Marshall Oaks vs Cross Creek Ranch (Katy: HOA, homes, elementary school)

[Shannon_c]

Hi,
Me and my husband are looking for a home in Katy area. We have a 3 year old. We recently liked two homes. One is an inventory home by Emerald homes located in Marshall oaks community. The other one is a Newmark homes floor plan that we liked in Cross Creek Ranch which we have to build. We like both floor plans almost equally. They will be almost around the same price. We really like Cross Creek Ranch, its a beautiful community with lots of amenities. But we have no idea about Marshall oaks. Does someone know anything about this community or Builder?
*Tax rate is 3.6 in Cross creek and 3.1 in Marshall oaks.
*Marshall oaks is a gated community.
*HOA is $1250 in Cross Creek (which is justified looking at the amenities they provide), and HOA for Marshall oaks is $1100(they don't have much amenities, its a small community so it just have a pool and a park, HOA shouldn't be this much for these few amenities)
*The home in Marshall oaks has a big backyard and a front yard, the Cross creek one will have a smaller backyard and front yard.
These were some points of comparison. We are very confused at this point cuz we don't know much about Marshall Oaks. If someone can provide us with more info about Marshall oaks that will be a great help. The home in Marshall oaks is an inventory home so we have to act fast, they sell fast.
Thanks in advance.

[jtothemak]

The smaller the community the higher the HOA even though less amenities. Those amenities cost a lot of money and when you spread it over more people it costs less.

[Shannon_c]

Thanks for the reply. Do you have any idea about the Marshall oaks community.

[96tahoe]

Cross creek you will get more for your money. Since you have a young kid it is also of value they have an elementary school in the community as well as a future High School.

Emerald Homes is like the Lexus of toyota for DR horton. Quality builder. Newmark is no joke either, good builder. Curious if it flooded at Marshall Oaks as parts of Katy Creek Ranch flooded both close to the Bayou.

[Shannon_c]

Thank you 96tahoe for your reply. No the community did not flood during harvey. Its built little elevated. Any info you have about this particular community?