Grand Prairie in Hockley, TX is Transforming 1,700 Acres into a Thriving Community

Located in Hockley, about 35 miles northwest of downtown Houston, The Grand Prairie is a 1,700-acre master-planned community set to deliver approximately 6,000 homes once fully built. Developed by EMBER Real Estate & Development, this visionary project is turning prairie land into a nature-inspired neighborhood with thoughtful design and smart infrastructure.

Sales Progress & Expansion Plans

• Phase 1 launched with the first 400 homes, of which 300 were sold by December 2024—a strong early showing.

• Phase 2 is slated to begin soon, adding 435 more homes to the development lineup.

• Over time, the community will grow to include around 6,000 single-family residences.

Nature-First Design & Amenities

This community is deeply rooted in natural elements, combining flood control with recreational design:

• A 70-acre man‑made lake (Lake Ember) — part of a Harris County Flood Control pilot project — is open to both residents and the public, creating public waterfront access.

• The spectacular Sundancer amenity complex, under construction as of March 2025, spans 6.3 acres and includes a 6,700 sq. ft. open‑air pavilion, resort-style pools, a zipline, splash park, event lawn, playground, and lake views.

Coming Soon:

• The Overlook, a 40-foot hill with a spiraling trail offering panoramic views above Lake Ember, officially opened in July 2025. 

• A future 3.6-acre Starlight amenity complex, featuring a splash pad, pickleball courts, resort pool lanes, open-air pavilion, and playground, is on the horizon.

Residents and visitors can also explore over 20 miles of trails, 450+ acres of parks and green space, playgrounds, and kayaking, fishing, or bird watching at multiple lakes including Jackrabbit, Antler, and Mockingbird Lakes.

Lifestyle, Housing & Schools

• Homes in Grand Prairie range from mid $200,000s to over $600,000, built by premium Houston-area builders including Perry Homes, David Weekley, Sitterle Homes, Westin Homes, and Lennar. Flexible floor plans accommodate families of all sizes with options for 3–5 bedrooms, energy-efficient designs, smart technology, and covered patios.

• Many lots are 50-foot or 60-foot wide, allowing for outdoor living and customization. Prices currently range from the mid‑$200 Ks to $600 Ks.

• Grand Prairie falls within Waller Independent School District, with plans underway for an on-site elementary school to serve future residents 

Why This Development Matters

Flood Resilience: Grand Prairie serves as a pilot partnership with Harris County Flood Control to manage Cypress Creek watershed overflow — helping reduce flood risk downstream in West Houston and Buffalo Bayou neighborhoods.

Community Integration: Unlike typical gated developments, Grand Prairie offers amenities like lakes, trails, and open spaces accessible to both residents and the public — fostering broader social integration and access to nature.

Balanced Growth: Positioned as a nature-forward alternative to nearby rapid-growth areas like Cypress, this Hockley community provides large green buffers, scenic vistas, and a quieter suburban atmosphere while still being within Houston’s reach.

At a Glance: Key Stats

Thoughts for Houston Home Buyers

This project exemplifies a new breed of suburban living — spacious, green, nature-integrated, and socially inclusive. With proven early sales momentum and groundbreaking amenity construction underway, Grand Prairie is quickly evolving into a standout community in northwest Houston.

What do you think?

• Would you consider Hockley a viable option for new-home purchase or relocation?

• Does access to community features like public lakes and trails influence where you choose to live?

• How important is environmental stewardship and flood mitigation in your neighborhood decisions?

The Grand Prairie is still growing—and with that growth comes opportunity. Let me know if you'd like a version tailored for social media, newsletters, or local community boards!