Denton County's new construction market continues to evolve at a steady pace. As we move through late summer 2026, several meaningful developments are taking shape: new community parks opening at Pecan Square, a new middle school now open for the 2026-27 school year, the first residents moving into Landmark by Hillwood, active inventory available at Canyon Falls and The Ridge, and billions of dollars in planned investment for communities that have not even broken ground yet.
For buyers evaluating new construction in North Texas, understanding what is happening on the ground right now, and distinguishing between near-term developments and long-term pipeline projects, is essential for making a confident, well-timed decision. As the Real Estate Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty and someone who works in these communities daily, I track each of these developments closely. Here is my late summer 2026 update on new construction and community growth across Denton County.
Quick Answers
Short, direct answers to the questions buyers ask most about Denton County community growth in late 2026, based on the verified details in this article. Inventory, incentives, and phases change, so confirm current specifics with each builder.
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Is now a good time to buy new construction in Denton County?
Late summer 2026 offers a favorable window for qualified buyers. Builders are actively offering incentives including rate buydowns, closing-cost credits, and design-center upgrades, and competition among builders creates leverage for informed buyers. The right time still depends on your personal readiness and goals.
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Which Denton County communities have the most new phases coming?
Pecan Square continues releasing new phases, including rare half-acre homesites. Landmark by Hillwood is in Phase 1 with 747 lots and nine builders. Harvest continues selling across multiple collections, while Canyon Falls approaches buildout and The Ridge at Northlake stays active with Taylor Morrison and David Weekley Homes.
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Are builder incentives still available in late 2026?
Yes. Many builders are offering closing-cost assistance, rate buydowns, and design-center upgrades. Offers vary by builder, community, and availability, with the strongest incentives typically on quick move-in inventory, and some builders give better terms when buyers use a preferred lender.
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What does the new middle school mean for Pecan Square?
Floyd Barksdale Middle School, now open under Northwest ISD, serves grades 6 through 8 directly within the Pecan Square corridor, adding convenience for families and strengthening the community's overall desirability.
How Community Growth Relates to Desirability
Before we look at specific communities, it helps to understand how community growth connects to home values. When a master-planned community adds new amenities (parks, pools, trails), new retail nearby, or new schools, it can influence buyer demand and contribute to a community's overall desirability. Each addition may make the community more complete, and over time, that completeness can support property values. Community amenities, nearby retail, schools, infrastructure, and continued investment can influence buyer demand and contribute to a community's overall desirability, but they do not guarantee future property appreciation.
With that framework in mind, here is what is happening in Denton County's key new construction communities right now.
Pecan Square: New Parks, a New School, and Steady Phase Releases
Pecan Square by Hillwood remains one of the most active and desirable master-planned communities in Denton County. In late summer 2026, the community is marking several important milestones that matter for current and prospective buyers.
New Community Parks
Pecan Square has announced new community parks opening in 2026, continuing the tradition of village-center design that has made this community stand out since its inception. The parks add to the existing resort-style amenity package and are designed to serve the growing population as new phases come online. For families evaluating the community, the continued investment in amenity space is a strong signal: the developer is committed to keeping the community fresh and desirable even as it matures.
Floyd Barksdale Middle School Is Now Open
This is one of the most consequential developments in the Pecan Square corridor this year. Floyd Barksdale Middle School, located directly within the Northlake community near Pecan Square, opened for the 2026-27 school year in August. Serving grades 6 through 8 under Northwest ISD, the school fundamentally improves the convenience equation for families with school-age children.
The school is now open, and its opening changes the daily routine for families living in Pecan Square and the surrounding corridor. For families with school-age children, having a middle school nearby can be an important convenience and may contribute to the overall desirability of the community.
Active Builders and Phase Releases
Pecan Square continues to release new lots across its neighborhoods, with 50-foot, 60-foot, and 100-foot lot configurations available. Builders active in the community include Highland Homes, David Weekley Homes, Coventry Homes, D.R. Horton, Pulte Homes, American Legend Homes, and Drees Custom Homes. Pricing spans from approximately $400,000 on smaller lots to over $1 million on premium estate homesites, with most single-family homes falling in the $500,000 to $800,000 range.
A noteworthy development: Pecan Square has released rare half-acre homesites in select locations. These larger lots offer substantially more space and privacy than the standard suburban footprint, and in a master-planned community this close to the DFW metroplex, they are uncommon. For buyers who want room to grow without leaving the amenities of a planned community, these lots represent a distinctive opportunity.
