Hillwood just unveiled the details everyone's been waiting for: Phase 1 of Landmark by Hillwood, Denton's first master-planned community and what's being called a '$10 billion city within a city.' But with 747 home sites launching across 3,200 acres, the question on every serious buyer's mind is: Is Phase 1 the smart time to buy, or better to wait until the community is more established?
As local real estate experts who live and work in the Alliance corridor, we're breaking down everything you need to know about Phase 1 timing, builder options, and how this massive development fits into North Texas's growth story.
Understanding the Scale: This Isn't Just Another Development
Let's start with context, because it matters. Landmark represents 3,200 acres of carefully planned residential, commercial, and preserved natural space. At full buildout, we're looking at:
• 6,000 single-family homes
• 3,000 multifamily units
• 900 acres of commercial space
• 1,100 acres of preserved parkland (one of Texas's largest natural preserves)
• Denton's first H-E-B (already breaking ground)
But here's what separates Landmark from typical new developments: it's the next chapter in AllianceTexas, a 27,000-acre corridor that's been generating economic opportunity since 1989. We're talking about a proven developer (Hillwood, a Perot Company) with a 35-year track record and $130 billion in regional economic impact.
The Perot family held this specific land for 40 years, waiting for the right moment. That patience and long-term vision tells you something about the strategy behind this project.
Phase 1: What's Actually Coming Online
Phase 1 brings 747 single-family lots to market, with lot sizes ranging from 40 to 70 feet. Nine established builders are launching simultaneously:
• American Legend Homes
• Coventry Homes
• David Weekley Homes
• Drees Custom Homes
• Highland Homes
• M/I Homes
• Perry Homes
• Toll Brothers
• Tri Pointe Homes
Pricing and Timeline:
• Price range: $450,000 to $1 million across all builders
• Highland Homes: Taking reservations December 2025 (starting high $500,000s)
• Model homes: Opening Spring 2026
• First move-ins: Summer 2026
Hillwood identified a specific housing void in Denton for executive-level buyers. Doctors, professors, and hospital executives have been commuting into Denton for work because the housing options simply haven't existed at this level. Phase 1 directly addresses that gap.
The Critical Question: Phase 1 or Wait?
This is where local expertise matters. We have direct experience with most of these builders throughout the Alliance corridor - we've bought from them personally and sold their homes professionally. Here's our analysis:
The Case for Early Phase 1:
1. First Choice of Lots: Within a 3,200-acre development, lot positioning matters enormously. Early buyers get first access to premium locations - whether that's proximity to amenities, views of Pilot Knob, or positioning within the preserved green spaces.
2. Builder Competition: Nine builders launching simultaneously creates something rare in new construction - actual competition. In current market conditions where builders have been competitive all year, having nine options actively working to earn your business gives you real negotiating power.
3. Pre-Market Pricing: You're buying before the broader market fully recognizes Landmark's value. Once Denton's first H-E-B opens, once the amenities are visible, once the community starts taking shape - pricing will reflect that established value.
4. Alliance Track Record: This isn't speculation on an unproven developer. AllianceTexas has a 35-year history of creating wealth for early adopters. The risk isn't whether Landmark succeeds - it's whether you positioned yourself early enough.
5. Owner-Occupant Focus: Hillwood requires owner-occupancy, meaning you're not competing with Wall Street investors for lots. This is designed for people building a life in the community, which creates a different neighborhood dynamic entirely.
The Case for Waiting:
To be fair, waiting has its advantages. You'll see the community taking shape, amenities coming online, and you'll have proof of concept. The H-E-B will be operational. The parks will be established. You'll see actual homes, not just renderings.
But you'll also be paying market prices after everyone else has figured out the opportunity. And with Hillwood's track record, the question isn't if this succeeds - it's what premium you'll pay for waiting until success is obvious.
What Makes Landmark Different: The Nature Preservation Commitment
One aspect that often gets lost in discussions about scale and economics: Landmark is preserving 1,100 acres as parkland - one of the largest natural preserves in Texas.
Pilot Knob, the highest point in Denton at 830 feet, remains protected. The Cross Timbers Forest stays intact. The native vegetation is being preserved. Hillwood's vision statement for this project was literally 'the land leads us' - putting natural features at the center of planning decisions.
This isn't just marketing. Conservation easements are already in place. One-third of this 3,200-acre project will forever remain open space.
Our Professional Take
If you understand what Alliance represents, if you see where Denton is headed, and you're serious about the corridor, early Phase 1 offers advantages that waiting won't provide.
But - and this is critical - don't rush blindly into a $10 billion development. New construction is fundamentally different from resale real estate. There's a process, there are builder-specific nuances, and lot positioning within 3,200 acres absolutely matters.
We live here. We know here. We've navigated this exact process - in this corridor, with these builders - both personally and professionally. That experience matters when you're making a decision of this magnitude.
Next Steps
If you're considering Landmark, here's what we recommend:
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Get on multiple builders' lists now. See their pricing, timelines, and incentives. Then choose the best fit.
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Understand lot positioning. Not all 747 lots are created equal within this development.
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Know your builder. We have direct experience with most of these nine builders and can guide you on strengths, processes, and what to expect.
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Consider the long-term. This is a 30-year buildout. Where you position yourself in Phase 1 matters for both lifestyle and investment returns.
Want to discuss your specific situation and timing strategy? Contact us for local market intelligence on Landmark positioning, builder selection, and whether Phase 1 aligns with your goals.
Contact Miranda Realty Team Today
📲 Website: MirandaRealty.Team
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 940.577.2051
