Houston Master PlannedCommunity Discovery
2026 MUD Rates Audited
♡Head-to-Head Comparison · Houston Master-Planned Communities
The Groves vs Valley Ranch
Independent side-by-side comparison: schools, tax rates, true monthly costs, amenities, builders, and water quality.
The 1—4 Valley
🏆
Valley Ranch wins on 4 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
3.08%
Total Tax Rate
2.79%✓ Lower
$200,000
Starting Price
$180,000✓ Lower
$1,859/mo
True Monthly Cost
$1,617/mo
$1,164/yr
Annual HOA
$800/yr✓ Lower
🎓 Schools
9/10✓ Higher
School Rating
6/10
Humble ISD
School District
New Caney ISD
Summer Creek High School
High School
West Fork High School
🏊 Amenities
✗ TheLagoonValley ✗
✓ TheLakeValley ✓
✓ TheTrailsValley ✓
✓ TheFitnessValley ✓
💧 MUD Water Quality
17 GPG
Hardness
14 GPG✓ Softer
Harris County MUD 504
MUD District
Valley Ranch MUD 1
🏗 Active Builders
The Groves
Perry HomesDavid Weekley HomesShea HomesChesmar HomesBeazer HomesWestin Homes
Valley Ranch
Signorelli HomesLegend HomesFirst America Homes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: The Groves vs. Valley Ranch
Which has a lower property tax rate, The Groves or Valley Ranch?
Valley Ranch offers a lower total property tax rate (2.79%) than The Groves (3.08%), saving approximately 0.29% in property taxes annually.
How do school ratings compare between The Groves and Valley Ranch?
The Groves is zoned to Humble ISD (GreatSchools rating: 9/10), while Valley Ranch is zoned to New Caney ISD (GreatSchools rating: 6/10).
How do starting home prices compare between The Groves and Valley Ranch?
Homes in The Groves start from approximately $200K, 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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