When you think of classic small-town Texas—the kind where neighbors know each other, kids ride bikes to school, and Friday night means gathering with friends at the town square—you're thinking of Pecan Square.
Developed by Hillwood Communities on 1,200 acres in Northlake, Texas, Pecan Square isn't trying to be something it's not. It's not pretending to be urban. It's not mimicking trendy architectural styles that won't age well. It's authentically Texas, designed around the simple idea that community matters, and it's earning national recognition because of it.
As real estate professionals who specialize in Hillwood communities throughout the Alliance Texas corridor (including Harvest in Argyle/Northlake and Treeline in Justin), we've worked with dozens of families discovering Pecan Square. We've walked The Town Square, experienced the amenities firsthand, and helped numerous clients navigate the buying process with Pecan Square's premier builders.
Let us share what makes Pecan Square one of the most celebrated master-planned communities in North Texas.
What Makes Pecan Square Different: Small-Town Texas, Reimagined
Pecan Square's design philosophy is refreshingly simple: honor the land's history and create a place that feels like the small Texas towns people remember—or wish they grew up in.
The property was originally a horse farm, and Hillwood preserved that agricultural heritage throughout the community design. The mature pecan trees that give the community its name weren't bulldozed—they line the main boulevard leading to The Town Square. The iconic horse barn wasn't demolished—it was transformed into The Arena, a 22,000-square-foot event venue.
The Town Square: Heart of the Community
At the center of Pecan Square sits The Town Square—not a marketing concept, but an actual town square where residents genuinely gather. This isn't a pool with a clubhouse. It's a complete lifestyle destination featuring:
Jackson Hall:
The anchor building housing state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a game room with pool tables and entertainment, and gathering spaces where residents connect.
The Greeting House:
A multipurpose co-working space perfect for remote workers, featuring printing and copying facilities, a self-service convenience station, and on-site Amazon Hub lockers (because small-town charm doesn't mean sacrificing modern convenience).
The Arena:
That converted 22,000-square-foot horse barn is now an open-air pavilion with sports courts, event space, and even a dog-themed playground. This is where the community hosts concerts, festivals, markets, and celebrations year-round.
Resort-Style Pools:
Multiple pool facilities throughout the community, not just at The Town Square, ensuring residents never feel crowded even on peak summer weekends.
Event Lawn:
Wide-open green space designed for food truck gatherings, outdoor movies, festivals, and community celebrations.
Award-Winning Recognition: National Acclaim
Pecan Square's design and community-building approach hasn't just earned local praise—it's winning national recognition:
2021 People's Choice Community of the Year - National Association of Home Builders
2025 Gold Award: Master-Planned Community of the Year - National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
These aren't participation trophies. These are national awards given by industry professionals recognizing truly exceptional community design, amenity quality, and lifestyle programming.
Northwest ISD: Top-Rated Education
One of Pecan Square's strongest selling points is location within Northwest Independent School District, consistently ranked among the top large school districts in Texas.
On-Site Elementary School
Johnie Daniel Elementary School sits right within Pecan Square, providing convenient walk-or-bike access for elementary students. Having school within the community isn't just convenient—it changes childhood, allowing kids to safely walk to school with friends and parents to volunteer without long drives.
New Middle School Coming 2026
Barksdale Middle School is currently under construction within Pecan Square with anticipated opening in August 2026, further enhancing the community's appeal for families with middle school-aged children.
Northwest ISD consistently ranks among the top large school districts in Texas and receives high marks from Niche.com for academics, teachers, and overall quality.
Builders and Home Options: Variety and Quality
Hillwood partnered with exceptional builders for Pecan Square, offering variety in architectural style, price point, and floor plan options.
