Touring ULTRA- AFFORDABLE New Construction Homes near Dallas TX

If you're thinking about moving to the Dallas Fort Worth area and searching for affordable new construction homes near Dallas, TX, this guide walks you through three model homes in one of the most anticipated master-planned communities: Legacy Hills in Celina. I toured three different models — from about 2,700 square feet up to nearly 3,700 square feet — and I’ll give you the real, no-nonsense details on floor plans, finishes, typical upgrade budgets, current inventory deals, and the community features that make this area a growth hotspot.

Table of Contents

• Why Legacy Hills in Celina is Worth Considering
• How I Approach Model Home Tours — and Why the Numbers Matter
• Quick Terms and Things to Expect When Building in This Market
• House 1 — The Caldwell (3,122 Sq Ft)
• House 2 — The Riverdale (About 2,792 Sq Ft)
• House 3 — The Lawson (Nearly 3,700 Sq Ft) — The Big Daddy
• Current Incentives and Negotiation Levers
• Design Trends and Smart Upgrade Decisions
• Practical Homebuying Advice for New Construction
• Location and Lifestyle — Celina and the Dallas Metro
• FAQs About Affordable New Construction Homes near Dallas, TX
• Final Thoughts — is Legacy Hills Right for You?

Why Legacy Hills in Celina is worth considering

Legacy Hills is one of the newest and most talked-about master-planned communities in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. The section I toured is called The Pinnacle at Legacy Hills, and it features 40, 50, and 60 foot product lines. What makes this community compelling right now:

• Wide range of floor plans and price points — 50 and 60 foot products dominate the neighborhood I toured.
• Major amenities planned for the master plan that will rival other large developments in the region.
• Location in Celina, a booming part of the Metroplex with significant growth potential — buying now captures lower entry pricing.
• Builders offering meaningful incentives on inventory homes and attractive design credits if you build.

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How I approach model home tours — and why the numbers matter

I want to be transparent: model homes are staged to showcase the best possible options and designer upgrades. My goal is to give you no BS pricing — the base price, realistic upgrade budgets, and current inventory discounts — so you can plan your budget properly. When you fall in love with a model, it's easy to forget the difference between the base home and a fully furnished decorated model with tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades. I’ll call out base prices and then show what buyers typically spend in structural/design upgrades so you know the real cost to build the home you saw in the model.

Quick terms and things to expect when building in this market

• Base price: The Builder's starting price for the floor plan, not including lot premiums, Design Center upgrades, or structural additions.
• Design/structural budget: Most buyers in these plans budget between $50,000 and $80,000 for cabinetry, flooring, countertops, lighting, and structural options like media rooms and bay windows.
• Builder spec inventory: Model or spec homes already built and discounted — these can be huge bargains when price reductions occur.
• Buyer representation: Builders typically pay buyer agent commissions. You still want independent representation to negotiate upgrades and spot resale-impact decisions.

House 1 — The Caldwell (3,122 sq ft)

The Caldwell is a two-story plan and a great compromise if you want significant living space without stepping into the largest 60 foot product. The floor plan is smart: formal entry with soaring two-story ceilings, a main-level guest room (which many buyers now consider a must-have), and a wide open kitchen-family-dining footprint.

What I liked immediately

• Two-story soaring entry ceilings and open railing that visually expands the house.
• Main-level second guest room with a full bathroom right off the front entrance — becoming a very sought-after feature for alternate living arrangements or guest privacy.
• Convenient garage entry into the utility/mud zone adjacent to the kitchen — great for unloading groceries.
• The PCC, a built-in communication center/homework desk — a small convenience that signals thoughtful family-focused design.

Kitchen and casual living

The kitchen is a showpiece: a massive island, white cabinetry, dark smoky gray countertops with dark veins, and black hardware contrasts that pop. The island is big enough to be a full prep-and-serve area while maintaining seating for several people. The Builder provides lots of uppers and lowers for cabinetry instead of an oversized pantry, so storage is still strong even if the pantry is modest. Note the clever use of side windows and natural light in the casual dining area that lead to a covered patio.

