North Texas continues its remarkable trajectory as a premier destination for living, working, and recreation. At the heart of this growth, Collin County stands out as a dynamic hub for innovation and community development. The demand for modern, amenity-rich housing solutions is consistently high, driving forward numerous master-planned communities designed to meet diverse lifestyle needs. This article delves into several exciting new developments that are shaping the future landscape of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering everything from affordable family homes to sophisticated mixed-use urban centers.
One such significant undertaking is the Highland Lakes community in northwest McKinney, an ambitious master-planned project poised to offer an exceptional living experience. With homes starting in the low $300,000s, this development presents an attractive opportunity for a wide range of homebuyers seeking quality, comfort, and convenience in a rapidly expanding region.
Highland Lakes: A Premier Master-Planned Community in McKinney
The vision for Highland Lakes is being brought to life through a collaborative effort between two industry-leading homebuilders: Taylor Morrison and Pulte Homes. These reputable builders are meticulously dividing the development work, each responsible for constructing 688 homes within this expansive 1,376-home master-planned community. Spanning an impressive 450 acres, the Highland Lakes development is strategically situated between Bloomdale Road and FM1461, placing residents in an enviable location within McKinney.
The appeal of Highland Lakes extends far beyond its expertly crafted homes. Its prime northern McKinney location is celebrated for its natural beauty and strategic advantages. As Keith Hurand, president of Taylor Morrison’s Dallas Division, highlighted, “It is an ideal location in northern McKinney that has extensive open space, including a beautiful lake and scenic views.” This emphasis on open spaces and picturesque landscapes ensures that residents can enjoy a serene environment while remaining connected to urban conveniences.
Furthermore, the community boasts exceptional connectivity and proximity to significant natural landmarks. Residents will find themselves just a few miles from two major recreational lakes: Lewisville Lake to the west and Lavon Lake to the east, both easily accessible via U.S. 380. This proximity offers unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and various outdoor activities, enhancing the quality of life for all who call Highland Lakes home. The master plan also includes a dedicated trail system, encouraging an active, outdoor lifestyle within the community itself.
Highland Lakes is designed with a comprehensive suite of amenities to foster a vibrant and engaging community atmosphere. The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art community center, featuring a sparkling pool for relaxation and recreation, alongside a modern fitness center equipped to support health and wellness goals. A beautifully designed park provides ample green space for play and social gatherings, creating ideal spots for families and individuals to connect and unwind. Coupled with a thoughtfully planned trail system, these amenities promote a balanced lifestyle that caters to all ages.
Education is a cornerstone of the Highland Lakes appeal, with the community serviced by both Prosper ISD and McKinney ISD. These highly-rated school districts are known for their academic excellence and comprehensive programs, providing top-tier educational opportunities for resident children. This commitment to quality schooling, combined with outstanding amenities and an ideal location, makes Highland Lakes a truly desirable place to live.
Bryan Swindell, division president for PulteGroup in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, perfectly encapsulated the community’s allure: “It has everything a new home buyer is looking for — the right location, amazing amenities, and great schools.” This sentiment underscores the meticulous planning and thoughtful execution behind Highland Lakes, aiming to deliver an unparalleled living experience.
Construction on this exciting community commenced recently, with model homes anticipated to open their doors to prospective buyers by fall 2022. Future residents can look forward to a diverse array of housing options from both builders. Taylor Morrison will present 15 distinct floor plans, thoughtfully designed to range from a comfortable 1,650 to a spacious 3,450 square feet. Pulte Homes will complement this offering with 11 unique floor plans, spanning from 1,690 to an expansive 3,600 square feet. The initial building phase will introduce 229 charming one- and two-story houses, all beginning in the attractive low $300,000s, ensuring that a variety of preferences and budgets can be accommodated within this flourishing McKinney community.
Related Developments Shaping North Texas
For those interested in the broader development landscape across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, here are more insights into ongoing projects:
- What’s Developing: Be a Suburban J.R. in Frisco; New Builds in Wylie, Kennedale, Princeton
- What’s Developing: Celina’s Chalk Hill, Arlington, Lewisville, Anna/VanAlystne
- What’s Developing: New Properties Coming Up in Roanoke, Melissa, Arlington, Richardson
Ashford Park: Meritage Homes Unveils New Community in Corinth
Corinth, Texas, a flourishing city nestled in Denton County, is set to welcome a significant new residential development with the introduction of Ashford Park. Meritage Homes, renowned for its commitment to energy-efficient and innovative home designs, recently announced the successful acquisition of an 82-acre land parcel, paving the way for a dynamic 437-lot subdivision. This exciting new community, aptly named Ashford Park, is strategically located off Lake Sharon Drive, offering excellent accessibility and a serene living environment west of Interstate 35E and in close proximity to the scenic Lewisville Lake.
The development of Ashford Park is projected to commence later this year, with eagerly anticipated home sales slated to begin in early 2023. Meritage Homes plans to offer a diverse product mix, catering to a wide range of buyer preferences. The community will feature 208 charming two-story cottage-style bungalows, designed with modern aesthetics and functional layouts. These bungalows will be attractively priced in the high $200,000s and will offer comfortable living spaces ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. Additionally, Ashford Park will include 229 elegant single-story homes, providing options for those seeking main-floor living. These single-story residences will boast generous floor plans, ranging from 1,800 to a spacious 3,400 square feet, ensuring ample room for families of all sizes.
