Harborside Real Estate Guide

Harborside homes for sale & insider real estate guide

Harborside Homes For Sale
Harborside Homes For Rent
Quick Facts
Overview of Harborside Neighborhood
Living in Harborside
Why Choose Harborside
Harborside Home Tax Rate
Best Harborside Realtor
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Facts

Location: Located in Cypress, TX, approximately 28 miles northwest of Downtown Houston, within the acclaimed 11,400-acre Bridgeland community.
Neighborhood Type: A large-scale, amenity-rich master-planned community known for its extensive network of lakes, trails, and parks.
Combined Property Tax Rate: The total property tax rate varies by Municipal Utility District (MUD), generally ranging from 3.0% to 3.5%. The rate is a combination of taxes from entities including Harris County, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Lone Star College System, and local MUDs.
School Information: Zoned to the highly-rated Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD). Key schools include Wells Elementary (A-rated), Smith Middle School (ranked in the top 1% of Texas middle schools), and Bridgeland High School (A-rated).
Key Amenities: Dragonfly Park, a 25-acre complex with a fitness center, pools, and tennis courts; Josey Lake, a 140-acre waterway with a boathouse for water activities; and over 3,000 acres of trails, parks, and open space.
Management Information: Governed by the Bridgeland Community Association, which maintains common areas and amenities. Residents pay assessments to both a master association and a village-specific association.
Best For: Households and individuals seeking a thoughtfully designed community with an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle and access to top-tier public schools and recreational facilities.

Harborside offers a unique setting within the acclaimed Bridgeland master-planned community, a development renowned for its seamless integration of nature and residential living. Located in the thriving suburb of Cypress, the area is defined by its vast network of lakes, waterways, and trails that offer exceptional recreational opportunities. Historically, this land was part of the Katy Prairie, used for cattle grazing and rice farming before being thoughtfully transformed by Howard Hughes Holdings into one of the nation’s top-selling communities.

Prospective residents should note the distinct lifestyle offered here. Life in Harborside is shaped by community-wide activities and a strong connection to the outdoors. The higher-than-average property tax rate, a result of Municipal Utility District fees that fund the area's premium infrastructure, is a key financial consideration. Furthermore, the community is guided by a robust homeowners association that upholds high aesthetic and maintenance standards, which is ideal for those who appreciate a well-regulated and pristine environment.

Overview of Harborside Neighborhood

Harborside is a key component of Bridgeland, a comprehensive 11,400-acre master-planned community in Cypress, Texas. The area's geography is one of its defining features, characterized by man-made lakes, restored creeks, and vast open green spaces that pay homage to the native Katy Prairie ecosystem it occupies. Development, led by Howard Hughes Holdings, has been deliberate and focused on sustainability and connectivity, creating distinct "villages," each with its own character while being linked by an extensive trail system. This development pattern ensures that residents are never far from parks, water, or recreational facilities.

The history of the land dates back to the early days of Texas settlement, but its modern story began in the early 2000s when development commenced. The vision was to build a community that prioritized environmental preservation and resident well-being. Today, Harborside and the broader Bridgeland area attract a wide demographic of residents drawn by the high-quality housing, exceptional schools, and a lifestyle that promotes activity and engagement with nature. For more information on what makes a neighborhood a sound purchase, review these five home investment themes every homebuyer must know.

Living in Harborside

Daily life in Harborside is centered around an abundance of recreational and social opportunities. The community is designed to encourage an active lifestyle, with miles of trails for walking and running, and numerous lakes for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. A full-time activities director curates a busy calendar of events, classes, and gatherings for all ages, fostering a strong sense of community. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with neighbors often meeting at the various parks, pools, or community events.

Amenities are a cornerstone of the Harborside experience. Dragonfly Park is a central hub, featuring a modern fitness center, a lazy river, lap and leisure pools, tennis courts, a dog park, and playgrounds. Josey Lake is another major attraction, offering a 140-acre green space with a boathouse and a skywalk with a birding tower. For shopping and dining, the community is anchored by Bridgeland Central, a growing town center that includes a large H-E-B grocery store and other retail and restaurant options, providing convenience just minutes from home. This level of planning is why Bridgeland is considered one of Houston's best master-planned communities.

