Where To Buy New Construction Homes In DFW: My 2026 Checklist

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Criteria for Choosing New Construction Homes in DFW
• Prosper: Best for Top-Tier Schools and Community Growth
• Princeton: Affordable New Construction with Strong Schools
• Kaufman County, Forney, Terrell: Affordable Homes with Lower Taxes
• Midlothian: Balanced Pricing, Schools, and Tax Rates
• Justin / North Lake (North Fort Worth): Value and Strong Schools
• McKinney: Central Location with Great Schools
• Wylie: Strong Schools and Flexible Pricing
• Rockwall and Heath: Low Taxes with Premium Pricing
• How to Choose Based on Your Priorities
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

If you are trying to decide where to buy new construction homes in DFW in 2026, this is a practical, no-nonsense guide that cuts through marketing fluff. The goal is simple: match neighborhoods and school districts to three things that move the needle for most buyers—property taxes, school ratings, and how much home you get for your money. I lay out places that hit one, two, or all three of those boxes so you can pick what matters most to your family.

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Criteria for Choosing New Construction Homes in DFW

There are three criteria I use when recommending where to buy new construction homes in DFW:

• Property taxes — I call “low” anything under roughly 2.6 to 2.7% total tax rate. Some places are much lower and some higher; the difference can be thousands of dollars a year.
• School ratings — I look for districts with strong TEA and niche.com performance, generally B+ or better. Good schools matter for daily life and long-term resale.
• Pricing on new homes — This is subjective: value can mean cheaper price per square foot or larger lots for similar money. I call out neighborhoods that give the most house for your budget.

These three form a simple Venn diagram in my head: some places hit two of the three, a few hit all three. Below I place each community into that Venn logic and explain the tradeoffs.

Prosper: Best for Top-Tier Schools and Community Growth

Why consider it: Prosper has one of the best rated school districts in DFW and new campuses keep opening. Growth is massive and builders keep bringing product.

Where it lands: Schools plus relatively low county tax context, but pricing is a challenge.

• Pros: Excellent schools, strong community amenities, consistent expansion of campuses.
• Cons: Traffic on US 380 can be brutal and prices are high. Expect most reasonably sized homes to start in the high 600s to 800k range in many neighborhoods.
• Taxes: Typical Prosper-area neighborhoods sit in a favorable tax band for Collin County, but always check the specific development.

Bottom line: If top-tier schools are your priority and you can stretch the budget, Prosper is a top pick. If you need affordability, look elsewhere.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN PROSPER, TX

Princeton: Affordable New Construction with Strong Schools

Why consider it: Princeton is a fast-growing alternative to the more expensive north corridor. Price per square foot often looks very attractive compared with northern suburbs.

Where it lands: Good schools and decent pricing, but expect MUD or PID style taxes in most developments.

• Pros: Strong value on new construction, lots of mid-tier builders offering competitive floor plans.
• Cons: Heavy growth along 380 means traffic and some municipal slowdowns; most new phases have extra assessments like MUDs.
• Pricing: Some of the best price-per-square-foot in DFW, especially for families who want new construction without a Prosper price tag.

Bottom line: Princeton is a compelling “value plus school” option if you understand and accept the extra tax/assessment tradeoffs that often accompany growth areas.

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Kaufman County, Forney, Terrell: Affordable Homes with Lower Taxes

Why consider it: If your primary goal is getting the biggest home or lot for the money and keeping property taxes relatively low, look to Kaufman County pockets—Forney, Terrell, and surrounding towns.

• Pros: Lots of square footage and larger lots for the price. Overall tax burden can be lower than many North DFW developments.
• Cons: School ratings are mixed and often not yet on par with rapidly growing northern districts. Some districts are improving with investments, but ratings may trail the highest-performing areas.
• Typical buyers: Families who prioritize house size, lot, and lower ongoing taxes over immediate top-tier school performance.

Bottom line: Great for buyers who want the most house for their budget and are willing to trade off premium school ratings now for space and affordability.

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Midlothian: Balanced Pricing, Schools, and Tax Rates

Why consider it: Midlothian is a lesser-discussed spot that often hits the trifecta. It has neighborhoods that are free of MUD/PIT, reasonable overall tax rates in many developments, and strong schools.

Where it lands: Close to the center of the Venn diagram—schools, taxes, and pricing are balanced.

• Pros: Many mud-and-pit-free neighborhoods, MMD-level taxing in some areas to watch, and a good set of builders offering space-oriented homes.
• Cons: You will likely be in the high 300s to mid 500s price range for typical new builds—so not the cheapest, but it buys more space.
• Example neighborhoods: Villages of Walnut Grove, Bridgewater.

Bottom line: Midlothian is a sleeper hit for buyers who want a balance of taxes, schools, and square footage.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN MIDLOTHIAN, TX

Justin / North Lake (North Fort Worth): Value and Strong Schools

Why consider it: The North Lake and Justin corridor offers high-quality builders, excellent amenities, and strong schools on the Fort Worth side.

Where it lands: Schools plus value for what you get today. Expect taxes to be a shade higher than the lowest-tax counties, and pricing to be on the rise.

• Pros: Top-tier builders and master-planned communities like Harvest and Pecan Square create a strong lifestyle draw.
• Cons: As development continues, prices will likely climb; some established communities already feel premium.
• Pricing: You can find inventory and smaller builder offerings in the high 400s to mid 500s, while premium communities push higher.

Bottom line: A great pick if you want Fort Worth-side schools and a community feel, but plan for appreciation to track with demand.

McKinney: Central Location with Great Schools

Why consider it: McKinney sits in that middle ground for many buyers—good schools, solid build quality, and central access within the metroplex.

