Chisholm Trail Ranch: A New Era for Build-to-Rent

Aerial view of a new master-planned community with homes and green spaces.

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area continues to experience a robust housing boom, fueled by strong population growth and economic expansion. As traditional homebuilders like Sandlin Homes, HistoryMaker Homes, and Lennar introduce an increasing number of newly completed residences to the market, a significant trend in modern residential development is also gaining momentum: the build-to-rent community. Leading this innovative wave, Avanta Residential has unveiled plans for a new and dynamic build-to-rent community, Avendale at Chisholm Trail Ranch, set to offer an array of stylish townhomes and patio homes starting in Spring 2024. This development underscores the evolving landscape of housing options in North Texas, catering to a diverse demographic seeking flexibility, convenience, and a high-quality lifestyle without the long-term commitment of homeownership.

Avanta Residential, a prominent name in the build-to-rent sector, recently finalized the funding for a substantial 26-acre parcel located within the expansive Chisholm Trail Ranch master-planned community. This strategic acquisition paves the way for the creation of Avendale at Chisholm Trail Ranch, a highly anticipated development that promises to redefine rental living in Fort Worth. This venture is not only Avanta’s second significant project in the Dallas area—following the success of its Painted Tree development in McKinney—but also marks its third build-to-rent community across the state of Texas, solidifying its commitment to meeting the growing demand for flexible housing solutions. The announcement, as reported by outlets such as the Fort Worth Report, highlights the strategic importance of this development for both Avanta Residential and the greater Fort Worth housing market.

Architectural rendering of modern townhomes within a planned community.
Credit: Avanta Residential

The vision for Avendale at Chisholm Trail Ranch is to create a vibrant, single-family rental community comprising 247 meticulously designed homes. Prospective residents will have a diverse selection of floor plans, ranging from cozy one-bedroom options to spacious two, three, and even four-bedroom patio homes and townhomes, meticulously crafted by Avanta Residential. This variety ensures that Avendale can accommodate individuals, couples, and growing families alike, providing modern living spaces equipped with contemporary finishes and features. Avanta is progressing rapidly with the construction, with plans to begin delivering these sought-after homes by Spring 2024, offering a timely solution for those seeking new, high-quality rental housing in a desirable Fort Worth location.

Discovering Chisholm Trail Ranch: A Premier Master-Planned Community

An inviting community swimming pool area at Chisholm Trail Ranch with lounge chairs and green landscaping.

At the heart of Avanta’s latest venture is the expansive and meticulously planned Chisholm Trail Ranch, a community that embodies the best of Fort Worth living. Strategically positioned just nine miles south of bustling Downtown Fort Worth, Chisholm Trail Ranch sprawls across a significant 625 acres, preserving a connection to its historical roots along the original Chisholm Trail. This prime location places residents in southwest Fort Worth, in close proximity to Crowley, offering excellent connectivity via Chisholm Trail Parkway and McPherson Boulevard. The master-planned design of Chisholm Trail Ranch goes beyond mere housing; it cultivates a holistic lifestyle, integrating natural beauty with modern conveniences.

One of the community’s most distinguishing features is its extensive network of hike and bike trails. These thoughtfully designed pathways seamlessly connect various existing parks and schools in the immediate vicinity, promoting an active and engaged outdoor lifestyle. A significant highlight within this network is its direct linkage to the City of Fort Worth’s impressive new 75-acre Chisholm Trail Park and Community Center, situated prominently along McPherson Boulevard. This major civic amenity offers residents unparalleled access to recreational facilities, green spaces, and community programming, further enhancing the value and appeal of living within Chisholm Trail Ranch.

Life at Chisholm Trail Ranch is enriched by an array of world-class amenities designed to cater to every interest and age group. The central resident amenity center serves as the vibrant hub of community life, boasting a sophisticated clubroom complete with a gourmet kitchen, ideal for social gatherings and events. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness center and an inviting yoga lawn, perfect for morning stretches or outdoor workouts. For relaxation and entertainment, the community offers an outdoor living room, a resort-style swimming pool designed for both leisure and exercise, and a fun-filled kids’ splash pad. Beyond the central hub, residents can enjoy numerous lounge areas, dedicated dog parks for their furry companions, additional walking trails, and well-maintained playgrounds strategically distributed across the various neighborhoods within this expansive community. These amenities collectively foster a strong sense of community, encouraging interaction and creating a truly exceptional living experience.

For those interested in the broader development landscape of the Fort Worth area and how communities like Chisholm Trail Ranch are expanding, consider exploring this insightful article: What’s Developing: Fort Worth Area Communities Are Stretching South and North.

Current Housing Opportunities: Chisholm Trail Ranch Homes For Sale

Exterior view of a modern brick home with a well-maintained lawn.
Spacious kitchen with large island, stainless steel appliances, and ample counter space.
Elegant living room with high ceilings, fireplace, and large windows.

Beyond the upcoming build-to-rent options from Avanta Residential, Chisholm Trail Ranch is already a thriving hub for traditional homeownership, featuring a wide selection of new homes from esteemed builders such as HistoryMaker Homes, Sandlin Homes, and Lennar. These homes typically offer competitive pricing, with options starting from the appealing low $300,000s, making modern, high-quality living accessible to a broad range of buyers in the Fort Worth market. The variety of builders ensures a diverse architectural aesthetic and a multitude of floor plans, allowing prospective homeowners to find a residence that perfectly suits their individual tastes and needs.

