Key Takeaways
- Justin, TX has 4+ major master-planned communities actively selling in 2026, with prices ranging from the high $300s to the high $600s depending on builder, lot size, and community.
- The real cost of your home isn't the listing price — MUD and PID taxes can push your effective tax rate from 1.88% to over 2.55%, adding thousands to your annual bill.
- The Preserve is the only major Justin community with no MUD or PID taxes, while Timberbrook carries the highest effective rate at approximately 2.55%.
- Northwest ISD is A-rated and opening two new campuses in August 2026 — but rezoning means your school assignment may not be what the builder's sales rep told you.
- With 141 days on market and rising inventory, 2026 buyers in Justin have real negotiating leverage — if they know where to push.
- Builder incentives like $20,000 in "flex cash" often come with strings attached, including inflated base prices and required use of in-house lenders.
If You're Feeling Overwhelmed, You're Not Alone
You've probably spent a few evenings scrolling through builder websites, watching YouTube tours of model homes, and trying to figure out why one community charges $2,000 more per year in taxes than the one down the road. Every builder's website says they're the best. Every community claims to be "unlike anything else."
It's confusing. And it's supposed to be — because builder sales centers are designed to close deals, not educate buyers.
This guide is different. We're going to walk through every major community in Justin, compare them honestly, and explain the financial details that don't show up in the marketing brochures. No pressure, no sales pitch — just the information you need to make a decision that actually makes sense for your family.
Why Justin, TX Is Getting So Much Attention in 2026
Five years ago, Justin was still a quiet farming town that most people drove through on their way to Denton. That's not the case anymore.
The rapid development of the AllianceTexas corridor — one of the largest inland ports and employment hubs in the country — pushed residential growth northward. As cities like Southlake, Keller, and Roanoke filled up with established neighborhoods and rising price tags, builders started looking at the wide-open acreage in Justin and saw an opportunity.
What followed has been one of the fastest residential buildouts in North Texas.
Here's why that matters for you: Justin is currently the most affordable way to get into Northwest ISD — the same school district that serves Roanoke, Trophy Club, and parts of Northlake. The median home price in Roanoke is $649,500. In Argyle, it's $934,000. Justin gives you the same school system at roughly half the cost of those neighboring cities.
But "affordable" doesn't mean "simple." There are hidden costs, complicated tax structures, and builder tactics you need to understand before you sign anything. That's what this guide is for.
A family reached out to us a few months ago after touring three different model homes in Justin on a Saturday afternoon. By the end of the day, they had three different "limited-time" incentive offers sitting in their inbox and a builder's lender already running their credit.
They hadn't even decided which community they liked. They hadn't compared tax rates. They didn't know one community had a MUD that would add $4,000 per year to their costs and another one didn't.
They just needed someone to slow it down and help them see the full picture. That's what we did — and that's what this guide is designed to do for you.
The Major New Home Communities in Justin, TX (2026)
Let's break down every major master-planned community currently selling in Justin. For each one, we'll cover who's building there, what it costs, what the tax situation looks like, and what you should know before visiting the model home.
Treeline by Hillwood Communities
800+ Acres 2,500-2,700 Homes Planned Northwest ISD
Price Range: High $300s – High $600s
Lot Options: 40', 50', and 60' lots
Builders: American Legend, Beazer, David Weekley, D.R. Horton, Highland Homes, HistoryMaker, Pulte, Tri Pointe
Estimated Effective Tax Rate: ~2.47%
Amenity Status: "The Hideaway" (4-acre amenity center) opening Spring 2026 — includes resort-style pool, pickleball courts, community halls, and a three-story gaming treehouse
Treeline is the biggest new development in Justin and the one getting the most marketing dollars thrown at it. Hillwood Communities — the same developer behind Pecan Square in Northlake and Harvest in Argyle — is building this as a nature-centric, "unplugged lifestyle" community along Trail Creek with preserved mature oak treelines.
