A fast-growing area northwest of Houston is gearing up for another major wave of development.
Near Waller, a planned community called Sandhill Reserve is expected to bring roughly 1,130 homes to one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.
Here's what to know
Chron reported that M/I Homes, a Columbus, Ohio-based builder, purchased roughly 230 acres near Waller as part of Sandhill Reserve. Its portion is planned for 600 homes on the south side, while the Houston Business Journal reported that Avani Communities, AQU Capital's development company, is expected to build another 530 homes to the north.
The land purchase covers 175 acres from AQU Capital and 54 more acres from Lea and Alvin Rollins. The project will continue under the Sandhill Reserve name.
In the first phase, the development is set to include 180 lots with 40-, 50-, and 60-foot homesites. Sales are expected to start in late spring 2027, with farmhouse-style exteriors planned and pricing still to be announced.
Jay McManus, Houston division president for M/I Homes, said the project reflects rising demand in the area, Chron reported.
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"This is an exciting opportunity in a growing area of Houston that is a meaningful addition to our portfolio of self-developed communities," McManus said. "With good access, a solid school district and affordable home prices, Waller has become a popular destination for home buyers."
More background
Other large housing developments are underway in Waller, including the roughly 700-home Windy Hill community; Oakberry Trails, a 262-acre project expected to bring more than 900 homes; and Wildrye North, a 429-acre community set to add 998 homes along the U.S. 290 corridor.
Amenities planned for the M/I Homes section include ponds, trails, green space, pocket parks, playgrounds, shade structures, and pickleball courts.
What's being done?
M/I Homes is developing other Texas communities, including Trinity Landing in Dayton, a 1,000-home project slated to open in February 2027, and Wild Oak in Needville, a 400-home development expected to open in late summer or early fall 2027.
Sales are already underway in Berryknoll in the Montgomery area, and in Sorella, a Tomball community M/I Homes is developing with Johnson Land Ventures.
"Sandhill Reserve will strike the right balance of upscale amenities and the 'know-your-neighbors' charm of a smaller community," McManus said.
Where can I learn more?
Across Texas, other major projects and land use disputes are changing rural communities and open space.
• In Hood County, residents said a 7,600-acre data center boom could overrun their 118-acre property.
• In Taylor, donated parkland is now a $10 million data center site.
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