If you're relocating to North Texas and searching for new construction under $800K, Northlake and the surrounding Denton County communities should be at the top of your list. The area is home to some of the most thoughtfully designed master-planned communities in the state, and in 2026, there are more options than ever for buyers who want modern construction, strong community amenities, and long-term value.
As a Broker who works in these communities daily, I'm going to walk you through the neighborhoods that currently offer the strongest new construction options under $800K, what's actually available right now, and how to think about each one strategically. This isn't a marketing list; it's the framework I use with my clients when evaluating where to invest.
Why Northlake Has Become the Epicenter of New Construction in Denton County
Northlake sits at the intersection of growth corridors in western Denton County, with easy access to I-35W and Highway 114. The town has attracted major master-planned developers (Hillwood, Forestar, and several production and custom builders) because the land, infrastructure, and school districts create the conditions for long-term desirability.
For buyers, this means a concentration of options: multiple communities with different price points, builder lineups, and lifestyle models, all within a short drive of each other. That's rare, and it's one of the reasons Northlake has become a primary focus for relocating families.
Pecan Square, The Standard-Bearer for New Construction in Northlake
Pecan Square by Hillwood remains the most recognized master-planned community in Northlake, and for good reason. The village-center design (built around gathering spaces, not just lots and streets) set a new standard when it opened, and the community continues to add new phases and builder offerings.
What's available in 2026:
- 50-foot lots starting around $499,990, the entry point for the community
- 100-foot lots ranging from approximately $934,000 to $1.2 million, above our $800K threshold but worth knowing about for move-up buyers
- Multiple active builders including Coventry Homes and Highland Homes, each offering distinct floor plans and customization levels
- Quick move-in homes frequently available for buyers on a relocation timeline
Strategic note: On 50-foot lots, Pecan Square offers a compelling value proposition under $800K with resort-style amenities, high-speed fiber internet, and Northwest ISD schools. The community's resale values have remained strong because it was designed with long-term desirability in mind. If you're comparing new construction vs. resale in Northlake, Pecan Square often makes the case for both.
Harvest, Multiple Price Points and One of the Broadest Builder Lineups
Harvest, also developed by Hillwood and located in Northlake, offers one of the widest ranges of new construction options in the area. From townhomes starting in the high $200s to estate-series homes exceeding $1 million, the community is designed to serve buyers at nearly every stage.
Key details for 2026:
- Townhomes starting in the high $200s to low $300s, ideal for first-time buyers or those wanting a lower-maintenance lifestyle
- Single-family homes with a wide range of builders and price points, many falling in the $400K to $800K range
- Active builders include CB JENI Lifestyle Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers, and Tri Pointe Homes
- Builder incentives are actively being offered, including rate buy-downs, closing cost contributions, and financing discounts on inventory homes
Strategic note: Harvest's community lifestyle is something you can feel immediately when you visit. The working farm, trail systems, and neighborhood programming create a sense of place that goes beyond the individual home. For relocating families who want new construction with genuine community connection, Harvest is one of the strongest options in Denton County.
One important detail: Harvest's townhome and single-family products serve very different buyer profiles. If you're a move-up buyer looking for a larger home under $800K, focus your search on the single-family builders and ask about inventory homes; that's where the most aggressive incentives tend to be.
Canyon Falls, Nature-Forward Design at Competitive Prices
Canyon Falls brings a different philosophy to new construction in Northlake. The community was planned around its natural landscape (rolling terrain, mature trees, and creek corridors) rather than imposing a grid on flat land. The result is a neighborhood with character from day one.
Current market position:
- Median listing price of approximately $798,000 as of May 2026, with homes ranging from the $400s to the mid-$900s
- Active builders include Coventry Homes, Drees Custom Homes, and Windmiller Custom Homes
- Quick move-in homes available through the community's homefinder tool
- Miles of hiking and biking trails: community lake, and parks designed for everyday enjoyment
Strategic note: Canyon Falls is particularly appealing to families who want new construction without the ultra-planned feel of some master-planned communities. The natural setting gives it character, and the price range offers solid options under $800K. As the community matures, watch for remaining inventory opportunities, builders often offer more competitive pricing on final-phase homes.
The Ridge at Northlake, Final Phases with Strong Value
The Ridge at Northlake is currently in its final phases of development, which for savvy buyers can represent an opportunity. When communities approach sellout, builders often become more motivated on remaining inventory.
What's available:
- David Weekley Homes with offerings from approximately $589,990 to over $680,000
- Taylor Morrison with 60s and 70s series homes ranging from approximately $560,000 to over $746,000
- Active builder incentives as builders work to close out remaining phases
Strategic note: If you're looking for new construction under $800K in Northlake with established builders and a community that's already taking shape, The Ridge is worth evaluating, especially if you can find an inventory home with builder concessions. The trade-off is that you're buying at the end of the development cycle, which means fewer future phases and a more defined community footprint.
