New Construction Under $500K
in Denton County:
Where to Find Value in 2026

Can you still buy new construction under $500K in Denton County in 2026? The short answer is yes, but the opportunities are specific to certain communities, builders, and floor plans, and availability changes frequently. Current examples include select homes in Pecan Square, Harvest, Wildflower Ranch, Treeline, Landmark by Hillwood, Timberbrook, and D.R. Horton's Eagle Creek in Denton, subject to current builder inventory and pricing.

If you are a first-time buyer, a relocating buyer, or someone seeking to keep the purchase below $500K, this is the guide I would want to read. I am going to walk you through where to find new construction under $500K in Denton County, what builders are active at that price point, and how to evaluate whether a community fits your needs and budget. Not every affordable home is the right fit, but with the right strategy and current information, there are real opportunities.

Quick Answers

Short, direct answers to the questions buyers ask most about sub-$500K new construction in Denton County, based on the verified details in this article. Pricing and inventory change, so verify current figures with each builder.

• Are there new construction homes under $500K in Denton County?

  Yes. As of August 2026, options include Pecan Square from about $399,990, Harvest townhomes from about $344,000, Wildflower Ranch from about $331,000, Treeline from the low $330s, Landmark from the high $300s, and Timberbrook from the upper $300s.

• What is the entry point at Pecan Square?

  Pecan Square's sub-$500K options run from approximately $399,990 to $495,990 on 40- to 50-foot lots, with builders including Coventry, D.R. Horton, Highland, and David Weekley, served by Northwest ISD with Barksdale Middle School now open.

• Which community has the most builders under $500K?

  Wildflower Ranch offers 7+ builders with options under $500K from about $331,000, and Treeline offers 6+ builders under $500K from the low $330s. Both are served by Northwest ISD.

• What is Landmark's sub-$500K position?

  Landmark by Hillwood starts in the high $300s with 4+ builders offering homes under $500K, served by Denton ISD, with an H-E-B planned at the development.

Why Sub-$500K New Construction Still Exists in Denton County

Denton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, and headline price points have been climbing steadily. But the reality is more nuanced than averages suggest. Several factors keep the under-$500K segment alive:

• Multiple builders competing at every price tier. Denton County has one of the densest builder lineups in Texas, from national volume builders to regional names, and that competition helps keep base pricing accessible across a range of lot and floor plan sizes.
• Smaller lot products. Builders offer 40-foot and 45-foot lot options in several communities, which brings base prices down while retaining access to new construction and applicable community amenities.
• Quick move-in inventory. Completed or near-completed spec homes may offer different pricing or incentives than to-be-built homes. Builder flexibility varies by builder, specific home, inventory position, community, and sales goals.
• Builder incentive programs. Rate buydowns, closing cost assistance, and design allowance credits can reduce upfront and monthly costs. Incentive types and amounts change regularly and must be verified directly with each builder.

The key is knowing where to look and how to evaluate what you are getting. Here are the Denton County communities where current builder inventory supports genuine sub-$500K opportunities as of August 2026.

As of August 2026; pricing subject to change. All pricing listed is base plan pricing unless noted as quick move-in. Verify current pricing, inventory, and incentives directly with each builder.

Pecan Square: Multiple Builders Competing at the Sub-$500K Level

Pecan Square in Northlake remains the most well-known master-planned community in the area. While estate lots reach well above $500K, the community's standard-lot sections offer homes starting in the low $400s from multiple builders.

Current sub-$500K builders and pricing as of August 2026:

• Coventry Homes offers 40-foot lot homes starting from approximately $399,990, with floor plans ranging from roughly 1,500 to 2,300 square feet.
• D.R. Horton offers homes starting from approximately $424,990 on 50-foot lots, with multiple floor plans between 1,800 and 2,600 square feet. Current inventory and quick move-in options may vary.
• Highland Homes offers 40-foot lot sections with pricing from the $430s. Smaller floor plans and quick move-in inventory can fall under $500K depending on current availability.
• David Weekley Homes in Pecan Square Gardens offers quick move-in homes starting from approximately $495,990 on select plans. Pricing varies by lot and phase.

Pricing and availability verified from current builder sources as of August 2026. Contact each builder or work with an agent to confirm current inventory and any promotions.

What to consider: The homes under $500K at Pecan Square are on 40-foot and select 50-foot lots, and floor plans are typically 1,500 to 2,600 square feet. Families needing 3,000+ square feet will likely need to move above this price point. Pecan Square is served by Northwest ISD, with Johnie R. Daniel Elementary (K-5) on site and Floyd Barksdale Middle School (6-8) now open for the 2026-27 school year. School attendance boundaries, feeder patterns and ratings can change. Buyers should verify current assignments for the specific property directly with the applicable school district before making a purchase decision.

