The best home builders in Northlake, TX right now are Highland Homes, David Weekley Homes, Coventry Homes, Taylor Morrison, and Toll Brothers — depending on your budget, your lot-size preference, and which community fits your family.
That's the short answer. But "best" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence.
Because here's what most builder-comparison articles won't tell you: the builder that's perfect for a family buying on a 50-foot lot in Pecan Square is completely different from the right choice for someone building on a one-acre tract in The Highlands. Price ranges, standard features, warranty cultures, and even tax rates shift dramatically depending on which Northlake community you're looking at.
And if nobody slows down long enough to explain those differences? That's where expensive mistakes happen.
This guide breaks down every active builder and community in Northlake as of 2026 — with real pricing, honest reputation notes, and the tax-district details most articles skip entirely. Whether you're exploring your first new-construction home or upgrading to a custom estate lot, here's what you actually need to know before signing anything.
Key Takeaways
- Northlake has 10+ production builders across six major communities, with base prices ranging from the $350s (townhomes) to over $1.5M (estate lots)
- Pecan Square by Hillwood offers the widest builder selection and price range, from 40-foot lots in the $420s to 100-foot estate lots near $1M
- Tax districts (MMDs and PIDs) add $250–$400/month on top of standard property taxes — and most builder sales reps won't bring this up first
- Early 2026 is a buyer-friendly window with rate buydowns to 4.875%–4.99%, closing cost credits up to $50,000, and inventory discounts of $20K–$100K on completed homes
- School zoning matters more than you think — homes zoned to Argyle ISD carry a measurable price premium over Northwest ISD, even within the same community
- Always use your own Realtor when buying new construction — builder sales reps work for the builder, not for you
Why Northlake? The 60-Second Version
If you're reading this, you've probably already noticed what's happening in Northlake. A town that had fewer than 1,800 residents in 2010 now has over 15,000 — and it's projected to reach 55,000 at full build-out.
That's not random growth. Northlake sits directly adjacent to the AllianceTexas corridor, a 27,000-acre employment hub that's home to over 500 companies and 66,000 jobs. Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Amazon, FedEx — all within a 15-minute commute. Average household income in Northlake is around $108,000, which tells you the kind of housing market that's been built here.
But what makes Northlake different from other fast-growing DFW suburbs is what hasn't been built over. The town has intentionally preserved about 13 square miles of rural land, so even with major master-planned communities going up, there's still breathing room. You can drive past a working farm on your way to a resort-style pool. That balance is the draw.
The infrastructure is catching up, too. The I-35W corridor expansion, new frontage roads, and the Cleveland-Gibbs Road extension are all 2026 milestones. Retail hubs like the Tom Thumb-anchored Harvest Town Center and Pecan Plaza mean residents aren't driving to Roanoke or Southlake for groceries anymore.
How Northlake Compares to Neighbors
Northlake offers more pricing variety and builder inventory than Argyle, more sophisticated amenities and better school access than Justin, and significantly lower price points than Frisco, Prosper, or Flower Mound. It's become the "pivot point" of the north DFW corridor — modern master-planned living without the premium pricing of communities further east.
The Communities: Where Builders Are Actually Building
Before we talk about specific builders, you need to understand the communities. In Northlake, the community you choose determines your builder options, your school district, your tax rate, and your amenity package. Choosing a builder without choosing a community first is like picking a restaurant without knowing which city you're eating in.
Here's what's active in 2026.
Pecan Square by Hillwood
Developer: Hillwood Communities | 1,200 Acres | 3,100 Planned HomesPecan Square is the centerpiece of Northlake's master-planned offerings and where you'll find the widest range of builders and price points. The community is mid-phase, meaning amenities are built and operational — not theoretical. The Greeting House functions as a co-working space, The Arena hosts community events, and the Canopy tech program provides half-gig internet and community-wide Wi-Fi included in HOA dues.
In 2025, Pecan Square released a limited series of 100-foot half-acre lots for estate-style builds — a response to buyer demand for more space and privacy within a master-planned setting.