What's good about Treeline: The builder variety is unmatched. With eight builders ranging from D.R. Horton's entry-level product to Highland Homes' premium finishes, you can compare styles and price points without leaving the community. The amenity package is also the most ambitious in Justin, with future phases including an observation deck ("The Lookout") and an orchard park with fruit-bearing trees.
What to watch for: Treeline carries a MUD/PID component that pushes the estimated effective tax rate to around 2.47%. On a $450,000 home, that's roughly $11,115 per year in property taxes — before your mortgage payment. Also, this community is still in early phases. You're buying into the promise of amenities and landscaping that may take years to fully materialize. Ask specifically about which phase your lot is in and when the nearest amenity access will be completed.
Timberbrook
~60% Complete Multiple Builders Northwest ISD
Price Range: $370s – $550s+
Home Sizes: 1,600 – 4,226 sq. ft.
Builders: Bloomfield Homes, Impression Homes, Sandlin Homes, Pacesetter Homes, K. Hovnanian
Effective Tax Rate: ~2.55% (includes PID)
Includes: Ladera at Timberbrook — a 55+ gated community with 157 homesites
Timberbrook is the most established community on this list. At roughly 60% built out, you're getting a more mature neighborhood with landscaping that's actually grown in, trail connections that are already in use, and a clearer picture of what the community actually looks and feels like — not just what the renderings promise.
What's good about Timberbrook: The trail and greenbelt network ties into the City of Justin's park system, giving you connectivity beyond the HOA gates. The builder mix leans toward Bloomfield and Impression, both of which have strong reputations for build quality in this price range. And if you have parents or in-laws considering a move, the Ladera at Timberbrook 55+ enclave offers a gated, low-maintenance lifestyle within the same community.
What to watch for: Timberbrook has the highest effective tax rate of any major Justin community at approximately 2.55%. That's because of its Public Improvement District (PID) assessment, which funds infrastructure like roads and parks. On a $450,000 home, you're looking at roughly $11,475 per year in taxes. The PID assessment may also be billed separately from your county tax statement and may not qualify for the standard homestead exemption. Ask your lender specifically how this affects your escrow calculation.
About Ladera at Timberbrook (55+)
Ladera is a gated, age-restricted (55+) enclave within Timberbrook with 157 planned homesites. It features 14 floorplans ranging from 1,322 to 2,927 sq. ft., with its own exclusive amenity center ("The HUB") including a wellness center. HOA dues run approximately $2,900/year and cover gated security, lawn care, and amenity access.
Worth noting: A 2025 proposal called "Operation Double Nickel" would lower the senior school tax freeze age from 65 to 55. If approved, Ladera homeowners could freeze their school tax values a full decade earlier — saving an estimated $16,000 over 10 years. This hasn't been finalized yet, so don't count on it — but it's worth tracking.
Wildflower Ranch
Resort-Style Amenities 4-Mile Trail Network Northwest ISD
Price Range: Mid $300s – $600s+
Builders: Bloomfield Homes, Toll Brothers, Beazer Homes
Effective Tax Rate: ~2.29% (includes MUD)
Key Feature: Signature lazy river amenity
Wildflower Ranch is the community most people picture when they think of "resort-style suburban living." The lazy river is the headline feature, and the 4-mile trail network makes it one of the most walkable new construction options in the area.
What's good about Wildflower Ranch: If lifestyle amenities are a top priority, this is the strongest option in Justin. Toll Brothers brings a luxury tier not available in most other Justin communities, and Bloomfield provides solid mid-range options. The community is also well-positioned near Highway 114 for commuters heading toward Westlake or the Alliance corridor.
What to watch for: A significant portion of Wildflower Ranch actually sits within the Fort Worth city limits, not Justin proper. This affects your taxing jurisdiction. The MUD rate adds approximately 1.00% per $100 valuation on top of your base rate, bringing the total effective tax rate to around 2.29%. Also, note that as your home's appraised value increases over time, your MUD tax bill grows proportionally — even if the district rate stays flat. A $450,000 home at 2.29% is roughly $10,305/year in taxes.
