Houston Master PlannedCommunity Discovery
2026 MUD Rates Audited
♡Head-to-Head Comparison · Houston Master-Planned Communities
Lago Mar vs Valley Ranch
Independent side-by-side comparison: schools, tax rates, true monthly costs, amenities, builders, and water quality.
Lago 2—3 Valley
🏆
Valley Ranch wins on 3 of 5 metrics
Based on tax rate, starting price, school rating, HOA, and water quality. Individual priorities vary — use the calculator to run your specific numbers.
💰 Financial Comparison
3.26%
Total Tax Rate
2.79%✓ Lower
$260,000
Starting Price
$180,000✓ Lower
$2,400/mo
True Monthly Cost
$1,617/mo
$913/yr
Annual HOA
$800/yr✓ Lower
🎓 Schools
7/10✓ Higher
School Rating
6/10
Dickinson ISD
School District
New Caney ISD
Dickinson High School
High School
West Fork High School
🏊 Amenities
✓ LagoLagoonValley ✗
✓ LagoLakeValley ✓
✓ LagoTrailsValley ✓
✓ LagoFitnessValley ✓
💧 MUD Water Quality
12 GPG✓ Softer
Hardness
14 GPG
Galveston County MUD 56
MUD District
Valley Ranch MUD 1
🏗 Active Builders
Lago Mar
CastleRock CommunitiesPulte HomesD.R. HortonLennarDavid Weekley Homes
Valley Ranch
Signorelli HomesLegend HomesFirst America Homes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Lago Mar vs. Valley Ranch
Which has a lower property tax rate, Lago Mar or Valley Ranch?
Valley Ranch offers a lower total property tax rate (2.79%) than Lago Mar (3.26%), saving approximately 0.47% in property taxes annually.
How do school ratings compare between Lago Mar and Valley Ranch?
Lago Mar is zoned to Dickinson ISD (GreatSchools rating: 7/10), while Valley Ranch is zoned to New Caney ISD (GreatSchools rating: 6/10).
How do starting home prices compare between Lago Mar and Valley Ranch?
Homes in Lago Mar start from approximately $260K, while homes in Valley Ranch start from approximately $180K. Actual monthly costs also depend on MUD taxes and annual HOA dues.
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