Valley Ranch

The Valley Ranch neighborhood in New Caney, Texas, is one of the last vestiges of truly rural living that you’re likely to find within an hour’s drive of downtown Houston. For those who thrive on big-city living, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But for those who find happiness in the peaceful seclusion that comes with life in the country, Valley Ranch just might be for you. You won’t find a Walmart down the street, nor transit stops in the neighborhood. There aren’t sidewalks or streetlights, so you’ll need a car to get around. So what’s the draw? According to Montgomery County native Elizabeth Harrell, a broker with Rhoden Real Estate for nearly a decade, it’s the rural nature. “Up until about 5 years ago, most people had never heard of this area,” says Harrell. “But Houston is growing so fast and people have been moving north recently to get away from the city. They’re looking for a place to raise their families in a safe, quiet area. So they’re coming here.” The local crime statistics support that idea, as Valley Ranch’s crime scores are lower than the national average for all areas.

The median price of real estate in Valley Ranch hovers around $260,000, and buyers will pay an average of $160 per square foot. While the average home in the neighborhood is around 1640 square feet (smaller than the national average), the average lot size is over 18,700 square feet (significantly larger than the national average). Additionally, it’s not uncommon for a home in Valley Ranch to border undeveloped land. A typical three-bedroom/one-bathroom ranch-style home can list for around $138,000, and a spacious five-bedroom/four-bathroom farmhouse-style can sell for over $560,000.

Students in Valley Ranch can attend Copeland Elementary, Keefer Crossing Middle and New Caney High School. Copeland earns an A rating on Niche, Keefer Crossing earns a B-minus and New Caney High earns a B. Students at New Caney High can participate in over 30 school-sponsored clubs, including the Fishing Club, the Bluebonnets Dance Team and the Texas Association of Future Educators. The school also fields 18 varsity-level sports teams. Alternatively, parents can elect to avail themselves of Houston-area private schools, including The Kinkaid School, which is rated as the best private school in the state by Niche.

Ironically, despite its rural setting, Valley Ranch does not have any neighborhood parks within its boundaries. However, across Grand Parkway on the neighborhood’s southern border is Lake Houston Wilderness Park, a 5,000-acre forested area that offers visitors 20 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of equestrian trails, an archery range, a nature center and much more. But if you still feel the need for a big-city fix, Houston is a 30-minute drive down I-69, which hugs the neighborhood’s western border. “The location is fantastic,” says Harrell. “You’re close to 69, you’re close to the medical center in Houston, you can get to the airport easily.”

Even though Valley Ranch is true country living, the neighborhood is not without nearby amenities. In fact, Harrell says, “I like to describe it as a rural area with a lot of conveniences.” Many of those conveniences are located in Valley Ranch Town Center, a concentration of shops, restaurants and entertainment, located approximately 7 miles east on Highway 99. There you’ll find Kroger Marketplace for groceries and stores including Home Goods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Hobby Lobby and other retail establishments. When hunger strikes, Valley Ranch Town Center is home to restaurants ranging from Gringo’s Mexican Cantina to Dave’s Hot Chicken. You can also catch a movie at Cinemark Valley Ranch or read a good book or two at the nearby RB Tullis Branch Library.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Ashley Boyles

Video By

Melinda Anselmo