Trying to choose between Pebble Creek and Castlegate for your next move in College Station? You are not alone. Many move-up buyers compare these two master-planned neighborhoods for space, amenities, and day-to-day convenience. In this guide, you will see how each area stacks up on lifestyle, HOA structure, home styles, pricing approach, and commute so you can feel confident about your short list. Let’s dive in.
Quick neighborhood snapshot
- Pebble Creek: Established master-planned neighborhood in south College Station with a long-standing golf identity and a mix of trails and parks. Built over multiple phases with a range of lot sizes and home ages.
- Castlegate: Master-planned community recognized for family-friendly parks, walking paths, and community pool amenities. Also built in phases, with sections that offer different lot sizes and home features.
Note: Both neighborhoods are a short drive to Texas A&M and key retail and dining areas in College Station. Drive times can stretch during university peak hours and game days.
Amenities and lifestyle
Pebble Creek highlights
- Golf lifestyle focus with an on-site club historically marketed for golf amenities. Membership is typically separate from HOA dues, so confirm current options and costs directly with the club.
- Neighborhood parks, sidewalks, and trail connections that support daily walks, jogs, and strollers.
- Convenient access to College Station retail, services, and dining within a short drive.
Castlegate highlights
- Community feel with parks, pocket parks, walking trails, and community pool facilities in several phases. Exact amenities vary by section, so verify the map for the phase you are considering.
- Sidewalk connectivity that makes it easy to get outside for short walks and bike rides.
- Quick access to shopping, dining, and essential services nearby.
Tip: Amenities can differ by phase in both neighborhoods. Ask for the most recent amenity map and policies for the specific section you are touring.
HOA and governance essentials
- Structure and dues: Both neighborhoods operate with HOA governance across multiple phases. Dues and what they cover can vary by section. Confirm the current annual fee, what is included, and whether there have been special assessments in the last few years.
- Golf membership: If you are eyeing Pebble Creek for golf, keep in mind the club is operated separately from the HOA. Membership fees and privileges are not the same as HOA dues.
- Architectural review: Expect design guidelines and an architectural review process for exterior changes. Ask for the application steps and typical timelines.
- Rental and use rules: Many master-planned communities set minimum lease terms or other rental policies. Review CC&Rs for the exact language if you plan to rent in the future.
Pro move: Request the HOA CC&Rs, rules, current budget, and any reserve study before you make an offer, and review transfer or resale certificate fees so you can budget accurately.
Pricing and comps: how to compare with confidence
Move-up buyers often shop homes with 3 to 5 bedrooms and roughly 2,000 to 3,500 or more square feet. The best way to compare Pebble Creek and Castlegate is to look at recent closed sales for that size range in each neighborhood and match for build year, condition, and lot size.
How we establish a fair price band for you:
- Pull 6 to 12 months of closed sales in each neighborhood that match your ideal size and features.
- Calculate the median price and price per square foot, then review an interquartile range to understand the typical spread.
- Adjust for condition and updates, outdoor improvements, and lot differences.
- Check days on market to gauge pace and potential negotiation room.
Because these communities have multiple phases and low monthly turnover, sample sizes can be small. That is why a tailored comp set matters more than a generic online estimate.
Architecture and lot types
Pebble Creek character
- Styles: Brick traditional and ranch are common, with variations that include Craftsman and Mediterranean influences in some sections.
- Layouts: Single-story and two-story homes, often with open living areas suitable for entertaining.
- Lots: A range of lot sizes across phases, with some larger parcels available in select sections.
Castlegate character
- Styles: Similar diversity across brick traditional, ranch, and Craftsman elements, depending on builder and phase.
- Layouts: Mix of single- and two-story homes that balance living space and bedroom count for growing households.
- Lots: Standard suburban lots in many sections, with some phases emphasizing room to play and easy yard care.
In both neighborhoods, you will see differences by phase and builder. Focus on the floor plan, yard usability, storage, and recent energy or systems upgrades that impact daily comfort and long-term costs.
Commute and access
- Texas A&M and employment: Both neighborhoods offer a straightforward drive to the Texas A&M area and major employment centers. Expect longer travel times during class changes and on football weekends.
- Retail and dining: Everyday services are a short drive in either direction, with grocery, dining, and medical options convenient to both areas.
- Roads and connectivity: Sidewalks and trail segments support neighborhood movement. Use live mapping to test drive times to your regular destinations at your typical hours.
Local insight: In College Station, traffic ebbs and flows with the university calendar. Build in extra time at the beginning and end of the academic day and on event days.
Which fits your lifestyle?
- Choose Pebble Creek if you want a golf-forward setting, mature neighborhood feel, and a mix of home sizes and lots. You may value the option of a separate club membership and the lifestyle that comes with it.
- Choose Castlegate if you prioritize community pool and park amenities, everyday walkability inside the neighborhood, and a family-friendly atmosphere across multiple phases.
Both can be a strong fit for move-up buyers seeking space to grow, places to gather, and solid resale appeal. The better match comes down to the specific section, your floor plan needs, and the amenities you will use often.
Your on-site tour checklist
Bring this list to compare homes and phases side by side:
- Property basics: address, lot size, year built, builder name if known.
- Interior: bedrooms and baths, total square feet, age of HVAC and water heater, recent upgrades to kitchen, roof, or windows.
- Exterior and yard: backyard orientation, fence condition, drainage, irrigation, and any pool or outdoor kitchen.
- HOA details: current dues, what they cover, any special assessments in the last 5 years, rules that matter to you.
- Utilities: typical electric and gas bills if available, and internet options.
- Commute: real-time drive to your work or campus at your usual hours, plus a check on event days.
- Schools: current College Station ISD boundary confirmation for the property you are considering.
- Recent comps: three to five sold homes nearby with similar size and age; note price per square foot and days on market.
- Disclosures: foundation, termite, easements, and floodplain status.
What we will provide for you
When you request a custom side-by-side tour, we will prepare:
- A 6 to 12 month comp set for both neighborhoods tailored to your target size and features.
- HOA documents summary for the sections you are considering, including dues and key rules.
- An amenity map with notes on access, hours, and any separate memberships.
- A tour route that compares like-for-like homes so you can make a clear decision.
- Live commute time checks for your peak travel windows.
Ready to compare Pebble Creek and Castlegate on your terms? Reach out to schedule a private tour and a data-backed comp review with Laura Lea Smith.
FAQs
Is the golf club included with Pebble Creek HOA dues?
- In many master-planned areas, golf clubs operate separately from the HOA. Confirm current membership options, costs, and what is included before you buy.
How do HOA fees compare between Pebble Creek and Castlegate?
- Dues vary by phase and what amenities they cover. Ask for the current fee schedule, last special assessment, and any planned capital projects in each section you are considering.
Which neighborhood holds value better over time?
- It depends on recent closed sales and inventory patterns. Reviewing 3 to 5 years of price per square foot and days on market in your target size range will give the clearest answer.
What are typical commute times to Texas A&M?
- Drive times change with the time of day and university events. Run live mapping during your usual travel windows and plan for extra time during the academic rush and game days.
Are there rental restrictions in these neighborhoods?
- Many HOAs set minimum lease terms or other rental policies. Review the CC&Rs and rules for the specific phase to understand any limits before moving forward.
Which schools serve Pebble Creek and Castlegate?
- School assignments are set by College Station ISD and can change. Confirm the current boundary map for the specific property you are considering before you make an offer.
