New communities with low tax low hoa (westside) (Houston: apartments, rent)

[Bigmarky]

I really can't find many (pretty much open to any area on the west side)
as in west of 290 (not like the fairfield side)
i10 west to katy
westpark area
west of 59 area

i see things like Aliana with their 1k hoa which will go up to 1500easily and ~3.6 tax

dont get me started on cypress lakes or bridgeland

in katy i found a few but not with the new homes im looking for which are
perry westin types in the mid 200's range


im really looking for max 3.2, and hoa's under 800
i dont have kids and i dont care for community centers/splashpads due to their rising cost every year for something i'll never touch

ty

[EasilyAmused]

New communities are always going to have higher taxes, large HOA and splash pads.

You may want to think, older established communities with 2.6 taxes and Civic Association vs. HOA's. The westside of Houston has many great communities that are very nice,seem to cater to those with other needs than just kiddie lifestyle... just the homes are older. Many have been beautifully updated though

[Tasksgirl]

Maybe Copper Lakes? I dont think their HOA and taxes are that high. It's a much smaller subdivision.

[Bigmarky]

the 2 builders on the expansion to copper lakes are
highland/mercedes
i've kept an eye on them - i think tax is like 3.3 or 3.5 and hoa is like 6-800
except they like to build 300k+ inventory homes - unless you want a mini 1 story version

used houses - illl never understand the appeal of old zero efficiency homes
400 dollar a/c bills bad roofs - ppl who wear shoes in the house - leaving tracks along with pet smells

ugh. - prolly just pick out a new home in mission oaks 3.1 tax 827hoa

but ty for the knowledge

[Bigmarky]

i guess illl never understand why new home buyers are forced into buying amenities that are obviously over the top - its an obvious scam - some dude is living in some high rise laughing at all the "apartment tenants" who pay him 1.5k per house for hoa nonsense

just reminds me of apartments with the big clubhouse - why would i buy a house and rent out the clubhouse - makes no sense

[cheryjohns]

No, it's supply and demand. I have a lot of clients that request them. Cypress Creek Lakes is adding more amentites now, due to the fact that Bridgeland is out-selling them because of the amenities there.

[jtothemak]

Westheimer Lakes is at 3.2% and HOA starts at 700 in non gated section. Goes up a little for gated or even guarded section. We are in the same boat about not needing tons of amenities and at least some of the HOA goes to all the community lakes which we have a lake view so it makes writing that check easier.

It is hard to find low tax on new communities but on the positive note as the MUD gets paid for and more people move into the Mud the tax rate goes down over time.

[crone]

Originally Posted by Bigmarky

the 2 builders on the expansion to copper lakes are
highland/mercedes
i've kept an eye on them - i think tax is like 3.3 or 3.5 and hoa is like 6-800
except they like to build 300k+ inventory homes - unless you want a mini 1 story version

used houses - illl never understand the appeal of old zero efficiency homes
400 dollar a/c bills bad roofs - ppl who wear shoes in the house - leaving tracks along with pet smells

ugh. - prolly just pick out a new home in mission oaks 3.1 tax 827hoa

but ty for the knowledge

You may need to expand your horizons. Some big ol barn houses are very energy efficient. My 4684 square foot is. New windows where needed, solar screens where needed, SEER 16 HVAC, added attic insulation, variable speed pool pump, insulated garage door. Shade works wonders on electric bills.

I'll take my 27 yo house in the trees over a new Perry built in a rice paddy any day.

[houstonfan]

^^It's true, alot of old homes are well maintained and updated as needed, plus they often have better structure. Shades by trees do alot in lowering cooling bills.
Also, instead of brand new, homes after 2002 already are quite energy efficient due to changes in building codes, and some of those neighborhoods may have reduced MUD by now.

[EasilyAmused]

Originally Posted by houstonfan

^^It's true, alot of old homes are well maintained and updated as needed, plus they often have better structure. Shades by trees do alot in lowering cooling bills.
Also, instead of brand new, homes after 2002 already are quite energy efficient due to changes in building codes, and some of those neighborhoods may have reduced MUD by now.

I had lower bills during the heat wave in my 1960's 4000sf house than I did in my 2000's "semi-tract custom" rental. Shade, and not being hermatically sealed, has it's advantages