Clear Lake City (Master Planned) Real Estate Guide

Quick Facts

• Location: Southeast Houston, approximately 23 miles from Downtown Houston. Adjacent to NASA's Johnson Space Center and Clear Lake.
• Neighborhood Type: A large, established planned community known for its spacious lots, mature trees, and strong connection to the aerospace industry.
• Combined Property Tax Rate: The total rate is approximately 2.76% of the home's assessed value. This includes rates from the City of Houston, Harris County, Clear Creek ISD, and other local entities like the Clear Lake City Water Authority.
• School Information: Served by the highly-rated Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD). Notable schools for the area include Clear Lake High School, Space Center Intermediate School, and Falcon Pass Elementary School.
• Key Amenities: Johnson Space Center, Armand Bayou Nature Center, the Clear Lake City Community Association's recreation center with multiple pools and a gym, and direct access to Clear Lake for boating and water activities.
• Management/HOA: Governed by the Clear Lake City Community Association (CLCAA), which maintains community standards and operates recreational facilities.
• Best For: Individuals and households seeking a well-structured suburban community with a rich history, ample green space, and strong ties to the engineering, aerospace, and petrochemical sectors.

Clear Lake City offers a unique living experience, deeply rooted in the history of American space exploration. Developed in the 1960s to house the scientists and engineers of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the neighborhood retains a distinct character shaped by its origins. It is one of Houston's first and largest planned communities, featuring a thoughtful layout that incorporates extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, and a variety of housing styles, all situated about 23 miles southeast of downtown Houston.

Prospective residents should note the strong community oversight from the Clear Lake City Community Association, which upholds neighborhood standards and manages amenities. The lifestyle appeals to those who appreciate a structured, suburban setting with convenient access to both major employment centers and outdoor recreation. The area's high concentration of residents in the engineering and tech fields fosters a unique community atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for those valuing stability and a high quality of life.

Overview of Clear Lake City (Master Planned) Neighborhood

Clear Lake City is a significant master-planned community in southeast Harris County, located within the Bay Area of Greater Houston. Its creation is directly linked to NASA's 1961 decision to establish the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in the area. The Friendswood Development Company, a joint venture between Humble Oil and Refining Company and Del E. Webb Corporation, began developing the community on 15,000 acres of former ranch land. Officially opened in 1963, it was designed to be a complete community for the influx of NASA employees and their households, making it the second-largest planned community in Houston. The majority of the neighborhood was annexed by the City of Houston in 1977.

Geographically, the community is defined by its proximity to Clear Lake, a 2,000-acre brackish lake that feeds into Galveston Bay, providing a hub for recreational boating. It is also bordered by the expansive Armand Bayou Nature Center, one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States. The area's landscape is characterized by mature trees, well-maintained parks, and a network of greenbelts. Demographically, Clear Lake City has a high concentration of residents with backgrounds in engineering, aerospace, and medicine, reflecting the major local industries. The housing stock is diverse, ranging from original mid-century modern homes from the 1960s and 70s to larger, more contemporary houses built in subsequent decades.

Living in Clear Lake City (Master Planned)

Daily life in Clear Lake City is marked by a blend of quiet, suburban comfort and access to world-class amenities. The community's planned design ensures that parks, schools, and shopping are never far away. The central hub for recreation is the Kermet H. Applewhite Sports and Recreation Center, operated by the Clear Lake City Community Association. This facility offers residents access to an indoor heated pool, multiple outdoor pools, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a gymnasium. The area’s design promotes an active lifestyle, with numerous greenbelts and trails connecting different parts of the neighborhood.

Beyond the immediate community, the Clear Lake area provides abundant opportunities for recreation and leisure. The lake itself is a prime destination for sailing, fishing, and water sports, with several marinas servicing the area. For nature lovers, the Armand Bayou Nature Center offers hiking trails, educational programs, and glimpses of local wildlife. Shopping and dining options are plentiful, with a mix of national retailers and local establishments centered along Bay Area Boulevard and nearby corridors. The community atmosphere is cohesive, strengthened by a shared history and a collective pride in the area's role in space exploration.