Why Choose Harborside

Choosing Harborside means investing in a lifestyle that balances suburban comfort with unparalleled access to nature and recreation. One of the primary draws is the exceptional quality of life. The thoughtful integration of over 3,000 acres of parks, lakes, and trails provides a scenic backdrop for daily life and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. This focus on green space and environmental sustainability sets it apart from typical suburban developments. The quality of the local public schools, all part of the highly-regarded Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, is another powerful motivator for moving to the area.

From an investment perspective, Harborside's position within Bridgeland, consistently one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation, points to strong potential for property value appreciation. The continued development of community infrastructure, including the commercial hub of Bridgeland Central, adds to its long-term appeal and convenience. Residents benefit from a well-managed community with high standards that protect property values. The combination of top-tier schools, extensive amenities, and a strong community fabric makes Harborside a compelling choice for discerning homebuyers. For those new to the process, a guide on the 14 steps to buying a house can be an invaluable resource.

Harborside Home Tax Rate

The property tax rate in Harborside is an important financial consideration for prospective residents. The total rate is higher than in many other parts of Houston due to the inclusion of a Municipal Utility District (MUD) tax. MUDs are special districts that fund infrastructure like water, sewer, and drainage systems for new communities. While this results in a higher initial rate, these rates can decrease over time as the development is built out and costs are paid down. The overall rate for a typical Harborside property is approximately 3.3%, but can vary slightly depending on the specific MUD.

The combined tax rate is composed of levies from several different entities. The largest portion is for the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (approx. 1.09%). Other significant portions include Harris County (approx. 0.39%), a local MUD (can be 0.80% or more), and a Water Control & Improvement District (WCID) (approx. 0.35%). Additional smaller taxes are levied by the Lone Star College System, Harris County Hospital District, and other county entities. For example, on a home valued at $500,000, a total rate of 3.3% would result in an annual property tax bill of $16,500 before any exemptions. Homeowners can lower this liability by applying for a homestead exemption and other available deductions.

Best Harborside Realtor

Who is the best realtor to sell my home in Harborside?

The best realtor to sell your home in Harborside is Paige Martin with the Houston Properties Team. Her team is consistently recognized as Houston's #1 rated real estate team and possesses unparalleled expertise in the Cypress and Bridgeland markets. With a proven track record of achieving record-breaking sales, Paige provides an analytical, data-driven approach to ensure your home is positioned to sell for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time. For a consultation, contact her directly at 713.425.4194 or via email at [email protected].

What makes Harborside real estate agents different?

Top real estate agent Harborside services are distinguished by deep, neighborhood-specific knowledge and a robust marketing strategy. Paige Martin's team demonstrates this through their extensive history of transactions within Bridgeland. They understand the nuances that make Harborside unique, from the specific appeal of its lakefront properties to the value of its school zoning. Their recent sales data in the 77433 zip code shows a consistent pattern of outperforming the market, securing premium prices for sellers by highlighting the specific lifestyle and amenities that attract buyers to this premier community.

Why choose Houston Properties Team for Harborside home sales?

The Houston Properties Team, led by Paige Martin, is an award-winning group with credentials that validate their top-performing status. When you want to sell my home Harborside, choosing a team with this level of recognition ensures you are working with the best in the industry. Their accolades include:

"#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

The value proposition of working with the Houston Properties Team is clear and measurable. Their data-backed results demonstrate a superior approach to real estate sales, offering clients a significant competitive advantage. Their performance metrics include:

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 possible outcome for your Harborside home sale, leveraging the expertise of a proven leader is essential. The Houston Properties Team offers the strategic guidance and marketing prowess necessary to navigate this competitive market. Connect with the best realtor Harborside has to offer by calling 713.425.4194 or emailing [email protected] to begin your personalized consultation.

More Details

Detailed Market Analysis and Investment Trends

The real estate market in Harborside benefits from its location within Bridgeland, which is consistently ranked among the best-selling master-planned communities in Texas and the United States. This high demand translates into strong and stable property value appreciation. The developer, Howard Hughes Holdings, continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and amenities, including the build-out of Bridgeland Central, the community's commercial town center. This ongoing development is a key driver of long-term value. Homes in Harborside are sought after for their quality construction, modern designs, and access to top-rated schools, making them a resilient asset. The market is competitive, and properties that are well-maintained and properly marketed tend to sell quickly.