Current Builders Include:
American Legend Homes - Quality construction and attention to detail
Coventry Homes - Award-winning designs and energy efficiency
David Weekley Homes - Exceptional customer service and innovative floor plans
Drees Custom Homes - Luxury custom homes with premium features
D.R. Horton - America's Builder offering value and variety
Highland Homes - 10-time People's Choice Builder of the Year
M/I Homes - Value and smart home technology
Perry Homes - Flexible floor plans and design center options
Tri Pointe Homes - Sustainable, innovative homes for modern living
Lot Sizes and Price Ranges
Pecan Square offers diverse lot configurations to accommodate different home sizes and budgets:
- 40-foot lots - Entry-level pricing with lower maintenance
- 50-foot lots - Traditional single-family sizing
- 60-foot lots - Larger homes with more outdoor space
- 70-foot lots - Expanded properties
- 100-foot lots (half-acre) - Premium estates with expansive outdoor living opportunities
Home prices in Pecan Square range from the mid-$400s to over $1 million, providing options for first-time buyers, growing families, and luxury home seekers.
Recent Half-Acre Lot Release (2025)
In July 2025, Hillwood released 30 rare half-acre lots (100-foot wide by 200-foot deep, minimum 20,000 square feet) in response to buyer demand. These premium homesites allow for larger homes with pools, outdoor kitchens, putting greens, and expansive yards while still enjoying Pecan Square's exceptional amenities.
Priced from $850,000 to over $1 million, these lots represent the high-end housing segment that Denton County has been seeking, with builders Highland Homes, Coventry Homes, and David Weekley Homes serving these premium homesites.
Lifestyle by Hillwood℠: Hundreds of Annual Events
Here's what many people don't realize until they live in a Hillwood community: the amenities attract buyers, but the lifestyle programming creates community.
Pecan Square features Hillwood's signature Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ placemaking approach, with a dedicated lifestyle manager hosting hundreds of events throughout the year:
- Seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations
- Fitness classes (yoga, boot camps, group runs)
- Kids' activities and teen events
- Hobby groups and clubs
- Craft workshops and cooking classes
- Movie nights and concerts
- Community garage sales and markets
- Food truck gatherings
As Hillwood community Realtors who've watched these programs across multiple developments, we can tell you this isn't marketing fluff—it's real, active programming that creates genuine connections. Amenities attract buyers, but lifestyle programming turns neighbors into friends.
Canopy Connectivity: Modern Technology Meets Small-Town Living
Pecan Square features Hillwood's Canopy connectivity program, proving that small-town charm and cutting-edge technology aren't mutually exclusive:
- Full community Wi-Fi coverage
- Smart home devices
- Half-gig internet speeds
- On-site tech support
Working from home has never been this serene—hidden behind natural pecan trees with a Texas country vibe while maintaining modern connectivity and technological conveniences.
Location: Northlake, Texas and the Alliance Texas Corridor
Pecan Square is strategically located in Northlake, Texas, just one mile west of I-35W and FM 407—perfectly positioned within the Alliance Texas corridor.
Proximity to Major Destinations:
- AllianceTexas: 5-10 minutes (590 companies, 66,000+ jobs)
- DFW Airport: 20 minutes
- Denton: 15 miles north
- Fort Worth: 20 miles south
- Dallas: 40 miles
Northlake: Small-Town Atmosphere, Strategic Location
Northlake maintains its peaceful, small-town character while providing convenient access to major employment centers throughout the metroplex. The town benefits economically from proximity to both AllianceTexas and the broader DFW region while preserving the quality of life that attracts families seeking refuge from urban density.
Comparing Pecan Square to Other Hillwood Communities
As Hillwood community Realtors who specialize in multiple developments, we're often asked how Pecan Square compares to other Hillwood communities in the corridor.
