New Construction in Forney TX: What to Know Before You Buy in Meraki

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Meraki at Highland New Construction in Forney TX
• How This Forney TX Neighborhood Changed Fast
• Why Meraki at Highland Is One of DFW’s Cheapest New Construction Communities
• 45-Foot Lot Homes at Meraki at Highland in Forney TX (Model Walkthrough)
• Meraki at Highland Pricing, Inventory & Homes Under $400K in Forney TX
• Touring 60 and 70-Foot Lot Homes at Meraki at Highland Forney TX
• The Biggest Downside to Buying in Forney TX New Construction (Taxes & MUD)
• What to Ask Before Buying a New Construction Home in Forney TX
• Design Tips That Add Value in Forney TX New Build Homes
• Forney TX Location, Commute Times & DFW Access
• Summary & Recommendation: Is Meraki at Highland in Forney TX Worth It?
• FAQs About Meraki at Highland in Forney TX

Introduction: Meraki at Highland New Construction in Forney TX

Meraki at Highland is one of the freshest Highland Homes communities in the DFW growth corridor. If you want an entry point into Highland Homes without paying Highland pricing everywhere else, this development deserves a close look. There are 45-, 60-, and 70-foot lot sections, a growing inventory of model homes, and a floor-plan lineup that ranges from compact garden homes to large single-story stunners.

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How This Forney TX Neighborhood Changed Fast

The transformation here has been dramatic in a short time. Streets that were scraped dirt a year ago now have multiple models open, and by spring 2026 the first move-ins are expected. The community is being built by a sizable, high-end developer with plans for long-term growth—think the next Devonshire type of neighborhood for this part of the map.

Meraki at Highland sits on the north side of Forney. That location matters: the area is growing quickly, retail is coming (brand new Costco and other big names are scheduled to open), and schools will be part of the neighborhood plan, including an on-site elementary school. All good signs for long-term value and convenience—but there are tradeoffs, which I’ll get to.

Why Meraki at Highland Is One of DFW’s Cheapest New Construction Communities

If you want Highland Homes quality but are watching your budget, the 45-foot section is the obvious attractor. There are plans that start under $400,000. The Alpena garden-home plan, for example, has a base price in the high $300Ks and delivers a compact two-bedroom, two-bath primary layout that’s ideal for a single buyer, a couple, or someone looking to downsize.

Inventory opportunities matter. Right now there are several inventory homes across the sections, with the least expensive listed around the low $400Ks and a few entry-level options in the under-$400K range if you move quickly and choose the smaller footprint plans.

45-Foot Lot Homes at Meraki at Highland in Forney TX (Model Walkthrough)

The 45-foot model I walked through is the McLaren plan. This is a two-story layout—roughly 2,486 square feet in the configuration shown—with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage.

• Layout highlights: Study and laundry are tucked behind the garage entry—good flow for drop zones. The ground floor features a dramatic two-story living area with abundant natural light and an open kitchen/dining relationship.
• Bedroom placement: A secondary bedroom sits at the front of the house on the ground floor. That’s a flexible choice: perfect for an aging parent, nursery, teenager, or home office.
• Upstairs: Bedrooms, a hangout/game room, and a media room option. The plan can be built with an entertainment room or a fifth bedroom on the second floor, though adding bedrooms doesn’t necessarily add an extra full bathroom in every configuration—worth checking before you assume.

A few model notes: the builder’s design team leaned into color—greens and blues—so expect design-forward finishes in the models but understand many of those touches may be paid upgrades. The model I saw kept a tub in some secondary baths where some buyers prefer full tiled showers; that’s a selection choice that’s typically offered as an option.

Open Living, Kitchen & Primary Suite

The open living and kitchen are the centerpiece of many Highland plans. In the 45-foot McLaren you get a sweeping two-story living space that floods with light and opens to the kitchen and dining area. Models tend to show capstone cabinetry, decorative range hoods, and design features—some of which will be upgrades in production homes.