Harvest: Tri Pointe Townhomes and David Weekley Single-Family Options

Harvest, the Hillwood-developed community in Argyle and Northlake, offers the broadest price range in the area. While estate sections reach seven figures, the community has genuine sub-$500K options from two current builders.

Current sub-$500K builders and pricing as of August 2026:

• Tri Pointe Homes - Terrace Collection offers attached townhome-style homes starting from approximately $344,614, with 3-4 bedrooms, 1,661 to 2,098 square feet. This is the most affordable entry point in Harvest.
• Tri Pointe Homes - Cottage Collection offers detached single-family homes starting from approximately $457,990, with 3-4 bedrooms and 2,378 to 2,769 square feet.
• David Weekley Homes - The Retreat at Harvest offers single-family homes starting from approximately $429,990, with 3-4 bedrooms and 1,912 to 3,112 square feet on select lots.

Pricing and availability verified from current builder sources as of August 2026. Drees Custom Homes, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, and other Harvest builders generally start above $500K.

What to consider: Harvest spans Argyle ISD and Northwest ISD depending on the specific property location. School attendance zones are determined by address, not by the community name, so buyers should verify the assigned district and school for each homesite they consider. The Terrace Collection townhomes are an excellent entry point but represent a different product type than detached single-family homes. When comparing townhomes to detached homes, factor in HOA fees, maintenance responsibilities, and the resale market for attached vs. detached products.

Wildflower Ranch: Competitive Pricing North of Fort Worth

Wildflower Ranch is a 1,100-acre master-planned community currently developed by Starwood Land (the community was originally developed by Hines, which broke ground in 2020), located north of Fort Worth along Highway 114. The community is planned for approximately 3,300 single-family homes and offers a wide range of pricing across multiple builders.

Current sub-$500K builders as of August 2026:

• Beazer Homes offers homes starting from approximately $331,990, with floor plans on standard lots available under $500K.
• Highland Homes offers homes starting from the mid-$300s on 50-foot lots.
• William Ryan Homes offers homes starting from approximately $384,990.
• Ashton Woods offers homes starting from approximately $383,000.
• Bloomfield Homes offers homes starting from approximately $396,990 to $418,990.
• RockWell Homes offers homes starting from approximately $400,000.
• UnionMain Homes and D.R. Horton also have active offerings in the community. Check current inventory for each builder as availability changes.

Mattamy Homes and Coventry Homes are also active in the community. Toll Brothers (Select Collection) generally starts above $500K. The community's advertised broad price range spans from the low $300s to the $700s.

Pricing verified from current official builder and community sources as of August 2026. Verify specific lot and plan pricing directly.

What to consider: Wildflower Ranch is zoned to Northwest ISD. The on-site Alan and Andra Perrin Elementary School (K-5) opened in 2024 and serves the community. Middle school and high school assignments are Gene Pike Middle School and Northwest High School. Verify attendance zones by specific address. At the lowest entry prices, homes are on smaller lots with compact floor plans. If you need 2,500+ square feet, budget in the $450K to $500K+ range. Wildflower Ranch falls within a Municipal Utility District (MUD), and property tax rates vary by section and homesite. Verify the combined property-tax rate and applicable special assessments for any specific lot.

Treeline: Justin's Most Accessible New Construction Community

Treeline is an 800-acre Hillwood community in Justin with nine builders, homes from the high $300s to the $600s, and a nature-inspired amenity concept. Model homes and quick move-in inventory are available. Hillwood currently confirms homes ranging overall from the high $300s to $600s.

Current sub-$500K builders as of August 2026:

• HistoryMaker Homes offers homes starting from the low $330s, making it the most accessible entry point in Treeline.
• Beazer Homes offers homes starting from approximately $347,990, with energy-efficient floor plans on 40-foot lots.
• Tri Pointe Homes offers homes starting from approximately $380,990.
• Pulte Homes offers homes starting from approximately $391,990.
• Highland Homes offers homes starting from approximately $399,990.
• David Weekley Homes offers homes starting from approximately $428,990.

Pricing verified from current official builder pages as of August 2026. Some Highland Homes, David Weekley, and American Legend Homes plans start above $500K depending on lot and square footage. Base-plan pricing may differ from quick move-in pricing.

