A Massive New Master‑Planned Community Near Dallas (Forney, Texas)

The buzz is real: if you are tracking new master-planned communities near Dallas, Meraki in Forney is one you will want on your radar. This 2,700-home community being developed by the team behind Windsong Ranch and Mosaic brings a thoughtful, nature-forward layout, a wide mix of lot sizes, and top-tier builders. Read on for a full first-look breakdown so you can be ready when Meraki opens model homes and starts selling in earnest.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meraki is positioned to be one of the largest and most compelling options for buyers searching among new master-planned communities near Dallas. The developer is the Telus Group, the same team responsible for big successes like Windsong Ranch and Mosaic, which tells you the project will focus on high-quality infrastructure, parks, connectivity, and design. The plan is roughly 2,700 homes across a variety of lot sizes, designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers from first-time homeowners to families wanting more room and builders looking for a solid product mix.

Aerial photo of a large civic or amenity building with surrounding parking, lawns, and walking paths

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Where Is Meraki, TX Located and What Does That Mean for Daily Life?

Meraki sits in Forney, just off Highway 548 on the north side of town near Devonshire. That location places it within reach of Dallas — about 25 minutes on a very good day — but anyone commuting routinely should plan for more realistic drive times. Traffic on Interstate 80 can be heavy, so expect closer to 45 minutes round trip on many weekdays depending on where you are headed in Dallas.

That said, Forney is growing fast and Meraki benefits from the commercial and civic investments happening in the area. Compared to other new master-planned communities near Dallas further north, Forney already has more commercial growth planned and in progress. For weekend life and local errands, Meraki will be well positioned with future retail, big-box options like Costco, and an H E B planned for the area by 2026, which makes it an attractive choice for buyers who want more self-contained living.

Meraki Community Overview

Meraki is a large master plan — about 2,700 homes total. Phase one is expected to include roughly 400 homes. Models for some builders, like Highland, are anticipated to be ready toward the end of 2026. That means early buyers who want choice in lots and floorplans should start monitoring release dates and builder pricing now so they can move quickly when presales begin.

Home Builders, Lot Sizes, and Product Mix in Meraki, Forney, TX

The developer has assembled a strong builder roster. Confirmed and expected builders include Highland, Perry, Shaddock, Bloomfield, and American Legend. These builders typically offer a range of price points and floorplan sizes, which allows the neighborhood to deliver a broad product mix.

  • Lot sizes: primarily 40s, 45s, 60s, and some 70-foot lots. The developer appears to be emphasizing variety so the streetscape will feel diverse.
  • Price guidance: Highland has posted ranges for what they plan to offer in Meraki — starting in the mid 300s on the smaller 45-foot lots, high 400s on 60-foot lots, and low 500s for 70-foot lots. Expect other builders to slot in around similar ranges depending on standard features and upgrades.
  • Floorplans: anticipate both single story and two-story options, family-oriented layouts, and some plans aimed at downsizers or empty nesters who want lower-maintenance yards on wider lots.

Neighborhood amenities, civic spaces, and lifestyle

Meraki’s plan calls for a civic center and a sizable amenity center, plus parks, trails, and plenty of green space. The developer’s previous master-planned projects show a strong emphasis on connectivity for walkers and bikers, pocket parks, and amenity programs that cater to families. For buyers looking at new master-planned communities near Dallas, Meraki is shaping up to deliver the kind of outdoor and community amenities that make neighborhood life feel purposeful and connected.

For families, Forney ISD is expanding programming and facilities. One standout is the Opportunity Central campus, a hands-on education and workforce development campus where students can train in fields like auto body, hospitality, and culinary arts, with opportunities for local businesses to hire students. That is a meaningful differentiator for families who value practical school-to-career pipelines.

Commute realities and local conveniences

If you are evaluating Meraki against other new master-planned communities near Dallas, commute and local infrastructure matter. Meraki is closer to Dallas than many of the communities farther north, but traffic patterns on I-80 mean daily commuting will require time management. On a perfect day the drive can be quick. On a typical weekday, plan conservatively.