- School District: Northwest ISD (Johnie Daniel Elementary on-site; Floyd Barksdale Middle School opening August 2026)
- Lot Sizes: 40', 50', 60', and 100'
- Price Range: $420s to $1M+
- Tax District: MMD 1 — adds approximately $0.705 per $100 valuation
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~2.34%
- Active Builders: Highland Homes, D.R. Horton, David Weekley, Coventry Homes, Pulte Homes
Harvest by Hillwood
Developer: Hillwood Communities | 1,200 Acres | 4,000 Planned HomesHarvest is DFW's original "agrihood" — a community built around a working commercial farm, complete with community gardens, orchards, and the Farmhouse Coffee & Treasures shop. Spanning both Northlake and Argyle, Harvest is nearing build-out but still has new construction available. Amenities include the Fit Barn fitness facility, multiple resort pools, and over 20 miles of trails.
The 2026 opening of the Tom Thumb-anchored Harvest Town Center at FM 407 and I-35W solidified this community's reputation as a self-sufficient village.
- School District: Dual coverage — Argyle ISD or Northwest ISD depending on phase
- Price Range: $350s (townhomes by CB JENI) to $800K+
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~2.21%
- Status: Late phase — limited new inventory remaining
- Active Builders: CB JENI Homes, David Weekley, Toll Brothers, Drees Custom Homes
The Ridge at Northlake
Zoned to Argyle ISD | Resort-Style AmenitiesThe Ridge attracts families who want premium school zoning and a high-activity lifestyle package. Unlike the larger-lot seclusion of The Highlands, The Ridge is built around resort-style infrastructure — the Altitude Club gym, a splash park pool, and an outdoor ninja course. In early 2026, a new phase of 70-foot lots launched, offering more room for executive-level floor plans.
- School District: Argyle ISD (consistently ranked #1 in Denton County, A+ grade)
- Lot Sizes: 50' and 70' (new phase)
- Price Range: $510s to $800K+
- Tax District: MMD 2 — rate of $0.705 per $100 valuation
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~2.31%
- Active Builders: Taylor Morrison, David Weekley, Highland Homes
The Highlands of Northlake
Developer: Providential Custom Homes | 363 Acres | One-Acre+ HomesitesThe Highlands is the outlier in Northlake's master-planned landscape — and intentionally so. This is "sophisticated country living" on one-acre-plus lots with 50 acres of green space and water features. No high-density townhome phases here. If you want Texas space and privacy within a planned community, this is the only option in Northlake that delivers it.
- School District: Northwest ISD
- Lot Sizes: 1 acre+
- Price Range: Custom pricing — typically $900K to $2M+
- Tax District: PID — assessed at approximately $1,300 per acre per year
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~1.65% (lower baseline, but PID adds a flat fee)
- Builders: Providential Custom Homes (primary), plus approved custom builders
Canyon Falls
Developer: Newland Communities | 1,242 AcresCanyon Falls spans multiple towns and is nearing completion, but still offers a limited selection of new homes. The community's signature is the Graham Branch Creek Preserve — 14 miles of trails through a more rugged, natural topography than you'll find in typical North Texas developments. If outdoor lifestyle is a top priority, Canyon Falls is worth the visit even in its late stage.
- School District: Argyle ISD / Northwest ISD (varies by section)
- Price Range: $680K to $850K+ (remaining inventory)
- Tax District: WCID 2 — rate of $0.695 per $100 valuation
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~2.25%
- Active Builders: Chesmar Homes (limited remaining)
Wildflower Ranch
Northwest ISD | Active DevelopmentA newer entrant to the Northlake community landscape, Wildflower Ranch is actively selling with competitive pricing from builders like Highland Homes and Bloomfield Homes. It provides a solid option for buyers in the mid-$400s to mid-$600s who want Northwest ISD zoning without the higher price tags of more established communities.