Also worth knowing: the Wildflower Ranch portion previously zoned to Perrin Elementary is now feeding into Pike Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year. If specific school assignments matter to your family, verify the latest NISD boundary maps before making an offer.
The Preserve
No MUD No PID Lowest Tax Rate Northwest ISD
Price Range: $370s – $500s
Home Sizes: 1,500 – 3,000 sq. ft.
Builders: KB Home, M/I Homes
Effective Tax Rate: ~1.88%
Status: Phase 1 of 2 planned phases
The Preserve is the sleeper pick on this list — and the one we'd encourage every Justin buyer to at least consider before making a decision.
Why The Preserve stands out: It has no Municipal Utility District and no Public Improvement District. That gives it the lowest effective tax rate of any major new construction community in Justin at approximately 1.88%. On a $450,000 home, that's roughly $8,460/year in taxes — about $3,000 less per year than you'd pay for the same-priced home in Timberbrook.
Over a 10-year period, that tax savings alone adds up to roughly $30,000. That's real money.
What to watch for: The builder selection is more limited here — KB Home and M/I Homes. M/I uses their "Smart Series" floorplans, which streamline construction to lower costs. The community also doesn't have the same level of resort amenities as Treeline or Wildflower Ranch. If you're prioritizing long-term carrying costs over lifestyle features, The Preserve is the strongest financial play in Justin right now. If amenities are what drew you to Justin in the first place, this community may feel more modest by comparison.
A Note About "Cross Timbers Ranch"
If you've searched for "Cross Timbers Ranch Justin TX," you may have found some confusing results. Our research confirms there is no major active production builder community by the name "Cross Timbers Ranch" in the Justin city limits for 2026. Listings under that name are typically land-only sales or small custom-lot enclaves — not a master-planned development with builder partners and community amenities. If a real estate website or agent is showing you listings under this name, ask for specifics about the developer, builder, and community infrastructure before visiting.
The Tax Comparison That Changes Everything
This is the part most builder sales reps won't walk you through — and it's arguably the most important section of this entire guide.
In Texas, developers use Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) to finance the millions of dollars in infrastructure needed to build on raw land. Water lines, sewer systems, drainage, roads, parks — all of it gets funded through bonds that you, the homeowner, repay through your annual tax bill.
These costs don't show up in the listing price. They appear on your property tax statement after you close.
MUD vs. PID — What's the Difference?
MUD (Municipal Utility District): A separate political entity that issues bonds for water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure. You repay these bonds through an ad valorem property tax — meaning the tax is based on your home's appraised value. As your value goes up, so does your MUD payment, even if the rate doesn't change.
PID (Public Improvement District): Created by a city or county to fund specific improvements like parks, roads, or landscaping. PID assessments may be a flat fee or a term-limited rate. They're often billed separately from your county tax bill and may not qualify for the standard homestead exemption.
Here's how the numbers break down across Justin's major communities:
| Community | Base Tax Rate | Special District | Total Effective Rate | Annual Tax on $450K Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Preserve | ~1.88% | None | 1.88% | ~$8,460 |
| Wildflower Ranch | ~1.29% | 1.00% MUD | 2.29% | ~$10,305 |
| Treeline | ~1.97% | ~0.50% MUD/PID | ~2.47% | ~$11,115 |
| Timberbrook | ~1.97% | 0.58% PID | 2.55% | ~$11,475 |
The bottom line: The difference between the lowest-taxed community (The Preserve) and the highest (Timberbrook) is roughly $3,015 per year. Over 10 years, that's over $30,000 — and that's before accounting for rising appraisals, which increase MUD taxes proportionally.
It's also important to know that the City of Justin approved a significant tax rate of $0.70 per $100 for the 2025-2026 cycle — a 16.64% increase from the previous year. Combined with the Northwest ISD rate of $1.0841, the baseline is already high before special districts stack on top.
This doesn't mean you should avoid MUD or PID communities. It means you should run the real numbers and understand what your total monthly carrying cost will be — not just the mortgage payment the builder's lender shows you.