Primary suites in these plans sit at the rear with private bathrooms and sizable closets. Wall tile extending up the shower or tub wall is a popular on-trend choice in model homes right now. Removing carpet and matching flooring throughout the main living areas is another common selection—visually cleaner and higher-end feeling.

Practical tip: many buyers fall in love with model finishes and assume they’re standard. Always ask for the builder’s standard features list for the specific section and floor plan you’re considering so you know what’s included and what’s an upgrade.

Backyard Reality Check

On a 45-foot lot you won’t get a sprawling yard. The model backyard I saw was likely deeper than the typical 45-foot lot depth, so don’t expect that same generous space on every 45. If yard size matters, look at 60- and 70-foot sections or select deeper lots—there will be a price premium for deeper lots.

For buyers who want low yard maintenance and prefer outdoor living features like covered patios instead of vast turf, the 45-foot section can be an ideal compromise.

Upstairs Beds & Media Space

Upstairs in the McLaren and similar two-story plans you’ll find flexible hangout areas: media rooms, game spaces, and bedrooms suited for kids or guests. The layout I saw had a long walk for some rooms to reach shared baths—another reason to check optional layouts. Many plans offer add-on options (additional full bathrooms, entertainment rooms, or alternate bedroom placements) that can improve flow depending on family needs.

Design note: model homes often show extras like shiplap, built-in hutch units, and painted interior doors. These finish choices greatly affect the feel of a home—painted doors alone elevate a basic spec home visually, but they may not be included in the base price.

Meraki at Highland Pricing, Inventory & Homes Under $400K in Forney TX

Current inventory numbers and starter prices give a sense of entry points:

• 45-foot inventory: Several homes are listed; example—McLaren model on inventory at about $455K (four bed, three bath, two-car garage, ~2,486 ft²).
• Lowest inventory listing seen: A Bentley plan at roughly $407K (four bed, three bath, three-car garage, just under 2,000 ft²).
• Garden-home option: Alpena plan base price around $374,990 for a two-bed, two-bath layout—this is the true under-$400K entry point.

Prices vary by lot size, elevation, and the section of the community. Expect the 60- and 70-foot sections to start higher—Birchwood examples on a 60-foot lot begin in the low $500Ks in the current market snapshot, and larger single-story plans like the Leland can push into the mid-$500Ks depending on the lot.

Touring 60 and 70-Foot Lot Homes at Meraki at Highland Forney TX

The Birchwood is a favorite for buyers wanting nearly everything on one floor. It’s a single-story layout that feels expansive thanks to high ceilings and considered flow. Highlights include:

• Study at the front entry
• Multiple secondary bedrooms with private baths or Jack-and-Jill options
• A huge open kitchen with double-stacked cabinetry, a large island, and a substantial covered patio
• High vaulted ceilings in the living area (standard in this plan), fireplace, and a mud bench off the laundry/garage zone

Kitchen cabinetry and finishes are a big upgrade line item. Models will show pin hoods, double-stacked uppers, and designer backsplashes—many of those touches are upgrades, so factor them into allowances if you plan to replicate the model look.

On the Birchwood, the standard kitchen for the 60-70 sections includes prefinished red oak or knotty alder cabinets, natural stone countertops, and a 30-inch stainless steel appliance package. Still, verify the standard features for the exact section; builders sometimes change standard selections by section or by price band.

The Biggest Downside to Buying in Forney TX New Construction (Taxes & MUD)

Full transparency: the biggest drawback for this community is the tax rate. The total tax rate quoted for the area is about 2.74%(that includes municipal utility district or MUD assessments). That’s a meaningful ongoing cost and it changes how affordable the monthly payment looks.

Example math to illustrate impact:

• Assume a taxable value of $400,000.
• At a 2.74% total tax rate, taxes would be roughly $10,960 per year—about $913 per month.

Even with a homestead exemption reducing taxable value, this kind of tax burden is a material part of the monthly housing bill that buyers need to factor into affordability. The neighborhood will deliver amenities, new retail, and a solid builder lineup—just don’t overlook the taxes when comparing against similar communities closer to Dallas.