• Pros: Neighborhoods like Painted Tree deliver higher build quality and attractive community design. Certain pockets have lower tax exposure and membership in well-regarded ISDs.
• Cons: Pricing can jump quickly depending on the neighborhood and builder. Some McKinney address neighborhoods to the east or south pull in different tax or school scenarios.
• Pro tip: Look at eastern 380-side McKinney neighborhoods if you want a McKinney ISD address with relatively more affordable price points.

Bottom line: McKinney is a safe, central choice that can fit different budgets if you are willing to shop specific neighborhoods carefully.

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Wylie: Strong Schools and Flexible Pricing

Why consider it: Wylie often flies under the radar but scored extremely well in recent TEA results. The district has an A rating overall and a high percentage of campuses with A distinction results.

Where it lands: It can hit all three boxes depending on the neighborhood—great schools, variable taxes, and a wide pricing spectrum.

• Pros: Strong academic performance across a large district, top-tier builders in certain subdivisions, and diverse price tiers from 400s up to luxury pricing.
• Cons: Some neighborhoods (Dominion of Pleasant Valley, for instance) are in the 600s to 800s. Other areas like Hillstead sit in the 400s to 600s.
• Taxes: Neighborhood-specific—do not assume every Wylie address has the same tax structure.

Bottom line: Wylie is a strong school district that offers options across budgets, making it a contender for families prioritizing education.

Rockwall and Heath: Low Taxes with Premium Pricing

Why consider it: Rockwall and Heath counties offer some of the lowest overall property tax rates in the region and strong schools. The tradeoff is that pricing tends to be higher for the same square footage you might find elsewhere.

• Pros: Sub 1.6% total tax pockets exist. Builders like Drees, Shaddock, Perry, and Bloomfield are active in multiple price bands. Lots from 50 to 70 feet give you yard space and privacy.
• Cons: A premium price per square foot in many neighborhoods; certain areas still carry MUD/MMD assessments.
• Examples: Park Trails (homes from high 400s to 600s with ~1.5% total tax), Quail Hollow, Soma Verde, and newer phases in Fate feeding Rockwall ISD.

Bottom line: Rockwall and Heath are excellent places if you want low property taxes and you can budget for higher purchase prices. You can sometimes "cheat" by buying in a neighboring town that feeds Rockwall ISD to catch better pricing or lot sizes.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN ROCKWALL, TX

How to Choose Based on Your Priorities

There is no single best place for everyone. Use this quick decision guide:

1. If taxes are your biggest concern: Start in Rockwall and Heath pockets, then Kaufman County areas like Forney/Terrell for big house value and lower tax burden.
2. If schools are the top priority: Prosper, Wylie, and select McKinney neighborhoods are top contenders.
3. If overall value and space matter most: Check Princeton, Kaufman County pockets, and Midlothian for larger lots and competitive price per square foot.
4. If you want the trifecta of schools, taxes, and pricing: Midlothian, certain McKinney pockets, and select Wylie neighborhoods often balance these well.

Always compare specific developments, not just city names. A single city can have multiple tax rates, MUD or PID assessments, and different school feeder patterns. Ask for the development's tax estimate sheet and confirm the school assignment for your exact lot. That saves painful surprises. If you need help buying a home, you can book time in my calendar.

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FAQs

How do I check whether a new neighborhood has a MUD, PID, or extra assessments?

Ask the builder or listing agent for the specific development tax estimate and disclosure documents. County appraisal district records also list active MUDs and PIDs. If you are working with a buyer agent, they can pull the property tax history and projected assessments for you.

What is a reasonable tax rate target when deciding where to buy new construction homes in DFW?

I use 2.6 to 2.7% as a rough cutoff for "low" taxes, but many desirable pockets are well under that. Anything near 1.5% is excellent; anything above 3% is worth careful budgeting and evaluation of what those assessments fund.

Can I avoid MUDs entirely when buying new construction?

Yes, some neighborhoods are built without MUDs, PIDs, or extra pit taxes. These are often closer-in, well-established, or in certain counties. Your agent can filter searches for mud-free communities.

Is it better to buy inventory or build from the ground up?

Inventory gives speed and certainty on price and closing date. Building gives customization and may get you better lot selection, but it takes longer and you must budget for unexpected costs. Consider market timing, financing, and whether you want to live in a construction zone for months.

How do schools factor into resale value for new construction?

Strong school districts consistently protect and enhance resale value. Even buyers without school-aged children frequently pay premiums to be in high-performing districts because they know it supports long-term demand.

Which areas are most likely to appreciate quickly?

Areas with planned infrastructure, expanding schools, and limited developable land tend to appreciate faster. Prosper and North Lake are examples where demand outpaces supply, but mid-market pockets that add amenities and quality builders can also see rapid gains.

Focus on the development, not just the city. Two neighborhoods in the same town can have very different taxes, schools, and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

Choosing where to buy new construction homes in DFW in 2026 comes down to priorities: taxes, schools, and what you want your monthly budget to support. Some places, like Prosper, reward you with excellent schools at a cost. Others, like Kaufman County pockets, give you space and lower taxes but require tradeoffs on school ratings. Midlothian, certain pockets of McKinney, Wylie, and Rockwall offer strong combinations of those factors and are worth touring if you want balance.

Start by deciding which of the three criteria matters most to you, then narrow down neighborhoods and request specific tax estimates and school assignments for the lots you like. That targeted approach keeps surprises to a minimum and helps you get the most house for the budget you have.

If you need help buying a home, call or text me at 469-707-9077  to get started.

READ MORE: The Secret to Buying a Home in 2026 in Dallas Fort Worth with Builder Buydowns