Key Takeaways
- Argyle isn't just ranch land anymore — homes start in the mid-$400,000s in newer communities, though the median sale price in Argyle proper sits around $765,000 in 2026
- Argyle ISD is ranked #1 in Denton County with a 97/100 TEA score and a 98% graduation rate — and it's the primary reason families move here
- The violent crime rate is 70% below the Texas average, making Argyle one of the safest communities in the DFW metroplex
- Traffic and road construction are the biggest growing pains — US 377 widening ($137 million) and FM 407 expansion are both underway but will take years to complete
- Dining and entertainment options are limited within town limits — expect to drive 15-25 minutes to Southlake, Denton, or Flower Mound for most shopping and nightlife
- The real estate process is straightforward when you understand the numbers — including MUD/PID tax districts that can add $4,000-$7,000 per year to your tax bill in master-planned communities
The Myth About Argyle That Keeps People From Looking
There's a perception that Argyle, Texas is strictly horse country — sprawling ranches, million-dollar estates, and a lifestyle reserved for people who already have generational wealth.
That's not the whole picture. Not anymore.
Yes, Argyle still has equestrian properties and custom estates on five-acre lots. That heritage is part of what makes the town feel different from the rest of the DFW suburban sprawl. But in 2026, Argyle also has townhomes starting in the mid-$400,000s, master-planned communities with homes in the $500,000s and $600,000s, and a range of options that didn't exist even five years ago.
The real question isn't whether you can afford Argyle. It's whether Argyle is the right fit for your family — and that depends on what you value, what you're willing to trade off, and what your actual budget looks like when you account for the full monthly cost, not just the sticker price.
Let's slow this down and look at what living in Argyle actually looks like in 2026 — the good, the honest, and the things most "moving guides" gloss over.
If You're Feeling Overwhelmed, That's Normal
Researching a move to a new city means processing dozens of competing priorities at once — schools, commute, cost, neighborhoods, property taxes, lifestyle. It's a lot.
You're not behind. You're doing exactly what smart buyers do: gathering information before making a decision. This guide is here to give you the real picture so you can decide what makes sense for your situation, not anyone else's.
Argyle at a Glance: The Numbers That Matter
Before we get into the neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown, here's a quick snapshot of where Argyle stands in 2026.
Those numbers tell part of the story. The rest depends on what daily life actually feels like — and that's where the pros and cons come in.
The Pros of Living in Argyle, TX
1. Argyle ISD Is the Real Draw — And It Lives Up to the Reputation
Let's be direct: most families moving to Argyle are moving for the schools. And in 2026, Argyle ISD continues to justify that decision.
The district holds a 97 out of 100 TEA accountability score and an "A" rating across all domains — student achievement, school progress, and closing gaps. Argyle High School has won 18 state titles in UIL Academics, a record that reflects a genuinely rigorous intellectual culture, not just good test prep.
The student-to-teacher ratio sits at roughly 14:1 to 15:1, which is meaningfully lower than what you'll find in larger districts like Lewisville ISD or Denton ISD. The graduation rate is 98%.
Beyond academics, Argyle's athletics program punches well above its weight at the 5A level — and the fine arts programs are equally strong. It's the kind of district where Friday night football is a community event, not just a game.
What's Changing in Argyle ISD (2026-2027)
The district is growing fast. Enrollment is projected to nearly double from 5,400 students to 12,000 by the 2032-2033 school year. To keep up, a new middle school opens Fall 2026, a new elementary school opens Fall 2027, and the district is transitioning to a two-high-school model to keep campus sizes manageable.
This growth also means boundary realignments — if you're buying into a specific neighborhood for a specific campus, confirm the current zoning before you make an offer. The district has published a "Graduation Year Impact Table" showing which students may be rezoned.
Also worth noting: Argyle ISD maintains a highly restrictive transfer policy. Non-resident transfers are generally not accepted unless the student is the child of a district employee. If you want your kids in Argyle ISD, you need to live within the district boundaries.
2. Safety That's Backed by Data, Not Just a Feeling
Argyle's violent crime rate of 1.27 per 1,000 residents is 70% below the Texas state average of 3.89. Property crime is similarly low at 4.13 per 1,000 — compared to 20.40 statewide.
The Argyle Police Department is accredited through the Texas Police Chiefs Association and maintains 17 sworn officers for a town of roughly 6,000. Fire and EMS coverage comes from Denton County Emergency Services District #1, which operates three stations covering Argyle, Bartonville, and Lantana.
This isn't a gated-community kind of safety — it's a small-town, low-density kind of safety where most residents know their neighbors.