Builder Comparison: Who's Building What in Justin
Justin has one of the most competitive builder markets in North Texas right now. That competition is good for you — it means more negotiating leverage and more incentives on the table. But not all builders, or all incentives, are created equal.
| Builder | Primary Community | Starting Price | Energy Certification | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.R. Horton | Treeline | $340s | Energy Star | Lowest entry price, smart home tech standard |
| Bloomfield Homes | Timberbrook, Wildflower Ranch | $450s | High-Eff. HVAC | Traditional stone/brick architecture, strong build quality reputation |
| Highland Homes | Treeline, Wildflower Ranch | $450s+ | Above Code | Premium finishes, best resale value, energy efficiency leader |
| Tri Pointe Homes | Treeline | High $380s | LivingSmart | Modern/design-forward aesthetic, flexible spaces |
| Beazer Homes | Treeline, Wildflower Ranch | $326s | Choice Plans | High energy efficiency, competitive pricing |
| M/I Homes | The Preserve | $370s | Whole Home Std | Smart Series streamlined plans, strong rate buydown incentives |
| KB Home | The Preserve | $370s | Energy Star | Personalization options, efficient layouts |
| Toll Brothers | Wildflower Ranch | $400s – $506s+ | High-Eff. | Luxury tier, largest plans, premium finishes |
| Pulte Homes | Treeline | $380s+ | Energy Star | Life-tested designs, consumer-friendly brand |
| Impression Homes | Timberbrook | $370s | Standard | Local DFW builder, value-focused |
What Review Patterns Actually Tell You
We looked at review data across Google, Yelp, and homebuyer forums. Here's the honest read on common complaint patterns:
D.R. Horton consistently receives complaints about rushed construction finishes and slow warranty response times. They're the highest-volume national builder, and the trade-off for the lowest price is often visible in finish quality. That said, their 10-year structural warranty provides baseline protection on the bones of the house.
Bloomfield Homes sees fewer complaints overall, with most issues being minor cosmetic items like grout or paint touch-ups — the kind of things that show up in any new construction. Their "Harvest Upgrade" events sometimes include up to $17,000 in exterior enhancements at no extra charge.
Highland Homes is generally praised for quality control and energy efficiency that exceeds standard building codes. If resale value and fewer structural headaches are your priority, Highland consistently ranks as a "premium" production builder in North Texas.
M/I Homes in The Preserve offers aggressive financing incentives, including a 2/1 rate buydown with first-year rates as low as 2.875% on select FHA loans. But review patterns suggest some buyers feel misaligned expectations about what the "Smart Series" product includes versus what they saw in the model home. Make sure the design center walkthrough is thorough and that you understand which upgrades are shown in the model versus included in the base price.
What They Don't Tell You: 5 Hidden Costs of Buying New Construction in Justin
Builder sales centers are beautifully staged. The model homes are upgraded beyond what the base price includes. And the "starting from" price on the sign out front almost never matches what you'll actually pay at closing.
Here's what to watch for:
- The Incentive Trap: Builders are currently offering $15,000–$20,000+ in "flex cash," closing cost credits, or rate buydowns. These sound generous — but they're marketing tools. Builders often recoup these costs through higher base prices or by requiring you to use their in-house lender, who may charge higher interest rates or junk fees. Always get an independent lender quote for comparison. A lower rate from an outside source often saves more over 30 years than a one-time $10,000 credit. You can run your own mortgage numbers here to see the difference.
- Base Price vs. Fully Loaded Price: That "$390,000" listing in Treeline or Wildflower Ranch almost never closes at that number. You need to account for lot premiums ($5,000–$30,000 for cul-de-sacs or greenbelt lots), design center upgrades (typically 10-15% of the home's value), and post-closing costs like window blinds, refrigerator, and backyard fencing — which are rarely included in production builds. A $390,000 listing price can easily become $440,000-$460,000 by closing day.
