When buyers start researching master-planned communities in Denton County, the conversation often centers on Pecan Square, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and Wildflower Ranch. But one of the most established and award-winning communities in the county sits along the US-380 corridor in Little Elm, just minutes from Lake Lewisville. It's called Union Park, and in 2024 it was named the Dallas Builders Association's Community of the Year.
Developed by Hillwood Communities—one of the most respected master-planned community developers in Texas—Union Park spans 1,100 acres and is planned for approximately 3,200 single-family homes. With 8+ builders offering everything from starter-friendly floor plans to spacious move-up designs, an on-site Denton ISD elementary school, a dedicated Del Webb 55+ active-adult section, and a central amenity package built around a 40-acre park with natural ponds, Union Park delivers one of the most well-rounded lifestyle packages in the DFW metroplex.
As the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, I've watched Union Park grow into one of the most desirable addresses in southern Denton County. Here's what you need to know about this community, why it earned the Community of the Year recognition, and how to approach a purchase here with strategy and confidence.
Quick Facts
What Is Union Park?
Union Park is a 1,100-acre master-planned community in Little Elm, Texas, developed by Hillwood Communities—the same developer behind Treeline in Justin and other prominent North Texas communities. The community is built on five core design principles: sense of community, well-being, enrichment, stewardship, and innovation. These aren't just marketing words—they shape everything from the trail system and school connectivity to the amenity design and natural landscape preservation.
At 1,100 acres with approximately 3,200 planned homes, Union Park has the scale to support a full range of amenities, schools, and community programming while maintaining a cohesive identity. The community's positioning along US-380, just minutes from Lake Lewisville, gives residents access to both the natural recreation of the lake and the employment and retail corridors of Frisco, McKinney, and the broader Collin County growth corridor.
What distinguishes Union Park from many other Denton County communities is its breadth. It offers homes from the high $200s to the $500s, a dedicated Del Webb active-adult section for buyers 55 and older, an on-site Denton ISD elementary school with sustainable design features, and a central amenity complex built around a 40-acre park. This range means Union Park serves multiple buyer profiles simultaneously—young families, move-up buyers, relocating professionals, and empty nesters—all within a single master plan.
Where Is Union Park Located?
Union Park sits along US Highway 380 in Little Elm, Texas, in the southern portion of Denton County. This location offers several practical advantages:
- US-380 corridor access, Little Elm's position along US-380 connects residents to McKinney, Princeton, and the eastern DFW growth corridor, as well as Denton's retail and university amenities to the west.
- Lake Lewisville proximity, Union Park is minutes from Lake Lewisville, one of the largest lakes in North Texas. Residents enjoy easy access to boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation without a long drive.
- Frisco employment access, The community is positioned within a reasonable commute of major employers along the Dallas North Tollway, Legacy West corridor, and the fast-growing Frisco/Prosper employment hub.
- Growing retail and dining, Little Elm has invested heavily in its downtown and retail corridors, with new restaurants, shops, and services expanding along the US-380 and FM 423 corridors.
Builders and Price Ranges
Union Park features 8+ builders, making it one of the most builder-diverse communities in Denton County. This variety creates genuine choices in floor plans, architectural style, finishes, and price points—from efficient plans ideal for first-time buyers and young families to expansive designs for move-up homeowners seeking more space.
That high-$200s starting point makes Union Park one of the most accessible master-planned communities in Denton County. When you factor in the on-site school, resort-style amenities, Del Webb active-adult section, and proximity to Lake Lewisville, the value proposition is difficult to match at this price range. For first-time buyers, young families, and relocating professionals establishing themselves in North Texas, Union Park opens the door to a comprehensive lifestyle package that might otherwise be out of reach.
The Del Webb 55+ Active Adult Section
One of Union Park's most distinctive features is its Del Webb active-adult community within the master plan. Del Webb at Union Park is a dedicated 55+ enclave designed for empty nesters and active adults who want the convenience of single-story living with full access to Union Park's broader amenity package.
The Del Webb section features its own dedicated amenity center—a 10,000 sq ft facility with a resort-style pool, fitness center, social rooms, outdoor patio, bocce ball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Residents have their own lifestyle director who organizes social events, fitness classes, and community programming. At the same time, Del Webb homeowners enjoy access to Union Park's trails, parks, The Porch amenity center, and the broader community atmosphere.
Del Webb offers 10 distinct single-story floor plans, designed specifically for the 55+ lifestyle with open layouts, accessible design features, and lower-maintenance living. For buyers who want to downsize without downgrading their lifestyle—or for families looking to relocate parents to the same community—Del Webb at Union Park provides a rare multi-generational living opportunity within a single master-planned development.
