North Texas Weekly
Best Master-Planned Communities in Denton County (2026)
Jane A.
6/5/26
Best master-planned communities in Denton County — Canyon Falls, Castle Hills, Union Park, Pecan Square with amenities, school districts, and HOA costs.
Master-planned communities are one of the defining housing products in Denton County's growth market. These large-scale developments are designed from the ground up with amenity packages, architectural standards, trail systems, and community programming built in.
They appeal strongly to relocating families who want resort-style facilities without a private club membership and who value a high-quality physical environment around their home.
Master-Planned Community Buyer Checklist
Confirm school district and specific campus assignment at the property address
Request full HOA disclosure documents including CC&Rs, bylaws, reserve fund status, and pending assessments
Ask whether a Municipal Utility District (MUD) tax applies and what the current rate is
Visit the amenities in person before purchasing; online photos do not convey scale or condition
Attend a community event or weekend morning to assess actual resident activity levels
Ask the builder about estimated build-out timeline; amenities may not all be open yet in newer communities
Use a buyer's agent even for new construction; the builder's representative works for the builder
Canyon Falls (Flower Mound / Argyle Area)
Canyon Falls is one of the most well-regarded master-planned communities in all of Denton County. Located along the Flower Mound and Argyle border, the community was developed with multiple national builder partners.
The amenity package is genuinely resort-level — multiple pools including a resort pool with slides, a splash pad, fitness center, outdoor pavilion, miles of trails, dog park, and event green create daily-use amenities.
School assignments are split between Argyle ISD and Lewisville ISD depending on exact address — buyers must verify before purchasing.
Location: Flower Mound and Argyle area, along FM 1171
Home prices: $460,000 to $780,000 depending on builder and lot position
Amenities: Resort pools, splash pad, fitness center, trails, dog park, event lawn, community programming
Schools: Argyle ISD or Lewisville ISD depending on address; confirm before purchasing
Castle Hills (Lewisville)
Castle Hills is Lewisville's flagship master-planned community and one of the longest-established planned developments in the county.
The community's town center concept — which places retail and dining within walking distance of residences — creates a live-work-play character that most DFW suburbs have not achieved.
Homes were built primarily from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s, giving the community a more established feel than newer developments.
Location: Northern Lewisville near the Highland Village border
Home prices: $340,000 to $700,000
Amenities: Town center retail, resort pool, fitness facilities, trails, splash areas, community events
Schools: Lewisville ISD; Hebron High School feeder pattern
Union Park (Little Elm / Aubrey Area)
Union Park is one of the largest and most ambitious master-planned communities in Denton County, located in the fast-growing area between Little Elm and Aubrey.
The development spans thousands of acres with an amenity village that includes pools, a fitness center, sports courts, trails, and event spaces. Home prices are competitive for the amenity level offered.
Location: Little Elm and Aubrey area along US 380
Home prices: $370,000 to $630,000
Amenities: Multiple pools, fitness center, sports courts, extensive trails, event spaces, dog parks
Schools: Denton ISD; newer campus assignments
Pecan Square (Northlake)
Pecan Square in Northlake takes the master-planned concept further with a small-town main street district, on-site amenities, and a design philosophy focused on creating genuine community.
The community features a signature barn-style amenity center, pools, a fitness facility, sport courts, trails, and a social calendar managed by a dedicated lifestyle director.
Location: Northlake along FM 156
Home prices: $380,000 to $620,000
Amenities: Signature barn amenity center, pools, fitness, trails, sport courts, lifestyle director programming
Schools: Northwest ISD
Northern County Emerging Communities
The northern parts of Denton County including Aubrey, Justin, Celina, and Gunter are home to a growing number of newer master-planned communities that offer strong value propositions.
These communities often have the newest amenities, the most modern home designs, and some of the most competitive prices per square foot in the county.
Sandbrock Ranch (Aubrey): Large community with pools, trails, a fitness barn, and active community programming. Served by Aubrey ISD. Prices from the low $300,000s.
Star Trail (Prosper): Premium community in Prosper served by Prosper ISD with resort-style amenities. Prices from the mid-$400,000s.
Lilyana (Celina): Master-planned community with pools, trails, and competitive pricing. Served by Celina ISD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I budget for HOA fees in a Denton County master-planned community?
Entry-level communities may run $50 to $100 per month. Resort-amenity communities like Canyon Falls, Castle Hills, and Pecan Square typically run $100 to $250 per month. Always request the full HOA disclosure package before purchasing, including the reserve fund balance and any pending special assessments.
What is a MUD district and do all master-planned communities have one?
A Municipal Utility District is a special taxing district that finances infrastructure in new development areas. MUD taxes add 0.2 to 0.5 percent to your effective property tax rate and can last 20 to 30 years. Always ask the builder or seller whether a MUD applies and what the current tax rate is before factoring the home into your budget.