Strategic note: With seven builders active in the same community, competition for buyers is healthy. That creates leverage for informed buyers who take the time to compare builder incentives, floor plans, and construction quality side by side. The most successful Pecan Square buyers are the ones who evaluate all their options before committing.
Harvest: Retail Growth Picks Up Speed
The Harvest community continues to mature, and one of the most visible signs of that maturity is the acceleration of retail development. In 2026, the community is seeing significant commercial investment that changes the daily convenience equation for residents.
5:18 Plaza
A new 18,000-square-foot retail shell building called 5:18 Plaza is under construction across from Argyle West Elementary School. The building is expected to house neighborhood services that serve the daily needs of Harvest residents, reducing the need to drive to Argyle or Roanoke for errands.
Harvest Town Center
The larger Harvest Town Center continues to fill in. The Tom Thumb grocery anchor (63,000 square feet) opened on March 6, 2026, and has been serving the corridor since. Additional tenants open and operating include Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and Chase Bank. Chuy's Tex-Mex is under construction with an expected opening in late summer 2026. These additions represent increased convenience for residents and signal that national operators see sustained demand in the Harvest and Northlake corridor.
What this means for buyers: Harvest is maturing from a community where you drove for everything to one where daily needs are met within walking distance or a short drive. That transition reflects community maturity and can add to buyer appeal, which may be a positive factor for anyone evaluating the community.
Canyon Falls: The Final Residential Phase Is Approved
Canyon Falls, developed by Brookfield Residential, offers a different value proposition from the other communities in this update. The nature-forward design, built around rolling terrain and creek corridors, has attracted buyers who want character and natural beauty alongside new construction.
In January 2026, the Town of Flower Mound approved the final residential phase of Canyon Falls. The 27-acre development in the Denton Creek area will be connected to a future I-35W frontage road via a Denton Creek extension. For buyers, this approval is significant: it means the final homesites in this community are being prepared for construction, and once they sell, the opportunity to buy new construction in Canyon Falls will end.
Canyon Falls is currently priced at a median listing of approximately $798,000, with a range from the $400s to the mid-$900s. Active builders include Chesmar Homes, with homes from the mid-$700Ks, and Windmiller Custom Homes, from the $770Ks. Quick move-in homes are frequently available through the community's homefinder tool.
Strategic note: Final-phase inventory may create opportunities for incentives on select homes, depending on the builder, remaining inventory, and current market conditions. For buyers who value Canyon Falls' natural setting and have been waiting for the right opportunity, now may be a good time to evaluate available inventory. Once the final phase sells out, the only options in the immediate area will be resale homes or newer communities like Landmark.
The Ridge at Northlake: Active Development Continues
The Ridge at Northlake continues to have active new construction available from Taylor Morrison and David Weekley Homes. For buyers who have been evaluating this community, current inventory and pricing should be verified directly with the builders.
Taylor Morrison is offering 50-foot lots from approximately $483,990 and 60-foot lots from approximately $554,990. David Weekley Homes has offerings from approximately $589,990 to over $680,000. Both builders are offering meaningful incentives to move remaining inventory, including closing cost contributions and rate buydowns.
The Ridge serves Argyle ISD schools and features a 4-acre amenity complex with a pool, fitness center, and event lawn. It is a well-established community with a defined character, and the final-phase pricing reflects the value of buying into a community that is essentially complete rather than one still under development.
The trade-off: You get a finished community with a track record of established buyer demand and no construction disruption, but your lot selection is limited to what remains. For buyers who find a floor plan and location that works, the final-phase incentives can offer meaningful savings.
Landmark by Hillwood: Move-Ins Begin and Retail Follows
Landmark by Hillwood is the most significant new community opening in Denton County in years. The 3,200-acre, $10 billion master-planned community at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road had model homes open in April 2026, and first resident move-ins are now underway in late summer 2026.
Phase 1 includes 747 single-family lots with nine builders competing for early sales: Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Drees Custom Homes, American Legend Homes, and others. Pricing ranges from the high $400s to the $700s and beyond.
Retail development is following closely. An H-E-B grocery store has been announced for the Argyle/Landmark corridor, with an expected opening in early 2027. The H-E-B name is significant for buyers who know the Texas market: H-E-B is selective about where it builds, and its presence is widely regarded as a strong vote of confidence in an area's growth trajectory.