- School District: Northwest ISD
- Price Range: $419K to $653K
- Total Estimated Tax Rate: ~2.40%
- Active Builders: Highland Homes, Bloomfield Homes
| Community | Developer | ISD | Price Range | Est. Tax Rate | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pecan Square | Hillwood | Northwest | $420K – $1M+ | ~2.34% | Mid-Phase (Active) |
| Harvest | Hillwood | Argyle / NW | $350K – $800K+ | ~2.21% | Late-Phase |
| The Ridge | Various | Argyle | $510K – $800K+ | ~2.31% | Active (New Phase) |
| The Highlands | Providential | Northwest | $900K – $2M+ | ~1.65%* | Active (Estate Lots) |
| Canyon Falls | Newland | Argyle / NW | $680K – $850K+ | ~2.25% | Late-Phase (Limited) |
| Wildflower Ranch | Various | Northwest | $419K – $653K | ~2.40% | Active |
*The Highlands' total rate varies by PID assessment; the city/county/ISD baseline is lower, but the PID adds a flat annual fee.
The Builders: An Honest Breakdown
Now let's talk about who's actually building these homes. There are over a dozen builders active in Northlake right now, and they are not interchangeable. The builder that delivers exceptional value at the $450K level might not be the right fit at $800K. And a builder with strong structural quality might have a weak warranty service culture — or vice versa.
Here's how the major builders stack up, based on where they're building, what they're charging, and what buyers are actually saying.
Top-Tier Production Builders
Highland Homes
The volume leader in Northlake — known for quality construction and energy efficiencyHighland Homes is the dominant builder in Northlake and arguably holds the strongest overall reputation in the market. They're 100% employee-owned, which tends to translate into more consistent quality control and a corporate culture that takes callbacks seriously.
Their product range in Northlake is wider than any other builder — from entry-level 40-foot lot homes in the $420s to estate-series builds on 100-foot lots that cross the $1M mark. Plans like the Davenport and Cambridge emphasize open-concept living and energy efficiency, with builders claiming utility savings of up to $100 per month compared to older homes.
- Active In: Pecan Square (40', 50', 60', 100'), The Ridge, Wildflower Ranch
- Price Range: $420s to $1M+
- Build Timeline: 6–9 months (dirt start); move-in ready specs often available within 30 days
- Reviews: Avg. 4.5 stars across 78 active Northlake listings
- 2026 Incentive: $20K + kitchen upgrade event on select inventory
Bottom line: If you want the broadest selection and a builder with a strong track record for standing behind their work, Highland is the default starting point in Northlake. They're not the cheapest option at any given lot size, but the quality-to-price ratio is consistently strong.
David Weekley Homes
Design-forward builds with strong customer service and third-party inspectionsDavid Weekley builds around "LifeDesign" principles — a focus on natural light, sightlines between rooms, and flexible spaces that adapt to how families actually live. Their floor plans tend to feel more thoughtful and less formulaic than some competitors, which is why they attract buyers willing to pay a premium for design.
They also run a thorough third-party inspection process during the build, which provides an extra layer of accountability that not all builders match.
- Active In: Pecan Square (Gardens, Classics, Estates series), The Ridge
- Price Range: $608K base (The Ridge) to high $800s as-built
- Reviews: Consistently high marks for customer service
- 2026 Incentive: 50th Anniversary Savings Event — 30-year fixed rates as low as 4.99% on select homes
Bottom line: David Weekley is the builder for buyers who care about how a home feels to live in — not just what it looks like on paper. Higher base prices, but the design and service quality justify the premium for many families.
Coventry Homes
Strong community presence in Pecan Square with aggressive 2026 incentivesCoventry has built a solid reputation in Pecan Square specifically, with modern designs that blend well with the community's aesthetic. They're currently running some of the most aggressive incentive programs in Northlake — inventory price reductions of $20,000 to $100,000 on completed homes.
If you're looking at Pecan Square and want to negotiate hard on a move-in ready home, Coventry's current inventory situation gives buyers real leverage.