What to consider: Treeline is served by Northwest ISD. Current attendance assignments for Treeline homesites are Justin Elementary (K-5), Gene Pike Middle School (6-8), and Northwest High School (9-12). Because school boundaries can change and may vary by specific homesite, buyers should verify the assigned school for their specific address directly with Northwest ISD. The community's master plan includes land reserved for a future on-site NISD elementary school, but the district has not announced funding, scheduling, or a confirmed opening date for this campus. Do not assume a future school will open during your ownership timeline. Treeline's nature-first design includes amenity features like The Hideaway (resort pool, amphitheater, pickleball courts), The Nook (library treehouse), The Grove (orchard park), and extensive trail systems. Justin is located along US-287, providing access to the Alliance employment corridor and Fort Worth.

Landmark by Hillwood: Denton's Newest Sub-$500K Opportunity

Landmark by Hillwood is Denton's first master-planned development: a 3,200-acre community at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road with nine builders in Phase 1 and homes from the high $300s to over $1M. Several Phase 1 builders offer genuine sub-$500K new construction options.

Current sub-$500K builders as of August 2026:

• Coventry Homes offers base pricing from the high $300s to high $400s. Current Phase 1 pricing supports sub-$500K options on select floor plans.
• M/I Homes offers base pricing from the high $300s to low $400s, making it one of the most accessible entry points at Landmark.
• Tri Pointe Homes offers base pricing from the low $400s to low $500s. Select floor plans and homesites can fall under $500K.
• American Legend Homes offers base pricing from the high $400s to low $600s. Entry-level floor plans on standard lots may be available under $500K depending on current inventory.

David Weekley Homes (mid $400s to low $500s) and Highland Homes (low $500s to low $600s) may also have select inventory under $500K depending on quick move-in availability. Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes, and Toll Brothers generally start above $500K in Phase 1.

Base pricing ranges verified from current official Landmark and builder sources as of August 2026. Verify specific lot and plan pricing directly. Distinguish base plan pricing from quick move-in pricing.

What to consider: Landmark is served by Denton ISD, with land reserved within the master plan for three on-site schools (two elementary schools and one middle school). School construction is dependent on future bond elections; buyers should verify current attendance boundaries directly with Denton ISD. The community is in early Phase 1 with model homes opening in 2026, so buyers enter alongside ongoing development. Amenities including the Timberview Hilltop Amenity Center (resort-style infinity pool, clubhouse) are planned to begin opening in late 2026. Denton's first H-E-B is planned within the community's commercial district with a targeted opening in early 2027. With a roughly 40-year buildout timeline, Landmark offers the widest lot selection for early-phase buyers but also the longest horizon before the community is fully built out.

Timberbrook in Justin: Established Community with Sub-$500K Options

Timberbrook is a well-established master-planned community in Justin near FM 407 and I-35W. With six builders and homes ranging from the $390s to $750K+, the community offers multiple sub-$500K entry points from current builder inventory.

Current sub-$500K builders as of August 2026:

• K. Hovnanian Homes offers Villas and Estates collections starting from the upper $300s. Quick move-in options may be available at this price point.
• Impression Homes offers base pricing from approximately $393,990. Current inventory varies.
• Bloomfield Homes offers homes from approximately $416,990 with multiple floor plans available.
• Sandlin Homes offers base pricing from approximately $463,900 on 50-foot and 65-foot lots. Entry-level floor plans may fall under $500K.

Pacesetter Homes (starting from the low $400s) and Ladera at Timberbrook (55+ active-adult enclave) offer additional options. Pricing varies by floor plan, homesite, and available inventory.

Pricing verified from current official builder sources as of August 2026. Distinguish base plan pricing from specific inventory home pricing, which varies by options, upgrades, and lot premiums.

What to consider: Timberbrook is served by Northwest ISD, with Justin Elementary School (opened for the 2025-2026 school year) located within the community. For the 2026-27 school year, Timberbrook students are assigned to Justin Elementary, Gene Pike Middle School, and Northwest High School. Attendance boundaries can change; verify assignments for the specific property. Timberbrook includes Public Improvement District (PID) assessments administered through the City of Justin. The underlying property tax rate is approximately 1.9059%, with an additional PID annual installment that varies by assessment area and property. HOA fees also apply and vary by builder and section.

Eagle Creek in Denton: D.R. Horton's Affordable Option Near Downtown

D.R. Horton's Eagle Creek community in Denton offers new construction with the lowest base pricing of the communities featured in this guide. Current D.R. Horton listings show Eagle Creek starting from approximately $354,990, with multiple floor plans available under $500K.

Current details as of August 2026:

• Single-family homes starting from approximately $354,990, making Eagle Creek the most affordable standalone community on this list.
• Multiple floor plans available, with current inventory advertised under $500K. Floor plan offerings include 3-5 bedroom designs.
• Amenities include a pool, playground, pond, walking trails, and a clubhouse with outdoor gathering features.
• Zoned to Denton ISD, with Borman Elementary, McMath Middle School, and Denton High School serving the community. Verify attendance assignments as boundaries can change.
• Located near the University of North Texas campus and downtown Denton, offering proximity to employment, dining, and entertainment options.

