Wild Horse Ranch: Austin City Limits, Manor ISD and a Hilltop Pool

At a glance

Location

SH-130 and US-290, about 16 miles northeast of downtown Austin; inside Austin city limits

Price range

Mostly the $400s, some in the high $300s (as of Sept 2026)

Builders

Milestone Community Builders now; earlier phases by Pulte (sold out), Brohn and Highland Homes

Schools

Manor ISD: Lagos Elementary, Manor Middle, Manor High School

HOA

About $199 per quarter (as of Sept 2026)

Established

2017, roughly 1,500 acres

Where Wild Horse Ranch actually is

Wild Horse Ranch sits at the intersection of SH-130 and US-290 in Northeast Austin. It's within Austin city limits, right on the edge, and it's about 16 miles from downtown.

It's far enough toward Austin that you skip most of the Manor traffic on 290. It's also far enough out that you're not next to one of the area's largest landfills. Several neighborhoods in this same price range are, and that's something a builder won't advertise. It matters for resale and for how it feels to live there.

The land itself is different too. There's about one hill in the entire Manor area, and it's here. The rolling topography gives you greenbelt lots, lots backing to ponds and real views.

Commute and everyday errands

Both SH-130 and US-290 are toll roads, so expect to use tolls for most commutes. In exchange, a lot of places are easy:

• The airport is an easy drive.
• Samsung is up the road.
• Tesla Giga Texas is down the road, about 15 to 20 minutes via SH-130 and US-290.
• Downtown is close enough that you can see the skyline from the amenity center.
• The Domain is mostly against traffic.

For errands, the new development in Manor has H-E-B, Home Depot, restaurants and gyms.

Amenities

The amenities are fantastic. To be honest, very little in this area competes. Included in the HOA:

• An enormous resort-style pool with a large lounger area
• A fitness center
• A business center
• A clubhouse and party space
• Hike and bike trails

The amenity center sits on top of the hill and looks out at the downtown skyline.

There's also a perk I don't think enough people talk about. A regional cycling and running route runs along Palmer right at the neighborhood entrance. If you ride or run, that's a huge deal.

Homes, builders and pricing

Earlier phases were built by Pulte Homes (sold out), Brohn Homes and Highland Homes.

The current section is Milestone Community Builders, marketed as Saddle Ridge at Wild Horse Ranch. As of my September 2026 tour:

• Homes run from about 1,700 sq ft to more than 2,600 sq ft.
• Most land in the $400s, with some dipping into the high $300s.
• There are greenbelt lots and lots backing to ponds.

Milestone really built an exceptional product here. They're not doing the thinnest granite they can get away with. For this price range, the finish level is a step up.

Schools: Manor ISD, not Austin ISD

Even though Wild Horse Ranch is inside the city of Austin, it's zoned to Manor ISD, not Austin ISD. Make sure you realize that before you buy. As of September 2026 the zoned schools were:

• Lagos Elementary
• Manor Middle School
• Manor High School

There's also Wild Horse Elementary, which sits inside the neighborhood. It isn't open as a school yet. Its opening was delayed, and Manor ISD is using the facility in the meantime. It's expected to open eventually, but I wouldn't buy here counting on it. Confirm zoning for the specific address.

Property taxes and HOA dues

Being inside Austin city limits works in your favor on taxes here. Go just over the hill into Manor proper and rates run about 2.6% to 2.8% (as of September 2026). On a home around $450,000, that difference is a couple hundred dollars a month.

The HOA was about $199 per quarter when I filmed. Given the pool, gym and the rest of the amenity center, that's really low.

Tax rates change every year, so ask me for the current rate on any home you're looking at.

Who Wild Horse Ranch fits

Pros:

• Amenities very little nearby can match, for a low HOA
• Easy access to the airport, Samsung, Tesla and downtown
• Rolling land, greenbelt and pond lots, skyline views
• Not next to the landfill
• A tax advantage over Manor proper

Cons:

• You'll pay tolls to commute
• The in-neighborhood elementary isn't open yet
• It's Manor ISD, which surprises people who see the Austin address

It fits buyers who want a newer home in the $400s with real amenities and a manageable east-side commute. When I work for you, you get me. I show the homes, I negotiate and I'm the one who answers your call. You're never handed off to a teammate you didn't choose.

Call or text me at (512) 983-7331, or email mason@masonsellsaustin.com.

What's in the video

• 0:00Why Wild Horse Ranch Stands Out
• 1:00Where This Neighborhood Actually Is
• 1:47The Landfill Problem Competing Neighborhoods Have
• 2:10Commutes: Tesla, Samsung, Airport & Downtown
• 2:34Shopping, HEB & Everyday Errands
• 2:50Amenities: Pool, Gym & Business Center
• 3:34The Hidden Amenity Nobody Talks About
• 4:18New Milestone Section, Greenbelt & Pond Lots
• 4:59The Homes: Sizes, Pricing & Build Quality
• 6:00Schools: It's Manor ISD, Not Austin ISD
• 6:36Property Tax Rate Advantage
• 7:17HOA Dues
• 7:32The Wild Horse Elementary Situation
• 8:11Final Thoughts

Common questions