On the flip side, Forney’s commercial growth means residents will be able to do a lot of their regular shopping and recreation without heading into Dallas every weekend. Sports leagues, parks, nearby retail, and a future Costco bring convenience that many buyers say offsets a longer weekday commute.

Meraki Model Homes and Construction Timeline

Highland has already signaled plans to have their model ready by the end of 2026. Builders typically stagger model openings and lot releases, so expect rolling openings over late 2026 and into 2027. Phase one will be the fastest opportunity to lock in preferred lots and early floorplan choices, so if you want to be first, prepare your financing, get on builder mailing lists, and lean on local agents who track release schedules.

How to Approach Buying a Home in Meraki, Forney TX

Here are practical steps for buyers who want to act quickly when Meraki opens:

  1. Get prequalified with a lender who understands new construction timelines and deposit structures.
  2. Decide what lot size and product type matter most to you — smaller 45-foot lots mean different yard and driveway options than 60- or 70-foot lots.
  3. Sign up for builder and developer interest lists so you get invitations to presales and model openings.
  4.  
  5. Work with me — a local agent who knows the builders and typical upgrade packages to avoid paying for things you do not want.

Meraki vs. Other New Master-Planned Communities Near Dallas

When you compare Meraki to other new master-planned communities near Dallas, there are a few things to keep in mind. Meraki benefits from:

  • A developer with a proven track record in large-scale master planning.
  • Greater commercial infrastructure already in the pipeline compared to many northern developments.
  • A range of builders and lot sizes that give buyers choices across price points.
  • Programs like Opportunity Central that add educational value to the area.

These features make Meraki competitive for buyers wanting a community that blends affordability with quality and long-term neighborhood amenities.

Split-screen screenshot showing the interior of a vehicle on the left and a curved newly paved road with sidewalks and bare lots on the right in the Meraki development.

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FAQs About Meraki in Forney, TX

What is the size and scope of Meraki?

Meraki is planned for around 2,700 homes with a mix of lot sizes and neighborhood amenities. Phase one is expected to include about 400 homes.

Which builders will be in Meraki?

Confirmed and expected builders include Highland, Perry, Shaddock, Bloomfield, and American Legend. Each will offer different floorplans and price ranges.

When will models and homes be available?

Highland expects a model by the end of 2026. Other builders will likely open models in late 2026 into 2027. Lot releases and model openings will be staggered.

What lot sizes and price ranges should buyers expect?

The neighborhood will offer lots in the 40-, 45-, 60-, and 70-foot ranges. Highland has listed starting prices in the mid 300s on 45-foot lots, high 400s on 60-foot lots, and low 500s on 70-foot lots. Other builders will offer similar entry points depending on included features.

How is the commute to Dallas from Meraki, Forney TX?

On a great day the drive to Dallas can take around 25 minutes, but typical weekday traffic on I-80 means many commuters should plan for 45 minutes or more depending on conditions and exact destinations in Dallas.

What amenities and schools serve Meraki?

Meraki will include a civic center, amenity center, parks, and trails. It falls within Forney ISD, which has innovative programs like the Opportunity Central campus that offers career training and real business partnerships.

Final thoughts

Meraki is a major entry in the landscape of new master-planned communities near Dallas. With an experienced developer, a range of reputable builders, and a plan that emphasizes amenities, schools, and commercial connectivity, Meraki will be a strong option for buyers who want growth, choice, and community. If you are watching for model openings or lot releases, now is the time to get your financing squared away and to follow builders’ updates so you can move quickly once the sales launch.

If Meraki matches the lifestyle and price point you are targeting among new master-planned communities near Dallas, being prepared will make all the difference when the dirt becomes driveways and the first model doors open. If you’re ready to buy or want help navigating Meraki and other new communities,  call or text me at 469-707-9077  — I’d love to help you find the right home.

READ MORE: What Every Buyer Should Know About DFW New Construction Homes

A man wearing sunglasses and a black shirt is standing in front of a building.

Zak  Schmidt

From in-depth property tours and builder reviews to practical how-to guides and community insights, I make navigating the real estate process easy and enjoyable.

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