- The MUD/PID Tax Surprise: We covered this in detail above, but it bears repeating — your tax bill can be $2,000-$3,000 per year higher than what you'd expect based on the home's purchase price alone. The builder's sales rep may quote you a base tax rate without mentioning the special district overlay. Always ask: "What is the total effective tax rate, including any MUD or PID assessments?"
- HOA Restrictions That Hit Different: Justin's master-planned communities have strict HOA covenants. Common surprises include restrictions on street parking, commercial vehicle parking (including work trucks), specific fence style and color requirements, and "a-la-carte" maintenance packages that can push dues higher than expected. Ladera at Timberbrook, for example, runs approximately $2,900/year in HOA dues. Request the full CC&Rs before you're under contract — not after.
- School Rezoning Mid-Purchase: Northwest ISD is growing so fast that it rezones boundaries regularly. The school the builder's marketing materials reference may not be the school your child attends. NISD finalized new boundaries for 2026-2027 in January 2026, and two new campuses (Dr. Leigh Anne Romer Elementary and Floyd Barksdale Middle School) are opening in August 2026 — which means feeder patterns are shifting. Always verify directly with NISD, not the builder.
Schools in Justin: What You Need to Know for 2026-2027
The school district is one of the top three reasons people choose Justin — and rightfully so. Northwest ISD is consistently A-rated and is currently the fastest-growing district in North Texas.
But growth this fast creates logistical challenges that affect you directly as a homebuyer.
New Campuses Opening August 2026
On January 13, 2026, the NISD Board of Trustees finalized attendance boundaries for the 2026-2027 school year to accommodate two new campuses:
Dr. Leigh Anne Romer Elementary — This campus will relieve overcrowding at Carter, Hatfield, and Prairie View elementary schools. If your home is in a community that was previously zoned to one of those schools, your elementary assignment may be changing.
Floyd Barksdale Middle School — Opening in Northlake, this campus will serve portions of Justin and relieve enrollment pressure at Medlin and Pike middle schools.
Why This Matters for Your Home Purchase
If specific school assignments are important to your family, do not rely on the builder's marketing materials or the sales rep's verbal assurances. Boundary lines shift as new schools open. The community that was "zoned to" a particular school last year may not be this year.
Verify your exact address against the NISD 2026-2027 boundary maps before making an offer. You can find current boundary information directly on the Northwest ISD website.
School District Tax Context
Most Justin communities fall within Northwest ISD, which carries a rate of $1.0841 per $100 valuation. Some areas near the edges of Justin may fall into Denton ISD or Argyle ISD. Argyle ISD, while highly ranked, carries a higher tax rate of $1.1727 and has seen intense debate over bond programs and capacity. If you're looking at a property near the city boundary, confirm which ISD your specific lot falls in — it affects both your tax bill and your children's school options.
How Justin Compares to Neighboring Cities
If you're considering Justin, you're probably also looking at a few nearby communities. Here's an honest comparison to help you calibrate:
| City | Median Sale Price (Jan 2026) | vs. Justin | Primary School District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin | $467,872 | Baseline | Northwest ISD (A-Rated) |
| Haslet | $420,000 | -10.2% | Northwest ISD |
| Northlake | $555,000 | +18.6% | Northwest ISD / Argyle ISD |
| Roanoke | $649,500 | +38.8% | Northwest ISD |
| Argyle | $934,000 | +99.6% | Argyle ISD (A-Rated) |
Justin sits in the value sweet spot — more affordable than Keller, Grapevine, and Roanoke, while still delivering the same A-rated Northwest ISD access. Haslet is slightly cheaper but has less new construction variety and fewer master-planned amenity packages.
If you're comparing Justin to Northlake specifically, we wrote a comprehensive guide to Northlake homebuilders that covers the Pecan Square and Harvest communities in detail.
Infrastructure and Commercial Growth: What's Coming to Justin
One of the most common concerns we hear from families considering Justin is: "There's nothing out there yet."
That's partly true today — and it's worth being honest about. Justin's commercial development has lagged behind residential growth. If you need a major grocery store run or a sit-down dinner, you're currently driving to Roanoke or Northlake for most errands.