At full build-out, Landmark is planned for approximately 6,000 single-family homes, 3,000 multifamily units, and roughly 900 acres of commercial and retail space, with approximately 1,000 acres of parks and green space. The projected build-out timeline is 40 years, which means early buyers will spend many years living alongside active construction. Early buyers may have the opportunity to purchase during the community's early development stages, but they should also consider years of ongoing construction, infrastructure development, future inventory, taxes, and other factors that can affect ownership and resale.
For buyers deciding between established communities and Landmark: Pecan Square, Harvest, and Canyon Falls offer immediate lifestyle certainty with mature amenities. Landmark offers an earlier-stage buying opportunity, but requires patience with construction disruption and infrastructure development. Both are valid strategies, and the right choice depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and lifestyle priorities.
The Bigger Pipeline: New Communities and Billions in Investment
Beyond the communities currently selling homes, several major developments are working through planning and approval stages. These projects signal where Denton County's growth is heading over the next 5 to 15 years.
Cole Ranch (Johnson Development)
A $5 billion, 3,169-acre master-planned community announced by Johnson Development. This is one of the largest planned communities in Denton County and will add thousands of homes to the market over time. It is in the early planning stages and will not affect near-term buying decisions, but it confirms that national developers see Denton County as a long-term growth market.
Lantern by Hillwood
A 617-acre, $1.2 billion master-planned community from Hillwood, adding another major planned development to the pipeline. Like Cole Ranch, it is early in the planning cycle but reinforces the message of sustained growth in the corridor.
Forestar's 281-Acre Community (Northlake)
Forestar, a subsidiary of D.R. Horton, received city approval in March 2026 for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road, near Northlake. The plans call for up to 843 single-family homes on 30-foot-wide lots, plus approximately 158 acres of open space and floodplain preservation. This community is still in early planning but adds to the cumulative momentum building in the Northlake area.
MP Materials: $1.25 Billion Northlake Campus
MP Materials announced a $1.25 billion investment in a new manufacturing campus in Northlake, expected to create more than 1,500 corporate, manufacturing, and engineering jobs. This is not a residential development, but it is a powerful economic driver that supports the broader growth story. Jobs bring people, people need homes, and the communities that serve those employment centers tend to see sustained demand.
Northlake: 278 Projects, $1.26 Billion in Investment
The Town of Northlake itself has 278 registered construction projects totaling $1.26 billion in investment. That number spans residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects and represents the most concentrated period of development in the town's history. For buyers evaluating Northlake, this level of investment illustrates the scale of development underway and the infrastructure being added to support continued growth.
What Builders Are Offering Right Now
Summer 2026 has been described as a buyer-friendly window for new construction, and the incentive environment reflects that. Builders across Denton County are competing for qualified buyers with a range of offers.
Notable Builder Incentives, Late Summer 2026
Critical caveat: A $20,000 closing cost credit is only a real deal if the base price of the home is competitive. Some builders raise base prices and then offer incentives that bring the price back to market, which effectively defeats the purpose. I help my clients evaluate the total economics, not just the headline offer, so they know exactly what they are paying.
Disclaimer: Builder pricing, incentives, interest-rate offers, lender requirements, availability, and expiration dates can change at any time. Buyers should verify current offers and compare the total cost of each option before making a decision.
How to Evaluate Community Growth Strategically
With so much happening simultaneously, new parks, a new school, retail expansion, final phases, and a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of future communities, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Here is how I help my clients cut through the noise and focus on what matters.
1. Distinguish near-term impact from long-term potential
A newly opened school can affect daily routines immediately. A community breaking ground in 2028 does not. When evaluating communities, separate what matters for your timeline from what sounds exciting but will not materialize for years. Near-term: Pecan Square's new parks and newly opened Barksdale Middle School, Harvest's retail growth, Canyon Falls final phase. Long-term: Cole Ranch, Lantern, Forestar's community.
2. Understand the difference between community maturing and community completion
Pecan Square and Harvest are mature communities still adding amenities. That is a sign of healthy, sustained investment. Canyon Falls and The Ridge are approaching completion. That is not negative, it simply means the upside of continued amenity investment is lower, while the stability of a known community is higher. Both can be good, depending on your priorities.
3. Evaluate builder incentives on total cost, not headline value
A closing cost credit of $20,000 sounds meaningful, but what is the base price compared to a similar home in the same community without incentives? I recommend getting a full itemized cost comparison before signing any contract.
