with on file rates of $0.65, $0.88, $1.50, and $1.50 per $100 of valuation (MUD only; the full combined rate varies by which district covers a specific address).
Elyson: the Katy ISD portion of the rate is $1.12 per $100 of valuation. Multiple MUD districts apply across Elyson’s sections, and a single combined tax rate cannot be stated accurately for the community as a whole, so we are leaving that number out. Confirm the full combined rate for a specific address with the Harris Central Appraisal District.
What are the HOA dues at each?
Sunterra: roughly $1,100 to $1,635 per year, depending on section.
Elyson: $1,384 per year as of a 2024 figure, varying by section, plus a separate $375 charge in the gated section.
Anything else worth knowing?
Most of Elyson is zoned to Katy ISD, but a section east of Peek Road is zoned to Cy-Fair ISD instead, so confirm the exact district for a specific address. Elyson also has Harmony School of Excellence, a STEM focused K-12 charter school, located on site.
Which one fits a given buyer?
Sunterra offers the widest entry price point and the largest builder roster of the two, anchored by its Crystal Lagoons amenity. Elyson has fewer active builders but a wider price ceiling, reaching well past $700,000 in its larger lot sections, plus the on site charter school option and the Cy-Fair ISD carve out worth checking for a specific address.
A note on the information in this page: builder names, prices, availability, tax rates, HOA dues, and incentive terms mentioned above are set by the builders, districts, and organizations named, are pulled from their own published materials as of the date noted, and can change without notice. Confirm current figures directly with the builder, district, or association before making a decision.