Starting price verified from current D.R. Horton official listings as of August 2026. Pricing is subject to change based on lot, floor plan, and current incentives.

What to consider: Eagle Creek is a more established community compared to newer developments, giving buyers access to comparable sales data and a built-out infrastructure. This can be helpful for buyers who prefer to evaluate a neighborhood in its current state rather than relying on future development projections. Denton ISD serves the community, and school attendance boundaries are address-specific. Confirm the current assigned school for any homesite.

Quick Comparison: Sub-$500K Options at a Glance (August 2026)

How Builder Incentives Affect Affordability

Builder incentives can meaningfully affect the purchase price and monthly payment of a new construction home. However, incentive programs change frequently and vary by builder, community, and even by specific floor plan. Here are the common types of incentives available in Denton County, though specific dollar amounts or rates require current verification from each builder:

• Rate buydowns. Builders may offer temporary buydowns (such as 2-1 or 3-2-1 programs that reduce the interest rate in the first few years) or permanent buydowns that lock a lower rate for the full loan term. The specific rate and structure must be confirmed with the builder's preferred lender.
• Closing cost assistance. Builder-paid credits toward closing costs reduce the cash required at the closing table. Amounts vary by builder, home price, and current promotions.
• Design studio allowances. A design credit can reduce the amount a buyer otherwise would spend on selected finishes or upgrades. Some builders offer credits toward upgrades at their design center, allowing buyers to personalize the home with flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures without increasing the base price.
• Quick move-in price adjustments. Completed or nearly completed inventory homes may carry different pricing than to-be-built homes, and builder flexibility varies by builder, specific home, inventory position, community, and sales goals.
• Special financing programs. Some builders offer fixed-rate programs or reduced rates through their preferred lender partnerships. These may come with specific qualification requirements.

When evaluating a builder financing incentive, buyers should request a Loan Estimate from the builder-affiliated lender and compare it against at least one outside financing alternative. Compare interest rate, APR, points, lender credits, closing costs, and cash required to close rather than assuming a builder financing incentive automatically produces the lowest total borrowing cost. The key is to evaluate any incentive on its actual impact to your purchase price, monthly payment, and total cost of ownership, not just the headline number.

Extra Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

The sticker price is only part of the equation. Buyers should verify the full cost picture for any new construction home, including:

• Property taxes. Tax rates in Denton County vary significantly by community, school district, and jurisdiction. Homes in MUD (Municipal Utility District) and PID (Public Improvement District) areas carry additional assessments on top of the base property tax rate. Rates vary by specific homesite and can change with bond elections and district formation. Ask for the exact combined property-tax rate and applicable special assessments for the property you are considering.
• HOA dues. Master-planned community HOA fees vary by community and may cover amenities, landscaping, and common area maintenance. Monthly dues also vary by section within the same community. Verify the specific fee for your homesite.
• Lot premiums and elevation charges. Builders apply premiums for desirable lots (greenbelt, pond view, corner lots) and for certain exterior elevations or architectural options. These charges can add thousands to the base price.
• Design center upgrades. Standard finishes in entry-level homes may be basic. Budget for flooring, countertop, cabinetry, and fixture upgrades if you want a more finished product. Allowance credits from builder incentives can offset these costs.

All tax rates, HOA fees, and assessments must be verified for the specific homesite you are considering. They vary not just by community but sometimes by section and lot within the same development. Your agent and the builder's sales team should provide these figures in writing before you commit.

How to Evaluate a Sub-$500K New Construction Home

Not every under-$500K new construction home makes sense for every buyer. Here is the framework I use when helping buyers evaluate whether a home at this price point aligns with their goals:

1. Verify the School District and Attendance Zone

School district and campus assignments may be important considerations for individual buyers and must be verified for the specific address because boundaries can change. In Denton County, the same community can have homes in different school districts depending on the specific section or lot. Northwest ISD, Argyle ISD, and Denton ISD are the primary districts covering the communities in this guide. Each district has its own academic profile, extracurricular offerings, and facility investments. Verify the assigned school for the specific address, not just the community name.

2. Understand the Full Monthly Cost

Calculate your projected monthly payment including principal, interest, property taxes, MUD/PID assessments, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues. Tax rates and HOA fees vary significantly by property. Ask the builder or your agent for the exact combined property-tax rate and any special assessments for the specific homesite. A home with a lower purchase price but higher tax and HOA costs may have a similar monthly payment to a higher-priced home in a lower-tax section.

