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Dallas-Fort Worth keeps growing. The metro added 123,557 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, reaching nearly 8.5 million people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. That was the second-largest gain of any U.S. metro. Fort Worth alone added 19,512 residents during that time period and is now the 10th-largest city in the country.
As the region grows, many homebuyers are looking past the big cities to the smaller towns around Fort Worth. These towns pair a close-knit feel with easy access to jobs and entertainment, making them a great place to look for more affordable new homes in DFW.
Fort Worth Suburbs: The Growth of DFW
The Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to post strong economic growth. As of July 2026, Fort Worth employment was up 11.5% since February 2020, well ahead of the nation’s 4.3%, according to the Dallas Fed. Several factors support that growth:
- Business Development: DFW has added more than 100 corporate headquarters since 2018, according to the Dallas Regional Chamber. In 2025, the region landed 11 of the 164 headquarters relocations tracked nationwide by CBRE, more than any other metro. Recent arrivals include KFC, which moved its headquarters to Plano, joining earlier moves by Toyota, McKesson, and CBRE.
- Favorable Economic Conditions: Texas has no state personal income tax, and the region’s pro-business climate attracts established companies and startups alike.
- Education and Healthcare: DFW is home to respected institutions like the University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. These institutions attract professionals and give residents access to quality care and higher education.
- Quality of Life: Mild winters and a wide range of dining, sports, arts, and outdoor recreation give residents plenty to do year-round.
- Central Location and Travel Infrastructure: DFW’s central U.S. location and extensive travel infrastructure, including DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make it easy to reach both coasts and international markets.
- Logistics Hub: AllianceTexas, Hillwood’s 27,000-acre development in north Fort Worth, brings together Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, BNSF’s Alliance Intermodal Facility, and direct access to I-35W. The rail facility is one of only two on BNSF’s network that can handle 1 million container lifts a year, and it links DFW to Mexico, the West Coast, and the Midwest. That mix of air, rail, and highway access helps companies move goods quickly, attracting distribution and manufacturing employers and keeping jobs close to the small towns north of Fort Worth.
Housing Needs and Small Town Development
As the DFW area expands, housing demand has surged, particularly in the towns north of Fort Worth, which are developing rapidly to accommodate this growth. The appeal of these towns, and the growth of rural towns on the outskirts of DFW, stands out amongst the significant suburban sprawl due to:
- Community Feel and Neighborliness: Small towns around Fort Worth offer a close-knit community atmosphere, which is a significant draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Rural Appeal and Open Spaces: These areas offer more space and access to nature, which many value for a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.
- Affordability: The cost of living in these towns is often lower compared to the urban centers, making them more accessible to a broader demographic.
- Economic Opportunities and Quality Schools: Good schools and local economic opportunities make these towns attractive for families looking to settle in areas that promise growth and stability.
Best Suburbs & Small Towns Near Fort Worth
Each of these towns not only supports a high quality of life but also benefits from the broader DFW area’s growth while maintaining its unique character:
- Argyle: Argyle offers a charming, small-town way of life in southwest Denton County, and Argyle ISD earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency for 2025–26. The town grew about 45% in five years, from 4,403 residents in 2020 to an estimated 6,372 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Its strong sense of community makes it home to Harvest by Hillwood, an award-winning new home community spanning Argyle and Northlake. Harvest sits at I-35W and FM 407, giving residents direct interstate access to Fort Worth and AllianceTexas.
- Northlake: Northlake’s population more than doubled in five years, from around 5,200 in 2020 to an estimated 12,036 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s home to Pecan Square, where HOA dues include high-speed internet, and homes come with a technology bundle of smart home devices. Residents share amenities such as the Greeting House co-working space, pickleball courts, a fitness center, multiple pools, and The Barking Lot dog park, among others. Northwest ISD opened Johnie Daniel Elementary onsite in Pecan Square in 2023 and Floyd Barksdale Middle School in August 2026.
- Justin: Justin pairs a peaceful, rural setting with plenty of room to grow. The population rose about 65% in five years, from 4,409 in 2020 to an estimated 7,285 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s home to Treeline by Hillwood, a new home community that encourages residents to unplug and connect with nature. Spread across more than 800 acres with about 2,700 homes planned, Treeline offers new construction homes from top DFW builders and tree-inspired amenities set among mature oaks and a winding creek. Treeline is served by Northwest ISD.
