Villas at Rowe
Empire's three-bedroom townhomes from the low $280s, the cheapest new construction in Pflugerville proper, with a $270 HOA that you need to price in.
Villas at Rowe is a small Empire Homes community of two-story, three-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhomes (about 1,517–1,606 sq ft) near Rowe Lane on Pflugerville's east side. Prices start under $285,000, the tax rate is about 2.13% (no MUD), and Empire has been running a 4.99% rate program plus closing-cost help. The catch is the HOA.
Pflugerville, Texas 78660, Travis County. Updated 2026-10-22 from builder inventory on that date; everything here changes weekly.
The tax bill at Villas at Rowe
No MUD and no PID here: the all-in rate is about 2.13%, which is the base rate for Pflugerville.
Your monthly tax bill here
Everyone in Pflugerville pays
2.13% of value a year, before any homestead exemption.
The line the flyer leaves out
No MUD or PID here. Villas at Rowe is taxed at the base rate.
$6,390 a year on a $300,000 home in Villas at Rowe. Estimated from builder and appraisal-district figures on the community page; confirm the exact lot on the county tax estimator before you sign.
Builders
Counts and prices are from the builders' own inventory feeds on 2026-10-22. Any quoted rate needs the builder's lender and credit approval; ask for the APR. The homes themselves, with today's prices, are on my New Home Buddy page.
Lots, fees, schools and drives
Lots and fees
Schools, Pflugerville ISD
Zoning moves as new schools open; confirm the exact lot on the district's attendance map.
Drives, off-peak
Amenities
Playground. Exterior maintenance included in HOA.
Incentives as of 2026-10-20
Empire 'Smart Move': 4.99% rate through Alta Home Lending, builder-paid closing costs and owner's title policy, prepaid HOA, and appliance/blind package on contracts 1 Oct–31 Dec 2026 that close by 31 Dec. Several units cut $20K–$27K in early October.
Any rate shown needs the builder's lender, select homes and credit approval. Ask for the APR and the close-by date. This month's full list
My honest take
Villas at Rowe is the cheapest new-construction address in Pflugerville, and in October 2026 Empire was paying closing costs, the title policy, a year of HOA and a 4.99% rate on top. That is a genuinely good package for a first-time buyer with a thin down payment.
What I like. No MUD (about 2.13% all-in, the lowest here), a move-in-ready unit under $285K, and a builder incentive with real dates and real money. Empire also pays buyer's agents well, which tells you they want agent-represented buyers rather than walk-ins.
What to watch. The HOA: $270 a month. That single line turns a $283K townhome into the monthly equivalent of a $320K house. If it covers roof, exterior and structure insurance it is fair for what it is, but you must put it in the comparison. One-car garages and attached walls are the other trade-offs. And confirm the APR on the 4.99%: a rate that low in a 7.4% market is being paid for somewhere, usually in points the builder funds, which is fine, but you want to see it.
Who this is for. Sub-$320K buyers who want new, want the lowest tax rate, and are fine with townhome living. A strong alternative to older resale condos in Round Rock at the same price.
My tour routine here. Model unit, then the specific cut units (Cornfield Dr in October). Ask for the HOA budget and reserve study, the Smart Move terms sheet with the APR, and whether the unit is fee-simple.
Questions about Villas at Rowe
Why is the HOA so high?
It is a townhome HOA: exterior maintenance, roof, grounds and insurance on the structure are typically included. $270 a month is real money; on a $285,000 purchase it is the payment equivalent of roughly $40,000 more in price. Compare total monthly cost, not sticker.
Is Villas at Rowe in a MUD?
No. Builder data shows no special district and a combined rate of about 2.13%, which is the lowest on this site.
What is a 'Smart Move' program?
Empire's fall 2026 package: a below-market rate through their lender, builder-paid closing costs and owner's title, the first year of HOA prepaid, and a fridge, washer, dryer and blinds. It requires contracting and closing inside their window (1 Oct–31 Dec 2026 at the time of writing) and using Alta Home Lending. Ask for the APR.
Are these condos or townhomes?
Fee-simple townhomes: you own the lot under the unit. That matters for financing (conventional and FHA both work without condo approval) and for resale.
Who buys here?
First-time buyers who want new and want Pflugerville but are priced out of single-family, and people who do not want yard work. It is not a good fit if you need a two-car garage or a yard for a dog.
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