- Active In: Pecan Square
- Price Range: $500s to $700K+
- Reviews: 4.4 stars (49 reviews) in Pecan Square
- 2026 Incentive: $20K–$100K inventory price savings on completed homes
Bottom line: Coventry is worth a serious look if Pecan Square is your target community and you want to take advantage of a high-inventory moment. The current incentive window won't last forever.
Taylor Morrison
Family-focused builds with strong presence in The Ridge (Argyle ISD)Taylor Morrison is the primary builder in The Ridge's new 70-foot lot phase, which gives them an important niche: family-sized homes in Argyle ISD at a price point below the estate-lot custom builders. Their floor plans tend to prioritize practical family living — large pantries, mud rooms, flexible bonus spaces.
- Active In: The Ridge (primary focus)
- Price Range: $510K to $770K
- Reputation: Good marks for family-focused communities and floor plan practicality
Bottom line: If Argyle ISD zoning is a must-have and you're in the $500K–$770K range, Taylor Morrison in The Ridge deserves a visit. Their product fits the "growing family who wants great schools" profile well.
Toll Brothers
Luxury production homes on large lots — estate-level finishes at a production scaleToll Brothers occupies the high end of Northlake's production builder market. Their Creek Meadows West community offers one-acre homesites starting near $930K, with some inventory homes exceeding $1.5M. Standard features include high-end kitchen islands, dual vanities, and oversized primary suites that feel closer to custom than production.
The trade-off: some local market analysts note that Toll Brothers' customer service responsiveness occasionally lags behind peers. Beautiful homes, but make sure you're comfortable with the warranty service culture before committing.
- Active In: Creek Meadows West (one-acre sites), Harvest (Elite Collection), Pecan Square (Estates)
- Price Range: $930K to $1.5M+
- Reputation: Excellent design and finishes; mixed reviews on post-close service
Bottom line: Toll Brothers is the pick for buyers who want semi-custom luxury without a 12-month custom build timeline. Just go in with eyes open on the service side and get your third-party inspections.
Value and Mid-Range Builders
| Builder | Community | Price Range (Base) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.R. Horton | Pecan Square | $426K – $550K | Budget-conscious buyers who want Pecan Square amenities at the lowest entry point |
| Pulte Homes | Pecan Square | $488K – $550K | Families who value customer service and a reputation for responsive builds |
| CB JENI Homes | Harvest | $350K – $450K | Townhome buyers — the lowest entry point into Northlake new construction |
| Bloomfield Homes | Wildflower Ranch | $419K – $653K | Buyers who want spacious floor plans with tall ceilings at competitive pricing |
| Chesmar Homes | Canyon Falls | $680K – $850K | Families who want reliable craftsmanship in Canyon Falls' natural setting |
| Drees Custom Homes | Creek Meadows West | $996K – $1.3M | Boutique-scale builder on one-acre tracts — popular with empty nesters and retirees |
"I don't want to overpay — but I also don't want to cheap out on the biggest purchase of my life."
If that's where your head is right now, you're thinking about this exactly the right way. The "best" builder isn't always the most expensive one or the cheapest one — it's the one whose product, price point, and service culture match what matters most to your family. Let's keep breaking it down.
Custom Builders: When Production Plans Don't Fit
Not everyone wants to choose from a menu of pre-set floor plans. If you're looking for full architectural control — your own layout, your own materials, your own style — the Northlake area supports a strong custom home market. But the process is fundamentally different from buying production, and the costs scale accordingly.
In 2026, custom builds in suburban North Texas typically run $300 to $500+ per square foot, compared to $180–$250 for production homes. Land and site development can add another $100,000 to $500,000 depending on whether you're building in a planned community like The Highlands or on unplatted acreage in Northlake's extraterritorial jurisdiction (which may require well and septic systems).