3. Space That Actually Feels Like Space
Even in Argyle's master-planned communities, lot sizes tend to be larger than what you'd find in more densely developed suburbs like Frisco or McKinney. In the legacy acreage sections, you're looking at two to thirty-plus acres. And in communities like Canyon Falls and Harvest, green space and trail systems are woven into the layout in a way that makes the density feel more intentional.
If you're moving from a more urbanized part of the metroplex and the idea of having room to breathe matters to you, Argyle delivers that in a way most North Texas suburbs simply can't.
4. A Community That Still Feels Like a Community
Argyle is a "one high school town" — and that matters more than you might expect. The entire community rallies around student achievements, from UIL state titles to playoff football. The Argyle Farmers Market runs from April through October. The Argyle Night Market draws thousands on summer evenings. 407 BBQ and Hilltop Truck Park function as unofficial gathering spots.
Long-term residents consistently cite the "tight-knit" feel as one of the top reasons they stay, even as the town grows.
5. Investment Potential Tied to a Top-Tier School District
Homes zoned to Argyle ISD consistently carry a price premium over comparable properties in neighboring districts. That premium reflects real demand driven by families willing to pay more for the school quality — which means the resale fundamentals in Argyle tend to hold up better during market corrections than areas where schools aren't the primary draw.
The median days on market in Argyle proper is just 30 days in early 2026, compared to 102 days across the broader 76226 ZIP code. Properties in premium school zones continue to move.
The Cons of Living in Argyle, TX — The Honest Version
Every "pros and cons" guide covers the positives in detail and then soft-pedals the negatives. Here's where we do the opposite. If you're going to commit to Argyle, you need to know what you're signing up for — because none of these cons are dealbreakers if you see them coming, but every one of them becomes a frustration if you don't.
1. Traffic and Road Infrastructure Are a Real Problem
This is the number one complaint from current residents, and it's not going away anytime soon.
Argyle's road network was built for a rural town — two-lane roads connecting farms and ranches. The population growth has dramatically outpaced road improvements. In 2026, several major projects are in progress but years from completion:
- US 377 Widening: A $137 million project to expand to a four-lane divided roadway. Construction starts mid-2026, but completion is still years out.
- FM 407 Expansion: Plans to widen 11.5 miles to six lanes from Argyle to Justin, including a realignment to eliminate the dangerous S-curves. Still in the planning/hearing phase as of early 2026.
- I-35W / FM 407 Interchange: Remains a major congestion point, though Express Lanes have provided some relief.
Peak-hour traffic can effectively double the drive times. If you're commuting to downtown Dallas or Fort Worth daily, that 45-minute estimate becomes 75-90 minutes on a bad day.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
If both adults in your household commute to central DFW employment centers, you need to stress-test that commute before you buy. Drive the route during rush hour — not on a Saturday afternoon. If your employer offers remote or hybrid work, Argyle becomes much more practical. If you're commuting to the Alliance corridor or Denton, you're in great shape (15-20 minutes). Dallas? That's a different calculation entirely.
2. Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment Are Limited
If you're coming from Plano, Frisco, or Southlake and you're used to having restaurants and retail within a five-minute drive, Argyle will be an adjustment.
There are standout local spots — 407 BBQ is worth a visit regardless of where you live, and the Bartonville Store and Bartonville Tavern just outside town offer more polished dining. But for regular grocery runs, movie theaters, or a night out, you're driving 15-25 minutes to Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Southlake.
This is improving. The Furst Ranch development (2,300 acres at US 377 and FM 1171) will eventually bring over 6 million square feet of commercial space to the area — including an H-E-B. But "eventually" means model homes in late 2026 and full buildout over the next several years. Don't buy in Argyle expecting walkable convenience today.
3. Property Taxes in Master-Planned Communities Are Higher Than You Think
This is one of the most important things to understand before buying in Argyle, and it's where a lot of people get surprised.
The base property tax rate for the Town of Argyle is $0.3431 per $100 of valuation — reasonable by Texas standards. But in master-planned communities, you're also paying into MUD (Municipal Utility District) or FWSD (Fresh Water Supply District) assessments that fund the community's internal infrastructure.
| Neighborhood | Base Tax Rate | MUD/FWSD Add-On | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Argyle Proper | ~1.70% | None | ~1.70% |
| Canyon Falls (MUD) | ~1.79% | +$0.75/$100 | ~2.54% |
| Harvest (FWSD) | ~1.79% | +$0.53-$0.98/$100 | ~2.32%-2.77% |
| Flower Mound (AISD zone) | ~1.79% | None | ~1.79% |
What This Looks Like on a Real Mortgage
On a $650,000 home in Canyon Falls at the 2.54% effective rate, you're paying approximately $16,510 per year in property taxes — or about $1,376 per month added to your mortgage payment.
