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Texas is booming. With its vibrant economy, rich culture, and wide-open spaces, it’s no wonder that families, professionals, and retirees are flocking to the Lone Star State. As this growth continues, a new question emerges for the modern homebuyer: not just what home to buy, but where to live a life that’s connected, convenient, and full of opportunity.
The answer for many lies in the thoughtful design of the best master-planned communities in Texas. The thoughtfully designed planned communities in Texas offer more than just a house; they provide a complete lifestyle, blending beautiful homes with resort-style amenities, natural landscapes, and a genuine sense of belonging.
What Makes a Community “Master-Planned”?
The term “master-planned” signifies a holistic approach to development. Unlike a typical subdivision, which focuses primarily on building houses, a true planned community is a comprehensively designed environment where every element works in harmony. Imagine a place where residential neighborhoods seamlessly connect to parks, trail systems, top-rated schools, and convenient retail centers.
These communities are built around a vision for a specific lifestyle. They are meticulously designed to foster connection, encourage outdoor activity, and provide a framework for a well-built life. From programmed activities and community events that bring neighbors together to amenities that cater to families, remote workers, and active adults, every detail is considered to create an enriched living experience. This philosophy of inspired placemaking is the very foundation upon which Hillwood Communities builds its legacy.
Why Texas Leads the Way in Master-Planned Living
It’s no coincidence that Texas is a leader in developing exceptional new home communities. Several factors make the state the perfect canvas for this forward-thinking approach to living:
- A Thriving Economy: Strong job growth in major metro areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin attracts a steady stream of new residents seeking both career opportunities and a high quality of life.
- Affordability and Space: Texas offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other states, along with the land needed to create spacious, amenity-rich environments.
- Investment in the Future: Significant investment in infrastructure ensures that these growing areas remain connected and accessible.
- A Welcoming Climate: The warm weather allows residents to enjoy outdoor amenities, parks, and recreational activities year-round.
This powerful combination makes Texas the ideal location for master-planned communities that offer a superior lifestyle and lasting value.
The Hillwood Difference: Inspired Placemaking for Enriched Communities
For over 35 years, Hillwood Communities has been at the forefront of creating the most acclaimed planned communities in Texas. Guided by the Perot family legacy of visionary thinking and a future-focused culture, we see development differently. As a privately owned company, we prioritize the long view, embedding social, economic, and environmental sustainability into our DNA. Our signature Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ approach is about more than just building homes—it’s about cultivating a genuine sense of community.
This commitment to excellence has earned our communities consistent recognition on national top-selling lists. But for us, the true measure of success is the vibrant, connected life our residents enjoy. We invite you to explore our new home communities to see the Hillwood difference for yourself.
Spotlight on Hillwood Communities Across Texas
Each Hillwood community is uniquely envisioned to reflect the character of its land and local culture, offering a distinct lifestyle for its residents.
Dallas–Fort Worth Area
The DFW Metroplex is a hub of innovation and family-centered living, and our communities here are designed to match. From agrihoods to town squares, you’ll find a diverse range of living experiences and affordable homes near Dallas.
- Pecan Square by Hillwood (Northlake): Awarded as a “Community of the Year,” Pecan Square captures the spirit of a classic Texas small town, centered around a bustling Town Square. It’s a place where neighbors meet for seasonal celebrations, kids play freely, and authentic connections are made every day.
- Treeline by Hillwood (Justin): Nestled among mature oak trees, Treeline is designed for those who want to unplug and connect with nature. With amenities like a library treehouse, a sky park for stargazing, and miles of trails, it’s a natural escape that’s still close to everything.
- Harvest by Hillwood (Argyle/Northlake): As a pioneering “agrihood,” Harvest centers life around a community farm and private gardens. It’s a place where families connect with the land and each other, enjoying a wholesome, active lifestyle.
- Union Park by Hillwood (Little Elm): Designed around a 30-acre Central Park, Union Park is a hub of outdoor recreation and community life. With an indoor-outdoor fitness facility, an ADA-accessible play park, fishing ponds, pools, and an extensive trail system, it fosters an active, social environment where neighbors gather and play.