Build timelines are longer, too: 8 to 14 months from construction start, versus 6 to 9 months for production.
| Category | Production Build | Custom Build (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost / Sq. Ft. | $180 – $250 | $300 – $500+ |
| Build Timeline | 6 – 9 months | 8 – 14 months |
| Design Flexibility | Limited (pre-set options) | Full (bespoke architecture) |
| Lot Type | Standard subdivision lot | Acreage or personal lot |
| Inspection | Internal + periodic 3rd party | Weekly on-site management |
Notable Custom Builders in the Northlake Area
Providential Custom Homes — The primary builder in The Highlands, specializing in luxury estate homes with a "luxury meets country" aesthetic. They design for buyers who want significant land and a home that feels grounded in the property, not just placed on it. Google rating: 5.0 stars (36 reviews).
Lingenfelter Luxury Homes — Known for blending elegance with innovation and energy efficiency. Smart home integration is standard, not an add-on. Their builds prioritize performance alongside aesthetics.
WillowTree Custom Homes — The choice for ultra-luxury and "landmark" homes. They've built massive estates in the region (including a 40,000 sq. ft. property in Southlake) and specialize in high-performance automation and one-of-a-kind architectural statements.
Century Custom Homes — A Denton County fixture since 2003, offering faster turnaround than most custom builders. Concept plans delivered within a week, with build-on-your-lot flexibility that works well for buyers who've already secured acreage.
Structured Custom Homes — A boutique firm in Rhome with a 5.0-star Google rating (41 reviews) that emphasizes integrity and transparency. They offer a curated lot selection or can customize existing floor plans to fit specific requirements.
The Tax Conversation Nobody Wants to Have
This is the section most "best builders in Northlake" articles skip entirely. And it might be the most important section in this entire guide.
Northlake's municipal property tax rate is one of the lowest in Denton County: $0.295 per $100 valuation. That sounds great. But the total tax bill for most Northlake homeowners is significantly higher than that number suggests, because of special taxing districts.
What Are MMDs, PIDs, and WCIDs?
Master-planned communities in Northlake use special districts to fund the infrastructure you enjoy — water lines, sewer systems, roads, parks, and trails. These districts issue bonds to build everything upfront, then homeowners pay off those bonds through additional taxes assessed on top of the standard city/county/ISD rates.
- MMD (Municipal Management District): Pecan Square (MMD 1) and The Ridge (MMD 2) both carry a rate of $0.705 per $100 valuation
- PID (Public Improvement District): The Highlands assesses approximately $1,300 per acre per year as a flat fee
- WCID (Water Control and Improvement District): Canyon Falls carries a rate of $0.695 per $100 valuation
What This Actually Costs You Monthly
Let's make it real. On a $600,000 home in Pecan Square, the MMD portion alone adds roughly $350 per month to your mortgage payment — that's $4,230 per year on top of your standard property taxes.
This isn't a dealbreaker. It's the cost of living in a community with resort-style amenities, on-site schools, and maintained infrastructure. But it is something you need to factor into your budget from the start — not discover after you've fallen in love with a floor plan.
Quick Tax Comparison: Northlake MPC vs. Established Neighborhood
Northlake master-planned community: Total effective tax rate of 2.2%–2.4%
Established neighborhood (older Argyle or Justin): Total effective rate of 1.8%–2.0%
The difference on a $600K home: Approximately $2,400–$3,600 per year, or $200–$300 per month
That's the premium for new construction amenities, new infrastructure, and a master-planned lifestyle. Whether that's worth it depends entirely on what matters most to your family.
One more thing: MMD and PID bonds are long-term obligations, typically spanning 20 to 30 years. As communities grow and assessed values increase, rates may decrease over time — but they rarely disappear before the bonds are fully retired. Plan accordingly.
School Districts: The Hidden Price Tag
Northlake is split between two high-performing school districts — Northwest ISD and Argyle ISD — and the one your home is zoned to meaningfully impacts both your child's education and your home's resale value.
Northwest ISD
NISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas, recognized for its "future-ready" career training academies. It holds an A- grade from Niche and is growing by approximately 1,200 students per year. In January 2026, NISD finalized new attendance boundaries for the 2026-2027 school year, including the opening of Romer Elementary and Barksdale Middle School in August 2026.
