Property Taxes in The Woodlands
The total tax bills are the sum of several taxing districts, including the county/city proper, school district, hospital district, and utility districts (Municipal, Road, etc). You need to look more carefully at each neighborhood.
Tax and insurance rates in Montgomery County are generally less than Harris County (Houston).
Here's a link to property taxes....
2014 Property Tax Rates The Woodlands, TX
Not all areas in The Woodlands have a required homeowners association fees. Again, it's neighborhood specific.
Traffic can problematic for commuters who need to travel one of the main arteries, such as I-45. At worst, it can take 30-40 minutes to get fully across the Woodlands (extreme case). As a retiree, I avoid these times. We also chose to pay more to live "up-front", nearer I-45.
The Woodlands is comprised of several "Villages", each with some shopping area. Generally this is a grocery store, drug store, basic restaurant, and a few small stores. So if you are just running a quick errand, than travel times/distances are less.
Our State Farm property insurance is less than 0.5% of value (purchase price in 2013). Of course insurance costs are very dependent on the amount of deductible chosen and any high-value riders (jewelry, guns, etc.).
There are many websites that detail more about "The Woodlands" and debate the growing "urbanization".
Coming from Houston at DW's insistence, I complained about everything being hidden in the trees. After 2 years, I love this aspect. I would not want to go back.