Pecan Square vs. Harvest
Similarities:
- Hillwood quality and lifestyle programming
- Exceptional amenities and community design
- Strong school districts (Northwest ISD vs. Argyle ISD/Northwest ISD)
- Alliance Texas corridor location
Key Differences:
- Pecan Square: Small-town Texas theme, Northlake location, Town Square concept, Northwest ISD
- Harvest: Agrihood theme, Argyle/Northlake location, working farm, Argyle ISD & Northwest ISD
- Pecan Square: More active new construction opportunities
- Harvest: Nearing buildout with limited new construction remaining
Pecan Square vs. Treeline
Similarities:
- Northwest ISD schools
- Hillwood lifestyle programming
- Active new construction development
Key Differences:
- Pecan Square: Northlake location, small-town Texas theme, established community
- Treeline: Justin location, nature/treehouse theme, newer community (opened 2025)
- Pecan Square: More established with complete amenities
- Treeline: Earlier development phase with amenities in progress
The Bottom Line: Each Hillwood community has its own character and appeal. Pecan Square offers the small-town Texas atmosphere with established amenities and on-site schools, while Harvest provides the unique agrihood experience, and Treeline offers nature-focused living. As specialists in all three communities, we help buyers determine which best aligns with their priorities, timeline, and budget.
Why We Recommend Pecan Square to Buyers
As Hillwood community experts who've helped dozens of families navigate new construction purchases across multiple developments, here's why Pecan Square stands out:
1. Award-Winning Community Design
Winning national recognition from NAHB isn't easy. Pecan Square earned those awards by getting the fundamentals right—thoughtful site planning, quality amenities, authentic community feel, and lifestyle programming that actually works.
2. On-Site Schools Within Northwest ISD
Having Johnie Daniel Elementary within the community and Barksdale Middle School opening in 2026 provides educational convenience that's increasingly rare. Kids can walk or bike to school, parents can volunteer easily, and the sense of community is strengthened when schools are integrated into neighborhoods.
3. Established Community with Complete Amenities
Unlike newer developments still building out amenities, Pecan Square's full amenity package is complete and active. Buyers move in and immediately have access to everything the community offers—no waiting years for promised features.
4. Builder Variety and Incentives
Nine premier builders mean genuine variety in floor plans, styles, and price points. Competition among builders often means attractive incentives and responsive customer service.
5. Small-Town Atmosphere with Urban Access
Pecan Square offers the peace and community feel of small-town living while keeping residents connected to major employment centers, airports, and everything the DFW metroplex offers.
6. Alliance Texas Corridor Positioning
Being within the Hillwood-developed Alliance Texas corridor means you're in a region with massive ongoing investment, job growth, and infrastructure development supporting long-term property value appreciation.
The New Construction Advantage at Pecan Square
As real estate professionals who work with both new construction and resale homes, we can objectively say there are distinct advantages to buying new construction in a community like Pecan Square:
Customization: Choose your lot, select your floor plan, and customize finishes during the design process to match your preferences.
Energy Efficiency: New homes are built to current energy codes with modern HVAC systems, insulation, windows, and appliances—resulting in significantly lower utility bills.
Warranty Protection: New construction comes with builder warranties covering major systems and structural elements, providing peace of mind and financial protection.
Modern Design: Floor plans designed for how families actually live today, with open concepts, functional storage, and modern features.
No Deferred Maintenance: Everything is brand new, meaning no immediate repair or replacement costs that often come with resale homes.
Builder Incentives: Many builders offer incentives like closing cost assistance, rate buy-downs, or upgrade credits—opportunities that don't exist in the resale market.
Working With Hillwood Community Experts
While you can certainly walk into Pecan Square model homes and work directly with builder sales representatives, there are significant advantages to working with buyer's agents who specialize in Hillwood communities:
What We Provide:
✅ Builder comparison expertise - Honest assessment of which builders offer the best value, quality, and customer service
✅ Lot selection guidance - Understanding which lots are premium, standard, or potentially challenging
✅ Incentive specialists - Knowledge of which incentives builders offer and how to maximize your benefits
✅ Contract review - Protecting your interests in builder contracts written to favor the builder
✅ Process management - Coordinating timelines, selections, financing, and closing
✅ Hillwood specialization - Deep knowledge of how Hillwood communities develop and perform over time
✅ Multiple community comparison - Helping you determine if Pecan Square, Harvest, Treeline, or Landmark is the best fit
Most importantly: Bringing your own Realtor typically costs you nothing extra. Builder compensation is already built into home pricing. If you don't bring a Realtor, the builder simply keeps that compensation—it doesn't reduce your purchase price.