Communities zoned to NISD: Pecan Square, The Highlands, Wildflower Ranch, and portions of Harvest.
Argyle ISD
AISD is consistently ranked #1 in Denton County and #8 in Texas, holding an A+ grade. Argyle South Elementary carries a perfect 10/10 GreatSchools rating, and Argyle High School (located within Canyon Falls) is a statewide leader in academics and athletics.
Communities zoned to AISD: The Ridge, portions of Harvest, and portions of Canyon Falls.
Why This Matters for Your Investment
Homes zoned to Argyle ISD consistently carry a measurable price premium over comparable homes in Northwest ISD — even homes within the same geographic area. This premium shows up both at purchase and at resale. If school quality is your top priority and you're thinking about long-term appreciation, the Argyle ISD premium is generally money well spent.
But here's the important nuance: Northwest ISD is a very strong district. The A- vs. A+ difference doesn't mean NISD is a bad option — it means AISD commands a premium that you should factor into your decision, not that you should avoid NISD communities entirely.
Rezoning Warning
Rapid growth means school rezoning is a frequent reality in Northlake. The district your home is zoned to today could change before the next school year. Always verify specific address-level zoning with the district directly before closing — don't rely on the builder's sales materials alone.
2026 Builder Incentives: What's Real and What's Marketing
Early 2026 is a genuinely favorable window for buyers in Northlake. High inventory levels and aggressive builder competition mean incentives are substantial — if you know how to evaluate them.
Here's what builders are currently offering:
| Builder | Primary Incentive (Q1 2026) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| David Weekley | 50th Anniversary Rates — 30-yr fixed as low as 4.99% | High |
| Drees Custom | Rates as low as 4.875% (30-yr fixed) | High |
| Highland Homes | $20K + kitchen upgrade event on select homes | Mid |
| Coventry Homes | $20K–$100K inventory price reductions | Very High |
| M/I Homes | 2/1 rate buydown + $15K closing costs | High |
How to Actually Evaluate an Incentive
Not all incentives are created equal. Here's what to watch for:
- Permanent rate buydowns are the most valuable incentive in this market. A builder using "flex cash" to buy your rate from 6.3% down to 4.99% saves you real money every single month for the life of the loan. This is genuinely worth pursuing.
- Temporary buydowns (2-1 or 3-2-1) provide front-loaded relief but increase later. Your rate drops 2–3% in year one, then steps up annually to the full rate. Good for buyers who expect income growth — risky if your budget is already tight.
- Closing cost credits ($15K–$50K) reduce your cash-to-close. Valuable if you're light on reserves. Less impactful if you have plenty of cash and would rather negotiate on price.
- Inventory discounts ($20K–$100K) are the most straightforward savings. These are real price reductions on completed homes that builders need to move. If you're flexible on floor plan and finishes, this is where the biggest deals live.
The Preferred Lender Catch
Most builder incentives are contingent on using the builder's preferred (affiliated) lender. This often delivers the best rate buydown — but not always. Before committing, compare the "net deal" (total home cost minus the real value of all credits and rate savings) against what an outside lender can offer. Sometimes the preferred lender is genuinely the best deal. Sometimes it's not. You won't know unless you compare.
The Design Center Markup You Should Know About
Builders frequently advertise "$20,000 in design center credits" as part of their incentive package. Sounds generous — until you realize that the design center prices are often marked up significantly over retail. That $20K credit might only cover upgrades that would cost $8K–$12K if you did them post-closing. Always price out your must-have upgrades at the design center before assuming the credit covers what you want.
What to Watch For: New Construction Pitfalls
New construction feels simpler than buying resale — everything's new, nothing needs fixing, and the builder handles the details. That perception is exactly where problems start. (For more on this, read our guide on things you shouldn't do when buying a home.)
Builder Contracts Favor the Builder
This shouldn't surprise you, but it's worth saying directly: the contract you'll sign at a builder's sales office was written by the builder's lawyers to protect the builder's interests. It's not neutral. Having your own buyer's agent review the contract before you sign is not optional — it's essential.
