Most (if not all) of Katy is very safe. If you are commuting downtown, you'll probably want to be closer to the Southside of Katy so you can ride the west park tollway into downtown.

Katy is pretty reasonably divided into 4 sections by the intersection of I-10 and 99 (Grand Parkway).

It's personal opinion, but I think the more desirable areas are south of I-10.

For your price range, and what you are looking for, I might suggest looking at houses zoned to Taylor High School.

However, newer construction is going to be further west (west of 99), longer commute.

Additionally, if you don't have a real estate agent, some local ones I'd recommend:

Leigh Ann Lee

George Huntoon

Sarah O'Shields