3. Compare Builder Processes, Warranties, and Included Features

At the sub-$500K level, builders differ in their standard specifications, upgrade structures, warranty programs, and construction processes. Some builders include landscaping, fencing, and blinds in the base price; others treat them as optional upgrades. Review the builder's warranty terms (structural, systems, and workmanship coverage periods), visit completed homes or model homes in person, and ask about inspection processes. I help buyers compare these factors across builders to understand what they are actually getting at each price point.

4. Consider Quick Move-In vs. To-Be-Built

Quick move-in (QMI) inventory homes are completed or nearing completion and may carry pricing adjustments or incentive packages to close within a specific timeframe. They eliminate the construction wait period and the uncertainty of estimating final cost with upgrades. To-be-built homes give you more design control and more time to save for the down payment. Each approach has trade-offs depending on your timeline, budget, and preferences.

5. Evaluate Community Maturity and Comparable Sales

Established communities like Pecan Square, Eagle Creek, Harvest, and Timberbrook have recent resale data that can help you evaluate pricing relative to what earlier buyers paid. Newer communities like Treeline and Landmark have less history to draw from, but offer lower entry pricing. Both approaches can work depending on your goals and timeline. The right choice depends on how much certainty you want about the neighborhood's future development and how long you plan to own the home.

What Sub-$500K Builder Inventory Means for Sellers

If you are selling a home in or near a community with active new construction, understanding current builder pricing and incentives is important. Builders with sub-$500K new construction options, quick move-in homes, and financing incentives are competing for the same buyer pool as resale sellers. A buyer comparing a $480K resale home to a new build at $450K with a rate buydown and closing cost assistance may not see them as equivalent options.

My new construction knowledge supports my listing work. When I represent a seller, we review current builder base pricing, available quick move-in inventory, and the incentive programs active in nearby communities. This allows us to develop a pricing and marketing strategy that positions the resale home competitively against new construction alternatives. For eligible listings, Zillow Showcase may be part of the enhanced marketing strategy to increase visibility, though eligibility and results vary and are not guaranteed.

How These Communities Differ

Each community in this guide offers a different combination of price, builder selection, schools, amenities, and location. Here is a summary of how they differ to help you narrow your choices:

• Pecan Square: The most complete master-planned lifestyle with multiple sub-$500K builders, on-site schools, and resort amenities. Located in Northlake with Northwest ISD.
• Harvest: Townhome entry points and single-family options in a Hillwood community with working farm amenities. Spans Argyle ISD and Northwest ISD.
• Wildflower Ranch: The widest builder competition at the lowest price points with a resort-style lazy river and Northwest ISD schools. Located along Highway 114.
• Treeline: Creative nature-inspired amenities with multiple builders under $500K in a Hillwood community. Northwest ISD schools, located in Justin along US-287.
• Landmark by Hillwood: Denton's first master-planned development at the largest scale with H-E-B planned. Four Phase 1 builders under $500K. Denton ISD. Very early development stage with 40-year buildout.
• Timberbrook: Established community with on-site Justin Elementary and multiple sub-$500K builders. Northwest ISD. Mature amenities and landscaping. PID assessments apply.
• Eagle Creek: Lowest starting price and proximity to downtown Denton and UNT. Established infrastructure, Denton ISD schools, and urban access.

The Bottom Line

New construction under $500K in Denton County is available in 2026, but it requires current research, verified pricing, and a clear understanding of the full cost picture. The communities outlined in this guide, Pecan Square, Harvest, Wildflower Ranch, Treeline, Landmark by Hillwood, Timberbrook, and Eagle Creek, each offer current sub-$500K inventory from specific builders. Availability changes weekly as homes sell and builders adjust pricing.

The buyers who make the best decisions at this price point look beyond the sticker price. They verify school assignments by address. They calculate the true monthly cost including taxes, HOA fees, and MUD/PID assessments. They compare builder specifications, included features, and incentive offers. They compare builder-affiliated lender financing against outside alternatives. And they work with an agent who understands both the new construction process and the local market.

Whether you are buying or selling in Denton County, I can help you evaluate communities, builders, and market strategy with clarity and confidence.

Last Reviewed: September 1, 2026. All pricing, builder inventory, and incentives are time-sensitive and subject to change. Verify current information directly with each builder or through your agent before making a purchase decision.

As of August 2026; pricing subject to change. Base plan pricing and quick move-in pricing may differ. Verify current pricing, inventory, and incentives directly with each builder.

Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, REALTOR®
Covenant Heritage Realty | In DFW Living Group
TX License #807294 · FL License #3102580