Specific things to watch for:
- Escalation clauses. While 2026 market conditions have mostly eliminated these, some contracts still contain language allowing builders to pass through "unforeseen" material cost increases. Look for builders like Highland Homes that explicitly omit these clauses.
- Design center pricing structures. Understand exactly what's included at base price versus what requires upgrades — before you fall in love with the model home. That model was built with $80K–$150K in upgrades you won't get at base price.
- Preferred lender requirements. Know the exact terms for receiving advertised incentives and whether you can use an outside lender without losing the deal.
- Warranty coverage differences. The standard 1-2-10 warranty (1 year workmanship, 2 year systems, 10 year structural) is common across builders. But the actual service culture — how quickly and thoroughly they respond to warranty claims — varies dramatically. Ask for references from recent buyers, not just from the builder's hand-picked list.
Get Third-Party Inspections
Even on brand-new homes. Especially on brand-new homes.
A proper new-construction inspection happens in three phases:
- Pre-slab inspection: Verifies plumbing layout and foundation preparation before concrete is poured
- Pre-drywall inspection (Weeks 8–10): The critical one — checks framing, wiring, HVAC, and plumbing before walls are closed up. Problems caught here are easy fixes. Problems missed here become expensive discoveries years later.
- Pre-closing inspection: Comprehensive punch-list walkthrough before you take ownership
Budget $800–$1,500 for all three phases. It's a fraction of what a single missed defect could cost you down the road.
Pricing Reality Check: Where Does Your Budget Land?
Here's a straightforward look at what different budgets buy in Northlake's 2026 market. (Not sure where your budget actually lands? Our guide on how much house you can afford in Texas walks through the real math.)
Entry Level: $350K – $525K
Townhomes (CB JENI in Harvest) and smaller-lot production homes (40-foot lots in Pecan Square and Wildflower Ranch). These are your lowest entry points into Northlake new construction. Expect 1,600–2,200 square feet. D.R. Horton, Bloomfield, and Highland Homes' smaller plans dominate this range.
Mid-Range: $550K – $850K
The most active segment of the Northlake market. 50-foot and 60-foot lot homes from Highland, David Weekley, Taylor Morrison, and Coventry. Typically 2,300–3,500 square feet. This is where most families with dual incomes in the $120K–$180K range land. Best selection and strongest negotiating position in early 2026. Start a personalized home search to see what's currently available in your range.
Luxury & Custom: $900K – $3M+
One-acre estate communities like The Highlands and Creek Meadows West, plus the 100-foot lot releases in Pecan Square (starting near $910K base). This tier includes both high-end production (Toll Brothers, Drees) and full custom builds (Providential, Lingenfelter, WillowTree). Build timelines extend to 8–14 months for custom, and cost per square foot jumps to $300–$500+.
How Northlake Compares Regionally
| City | Median Home Price (2025/2026) |
|---|---|
| Justin | $494,000 |
| Denton | $509,220 |
| Northlake | $613,322 |
| Argyle | $731,859 |
| Flower Mound | $1,503,245 |
Northlake sits right in the middle of this corridor — more affordable than Argyle and dramatically less than Flower Mound, while offering newer inventory and more comprehensive amenities than Justin or Denton. Explore other areas we serve to see how Northlake compares to the rest of Tarrant and Denton County.
Resale Value: Will This Investment Hold?
The honest answer: it depends on what you buy and where.
Northlake new construction has shown solid appreciation historically, driven by the scarcity of large undeveloped parcels along the I-35W corridor. As communities like Harvest and Pecan Square mature — with operational amenities and commercial centers — they provide a more stable investment profile than early-phase communities where infrastructure is still being built.
What supports resale value: Argyle ISD zoning, premium lot sizes (100' or one-acre), proximity to on-site schools, and communities with mature amenities.
