New Caney - Porter Edition | May 2026

Rural to urban From the cover

The overview

Developing and planned neighborhoods in New Caney-Porter

East Montgomery County is currently home to more than a dozen ongoing housing developments, with The Highlands and Tavola West representing the largest developments in the New Caney-Porter area.

Currently occupied

Units

Residents in East Montgomery County are adjusting to rapid growth as many portions within the region have either transitioned or are transitioning from rural to more urban areas. Dened by the 77357 and 77365 ZIP codes, the New Caney and Porter area’s population has risen from 64,176 residents in 2020 to 84,010 residents in 2024—a roughly 30.1% increase, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meriam Shaw, Realtor with Keller Williams Elite, said she believes the response from residents to the growth has been twofold. “I think many residents appreciate the convenience that growth has brought,” Shaw said, pointing to the expanded shopping, dining, health care and entertainment opportunities oered in the area. “At the same time, some longtime residents have understandable concerns about increased trac, road congestion, school crowding and preserving the quieter character that originally drew many families to these communities.” Shaw also noted the growth has led to increased housing opportunities in the area. According to a March 2026 report by demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts, the area is projected to receive more than 17,000 new housing occupancies within New Caney ISD’s boundaries by October 2034. While the response from homeowners has been mixed, business leaders around the community said the growth has created more opportunities to bring high-wage jobs and business diversity within the region. “We are seeing increased investment in retail, health care, industrial development, housing and infrastructure, which is helping diversify the local economy and expand access to jobs and services closer to where people live,” said Mark Linabury, Greater EMC Chamber president and CEO.

2,380

1,050

276

The Highlands:

Arbor Rose at Porter:

1,400

1,146

230

Tavola West:

Landing Meadows:

Kings Colony III:

Caney Station:

974

503

130

Maple Heights:

Vibe at I-69:

917

427

Northpark South:

Vibe at Cutter:

400

Territory at Porter:

20470 Vick Drive:

342

1485

New Caney

GENE CAMPBELL RD.

1485

GRAND PKWY.

99 TOLL

Porter

1314

494

Did you know?

New Caney ISD’s enrollment is projected to rise roughly 34% from 19,659 students in the 2024-25 school year to 26,433 students in the 2033-34 school year, according to a March 2026 report by demographic rm Population and Survey Analysts.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCES: TEXAS A&M REAL ESTATE CENTER, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

aect residents who moved to the area to escape urban life. “Many of us moved here because it was the ideal mix of country, rural and suburban life,” Miller said. “Now, the forest is quickly disappearing, and we’ve got an over-abundance of chicken restau- rants, Tex-Mex restaurants, nail salons, dental clinics and gas stations.” Still, Miller said she believes Roman Forest has managed to maintain its small-town feel. “Even the addition of the more high-density housing toward the back of us hasn’t changed that feeling all that much,” Miller said.

positive aspects associated with the growth. Since master-planned community Artavia was built north of her property, she said drainage in the area has improved. “When we moved out here, Porter Lane and Old Houston Road would ood and become impass- able for small cars,” Guillot said. “Since Artavia created the new drainage system that leads to the river, Old Houston Road and my backyard rarely hold water anymore.” Robin Miller, who has lived in Roman Forest for eight years, said she’s concerned the rapid devel- opment occurring near the city could negatively

Roberta Guillot, who moved to Porter Heights in 2001, said trac has been a main concern as the area continues to grow. “It’s frustrating,” Guillot said. “Hwy. 242 trac redirects homeowners to go from FM 1314 to [the Grand Parkway] to avoid the trac, which now causes more trac on this side.” While Guillot said she believes county ocials have done a good job maintaining roads amid the growth, she said more help is needed. “We need the Texas Department of Transporta- tion to step it up and help us out, too,” Guillot said. However, Guillot noted there have been

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