Veranda Richmond TX: New Homes, Schools & Full Master-Planned Community Guide

By Taco Street Houston

Veranda in Richmond, TX, is a 700-acre master-planned community offering over 1,800 new homes. Located near Sugar Land and Houston, it combines modern housing with community-focused amenities like parks, trails, and a resort-style recreation center. Homes range from $475,000 to $780,000, with designs by top builders like Perry Homes and David Weekley Homes. Families benefit from access to highly-rated Lamar CISD schools, while residents enjoy year-round events and convenient shopping nearby. Though property taxes are higher due to MUD fees, Veranda balances affordability with quality amenities and a prime location.

Location and Commute

Where Veranda Is Located

Veranda is a thoughtfully designed master-planned community located in northwest Fort Bend County, right at the intersection of Richmond Parkway (Williams Way Blvd) and U.S. 59/I-69. The community’s main address is 23002 Henderson Row Drive, Richmond, TX 77469. This location puts residents just 29 miles southwest of Downtown Houston. With direct highway access, commuting to Sugar Land, Houston, Katy, or Rosenberg is straightforward. Major routes like Williams Way Blvd, Interstate 10, and Route 90 Alternate also provide additional travel options. Veranda’s location makes it convenient for daily commutes while keeping essential amenities close by.

"My wife and I chose Veranda because of the community’s many lifestyle amenities for our growing family, location, and excellent access to I-59/69." – Bill Tran, Resident

Drive Times to Work and Shopping

For those commuting, Veranda offers reasonable drive times to key destinations. Sugar Land Town Square is just 10–15 minutes away, while the Galleria area takes about 30–45 minutes. Trips to the Texas Medical Center and Downtown Houston range from 40–60 minutes. The Energy Corridor is accessible in about 25–35 minutes via Grand Parkway. Even with occasional traffic on U.S. 59, the perks of living in a spacious, newly built home often outweigh the minor delays. Plus, day-to-day shopping and dining options are just a short drive away, making errands quick and easy.

Nearby Stores and Restaurants

For shopping and dining, Brazos Town Center is just minutes from Veranda and offers a variety of retail and restaurant options. Grocery shopping is convenient, with H-E-B, Kroger, and Walmart all close by. Residents also have access to larger shopping destinations like First Colony Mall, Katy Mills Mall, West Oaks Mall, and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, all within a short drive. The area is also packed with local restaurants, cafés, gyms, and essential services, ensuring everything you need is always within reach.

Builders and Home Styles

Which Builders Are in Veranda

Veranda showcases a strong roster of new construction builders, including Perry Homes, Highland Homes, David Weekley Homes, Newmark Homes, Chesmar Homes, Lennar Homes, Westin Homes, and Tri Pointe Homes. These builders are known for delivering a wide range of home designs that cater to the needs of different families.

Home Sizes and Features

The homes in Veranda are thoughtfully designed to suit modern living. Most properties range from 2,000 to 4,200 square feet and typically include 3 to 5 bedrooms along with 3 to 4 bathrooms. Features like open floor plans, high ceilings, and covered patios create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The architectural styles are a mix of contemporary/modern and traditional designs, with most homes offering 2 to 3-car garages. For those looking for something extra, certain sections provide lakefront or greenbelt lots, offering scenic views and added privacy.

What Homes Cost in Veranda

The quality and craftsmanship of these homes are reflected in their pricing. Current home prices in Veranda range from $475,000 to $780,000. Premium-priced options include lakefront or larger lots, while interior lots present a more budget-friendly choice. Compared to nearby neighborhoods, Veranda offers a more affordable option than Aliana and Harvest Green, while maintaining similar pricing to Long Meadow Farms.

Amenities and Things to Do

Veranda blends its modern homes and prime location with a variety of amenities and nearby attractions that add vibrancy to everyday life.

Community Amenities

At the heart of Veranda lies The Cottage House, the community’s go-to spot for recreation and socializing. This hub features a resort-style pool designed with families in mind – offering easy-entry areas, water slides, and a splash pad. For younger kids, there’s a dedicated splash zone with gentle bubblers, a play structure, and shallow water slides. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can enjoy a twisting tunnel slide and a winding open-air slide for more adventurous swimming fun.

"Veranda’s recreation center, The Cottage House, is the place to make friends, work out or take classes. Residents can also join clubs, and enjoy wine tastings and special events coordinated by our full-time Director of Fun."

Veranda in Richmond, TX

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the fully equipped gym with cardio and weight machines, as well as an on-site massage suite available by appointment. Beyond the clubhouse, the neighborhood is dotted with walking and biking trails, parks, and playgrounds, creating a perfect environment for outdoor activities and family time.

These thoughtfully designed amenities encourage an active, social lifestyle that seamlessly connects to Veranda’s vibrant community events and nearby attractions.

Events and Activities

Veranda’s Director of Fun ensures there’s always something happening. From classes and clubs to wine tastings and seasonal events, the community calendar is packed with opportunities for residents to connect and build lasting friendships.

What’s Nearby

Living in Veranda means more than just enjoying the neighborhood – it’s about having access to great local destinations. Brazos Town Center offers a variety of shopping and dining options close to home. Just a short drive away, Sugar Land Town Square boasts high-end shopping, diverse restaurants, and live entertainment at the Smart Financial Centre.

For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby parks like Brazos Bend State Park and Seabourne Creek Nature Park provide trails for hiking and bird-watching. Families can cool off at Typhoon Texas Waterpark, while history buffs can explore Historic Downtown Richmond or visit landmarks like George Ranch Historical Park and the Fort Bend Museum. Golfers will also find top-tier courses at Black Hawk Country Club and Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club.

