If you're looking for the nation's top master-planned communities, your best bet is Texas, particularly the Houston area.

A new study from Metrostudy indicates nine of the country's 20 best master-planned communities are in the Lone Star State. Seven of those are in the Houston market.

Placing second on the Houston-based firm's list was Cinco Ranch in Fort Bend County, followed by The Woodlands in Montgomery County (third), Alamo Ranch in Bexar County (fourth), Telfair in Fort Bend County (sixth), Bridgeland in Harris County (12th), Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County (14th), Riverstone in Fort Bend County (16th), Westridge in Collin County (17th) and Shadow Creek Ranch in Fort Bend County (19th).

What do these communities have in common? According to Metrostudy, they have healthier job markets and local economies; proximity to employment centers and services; open space; amenities within walking distance; and town centers.

A press release issued by the firm said the results are based solely on a lot-by-lot housing survey, not on a phone survey to individual developers or homebuilders.

Visit Michele Flory at www.MicheleFlory.com for more information on The Woodlands real estate.