Between escalating home values and a shortage of inventory, median-priced pre-owned homes are almost extinct in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro market. For homebuilders, an additional set of challenges drives new home prices up, like a severe labor shortage, rising costs for land, and tariffs on Canadian lumber. Consequently, the median new home price is around $350,000 while the average preowned house is about $100,000 less, which puts new homes out of reach for many first-time buyers and empty nesters who are downsizing.

But developer Hillwood Communities is meeting the affordability demand by adding the Harvest Townside neighborhood to its sprawling 1,200-acre Harvest development that spans Denton County towns Northlake and Argyle. The smaller patio homes will start around 1,500 square feet at a price point in the $260,000s. This addition not only enables millennial buyers and empty nesters to purchase a new home for slightly more than a 30-year-old median-priced house, it offers a lifestyle shift that’s also in-demand.

Unlike the fast-paced urban persona in the most populated parts of Dallas-Fort Worth, Harvest Townside has a laid-back, rural vibe. Located 29.7 miles from Fort Worth and 41.4 miles from Dallas, the Harvest community is close enough for residents to commute to both cities but far enough away to enjoy a lifestyle of simplicity.

The Harvest Community

Rendering courtesy of Harvest community

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Developed on former farmland near Interstate 35, Harvest opened in 2013 and contains 3,200 single-family homes. Though Harvest is a modern community and the first in Texas to offer SMART automation in every home, it remains steadfast to its farming roots by providing farm-to-table gardening that brings neighbors together.

In addition to Harvest Townside’s own community center, residents will have access to Harvest community amenities that range from a fitness center, three resort pools, an outdoor kitchen, and “play zone” to an 11-acre fishing lake, parks, trails, bike sharing, and Farmhouse Coffee and Treasures. 

Argyle and Denton

Photo courtesy of Argyle Independent School District

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Argyle is a small Denton suburb surrounded by horse ranches. But the Argyle Independent School District, which serves Harvest Townside, ranks No. 27 as one of the best public school systems in Texas.

Located just 7.7 miles from Harvest Townside, Denton is the county seat and largest city in Denton County as well as the 12th most populated city in Dallas-Fort Worth. It’s home to the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Women’s University (TWU), but Denton isn’t just a college town.

Denton’s hot live music scene attracts a steady flow of listeners from Dallas and Fort Worth, and the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival draws hundreds of thousands of people annually. The eclectic culture extends to the Denton Square where a collection of shops, restaurants, and bars adds another layer to the city’s popularity.

Builders

Remote home control system

In Harvest Townside, David Weekley Homes and D.R. Horton have both opened their first model homes for prospective buyers to tour. While all homes are energy efficient and constructed according to certified green building standards, they also include SMART automation, which allows owners to control the thermostat, light switches, front door camera, and security system with a smartphone. 

David Weekley Homes is offering seven floorplan options with one or two stories ranging from $265,990 for nearly 1,500 square feet to $312,990 for 2,293 square feet. 

D.R. Horton is offering six floorplan choices with one or two stories. Prices range from $268,990 for 1,884 square feet to $305,990 for 2,686 square feet.

Although home features vary according to builder and floorplan, open concept design, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and an attached two-car garage are standard.