Parkside at mayfield ranch - MUD? (Austin, Round Rock: new home, neighborhoods, buying)

[sharp971]

Hi:

We are thinking about buying a new home in "Parkside at Mayfield Ranch" on Sam Bass Road and FM1431, next to the williamson county regional park.
3005 CR-175, Georgetown, TX 78628 - Google Maps

The area is pretty interesting in terms of location. It is right in the middle of round rock, georgetown and cederpark.

It has:
Leander ISD schools -
Round Rock ETJ & - Building Code and possible merger with RR in future.
George Town address. - Means serviced by that postoffice.

It is going to be a MUD - Municipal Utility district and total tax rate of around 2.93%.

What I read on these forums is to avoid MUD's because you will likely see higher utility bills etc. What I am being told by the Builders is that MUD only provides the infrastructure for water and sewerage and they charge for that through a tax. So there is no real disadvantage for this being MUD.

- You pay taxes for MUD but not much higher than what you pay the city.
- Utilities are still provided by same companies(water/electricity) so that cost does not rise being in a MUD.

I am thinking that a little higher tax rate might get offset by better appreciation in this community as they are starting out.

Does anybody have a different view on this or there is still some catch here?

[jenkirk]

We had a MUD at our old home, and the water, sewage and trash were higher than some of the surrounding neighborhoods. There are extra taxes, but those go down as the debt gets paid off and more people share in the burden. Also sometimes the MUD gets adopted by the city.

You should ask your realtor to get some rate comparisons from the surrounding neighborhoods. If there is a large difference this can affect your resale value down the road. Just remember the builders representatives will tell you whatever sells houses.

That being said, I do think that most new subdivisions outside of city limits start off with a MUD district. You just need to make sure the rates are in line with the area. You do not want a $300 water bill.

[HappyTexan]

I agree with Jenkirk. If the debts are too high the city may not want to annex you.

[1housemouse]

I think most of the communities in that area off of 1431 are in a MUD though, so that community may be average for the area. Thats just one of the prices you pay not to be crammed into the city. I live in a mud in that area myself and noticed the variation in sourounding areas is not usually greater than 500 a year or so between all the areas. Brushy creek is still a MUD and that place has been there forever, they paid a fraction of the price they are worth now though, (if they bought early) so I guess they arent complaining.

[jobert]

how many hours up I-35 is that?

[HappyTexan]

Brushy Creek subdivision is off the exit for 620 and then you go west. If you're travelling to/from downtown Austin then it's less than 1 hour and not hours and then it depends on when you are travelling.