As oil prices rise and the economy strengthens, master-planned communities in and around The Woodlands are back in demand as confidence in building returns.

Priyanka Johri, a Realtor with Woodlands Eco Realty, said after the real estate market slowed down in The Woodlands in the past couple of years, sales and development have picked up again due to more people moving to the area for job opportunities.

A variety of new developments have been constructed in South Montgomery County that are expected to include hundreds of new homes, including Harmony, Bristol Lakes and Woodlands Reserve.

Gerald Jolly, vice president of sales for Stillwater, a new Gracepoint Homes community on FM 1488, said he believes master-planned communities on the edge of The Woodlands are thriving due to the proximity of amenities.

“If land is available near The Woodlands it’s positive for homebuilders and homebuyers even outside The Woodlands,” Jolly said. “Developments are trying to get as close to The Woodlands as possible.”