What's Coming Next: New Developments to Watch
Beyond the established communities, several major developments are underway or recently approved that will reshape the Northlake landscape in the coming years. If you're thinking long-term about where to buy, these are worth understanding.
Landmark by Hillwood
This is the biggest story in Denton County development right now. Landmark is a 3,200-acre, $10 billion master-planned community located at I-35W and Robson Ranch Road, near Argyle. Developed by Hillwood, the same team behind Pecan Square and Harvest, the project broke ground in late 2025 and is planned for a 40-year build-out.
Phase 1 includes 747 single-family lots and retail development, with model homes slated to open in spring 2026. At full build-out, Landmark will include approximately 6,000 single-family homes, 3,000 multifamily units, and roughly 900 acres of commercial and retail space, including an announced H-E-B grocery store.
What this means for buyers: Landmark will eventually add significant inventory to the Northlake/Denton area, but pricing and specific builder lineups for Phase 1 are still emerging. If you're not in a rush, this community is worth watching. If you need to move now, the established communities, Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, offer proven options with track records.
Forestar's 281-Acre Community
In March 2026, Forestar, a subsidiary of D.R. Horton, received city approval for a 281-acre master-planned community on the east side of FM 156, south of Downe Road, near Northlake. The plans call for a single-family neighborhood with a maximum of 843 homes on lots at least 30 feet wide, plus approximately 158 acres of open space and floodplain preservation.
What this means for buyers: This development is still in the early planning stages, so it won't impact your immediate options. But it signals continued confidence in the Northlake growth corridor, which is a positive indicator for long-term property values across the area.
The Ridge at Northlake, Final Phases
As noted above, The Ridge is approaching sellout. If this community aligns with your goals, the window to buy new construction there is narrowing. I'd recommend evaluating available inventory sooner rather than later.
Builder Incentives: What You Should Know in 2026
Builders across the Northlake area are actively offering incentives to move inventory. These typically include permanent mortgage rate buy-downs, closing cost contributions ranging from $20,000 to over $50,000 on select homes, and discounts on structural or design options.
The critical thing to understand: A builder offering $20,000 in closing costs but pricing their homes $30,000 above market isn't actually giving you a deal. I help my clients evaluate the real economics behind builder incentives so they can make decisions based on value, not marketing.
Some practical advice:
- Ask about inventory home incentives first: builders are most motivated on completed or near-completed homes
- Compare incentives across builders in the same community, they're not all offering the same terms
- Don't let incentives drive your community choice: start with schools, commute, and lifestyle, then evaluate pricing
Quick Move-Ins: When Timing Matters
Relocating families often can't wait six to twelve months for a home to be built. Most of the communities covered here, Pecan Square, Harvest, and Canyon Falls, offer quick move-in (QMI) homes that are completed or near-completed.
QMI homes are a significant advantage for compressed timelines, but they come with trade-offs: limited customization, builder-selected finishes, and the possibility that the home wasn't designed around your specific preferences. I help my clients weigh the speed advantage against the customization opportunity and make the right call for their situation.
How I Help Clients Evaluate New Construction Communities
Not every community will be right for every buyer. Here's the framework I use when helping clients evaluate their options in Northlake:
1. Start with schools and commute, not finishes. Granite countertops can be added. A bad school district or a 90-minute commute cannot be fixed. Northwest ISD and Argyle ISD serve these communities and represent strong long-term value drivers.
2. Evaluate the builder, not just the community. Two homes in the same community can have dramatically different quality depending on the builder. I help my clients research builder track records, warranty structures, and construction quality before they sign a contract.
3. Think about resale value from day one. Communities like Pecan Square, Harvest, and Canyon Falls have maintained strong resale performance because they were designed with long-term desirability in mind.
4. Understand the true cost of ownership. New construction prices are just the beginning. Property taxes, HOA fees, and community assessments all affect your monthly investment. I provide a complete cost-of-ownership analysis before my clients make a decision.
5. Don't skip the independent inspection. Builder warranties are valuable, but they're not a substitute for a thorough independent inspection during the build process. Pre-drywall and pre-closing inspections are two of the most important steps in protecting your investment.
The Bottom Line
Northlake offers some of the best new construction options in the Dallas to Fort Worth metroplex, and in 2026, there are strong choices under $800K across multiple communities and builder lineups. Whether you're drawn to Pecan Square's village-center design, Harvest's community lifestyle, Canyon Falls' natural setting, or The Ridge's final-phase value, the key is approaching the process with strategy, not just excitement.
The families who make the best decisions are the ones who understand the community, evaluate the builder, and think about long-term value, not just what the model home looks like today.
I'd love to help you evaluate these communities, understand the builder incentives, and find the right new construction home for your family's next chapter.
Thank you,
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, Covenant Heritage Realty
TX License: 807294 · FL License: 3102580