Sandlin Homes, a builder with deep roots in the North Texas community—whose founder, J.B. Sandlin, is the grandfather of the daltxrealestate.com preferred builder Chris Sandlin Homes—is currently nearing completion on a magnificent 2,980-square-foot residence at 9016 Saddle Free Trail, priced at $487,900. This particular home exemplifies luxury and craftsmanship, featuring an elegant brick and stone facade that exudes curb appeal. Inside, residents will find a spacious three-car garage, a gourmet kitchen outfitted with premium 3cm countertops, and luxury laminate wood flooring thoughtfully installed throughout all common areas, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. High-end upgrades and designer finishes are evident in every detail, reflecting Sandlin Homes’ commitment to quality and contemporary design, offering a truly move-in ready luxury experience.

Similarly, HistoryMaker Homes presents an exceptional opportunity with its 3,969-square-foot residence at 6500 Trail Guide Lane, which is nearly move-in ready and listed at $499,990. This expansive home is designed for family comfort and entertaining, boasting five generously sized bedrooms and four full baths. The heart of this home is its spacious kitchen, which seamlessly opens into the family room, creating an inviting and open-concept living space. Additionally, formal living and dining areas provide elegant settings for special occasions and more private gatherings. HistoryMaker Homes is known for its functional layouts and quality construction, making this an ideal choice for larger families or those who desire ample space and versatility in their new home.

A significant advantage for families considering Chisholm Trail Ranch is its highly regarded educational zoning. All homes within this master-planned community fall within the jurisdiction of the Crowley Independent School District (ISD). Crowley ISD is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a wide range of extracurricular activities, providing students with a strong foundation and diverse opportunities for growth and development. This educational benefit further enhances the appeal of Chisholm Trail Ranch as a family-friendly destination in Fort Worth.

Retail and Convenience: The Shops at Chisholm Trail Ranch

Complementing the residential offerings and further enhancing the quality of life for residents is The Shops at Chisholm Trail Ranch. This vibrant retail hub, conveniently located directly across Chisholm Trail Parkway, has quickly become a cornerstone of the community since its grand opening in April 2020. Its initial success was remarkable, with 90 percent of its available retail space leased even before its official launch, a testament to the strategic planning by its original developer, Dallas-based StreetLevel Investments. Today, the shopping center boasts an impressive 97 percent occupancy rate, featuring a robust lineup of national retailers that cater to a wide array of needs and preferences.

Residents of Chisholm Trail Ranch enjoy convenient access to popular brands and essential services, including fashion and home goods at Marshalls and Old Navy, beauty products at Ulta, personal care items at Bath & Body Works, and health and wellness services at The Joint. This comprehensive retail mix means that daily errands, special purchases, and dining experiences are just moments away, fostering a self-sufficient and highly convenient lifestyle within the community. The presence of such a thriving commercial center not only adds immense value to the area but also reduces the need for residents to travel far for their shopping and service needs, contributing to a more relaxed pace of life.

The bustling shopping center within Chisholm Trail Ranch recently underwent a significant change in ownership, signaling its continued desirability and strong market performance. In December 2022, Mazaheri Properties successfully acquired The Shops at Chisholm Trail Ranch from StreetLevel Investments for an undisclosed amount, as reported by industry publications like the Real Deal. This acquisition by Mazaheri Properties, a firm with a keen eye for valuable commercial assets, underscores the long-term potential and established success of this retail destination, ensuring its continued vitality and service to the Chisholm Trail Ranch community for years to come.

Avanta Residential’s Broader Vision: The Painted Tree Development

Community sign for Painted Tree development with lush landscaping.
Credit: Painted Tree

Avanta Residential’s commitment to the build-to-rent model extends beyond Fort Worth, as evidenced by the significant progress on their 27-acre Painted Tree development in McKinney. This ambitious project, another jewel in Avanta’s growing portfolio, is set to deliver 276 rental homes and townhomes, echoing the same high standards of quality and community-centric design seen in Avendale at Chisholm Trail Ranch. Painted Tree is poised to open its doors to residents in late 2023, bringing a fresh wave of modern rental options to the McKinney market. Interestingly, this development gained some unique notoriety for its innovative use of goats to clear underbrush, a sustainable and efficient method that captured local attention, as detailed in an article about the Painted Tree update and its “goats”.

The success and expansion of projects like Avendale at Chisholm Trail Ranch and Painted Tree in McKinney highlight a broader, transformative trend in the Texas real estate market: the rise of purpose-built rental communities. These developments offer a compelling alternative to traditional homeownership, providing residents with the benefits of living in new, professionally managed homes within amenity-rich master-planned communities, often at a lower entry cost and with greater flexibility. Avanta Residential is at the forefront of this movement, skillfully meeting the demands of a growing demographic that values convenience, modern amenities, and a vibrant community lifestyle without the responsibilities typically associated with homeownership. As DFW continues its rapid growth, these build-to-rent communities are set to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of housing in North Texas, offering diverse and appealing options for residents seeking a dynamic place to call home.