4. Consider the tax and HOA picture
Northlake's municipal property tax rate is $0.295 per $100 of assessed valuation. This rate reflects the municipal portion only, and the total property-tax rate may also include school district, county, and special district taxes. Buyers evaluating Northlake communities like Pecan Square and Harvest should verify the full tax picture for their specific property. HOA dues vary by community. Pecan Square charges approximately $2,260 per year, billed semi-annually, which is competitive for the amenity package. These costs should be factored into your monthly budget before you choose a community.
5. Work with someone who tracks these communities daily
Information changes quickly in this market. A developer may release a new phase, a builder may change an incentive program, or a new retail anchor may be announced. Working with a Real Estate Broker who is actively in these communities and tracks these developments ensures you are making decisions based on current information, not what was true last quarter.
The Bottom Line
Denton County's new construction market in late summer 2026 is defined by growth: new parks and a new school at Pecan Square, accelerating retail at Harvest, active inventory at Canyon Falls and The Ridge, first move-ins at Landmark, and a pipeline of billions in future community investment. For buyers who are ready to act, the current environment offers meaningful incentives, multiple community options, and the ability to choose a community that aligns with their stage of life and timeline.
The key is approaching the decision with strategy. Not every community is right for every buyer, and not every incentive is the deal it appears to be. Taking the time to evaluate your options with a clear framework, and working with an agent who works across these communities regularly, makes the difference between a decision you feel good about and one you second-guess later.
I would be glad to help you evaluate the current landscape, compare communities and builders, and find the right new construction home for your family's next chapter.
Want to discuss current options in these communities? Schedule a consultation.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, REALTOR®
Covenant Heritage Realty | In DFW Living Group
Disclaimer: Community plans, builder participation, home prices, incentives, interest-rate offers, school information, development timelines, amenities, and commercial projects are subject to change. Builder incentives may require use of a preferred lender or other conditions. Property values and future appreciation are not guaranteed. Buyers should independently verify current community, builder, school, tax, HOA, and financing information before making a purchase decision.
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Theresa is the founder and Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC. She holds the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation, is a Certified Luxury Marketing Specialist, an AI Certified Agent, and an AI Listing Advantage holder, and has been recognized as a RateMyAgent Price Expert and a Million Dollar Club producer. She serves sellers, buyers, and military families throughout North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With 18+ years of experience and deep expertise in Denton County communities, she provides strategic, data-driven real estate guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is now a good time to buy new construction in Denton County?
Late summer 2026 offers a favorable window for qualified buyers. Builders are actively offering incentives including rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and design center upgrades. Multiple communities have inventory available, and competition among builders is creating leverage for informed buyers. As with any real estate decision, the right time to buy depends on your personal readiness, financial position, and goals. I help clients evaluate whether the timing aligns with their specific situation.
Which Denton County communities have the most new phases coming?
Pecan Square continues to release new phases across its neighborhoods and has added rare half-acre homesites. Landmark by Hillwood is in Phase 1 with 747 lots and nine builders. Harvest continues to sell across multiple builder collections. Canyon Falls is approaching buildout while The Ridge at Northlake continues with active new construction available from Taylor Morrison and David Weekley Homes. Current inventory and pricing should be verified directly with each builder.
Are builder incentives still available in late 2026?
Yes. Summer and early fall 2026 have been described as a buyer-friendly window. Many builders are offering incentives including closing cost assistance, rate buydowns, and design center upgrades. Offers can vary by builder, community, and home availability. The strongest incentives tend to be on quick move-in inventory, and some builders offer better terms when buyers use their preferred lender.
What does the new middle school mean for Pecan Square?
Floyd Barksdale Middle School, now open under Northwest ISD, serves grades 6 through 8 directly within the Pecan Square corridor. For families with middle-school-age children, having a middle school campus nearby brings added convenience. Having three school levels (elementary, middle, and high school) in close proximity to the community strengthens both quality of life and may contribute to the overall desirability of the community.
Should I wait for Landmark or buy in an established community?
Both are valid strategies, but they serve different buyer profiles. Established communities like Pecan Square, Harvest, and The Ridge offer mature amenities, a track record of buyer demand, and no construction disruption. They are ideal for buyers who need to move soon or want certainty. Landmark offers an earlier-stage buying opportunity but requires patience with construction, infrastructure build-out, and years of ongoing development. The right choice depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and lifestyle preferences. I help clients evaluate both paths based on their specific goals.