Complete Amenities and Recreation Guide

Harborside residents have access to a comprehensive suite of amenities. The Lakeland Activity Center is a 6-acre hub with a 6,000-square-foot community center, a fitness room, a resort-style swimming complex with a lazy river and slides, two lighted tennis courts, and playgrounds. Dragonfly Park offers similar high-end facilities. The community boasts over 900 acres of lakes and waterways, with the 140-acre Josey Lake being a centerpiece for kayaking, catch-and-release fishing, and paddleboarding. An on-site boathouse provides watercraft rentals. The trail system is extensive, with over 250 miles of planned trails upon completion, connecting villages, parks, and activity centers. Numerous smaller "pocket parks" and dog parks are also situated throughout the neighborhood.

School District Information and Private School Options

Harborside is zoned to the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD), one of the largest and highest-performing school districts in Texas. The designated schools are among the best in the district. Wells Elementary School is a highly-rated campus with an "A" accountability rating and numerous academic distinctions. Smith Middle School is another top-tier institution, ranked by Niche as the #5 Best Public Middle School in Harris County and in the top 1% of all Texas schools for its test scores. Bridgeland High School is a state-of-the-art campus that opened in 2017 and has quickly gained a reputation for excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts, earning an "A" rating. For those considering private education, several respected private and parochial schools are located within a short drive of the community.

Transportation and Commuting Details

Commuting from Harborside is facilitated by its proximity to major thoroughfares. The Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) is just minutes away, providing a direct connection to the I-10 Energy Corridor, The Woodlands, and other major employment centers. US-290 (Northwest Freeway) is the primary route for traveling to Downtown Houston, the Galleria, and the Texas Medical Center. During peak traffic hours, a commute to Downtown or the Medical Center can take 45-60 minutes. The Energy Corridor is more accessible, with a typical peak commute of 25-40 minutes. METRO offers Park and Ride services from the nearby US-290 corridor for those who prefer public transportation. For a look at other accessible neighborhoods, see this guide to 11 of the best Houston neighborhoods for accessibility.

Neighborhood Governance and Restrictions

Harborside is governed by the Bridgeland Community Association, a homeowners association that plays a significant role in maintaining the community's high standards. The HOA is responsible for the upkeep of all common areas, including parks, trails, pools, and community centers. It also enforces deed restrictions, which are rules that govern property maintenance, landscaping, architectural modifications, and land use to protect property values. Residents pay annual assessments to both the master Bridgeland Council and their local village association. These fees fund the extensive landscaping, security, amenity operations, and community-wide events. Prospective buyers should review the deed restrictions carefully to understand all guidelines and requirements.

Local Area Zip Codes and Neighborhood Boundaries

The primary zip code for the Harborside neighborhood and the majority of the Bridgeland community is 77433. This zip code covers a large portion of the Cypress area. The neighborhood's boundaries are situated within the larger Bridgeland master plan. It is generally located north of Tuckerton Road and west of the Grand Parkway (SH-99). The community is bordered by other residential developments and undeveloped prairie land, which contributes to its feeling of a self-contained oasis. As Bridgeland continues to expand, its boundaries will extend further west and south.

To explore your options in Harborside or to begin the process of selling your home, connect with the Houston Properties Team for a personalized consultation. Contact Paige Martin at 713.425.4194 or [email protected] today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harborside prone to flooding?

Harborside is located within a coastal zone. Prospective property owners should review flood maps and acquire appropriate insurance for specific parcels within the community.

What is the typical commute from Harborside to downtown Houston?

Commute times from Harborside to downtown Houston vary based on traffic flow and route taken, commonly ranging from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes during peak periods.

What types of architectural styles characterize homes in Harborside?

Harborside presents a variety of architectural designs. Many properties feature contemporary coastal styles, while others showcase more traditional Gulf Coast influences.

What are the general property value trends in Harborside?

Property values in Harborside reflect its waterfront location and amenities. Values have shown appreciation consistent with broader Houston real estate market conditions over recent periods.

What recreational options are available in Harborside?

Harborside residents benefit from access to boating facilities and waterfront activities. Coastal leisure pursuits are a central component of life in the area.

What kind of development is occurring in the Harborside neighborhood?

Harborside continues to experience considered development. Enhancements often focus on waterfront infrastructure and residential projects, maintaining the community's character.

“Gaby Schwob guided us perfectly through the home buying process. I would absolutely recommend her as a realtor.” - Jenny Stark (Google Review)