With so much to do both within and around the community, Veranda offers a lifestyle that’s as dynamic as it is convenient.

Schools, Costs, and Tradeoffs

Schools Serving Veranda

Families living in Veranda are part of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD). Younger students generally attend Maxine Phelan Elementary School, where hands-on projects and community-focused activities create an engaging learning environment. Middle schoolers move on to Wessendorf Middle School, known for its challenging curriculum and small class sizes. High schoolers first attend Lamar Junior High School, celebrated for its achievements in both academics and athletics, before transitioning to Lamar Consolidated High School, which emphasizes "Higher standards, brighter futures" and offers pre-AP and AP courses, along with a standout arts program.

These schools are equipped with modern facilities and staffed by committed educators, ensuring students have the support they need to excel. Beyond academics, living in Veranda means manageable fees and property taxes typical of new master-planned communities.

Property Taxes and HOA Fees

Homeowners in Veranda pay $1,320 annually in HOA fees, which cover the upkeep of shared spaces, amenities, and community events. Property taxes are approximately $2.84 per $100 of appraised value, with some areas taxed at a slightly lower rate of $2.64. For instance, a home valued at $450,000 would result in a yearly property tax bill of around $12,780. While these rates are higher than the averages in Richmond (1.99%) and Fort Bend County (1.64%), they align with what’s typical for newer communities that include MUD and LID charges. These fees help fund essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and drainage systems. Although the costs are higher compared to older neighborhoods, they reflect the modern amenities and infrastructure that define Veranda.

Pros and Cons

Benefits	Tradeoffs
Newly built homes with energy-efficient designs and modern layouts	MUD taxes add to monthly housing expenses compared to older neighborhoods
Access to top-tier Lamar CISD schools with excellent facilities	Ongoing construction in some areas may bring temporary noise and traffic
A full-time lifestyle director coordinating events and activities	Landscaping is less mature, with fewer shade trees than older areas
Resort-style amenities like a pool, fitness center, and trails	Finishes may not match those in higher-end luxury neighborhoods
Easy access to Sugar Land and Houston via Highway 59	Property tax rates are above the Richmond and Fort Bend County averages
Developed by Johnson Development Corp., a trusted builder	Limited resale market due to the community’s newer status

Veranda offers modern homes and a vibrant community atmosphere at prices more accessible than premium neighborhoods like Aliana or Harvest Green. For families seeking quality schools, contemporary designs, and an active lifestyle, it’s a compelling choice. However, higher taxes and the challenges of living in a developing area are factors to consider.

Is Veranda Right for You?

Veranda is a great choice for buyers looking for new construction homes without breaking the bank. With prices ranging from $475,000 to $780,000, these homes offer modern designs, energy-efficient features, and the flexibility to customize finishes – all at a price point that’s more approachable compared to many other options in Fort Bend County.

For families focused on education, Veranda is located in the highly regarded Lamar Consolidated ISD, which has earned an "A" rating for academics, diversity, and college preparation. The community includes an on-site elementary school, along with nearby middle and high schools, making school commutes quick and convenient.

But Veranda offers more than just strong academics. The community thrives on connection, thanks to a full-time Director of Fun who organizes year-round events like food truck nights, fitness classes, and other activities. These gatherings make it easy to meet neighbors and create lasting friendships.

For those relocating or upgrading their homes, Veranda’s location is another plus. With easy highway access, you’re just a short drive from both Sugar Land and Houston.

That said, there are some tradeoffs. As a newer community, Veranda is still developing, which means ongoing construction, higher MUD taxes, and younger landscaping. However, for buyers seeking modern homes, excellent schools, and resort-style amenities at a competitive price, Veranda is a strong contender. Developed by Johnson Development Corp. – a company known for creating some of the country’s most popular master-planned communities – Veranda is designed to maintain property values and long-term appeal.

FAQs

What makes living in the Veranda community unique and appealing?

Veranda is a lively, master-planned community known for its modern homes crafted by a trusted group of builders. Conveniently located near Highway 59 and Grand Parkway (99), it offers smooth access to Sugar Land, the Galleria, and other popular destinations, making daily commutes a breeze.

The neighborhood is part of the highly regarded Lamar CISD, providing access to top-tier schools. Residents can also take advantage of a variety of amenities, including walking trails, parks, and a resort-style pool. A packed calendar of community events adds to the welcoming and connected atmosphere. Plus, Veranda stands out for its budget-friendly pricing, especially when compared to nearby communities like Aliana and Harvest Green, making it an appealing option for families, first-time buyers, and anyone looking to move into a newer home.

How do property taxes and HOA fees in Veranda compare to other communities?

Veranda’s homeowners association (HOA) fees come in at around $1,320 annually, which is relatively reasonable for a newer master-planned community. For 2023, property tax rates fall between $2.6381 and $2.8381 per $100 valuation, depending on the section of the neighborhood. These figures align with what you’d expect for new construction communities in the Richmond area, striking a balance between cost and the amenities provided compared to other nearby developments.

What schools serve families living in Veranda?

Families living in Veranda are part of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD), which is recognized for its excellent academics and state-of-the-art facilities. The schools serving the area include Bentley Elementary School, Wertheimer Middle School, Briscoe Junior High School, and Foster High School – all of which are highly regarded by parents in the community.

With modern campuses and a nurturing atmosphere, these schools provide an ideal setting for families who value top-notch education within easy reach.