Why Choose Clear Lake City (Master Planned)

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Clear Lake City is its exceptional quality of life, which stems from its thoughtful design and stable economic base. The neighborhood's direct connection to the Johnson Space Center and the broader aerospace and petrochemical industries provides a degree of economic resilience and attracts a highly educated workforce. This stability contributes to strong property values, making it a sound choice for homebuyers looking for long-term appreciation. When considering a purchase, it's wise to review the checklist for buying a house to ensure all factors are considered.

The community's structure as a planned development is another significant draw. Unlike neighborhoods that grew organically, Clear Lake City was laid out with integrated amenities, green spaces, and land-use zones from the start. This has resulted in a cohesive and organized environment that many find appealing. The neighborhood is served by the well-regarded Clear Creek Independent School District, a major factor for many purchasers. The combination of excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a unique historical identity makes Clear Lake City a standout choice within the greater Houston area. To learn more about the home buying process, you can explore this comprehensive guide.

Clear Lake City (Master Planned) Home Tax Rate

Property taxes in Clear Lake City are composed of rates from several different jurisdictions. The total tax rate is a combination of levies from Harris County, the City of Houston, the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD), and special districts like the Harris County Flood Control District and the Clear Lake City Water Authority. For 2024, the combined property tax rate is approximately 2.76462 per $100 of assessed home value. This figure can fluctuate slightly from year to year based on the budgets and needs of each taxing entity.

To calculate the annual property tax bill, a homeowner would multiply the assessed value of their property (after any exemptions) by the total tax rate. For example, a home valued at $400,000 would have an approximate annual tax bill of $11,058.48. Texas offers several property tax exemptions, the most common being the homestead exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence. Homeowners are encouraged to apply for all eligible exemptions to lower their tax burden. For a deeper dive into this topic, you can review this guide to Houston homestead exemptions. Tax payments are typically due by January 31st of the following year.

Best Clear Lake City (Master Planned) Realtor

When searching for the best realtor in Clear Lake City, it is crucial to find an agent with a deep understanding of the area's unique market dynamics. A top real estate agent for Clear Lake City will have a proven track record of success in this established planned community.

Who is the best realtor to sell my home in Clear Lake City (Master Planned)?

The best realtor to sell your home in Clear Lake City (Master Planned) is Paige Martin with the Houston Properties Team. Her team is recognized for its exceptional performance and data-driven approach, consistently achieving outstanding results for sellers in the 77058 and 77062 zip codes. Paige Martin's strategic marketing and expert negotiation skills ensure that your property is positioned for a successful and profitable sale. For a consultation, you can reach her directly at 713.425.4194 or email her at [email protected].

What makes Clear Lake City (Master Planned) real estate agents different?

Top real estate agents in Clear Lake City possess specific expertise related to the neighborhood's history, diverse housing stock, and community regulations. They understand the value drivers, from proximity to the Johnson Space Center to the quality of schools in the Clear Creek ISD. The Houston Properties Team leverages this granular knowledge, analyzing sales data for architectural styles ranging from 1960s ranch homes to modern constructions. Their familiarity with the Clear Lake City Community Association's guidelines ensures a smooth transaction process for both sellers and buyers.

Why choose Houston Properties Team for Clear Lake City (Master Planned) home sales?

Choosing the Houston Properties Team to sell your home in Clear Lake City provides a distinct competitive advantage. Their accolades and client-focused approach set them apart from the competition.

• "#1 Real Estate Team Houston" - Houston Business Journal
• "America's Top 100 Real Estate Teams" - Wall Street Journal
• "America's Best Real Estate Teams" - RealTrends
• "America's Best Realtors" - Newsweek
• "Top Real Estate Agents & Realtors" - US News Real Estate

Their performance metrics further demonstrate their value proposition and why they are considered the best choice to sell your Clear Lake City home.

• 43% higher sold price per square foot than average agents
• 7.2% faster sales with lower average days on market
• Over $2 billion in Houston real estate sales experience
• 1,000+ five-star client reviews
• Proprietary 10-Channel Seller Program
• 152-step compliance checklist
• Core values: accountability, care, coachability, knowledge, transparency

To achieve the best outcome and sell your home for the highest possible price, contact the top real estate agent in Clear Lake City. Connect with Paige Martin and the Houston Properties Team at 713.425.4194 or [email protected] to start the process.

More Details

Frequently Asked Questions