What to Ask Before Buying a New Construction Home in Forney TX

When touring model homes or negotiating inventory, get clarity on these items up front:

• Standard features list: Request the hard list that shows what is included in your base price for your specific section. Models are rarely fully standard.
• Lot costs: Deeper lots, corner lots, or premium orientations often add significantly to the purchase price.
• Timing: First move-ins are expected spring 2026; inventory completion dates vary by build stage.
• Taxes and MUD info: Confirm total tax rate and any MUD bonds or special assessments that could affect future taxes.
• Upgrade allowances: If you want the model look, ask for upgrade pricing early so there are no surprises.

Design Tips That Add Value in Forney TX New Build Homes

• Install 8-foot doors in single-story homes with high ceilings. They change proportions and instantly feel more upscale.
• Paint your interior doors. Models often show painted doors that aren’t standard. Painted doors are a relatively low-cost upgrade that elevates the look.
• Prioritize kitchen cabinetry and countertops. Kitchens are where buyers spend and feel the cost most. Decide early if you want to match a model and budget accordingly.
• Consider converting secondary tubs to tiled showers. It’s a popular selection and can boost long-term appeal.

Forney TX Location, Commute Times & DFW Access

Forney and surrounding areas are expanding rapidly. That’s good for new retail and schools, but it also means commute times to downtown Dallas are longer. Realistically, with traffic, expect at least a 45-minute commute to central Dallas on a typical day. If you’re okay with trading commute time for newer homes and larger lots at a lower base price, the area will be compelling.

Summary & Recommendation: Is Meraki at Highland in Forney TX Worth It?

Meraki at Highland offers strong entry points into Highland Homes product with a range of plans—45-foot garden homes under $400K, two-story family plans in the mid-$400Ks, and generous single-story plans in the $500Ks. The community has the advantage of developer momentum, planned neighborhood amenities, and on-site school infrastructure. If you want a lower-maintenance lot and the Highland floor plan aesthetic, the 45-foot section is attractive.

But the municipal tax/MUD structure is the cautionary headline. That 2.74% total tax rate materially affects the monthly cost picture and should be a central part of any affordability analysis.

If you proceed, prioritize getting the standard features sheet for your lot and plan, get firm pricing on upgrades if you want the model finishes, and be mindful of lot premiums for deeper yards. With those items clarified, Meraki at Highland could be a very smart way to get Highland Homes product without stretching into higher price tiers elsewhere in DFW.

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FAQs About Meraki at Highland in Forney TX

What are the starting prices at Meraki at Highland?

Plans in the 45-foot section start under $400,000 (Alpena garden-home around $374,990 base). Inventory prices observed range from roughly $407K up to the mid $400Ks for two-story plans. Single-story models on 60-foot lots start in the low $500Ks depending on options and lot selection.

When are the first move-ins expected?

First move-ins are projected around spring 2026 for the initial phases. Inventory homes have varied completion windows through the summer months depending on the individual lot.

Which lot sizes are available and how do they affect price?

The community includes 45-, 60-, and 70-foot sections. 45-foot lots are the most affordable. Prices increase for 60- and 70-foot lots, with deeper yards or premium orientations adding a noticeable lot premium.

What are standard kitchen features in the 60s and 70s sections?

Standard features in the 60s and 70s often include prefinished red oak or knotty alder cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and a Frigidaire 30-inch stainless steel appliance package—but verify the current standard features list for the specific section and build phase you’re considering.

How high are property taxes and how will they affect monthly costs?

The current total tax rate for the area is about 2.74%, including any MUD or special assessments. On a $400,000 taxable value that equates to roughly $10,960 per year—about $913 per month—so taxes are a significant part of affordability in this community.

Are model finishes generally included in the base price?

No. Model homes typically showcase upgraded finishes and decorative features that are not standard. Always request the builder’s standard features list and get pricing for any upgrades you plan to include.

READ MORE: Buying a New Construction Home in DFW: Checkpoints to Decide With Confidence