Beyond the homes themselves, Ashford Park is meticulously planned to enhance residents’ lifestyles with a rich array of amenities. Future residents can look forward to a vibrant community center, complete with a refreshing pool—perfect for cooling off on warm Texas days and fostering social connections. A dedicated children’s playground will provide a safe and engaging space for younger residents to play and explore. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, extensive hike and bike trails will weave throughout the community, offering picturesque routes for walking, jogging, and cycling. Complementing these features will be beautifully landscaped open spaces, providing serene areas for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The community will be proudly served by the Lake Dallas Independent School District, adding another layer of appeal for families seeking quality education.
Austin Woffinden, Meritage Homes Dallas Division President, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Building on our success in the thriving city of Corinth, Ashford Park will sit adjacent to a previous Meritage development, Terrace Oaks.” This strategic adjacency highlights Meritage Homes’ continued investment and proven success in the Corinth market, reinforcing their commitment to creating thriving, well-designed communities in North Texas. Ashford Park promises to be a significant addition to Corinth, offering a blend of modern homes, appealing amenities, and a desirable location.
The Farm in Allen: A Visionary Mixed-Use Development Taking Root
Allen, Texas, a city celebrated for its robust economy and community-focused environment, is witnessing the ceremonial groundbreaking of “The Farm,” a transformative mixed-use project that promises to redefine urban living and commerce in the region. This ambitious development, strategically positioned off the Sam Rayburn Tollway on Alma Drive, marks a significant milestone in Allen’s ongoing growth and evolution. The Farm is more than just a development; it’s a vision for a comprehensive lifestyle destination.
Spanning an impressive 135 acres, The Farm is meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate residential and commercial components, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining community. This monumental undertaking is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the Johnson family, who have been custodians of this valuable land since 1964, and Allen-based JaRyCo Development. The architectural brilliance behind The Farm is attributed to Omniplan, an acclaimed firm with offices in Dallas and Phoenix, known for its innovative and impactful designs that shape urban landscapes.
The scale and scope of The Farm are truly remarkable, offering an unparalleled blend of amenities and opportunities. The development is slated to feature an impressive more than 1.6 million square feet of cutting-edge office space, designed to attract businesses and foster a thriving professional environment. Complementing the commercial sector will be a diverse array of shopping and retail establishments, providing residents and visitors with convenient access to goods and services. A stylish 150-room hotel will cater to travelers and provide a comfortable stay for those visiting the area. For residential options, The Farm will incorporate a mix of modern townhomes and apartments, offering diverse housing choices that cater to various preferences and lifestyles, all within a walk-friendly, dynamic setting.
A distinctive hallmark of The Farm is its profound commitment to green spaces and outdoor living. The development is thoughtfully designed to include a picturesque 2½-acre lake, complete with a charming boardwalk that invites leisurely strolls and provides scenic views. Furthermore, residents will benefit from an extensive network of more than two miles of dedicated hike-and-bike trails, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle amidst nature. A significant 16-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek will serve as a verdant oasis, offering serene natural beauty and ecological preservation within the urban fabric. These features underscore The Farm’s dedication to creating a sustainable, community-oriented environment where natural beauty and modern convenience coexist harmoniously, establishing it as a landmark development in Allen and the wider North Texas region.
Belt + Main Project: Richardson’s Downtown Reimagined
The city of Richardson is experiencing a significant revitalization, and at the forefront of this transformation is the Belt + Main project, a dynamic mixed-use development poised to become a vibrant cornerstone of the downtown area. City officials and developers recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting venture, which is now actively under construction along the prominent Belt Line Road and Main Street intersection in Richardson. This pivotal project is anticipated to reach completion in approximately 26 months, marking a swift and impactful addition to the urban landscape.
The Belt + Main project is meticulously designed to offer a contemporary urban living experience, blending residential convenience with an engaging retail and dining scene. Central to its offerings will be 350 sophisticated residential units available for lease, providing modern housing options for individuals and families seeking a vibrant city lifestyle. Complementing these residences will be 15,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated restaurant and retail space. This commercial component is set to attract a diverse array of local businesses, creating a lively pedestrian environment where residents can enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment just steps from their homes.
Beyond the residential and commercial facets, Belt + Main places a strong emphasis on resident convenience and community well-being. The development will feature an expansive 7,000 square feet of dedicated resident amenity space, meticulously crafted to enhance the daily lives of its inhabitants. This includes a modern rideshare waiting lobby, providing a comfortable and secure area for residents utilizing ride-sharing services. Furthermore, the project addresses the critical need for ample parking by offering a combination of public, private, and reserved parking options, ensuring accessibility and convenience for both residents and visitors. The integration of these amenities underscores Belt + Main’s commitment to fostering a truly integrated and convenient urban living experience, positioning it as a key driver in Richardson’s ongoing downtown renaissance and a beacon for future mixed-use developments in the DFW metroplex.
These transformative projects across McKinney, Corinth, Allen, and Richardson collectively illustrate the robust economic vitality and strategic development planning characterizing the North Texas region. From sprawling master-planned communities offering diverse housing options and extensive amenities to innovative mixed-use centers that blend residential, retail, and office spaces, the DFW metroplex continues to evolve as a leading destination for quality living and economic opportunity. These developments not only meet the growing demand for housing and commercial spaces but also enhance the lifestyle offerings, infrastructure, and overall appeal of each respective city, solidifying North Texas’s position as a dynamic and desirable place to call home.