What puts a ceiling on resale: High MMD/MUD tax rates can make your total monthly payment uncompetitive against nearby established neighborhoods that don't carry those extra taxes. Buyers comparing your home to a resale home in older Argyle or Roanoke will notice the tax difference.
For investors: The rental market is solid due to corporate relocation demand from the Alliance corridor, but the price-to-rent ratio (estimated around 30) means cash flow will be thin. Northlake investment properties are better suited to long-term appreciation plays than immediate rental income strategies.
Take Your Time With This Decision
Northlake has a lot of shiny objects right now. Beautiful model homes. Impressive amenity centers. Builder sales reps who are very good at creating urgency.
But here's the thing: there is no rush.
Early 2026 inventory levels are high. Builder incentives are aggressive. You have negotiating power you didn't have two years ago. Use it — by slowing down, doing the math, visiting communities on a Tuesday afternoon (not just a Saturday open house), and making sure the numbers work for your real life, not just on a builder's marketing sheet.
The best deal in Northlake isn't the cheapest home or the biggest incentive. It's the one where the community, the builder, the school district, the tax rate, and the monthly payment all make sense together — for your family, on your timeline.
"I want to make a smart decision, not a fast one."
That's not hesitation. That's wisdom. And it's exactly the approach that leads to a home you're still happy with five years from now. That's the kind of outcome our clients talk about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best home builder in Northlake, TX?
There's no single "best" builder — it depends on your budget, preferred community, and priorities. Highland Homes offers the broadest selection and strongest overall reputation. David Weekley excels in design and customer service. Taylor Morrison is the top pick for families who need Argyle ISD zoning. For value-conscious buyers, D.R. Horton and Bloomfield Homes provide the lowest entry points into new construction.
What is the cheapest new construction in Northlake?
CB JENI Homes offers townhomes in Harvest starting in the $350s — the lowest new construction entry point in Northlake. For single-family homes, D.R. Horton in Pecan Square starts in the low $420s, and Bloomfield Homes in Wildflower Ranch starts around $419K.
What are the property tax rates in Northlake master-planned communities?
Total effective tax rates range from approximately 2.2% to 2.4% in most Northlake MPCs, which is higher than the town's base municipal rate of $0.295 per $100. The difference comes from special districts (MMDs, PIDs, WCIDs) that fund community infrastructure. On a $600,000 home, the MMD portion alone adds roughly $350 per month. Always ask about the total tax rate — not just the city rate — before making your budget.
Is Northlake, TX growing?
Rapidly. Northlake had fewer than 1,800 residents in 2010 and now exceeds 15,000, with a projected build-out population of 55,000. Growth is driven by the adjacent AllianceTexas employment corridor (66,000+ jobs) and the development of major master-planned communities including Pecan Square, Harvest, and The Ridge.
Should I use my own Realtor when buying new construction?
Yes — always. Builder sales representatives work for the builder, not for you. Having your own buyer's agent ensures someone is reviewing the contract on your behalf, negotiating incentives from your side of the table, and flagging issues you might not catch on your own. This representation typically costs you nothing as a buyer — the builder pays the agent's commission.
What builder incentives are available in Northlake right now?
As of early 2026, builders are offering permanent rate buydowns (as low as 4.875%–4.99%), closing cost credits up to $50,000, design center credits, and inventory price reductions of $20K–$100K on completed homes. Coventry Homes and David Weekley are currently running some of the most aggressive programs. Most incentives require using the builder's preferred lender — compare carefully before committing.
Which school district is better — Northwest ISD or Argyle ISD?
Both are strong. Argyle ISD is ranked #1 in Denton County with an A+ grade and commands a home-price premium. Northwest ISD holds an A- grade and is one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas with strong career-training programs. The "better" choice depends on your priorities — Argyle ISD for maximum academic prestige and resale premium, Northwest ISD for strong education at a lower price point with more community options.
Thinking About New Construction in Northlake?
Builder model homes are designed to impress you. Our job is to make sure the numbers, the contract, and the community actually make sense for your family. No pressure — just honest guidance from someone who isn't on the builder's payroll.
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