That same $650,000 home in older Argyle proper at 1.70% would cost approximately $11,050 per year — or about $921 per month.
The difference: roughly $455 per month, or $5,460 per year. That's not insignificant, and it's money you need to factor into your affordability calculation from the start.
MUD and FWSD bonds are long-term obligations, typically spanning 20 to 30 years. Rates may decrease over time as the community matures and assessed values increase — but they rarely disappear before the bonds are fully retired.
4. The "Small-Town" Character Is Changing — And That's a Source of Real Tension
Long-term Argyle residents moved here for the rolling hills, horse pastures, and two-lane roads. What they're getting in 2026 is road construction, new rooftops replacing ranch land, and a school district preparing to double in size.
This isn't unique to Argyle — it's happening across North Texas. But the emotional weight is heavier here because the gap between what Argyle was and what it's becoming is wider than in communities that were always suburban.
If you're moving to Argyle specifically for the "quiet country life," understand that the version of Argyle you're buying into today will look meaningfully different in five years. Furst Ranch alone will add 3,000 single-family homes and 5,000 multi-family units to the area.
5. Zero Public Transit and Full Car Dependency
There is no public transit in Argyle. No bus routes, no DART connection, no rail. You need a car for everything — school drop-offs, grocery runs, and every commute.
For most families relocating from other DFW suburbs, this isn't a shock. But if you're coming from a city with transit options or if you have a teenager approaching driving age, factor the "second car" reality into your planning.
The Pros and Cons Summary
The Pros
- Top-ranked school district — #1 in Denton County, 97/100 TEA score
- Exceptional safety — 70% below Texas average for violent crime
- Larger lots and more space — even in master-planned communities
- Strong sense of community — "one high school town" culture
- Solid long-term investment — AISD zoning sustains property values
- Growing housing options — entry points now in the mid-$400Ks
The Cons
- Traffic and road construction — major projects years from completion
- Limited local amenities — plan to drive 15-25 min for most errands
- Higher effective taxes in MPCs — MUD/FWSD adds $4K-$7K/year
- Changing rural character — rapid growth altering the town's identity
- Zero public transit — complete car dependency
- Long commutes to central DFW — Dallas is 55-75+ minutes
Argyle Neighborhoods: Where to Look Based on What You Want
Not all of Argyle is the same, and the neighborhood you choose will determine your tax rate, your school campus assignments, your commute, and your lifestyle. Here's how the major areas break down in 2026.
Canyon Falls
Canyon Falls sits on the Argyle-Flower Mound boundary and is roughly 80% built out as of early 2026. The community is known for its rolling terrain and nature-focused amenities, including miles of trails and a canyon preserve.
Price range: $600,000s to $950,000+
School district: Argyle ISD (some sections Lewisville ISD — verify by lot)
Tax district: MUD — total effective rate ~2.54%
Best for: Families who want premium schools and outdoor amenities without the isolation of acreage living
Harvest (Argyle ISD Sections)
Harvest spans both Argyle and Northlake, so school zoning depends on the specific phase. The Argyle ISD-zoned sections carry the school premium. This award-winning "agrihood" community is built around a working commercial farm and features a lifestyle package that includes community gardens, the Farmhouse coffee shop, and resort-style pools.
Price range: $500,000s to $1.55 million (Phase 15 custom builds)
School district: Argyle ISD or Northwest ISD depending on phase — confirm before buying
Tax district: FWSD — total effective rate ~2.32%-2.77%
Best for: Families who want community-centered living with strong amenities and a range of price points
The Oaks of Argyle
A smaller, more intimate neighborhood with a "small-town downtown" feel. Custom builders and tree-lined lots give it a character that's distinct from the larger master-planned communities. This attracts buyers who want a custom home without the maintenance of a multi-acre property.
Price range: $600,000s to $900,000+
School district: Argyle ISD
Best for: Buyers who value character and individuality over resort-style amenities
Legacy Acreage (Steeplechase, FM 1830 Corridor)
This is the "original" Argyle — five to thirty-plus-acre lots with custom estates, horse barns, and the kind of space that simply doesn't exist in newer developments. These properties are increasingly rare and command significant premiums, with land alone selling for over $26,000 per acre.
Price range: $1.5 million to $4 million+
School district: Argyle ISD
Tax rate: ~1.70% (no MUD/PID)
Best for: Buyers seeking the traditional Argyle lifestyle — privacy, horses, and no HOA
Furst Ranch (Coming 2026-2027)
The largest new development in the Argyle area — 2,300 acres at US 377 and FM 1171, with 3,000 planned single-family homes and significant commercial space. Highland Homes and David Weekley began presales in January 2026, with model homes expected in late 2026.