The Resale Market Outlook for Pecan Square
While Pecan Square continues active new construction, it's worth discussing long-term value potential and the emerging resale market.
Based on our experience watching Hillwood communities develop over time, here's what we expect for Pecan Square:
Factors Supporting Future Appreciation:
- Hillwood's established track record of quality community development
- National award recognition (2021 People's Choice, 2025 Gold Award)
- Strong Northwest ISD schools with on-site elementary and middle schools
- Complete amenity package and active lifestyle programming
- Alliance Texas corridor connectivity and job growth
- Small-town atmosphere increasingly rare in growing metro areas
- HOA standards that protect property values
However, success in any resale market requires wise counsel. Strategic pricing, understanding school zoning details, knowing which sections and builders command premium prices, and proper marketing will separate successful resale transactions from challenging ones.
As the community matures and more resale homes come to market, having a Realtor who understands Pecan Square's layout, builders, sections, and unique features will be essential for both sellers and buyers.
Considering Pecan Square or Other Hillwood Communities?
Whether you're relocating to North Texas, looking to upgrade within the DFW area, or specifically drawn to Pecan Square's small-town Texas atmosphere, we'd love to share our expertise with you.
As Hillwood community Realtors specializing in communities throughout the Alliance Texas corridor (including Pecan Square in Northlake, Harvest in Argyle/Northlake, Treeline in Justin, and Landmark in Denton), we offer perspective beyond typical real estate representation:
✅ Hillwood specialization across multiple communities in the corridor
✅ Professional expertise helping buyers navigate builders, floor plans, and pricing
✅ Direct builder relationships for current inventory and incentives
✅ New construction and resale market expertise
✅ School district knowledge (Northwest ISD, Argyle ISD, Denton ISD)
✅ Community comparison guidance to find your perfect fit
✅ Strategic timing advice on when and where to buy
✅ Long-term value perspective from years in the Alliance Texas corridor
We understand the buying process with Pecan Square builders, we know which builders offer the best value, we can guide you through selecting the right lot and floor plan, and we'll be there from contract through closing to ensure your interests are protected.
Ready to explore Pecan Square or other Hillwood communities?
📞 940.577.2051
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://mirandarealty.team/
Quick Facts: Pecan Square by Hillwood
Size: 1,200 acres
Location: Northlake, Texas (1 mile west of I-35W & FM 407)
Developer: Hillwood Communities
Total Homes at Buildout: Approximately 3,100
School District: Northwest ISD
On-Site Schools: Johnie Daniel Elementary (open), Barksdale Middle School (opening August 2026)
HOA: Yes (varies by section)
Home Prices: Mid-$300s to $1M+
Builders: 9 premier builders
Lot Sizes: 40', 50', 60', 70', 100' lots
Awards: 2021 People's Choice Community of the Year, 2025 NAHB Gold Award Master-Planned Community of the Year
About Miranda Realty Team
We specialize in new construction and Hillwood communities throughout the Alliance Texas corridor, including Pecan Square (Northlake), Harvest (Argyle/Northlake), Treeline (Justin), and Landmark (Denton). As Hillwood community experts and Realtors, we combine deep market knowledge with professional expertise to help buyers find their perfect home in these exceptional developments.
Our mission: help you love where you live and profit when you leave.
Related Resources:
- Living the Harvest Lifestyle: Argyle's Premier Hillwood Community
- Treeline by Hillwood: Justin's Newest Master-Planned Community
- Landmark by Hillwood: Denton's $10 Billion Development
- Why You Need a Realtor When Buying New Home Construction
- Meet Our Team