But that's actively changing. Here's what's in the pipeline:
Commercial Development
Justin Crossing — This 20-acre development at FM 156 and John Wiley Road is the city's most anticipated commercial project. McDonald's and O'Reilly Auto Parts are slated for Q3 2026, followed by a 45,000 sq. ft. grocery store anchor in Q1 2027. This is the development that will change the daily convenience equation for Justin residents.
Old Town Master Plan — In February 2026, the City Council approved an "Old Town" overlay designed to protect Justin's historic core from big-chain aesthetics and encourage walkable dining and entertainment. Think small-town charm with intentional character — not another strip mall.
Justin Town Square — A proposed 250,000 sq. ft. mixed-use project planned for medical and municipal facilities along FM 156.
Road Improvements
FM 407 Breakout: Denton County started a "micro-breakout" project at the I-35W interchange in early 2026 to provide immediate traffic relief while the larger $40 million widening project remains delayed.
US 377 Widening: The reconstruction of US 377 through Argyle and toward Justin is scheduled to let for construction in May 2026 after years of delays. This will improve the primary north-south corridor for Justin commuters.
FM 1171 Extension: Planned as a 4-6 lane divided arterial, but current TxDOT projections show this project with an estimated construction date as late as 2044 due to funding shortages. Don't factor this road into your near-term commute calculations.
Commute Times from Justin (2026 Reality Check)
Let's be real about this. Justin is still a car-dependent community, and commute times depend heavily on which corridor you're using and what time you leave.
| Destination | Average Peak-Hour Drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AllianceTexas / Westlake | 25 – 35 minutes | Best commute option; Alliance corridor jobs are Justin's sweet spot |
| Denton | 25 – 35 minutes | Quick shot up I-35W or US 377 |
| Downtown Fort Worth | 50 – 65 minutes | I-35W corridor; Tuesday/Thursday office days are worst |
| DFW Airport | 45 – 55 minutes | Hwy 114 to 121; consider 121 Express lanes from Trophy Club area |
| Downtown Dallas | 75 – 100 minutes | Not realistic as a daily commute |
If you work in the Alliance corridor, Denton, or have a hybrid schedule, Justin's commute picture is manageable. If you're commuting to downtown Dallas five days a week, this probably isn't the right fit — and that's OK. Knowing what works for your real situation is more important than falling in love with a model home.
Take Your Time — The Market Is on Your Side Right Now
Here's something the builder sales reps won't emphasize: Justin is currently a buyer-favorable market.
With an average of 141 days on market — up nearly 18% year-over-year — and active listings increasing by over 12% in late 2025, inventory is sitting. Builders are competing for your contract, which means the incentives you're seeing ($15K-$20K+ in flex cash, rate buydowns, design center credits) are real and negotiable.
This is not the 2021-2022 market where you had to waive everything and offer above asking. You have time. You have leverage. Use it.
What "Leverage" Actually Looks Like in 2026
You can negotiate closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and design center allowances — sometimes all three. You can compare the builder's lender against an independent quote and choose whichever actually saves you more. You can ask for lot premium reductions on inventory homes that have been sitting. And you can walk away if the numbers don't work. The builder will call you back.
The families who get the best deals in this market are the ones who slow down, compare across communities, and understand the total cost — not just the monthly payment number the sales center puts in front of them.
Your Pre-Visit Checklist: Before You Tour a Single Model Home
Justin New Construction Research Checklist
- Determine your total monthly budget — including taxes, insurance, and HOA (not just mortgage principal and interest)
- Get pre-approved with an independent lender BEFORE visiting builder sales centers
- Research the MUD/PID status of every community you're considering — ask for the total effective tax rate, not just the base rate
- Verify your specific lot's school district zoning on the NISD 2026-2027 boundary map
- Request the full CC&Rs and HOA governing documents for any community you're serious about
- Ask the builder's sales rep: "What is the fully loaded price of this home, including lot premium and the upgrades shown in this model?"