Schools: Denton ISD On-Site
One of Union Park's most practical advantages is its on-site elementary school. Union Park Elementary, part of Denton Independent School District (Denton ISD), is located directly within the community—making it walkable or a short bike ride from most homes in the development.
Union Park Elementary opened in 2019 as Denton ISD's 24th campus and features unique sustainable design elements including solar panels, a rainwater collection cistern, and geothermal heating and cooling. These Earthwise design features make it one of the most environmentally conscious elementary schools in the district, and they reflect Union Park's broader commitment to thoughtful, innovation-driven community design.
Students in Union Park are currently zoned to attend:
- Union Park Elementary (K–5, on-site within the community)
- Navo Middle School (6–8, within the community, connected by walking and biking trails)
- Ray Braswell High School (9–12, located just across US-380)
Denton ISD holds an overall B+ rating from Niche, with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio across the district. Ray Braswell High School offers 20+ AP and dual-credit courses, robust athletics programs, and fine arts offerings. The district also provides an EXPO gifted program for qualifying students. For families evaluating communities across Denton County, having both an on-site elementary school and a middle school connected by trails within the same community is a significant differentiator—it eliminates long commutes, creates natural neighborhood connections among families, and has a meaningful impact on long-term property values.
Amenities: The Park, The Porch, and The Hall
Union Park's amenity package is built around a philosophy of intentional community design. The amenities aren't an afterthought—they're the centerpiece of how residents live, connect, and enjoy the community.
The Park, The Community's Heart
The centerpiece of Union Park's lifestyle offering is The Park—a 40+ acre central green space that serves as the social and recreational heart of the community. The Park includes:
- Natural ponds woven into the landscape, providing scenic views and a nature-forward atmosphere that feels distinct from typical suburban developments.
- Open green space for community events, family gatherings, and casual recreation throughout the year.
- Extensive hike-and-bike trail system connecting neighborhoods, amenities, schools, and natural areas throughout the community—encouraging a walkable, active lifestyle.
The Porch and The Hall
Union Park's amenity buildings are designed as gathering spaces that foster genuine community connection:
- The Porch is a multi-use community center with a large covered porch, outdoor seating, an oversized fireplace, and a large-screen TV overlooking The Park. It's designed as a casual, welcoming space for residents to gather, watch community events, and connect with neighbors.
- The Hall includes a catering kitchen and recreational space for community events, private gatherings, and seasonal programming.
- Resort-style pool designed as a true gathering space for families and residents during the Texas summer months.
- Parks and play areas throughout the community, providing dedicated recreation spaces for children and families in every neighborhood.
Lifestyle and Community Programming
Union Park fosters a strong sense of community through organized events, seasonal celebrations, and resident activities managed by an on-site general manager and lifestyle director through FirstService Residential Management. For families relocating to the area—particularly those moving from out of state—this built-in social infrastructure accelerates the process of feeling at home. It's one of the reasons Union Park earned the Dallas Builders Association's Community of the Year recognition in 2024: the lifestyle programming is genuine, consistent, and woven into the community's identity.
What Makes Union Park Different?
Denton County has no shortage of master-planned communities. So what makes Union Park stand out—and what earned it the Community of the Year award? A few things:
The Multi-Generational Design
Most master-planned communities in North Texas serve one primary buyer profile. Union Park serves several simultaneously—first-time buyers, young families, move-up homeowners, relocating professionals, and active adults—through its combination of builders, price ranges, and the Del Webb 55+ section. This breadth creates a community with genuine demographic diversity, which enriches the social fabric and supports long-term property value stability. For families who want to live in the same community as aging parents, or for move-up buyers who want access to both entry-level and premium housing options nearby, Union Park's multi-generational design is a meaningful advantage.
The On-Site Schools
Having both an on-site elementary school and a middle school connected by trails within the same community is a rare combination. Union Park Elementary's sustainable design—solar panels, rainwater collection, geothermal systems—goes beyond the typical school campus, reflecting a commitment to innovation that aligns with Union Park's five core design principles. For families evaluating where to put down roots, the presence of walkable, trail-connected schools is one of the most practical and valuable amenities a community can offer.
The Price Point
Homes starting from the high $200s in a 1,100-acre Hillwood community with an on-site school, Del Webb active-adult section, resort-style amenities, and proximity to Lake Lewisville is a combination that's difficult to match elsewhere in Denton County. Communities like Pecan Square, Harvest, and Wildflower Ranch offer incredible lifestyle packages, but their price points typically start higher. Union Park gives buyers access to a comprehensive community experience at an earlier, more accessible stage of homeownership. For first-time buyers, young families, and relocating professionals establishing themselves in North Texas, that's a real advantage.