- Haslet: About 15 miles north of downtown Fort Worth, Haslet offers a quiet, rural setting. It’s home to the BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility, a major rail hub within the 26,000-acre AllianceTexas development, which brings jobs close to home. Haslet’s population grew from 1,952 in 2020 to an estimated 5,267 in 2025, more than doubling, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and local students attend Northwest ISD.
- Roanoke: Roanoke is a small Denton County city with an outsized food scene. The Texas Legislature recognized it as the “Unique Dining Capital of Texas” for its concentration of local restaurants along historic Oak Street and Highway 377. The city has grown steadily, from 9,665 residents in 2020 to an estimated 10,931 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
For anyone considering planned communities near Fort Worth for their next home, these towns offer a blend of lifestyle, convenience, and community.
Small Towns Near Fort Worth: Explore New Construction Homes
Small towns near Fort Worth offer a slower pace, tight-knit neighborhoods, and room to breathe, with jobs and entertainment still within reach.
Hillwood’s new home communities in these towns include Harvest in Argyle and Northlake, Pecan Square in Northlake, and Treeline in Justin. Each is designed around amenities and lifestyle programs that bring neighbors together.
Plan a visit to a Hillwood Community in a small town near Fort Worth today. Our new construction builders have homes available, and many are offering incentives, so now is a great time to buy!
Harvest
Argyle & Northlake, TX
With its walkable mix of homes, businesses and agriculture, Harvest is a perennial award-winner.
Pecan Square
Northlake, TX
“Meet me at the Square” to celebrate the rituals of the changing season. Pecan Square is the new gathering place for Northlake, where town meets country.
Union Park
Little Elm, TX
A delicious slice of small town right in the middle of the bustling Denton-Frisco-McKinney area.
Pomona
Manvel, TX
Natural marshland and 100-year-old oak trees come together with exciting amenities and vibrant community.
Wolf Ranch
Georgetown, TX
A riverside retreat in the Texas Hill Country with a variety of homes and an award-winning lifestyle program.
Lilyana
Celina, TX
Frisco is close. And the important stuff — like great schools and family fun — are even closer.
Valencia
Manvel, TX
Get ready to treat yourself to a life that’s as delicious and nourishing as our community’s namesake fruit
Treeline
Justin, TX
Enjoy the magic of Treeline by Hillwood – where good land and good people make a good place.
Liberty
Melissa, TX
Inspired by the small-town spirit of Melissa, Liberty is the freedom to live simply and richly.
Ramble
Celina, TX
You’re invited to wander naturally at Ramble by Hillwood – where all paths lead home.
Legacy
League City, TX
At Legacy by Hillwood, home isn’t just where you live—it’s how you live. A place where tradition is born.
FAQ
How long is the commute from small towns near Fort Worth into the city?
It depends on the town, the route, and the time of day. Towns along I-35W and State Highway 114, such as Northlake, Argyle, Haslet, and Justin, have direct highway access to Fort Worth and the AllianceTexas employment hub. The multiyear rebuild of I-35W through north Fort Worth added managed TEXpress lanes from I-30 to Eagle Parkway near Alliance Airport. For a realistic estimate, check a mapping app at the hours you’d actually drive.
Do new home communities near Fort Worth have reliable internet for remote work?
Many do, but service varies by community and provider, so ask before you buy. At Pecan Square, for example, HOA dues include high-speed internet, and homes come with half-gigabit Wi-Fi, smart home devices, and access to on-site tech support. Residents can also use the co-working space at the Greeting House.
How are school districts near Fort Worth handling growth?
Fast-growing districts are adding campuses. Northwest ISD, which serves Pecan Square, Treeline, and Harvest, opened Johnie Daniel Elementary in 2023 and Floyd Barksdale Middle School in August 2026, both in Pecan Square. Harvest has three on-site elementary schools, one in Northwest ISD and two in Argyle ISD. Treeline will have an on-site Northwest ISD elementary school in the future as well. Attendance zones can change, so confirm school assignments with the district.
Are property taxes different in Fort Worth’s surrounding small towns compared to the city limits?
Yes. Property tax rates vary by city, county, school district, and special district. Homes in new home communities may also include Public Improvement District (PID) or Municipal Utility District (MUD) assessments, which help pay for roads, utilities, parks, and other community infrastructure. Always verify the tax rate for a specific address with your county appraisal district or tax office.
What affects long-term home values in a new home community?
No one can guarantee how a home’s value will change. Homebuyers often look at well-kept common areas, an active HOA, nearby jobs, school options, and continued investment in roads and amenities. A local real estate professional can share recent sales for any area you’re considering.