Price range: High $700,000s to mid-$900,000s (Highland "High Plains" section)
Builders: Highland Homes, David Weekley, Toll Brothers, Ashton Woods, Drees Custom Homes
Best for: Buyers who want new construction in a walkable mixed-use environment with Argyle ISD access
A Note on Buying New Construction
Whether you're looking at Canyon Falls, Harvest, or Furst Ranch, one thing applies across the board: always bring your own buyer's agent. 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 things you might not catch on your own. This representation typically costs you nothing — the builder pays the agent's commission.
How Argyle Compares to Nearby Communities
If you're researching Argyle, you're probably also looking at Southlake, Flower Mound, Lantana, and maybe Trophy Club. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you narrow it down.
| Factor | Argyle | Southlake | Flower Mound | Lantana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $765,000 | $1.5M+ | $720,000 | $650,000 |
| School Quality | Top Tier (AISD) | Top Tier (CISD) | High Tier (LISD) | Top Tier (AISD/LISD split) |
| Vibe | Rural-Luxe | Mature Luxury | Master-Planned Suburban | Resort-Suburban |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70%-2.54% | 1.85%-2.10% | 1.60%-1.80% | 2.30%-2.80% |
| Commute to DFW Airport | 35-45 min | 15-20 min | 20-30 min | 35-45 min |
| Shopping/Dining | Limited | Extensive | Abundant | Limited |
Argyle vs. Southlake: Similar school caliber, similar community pride, but Argyle costs 30-40% less for a comparable home. The trade-off is commute time and retail access — Southlake has both in abundance; Argyle doesn't.
Argyle vs. Flower Mound: Flower Mound is the more "practical" choice for most families — lower taxes, more parks and playgrounds, closer to highways. Argyle is chosen by people who specifically want larger lots, more privacy, and the prestige of the AISD name.
Argyle vs. Lantana: Lantana offers AISD zoning in some sections at a lower price point, but in a much denser, resort-style environment with stricter HOA oversight. If Lantana feels too crowded or too regulated, Argyle gives you more breathing room.
Commute Times: The Number You Should Actually Stress-Test
Argyle is entirely car-dependent, and drive times vary dramatically depending on the time of day and which road you're taking. Here's what to expect in early 2026:
| Destination | Off-Peak | Rush Hour (Realistic) |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Corridor / TMS | 15-20 min | 20-30 min |
| Denton | 15-20 min | 25-35 min |
| DFW Airport | 35-45 min | 50-70 min |
| Downtown Fort Worth | 45-60 min | 60-90 min |
| Downtown Dallas | 55-75 min | 75-100+ min |
The Alliance employment corridor — which includes the Texas Motor Speedway area, Charles Schwab campus, and Amazon/logistics operations — is the sweet spot for Argyle commuters. If your job is on the north side of the metroplex, the commute works. If you're heading to downtown Dallas five days a week, be honest with yourself about what 75-100 minutes in the car does to your quality of life.
The Hybrid Work Factor
Remote and hybrid work schedules have fundamentally changed the commute equation for Argyle. Two or three days at home eliminates the worst of the traffic burden, and the space and quality of life you gain in Argyle more than compensates for the longer drive on the days you go in. If you're evaluating Argyle, your work schedule is one of the most important variables in the equation.
Cost of Living: What Argyle Actually Costs Month to Month
The sticker price of a home doesn't tell you what it actually costs to live somewhere. Here's a more realistic look at the full monthly picture for a family buying in Argyle in 2026.
Scenario: $650,000 Home in Canyon Falls
Mortgage payment (20% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year): ~$3,287/month
Property taxes (2.54% effective rate): ~$1,376/month
Homeowners insurance: ~$350-$450/month (Texas rates are high)
HOA fees: ~$150-$250/month
Estimated total housing cost: ~$5,163-$5,363/month
That's before utilities, gas (remember — you're driving everywhere), and the general cost of living, which runs about 4-6% above the national average in Argyle.
This isn't meant to scare you — it's meant to help you plan realistically. The median household income in Argyle is $181,352, which translates to roughly $15,113 per month before taxes. A housing cost of $5,200/month represents about 34% of gross income at that level — tight but workable.
If your household income is significantly below the median, you'll want to carefully calculate how much house you can actually afford before emotionally investing in a floor plan. There's no rush if the numbers don't work right now.