- Lilyana by Hillwood (Celina): Offering a serene and picturesque setting, Lilyana is defined by its beautiful green spaces, winding trails, and contemporary amenities. It’s a peaceful retreat for families seeking a modern lifestyle in one of North Texas’s most sought-after corridors.
We are also excited about our future new home communities in the area, including Ramble by Hillwood in Celina, where homes will wind through an immersive nature experience, and Landmark by Hillwood in Denton, a 3,200-acre development blending residential, commercial, and a vast green ecosystem.
Georgetown / Austin Area
- Wolf Ranch by Hillwood (Georgetown): Capturing the iconic charm of the Texas Hill Country, Wolf Ranch offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and modern convenience. Residents enjoy breathtaking views, extensive trails along the San Gabriel River, and a warm, small-town atmosphere just a short drive from the energy of Austin.
Greater Houston Area
- Pomona by Hillwood (Manvel): Pomona is an oasis of green spaces and modern living. With hundreds of acres dedicated to parks, wetlands, and protective waters, it offers a serene escape with easy access to the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston. The community’s robust lifestyle program ensures there’s always an event, club, or festival to bring neighbors together.
- Valencia by Hillwood (Manvel): Valencia is thoughtfully planned to foster a life centered around connection, relaxation, and wellness. Ideally located near local parks, top-rated schools, and Manvel Town Center, the community blends modern design with small-town warmth, creating a welcoming environment for families and an active, balanced lifestyle.
- Legacy by Hillwood (League City): Legacy blends modern living with timeless Texas tradition, offering scenic lakes, expansive parks, and a network of trails that promote connection and well-being. Legacy is a place for families to grow, thrive, and enjoy life together.
The Benefits of Living in a Hillwood Community
When you choose a Hillwood new home community, you’re investing in more than a property; you’re becoming part of an enriched way of life.
- Connection & Belonging: Our full-time lifestyle teams plan hundreds of events, from holiday festivals to fitness classes, fostering a welcoming environment where neighbors become friends.
- Health & Happiness: Thoughtfully designed green spaces, parks, and trail systems encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle.
- Future-Ready Planning: We build with the future in mind, incorporating advanced connectivity, planning for top-tier schools, and ensuring sustainable growth.
FAQs about Planned Communities in Texas
What are the benefits of living in a master-planned community in Texas?
The primary benefits include a complete lifestyle package: high-quality homes, extensive amenities like pools and parks, a strong sense of community fostered by planned events, and the long-term value that comes from a holistically designed environment.
How do master-planned communities in Texas differ from typical subdivisions?
While subdivisions focus on housing, planned communities integrate homes with amenities, schools, retail, and green spaces. They are designed around a lifestyle vision and often include a dedicated lifestyle director to manage community events and programming.
Which regions in Texas have the top-selling master-planned communities?
The major metropolitan areas—Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and the Austin/San Antonio corridor—are home to the majority of the nation’s top-selling communities due to strong job growth and high demand for quality housing.
What should I look for when choosing a master-planned community in Texas?
Look for a community whose vision aligns with your lifestyle. Consider the quality and variety of amenities, the commitment to green space, the reputation of the developer, and the vibrancy of the community life program.
Are master-planned communities in Texas more expensive than other neighborhoods?
While the initial home price may be comparable to other new construction, a planned community offers incredible value. Your investment includes access to millions of dollars in amenities, professionally maintained common areas, and a curated lifestyle that you won’t find anywhere else.
Find Your Place in Texas with Hillwood Communities
The best way to understand the Hillwood difference is to experience it. We invite you to visit one of our incredible communities across Texas. Wander the trails, see the amenities in action, and feel the unique spirit of connection that defines each place. Explore the beautiful home sites and find the perfect setting for your new chapter.
Our new construction builders have available homes, and many are offering incentives, so now is a great time to buy! Come see for yourself why a Hillwood community isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