- Compare the builder's lender rate and fees against at least one independent lender quote
- Drive the commute route during peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday morning, 7:00-8:30 AM) before committing
- Check the community's build-out percentage — a 60% complete community looks very different from a 10% complete one
- Ask about the timeline for planned amenities — and get it in writing if possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest new construction community in Justin, TX?
Beazer Homes in Treeline currently offers the lowest starting prices in Justin, beginning in the mid-$320s. However, "cheapest" and "most affordable" aren't the same thing when you factor in total carrying costs. The Preserve has a lower effective tax rate (1.88% vs. ~2.47% for Treeline), which means your annual tax savings could offset a higher purchase price. Always compare total monthly cost — not just the listing price.
What are MUD taxes and do all Justin communities have them?
MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes are additional property taxes used to repay bonds that funded water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure in new developments. Not all Justin communities have them. The Preserve has no MUD or PID, giving it the lowest total tax rate. Wildflower Ranch has a MUD rate of approximately 1.00%, and Timberbrook uses a PID (Public Improvement District) instead. The key difference: MUD taxes scale with your home's appraised value, while some PID assessments are fixed or term-limited. Either way, they add $2,000-$4,000+ per year to your tax bill depending on the community.
Is Justin, Texas a good place to live?
Justin works well for families who want A-rated Northwest ISD schools, newer homes with modern amenities, and proximity to the Alliance employment corridor — all at a lower price point than Roanoke, Argyle, or Southlake. The tradeoffs are real, though: commercial development is still catching up (the first major grocery store isn't expected until Q1 2027), commute times to downtown Fort Worth run 50-65 minutes, and infrastructure improvements are years away in some cases. If your work is in the Alliance/Westlake corridor and you're comfortable with a growing-but-not-yet-finished community feel, Justin is a strong fit.
Which school district is Justin, TX in?
Most new construction in Justin falls within Northwest ISD, which is A-rated and one of the top-performing districts in North Texas. However, some properties near the city boundary may fall into Denton ISD or Argyle ISD. NISD is opening two new campuses for the 2026-2027 school year and has adjusted attendance boundaries accordingly. Always verify your specific address against the current NISD boundary map — don't rely on builder marketing materials, which may reference outdated school assignments.
How much are property taxes in Justin, TX?
It depends entirely on which community you're in. The effective tax rate in Justin ranges from approximately 1.88% (The Preserve, no special districts) to 2.55% (Timberbrook, with PID). On a $450,000 home, that's a difference of about $3,015 per year. The City of Justin also approved a 16.64% tax rate increase for the 2025-2026 cycle, bringing the city portion to $0.70 per $100 valuation. Add the Northwest ISD rate of $1.0841, and you're starting from a high baseline before any MUD or PID assessments stack on top.
Is it worth buying new construction in Justin vs. a resale home?
New construction in Justin gives you modern floor plans, energy efficiency, builder warranties, and community amenities you won't find in most resale inventory. But new construction also comes with MUD/PID taxes, builder incentive games, and a community that may not be finished for years. Resale homes in established parts of Justin are rare and typically don't offer the same school proximity or amenity access. For most families moving to Justin in 2026, new construction is the primary option — but understanding the true cost is essential before you sign a builder contract.
Should I use the builder's lender or get my own?
Always get at least one independent lender quote for comparison — even if you ultimately use the builder's lender. Builders often require you to use their preferred lender to qualify for incentives like closing cost credits or rate buydowns. That's fine, as long as you've verified that the total cost (interest rate + fees + loan terms) is actually competitive. In some cases, a lower rate from an outside lender saves more over 30 years than a $10,000-$20,000 one-time incentive from the builder. Run your own comparison here before committing.
Considering a New Home in Justin?
You don't have to figure this out alone — and you definitely shouldn't rely on the builder's sales team to give you the full picture. We help families compare communities, understand tax structures, negotiate builder contracts, and make sure the numbers work before they sign anything.
No pressure. No rush. Just honest guidance from a team that knows this market.
Schedule a Call — No Pressure, Just Clarity Explore Buyer ResourcesCheck out this article next
