Master-planned communities are gaining steam with their office, dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings as well as green spaces. These areas flourish independently from congested central business districts and traditional downtown areas.

 

One township that's been self-sustaining and rapidly expanding for decades is The Woodlands, a 28.5K-acre master-planned community just 27 miles north of downtown Houston featuring a growing population of more than 123,000 residents.

 

The Woodlands started as an idea from George P. Mitchell, real estate developer and founder of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. in the late 1960s. It has now grown into a thriving community celebrating its 50th anniversary, showing no signs of slowing down as it sets a precedent for the next generation thanks to its strong economy and vibrant culture. 

 

When Mitchell opened The Woodlands in 1974, he envisioned an all-encompassing, integrated community where residents could live, work, play, learn, heal and pray in a natural forested and preserved environment, said Jim Carman, president of the Houston region of Howard Hughes. 

 

“With many businesses moving out of central business districts, The Woodlands is flourishing because it provides a business-friendly environment and a high quality of life where companies are looking to relocate,” he said.