The Hillwood Pedigree
Hillwood Communities is one of the most respected master-planned community developers in Texas. Their track record—including Treeline in Justin, Harvest, and other prominent communities—means Union Park benefits from thoughtful planning, quality infrastructure, and long-term community management. The on-site lifestyle director, the trail connectivity between neighborhoods and schools, and the 40-acre central park aren't accidents—they're the result of a developer who understands that the best communities are designed around how people actually live.
Who Should Buy at Union Park?
Union Park appeals to a wide range of buyers, but it's particularly strong for:
- First-time buyers and young families who want new construction with an on-site school, trail-connected amenities, and access to Lake Lewisville at one of the most accessible price points in Denton County. The high-$200s starting range opens the door to a master-planned lifestyle that might otherwise be out of reach.
- Relocating professionals coming to the DFW metroplex who want a community with built-in lifestyle, Denton ISD schools, and convenient access to the Frisco, McKinney, and Collin County employment corridors along US-380.
- Move-up buyers seeking more space, larger lots, and a community with genuine character—particularly those drawn to the 50' lot options with Highland Homes, Drees Custom, or Bloomfield.
- Active adults and empty nesters looking for the Del Webb 55+ lifestyle within a multi-generational community. Del Webb at Union Park offers single-story living, dedicated amenities, and a lifestyle director—plus access to the broader Union Park trail system, schools, and community atmosphere.
- Military families and veterans relocating to the DFW area. Little Elm's positioning along US-380, combined with VA loan eligibility on new construction homes, makes Union Park a practical and appealing choice for service members transitioning to civilian life in North Texas.
- Multi-generational families who want to live in the same community as parents or adult children. The combination of entry-level homes, move-up designs, and the Del Webb 55+ section creates genuine multi-generational living opportunities within a single master plan.
Union Park vs. Other Denton County Communities
One of the most common questions I hear from buyers is how Union Park compares to other master-planned communities in the area. Here's a concise breakdown:
Union Park occupies a unique position in the Denton County landscape: it combines one of the lowest entry points with an on-site school, Del Webb active-adult living, trail-connected amenities, and proximity to Lake Lewisville. For buyers who prioritize accessibility, multi-generational living options, and a community that's already been validated by industry recognition, Union Park deserves a close look—especially when compared to communities at similar price points that don't offer the same depth of lifestyle infrastructure.
Why Work With a Broker for New Construction at Union Park?
The builder's sales representative works for the builder, not for you. Having your own agent ensures someone is advocating for your interests from lot selection through closing. As a Broker with 18+ years of experience and deep knowledge of Denton County's new construction landscape, I bring:
- Builder knowledge: firsthand experience with Highland Homes, Drees, Bloomfield, Plantation, Tri Pointe, Emerald, and Beazer across multiple Denton County communities—including build quality, contract terms, and upgrade pricing.
- Contract expertise: as a Broker, I bring deeper contract review, negotiation strategy, and transaction oversight than a typical agent—critical in new construction where builder contracts are lengthy and the terms matter.
- Community comparison: I know Union Park, Pecan Square, Harvest, Sandbrock Ranch, Wildflower Ranch, Treeline, and Landmark inside and out. I'll help you evaluate which community truly fits your goals, not just which one has the best model home.
- Relocation support: I regularly help out-of-state buyers navigate the entire new construction process remotely, from virtual tours and lot evaluation to contract review and closing coordination.
The Bottom Line
Union Park is one of the most compelling communities in Denton County for buyers who want a comprehensive lifestyle package at an accessible price point. At 1,100 acres, developed by Hillwood Communities, with 8+ builders, an on-site Denton ISD elementary school with sustainable design, a dedicated Del Webb 55+ section, a 40-acre central park with natural ponds, and trail connectivity throughout, it represents a rare combination of value, lifestyle, and multi-generational flexibility. The high-$200s starting price point makes it one of the most accessible master-planned communities in the DFW metroplex, and for families who prioritize walkable schools, genuine community design, and proximity to Lake Lewisville, Union Park delivers.
Whether you're comparing Union Park to Pecan Square, Harvest, Sandbrock Ranch, or Wildflower Ranch, or evaluating it on its own merits, I'll help you cut through the noise, understand your options, and make a confident decision with clarity and strategy.
Want to hear the latest new construction incentives at Union Park? Let's talk.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker · New Construction Specialist
Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC
Theresa is the Broker of Covenant Heritage Realty, serving sellers, buyers, and military families throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With 18+ years of experience, she provides strategic, data-driven real estate guidance, and she knows the new construction landscape across Denton County—including Union Park, Pecan Square, Harvest, Sandbrock Ranch, and every major community in between.