What's Coming Next: Argyle's Growth Outlook Through 2030
Argyle isn't standing still. Whether that excites you or concerns you depends on what you're looking for, but here's what's on the horizon:
- Furst Ranch development — 3,000 single-family homes, 5,000 multi-family units, 6M+ sq ft commercial space. Model homes late 2026, first move-ins mid-2027.
- US 377 widening — $137 million, construction starting mid-2026. This will eventually transform the main north-south corridor but will create significant disruption during construction.
- FM 407 expansion to six lanes — still in planning phase, years from completion.
- New Argyle ISD campuses — Middle School #2 (Fall 2026), Elementary #5 (Fall 2027), and a transition to a two-high-school model.
- Commercial development along FM 407 — focused on essential retail and professional offices.
The Town of Argyle uses a "SMARTGrowth" policy that requires infrastructure to be in place before new residential phases can be approved. That's an important safeguard — but the pace of development still means the community's character will shift meaningfully over the next five to ten years.
Argyle ISD projects enrollment will grow from 5,400 to nearly 12,000 students by 2032-2033. The town's population, including its ETJ and the broader 76226 ZIP, will grow accordingly.
Take Your Time — This Decision Doesn't Have a Deadline
Here's the truth about making a move like this: the best decisions happen when you have clear information and zero pressure.
Argyle is a great community for the right family in the right situation. It's not for everyone, and it doesn't have to be. If the schools matter to you, if you value space, and if the commute works with your job — it's absolutely worth serious consideration. If any of those factors don't line up, there are other communities in the area that might be a better fit.
The worst thing you can do is rush into a decision because you're afraid of missing out. Argyle isn't going anywhere. Neither are you. Take the time to drive the commute, visit the neighborhoods, run the numbers, and make sure it makes sense for your situation — not someone else's timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Argyle, TX
Is Argyle, TX a good place to live?
For families who prioritize top-tier schools, safety, and space — yes. Argyle ISD is ranked #1 in Denton County with a 97/100 TEA score, and the violent crime rate is 70% below the Texas average. The trade-offs are limited local amenities, longer commute times to central DFW, and the growing pains of a community in transition from rural to suburban.
Is Argyle, TX expensive?
The median sale price in Argyle proper is approximately $765,000 in early 2026, with the median household income at $181,352. Entry-level options in the broader 76226 ZIP start in the mid-$400,000s for townhomes and smaller-lot products. When you factor in MUD/FWSD tax assessments in master-planned communities, the effective cost can run $4,000-$7,000 per year higher than established neighborhoods without special districts.
What is the crime rate in Argyle, TX?
Argyle's violent crime rate is 1.27 per 1,000 residents — compared to 3.89 for Texas overall and 4.00 nationally. Property crime is 4.13 per 1,000, versus 20.40 statewide. It's consistently rated one of the safest communities in the DFW metroplex.
Does Argyle ISD have a good reputation?
Yes — it's one of the highest-rated districts in the state. Argyle ISD holds an "A" rating with a 97/100 TEA accountability score, a 98% graduation rate, 14:1-15:1 student-to-teacher ratios, and 18 state UIL Academic titles. The district is growing rapidly, with enrollment projected to nearly double to 12,000 students by 2032-2033, which means new campuses are under construction and boundary realignments are ongoing.
How does Argyle compare to Southlake?
Argyle offers a similar caliber of schools and a more rural aesthetic at approximately 30-40% less cost for a comparable home. However, Southlake provides vastly superior commute times (15-20 minutes to DFW Airport vs. 35-45 from Argyle) and much more retail, dining, and entertainment within walking or short driving distance. Argyle is chosen by families who value space and a quieter lifestyle over convenience.
What are the property taxes like in Argyle?
The base tax rate for the Town of Argyle is $0.3431 per $100 of valuation. Total effective rates range from about 1.70% in established neighborhoods to 2.54% or higher in master-planned communities with MUD or FWSD assessments. On a $650,000 home, that difference amounts to roughly $5,460 per year — so it's critical to know which tax district your specific lot falls in before making an offer.
Is Argyle losing its small-town feel?
This is an active source of tension within the community. Major developments like Furst Ranch (3,000 single-family homes, 5,000 multi-family units) are transforming the landscape. The town's SMARTGrowth policy requires infrastructure before new phases are approved, but the pace of change is real. If you're buying in Argyle specifically for the rural character, understand that the community you're buying into today will look meaningfully different within five years.
Thinking About Argyle? Let's Look at the Numbers Together.
Whether you're comparing neighborhoods, trying to understand what a MUD district does to your monthly payment, or just want an honest conversation about whether Argyle makes sense for your family — we're here for that.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just clear answers to real questions.
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