Second level and entertainment spaces

Upstairs you get a generous game room that is visually separated by open railing to the entry — this maintains the two-story drama while giving some sound separation for upstairs activity. The media room is next-level huge. If you want a dedicated media/man cave space, this model’s media room is a real highlight. There are multiple secondary bedrooms upstairs, including an ensuite, shared bathrooms with double vanities, and excellent storage and linen spaces.

Primary suite

The primary suite is large, featuring bow windows that add depth and natural light. The primary bathroom in this model featured the trend I am seeing more frequently: a super shower in lieu of large tubs in many bathrooms. This model’s primary has dual vanities, large showerheads, a bench, and a generous walk-in closet with multiple hanging walls.

Pricing reality for Caldwell

• Base price: Starts at $599,000 for the plan (base list price quoted by Builder at the time of my tour).
• Typical buyer design/structural spend on this plan: $50,000 to $80,000. That puts most buyers in the Caldwell between roughly $560,000 and $590,000 once upgrades and lot premiums are included.

House 2 — The Riverdale (about 2,792 sq ft)

The Riverdale is a slightly smaller 50 foot product with a very functional L-shaped layout that offsets the kitchen rather than stacking everything in a line. That layout provides more definition between dining, living, and kitchen and creates a tucked-away kitchen with plenty of cabinetry and a large walk-in pantry.

Key features

• Home office near entry with glass French doors — great if you work from home or need a quiet study space.
• 42 inch uppers in the kitchen, gas cooktop, vent hood vented to the exterior — excellent for serious cooks who need real venting.
• Walk-in pantry and clever cabinetry storage; mud bench and utility with room for a second refrigerator are layout advantages.
• Covered patio and broad windows in the living area bring in light and expand the living zone outdoors.

Upstairs and entertainment

Upstairs mirrors many of the design wins from the Caldwell: a large game room, a legitimate windowless media room prewired for surround, and secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets. A lot of buyers appreciate the builder blocking and wiring the bedrooms so you can swap ceiling lights for heavier chandeliers or ceiling fans without retrofitting the structure later on.

Primary suite options

In this plan the primary suite sits off the living area. Buyers often opt between a soaking tub combo or an enlarged shower. Keep in mind builders usually provide one paint color allowance and standard cabinet options. Accent walls, paneling, or different paint on a single wall are great after-closing projects to save costs versus Builder upgrades.

Pricing and inventory — Riverdale

• Base price: Riverdale base starts around $569,900.
• Typical upgrade budget: $50,000 to $80,000, same as Caldwell, to achieve the model-level finishes and many structural options like media rooms.
• Inventory opportunities: At the time of my tour there were two Riverdales listed as Builder spec move-in ready. One had been reduced from $586,000 to $516,000. The other reduced from $607,000 to $565,000. Those are deep price cuts and present immediate value if you want to move faster without waiting to build.

House 3 — The Lawson (nearly 3,700 sq ft) — the big daddy

The Lawson is a flagship 60 foot product line plan and my favorite home of the three for sheer livability and flexible spaces. The home is widely popular in resale markets because the layout is balanced with a huge family room, generous dining, and a kitchen that flows to the covered patio — perfect for entertaining. I’ve helped sell Lawson floor plans in resale markets, and they have moved quickly and received multiple offers in certain neighborhoods.

Why buyers love the Lawson

• Formally wide two-story entry with a view straight into an expansive family room and dining area.
• Open, enormous kitchen island with prep areas and hidden top-mount pop-up outlets that are flush with the counter.
• Massive upstairs game room — almost the size of the downstairs family room — with a separate media room. This second-floor entertainment hub is perfect for families.
• Multiple upstairs bedroom suites with Jack and Jill arrangements, great closet space, and lofty ceiling heights.

Kitchen and island design notes

The Lawson island is a showstopper for anyone who entertains. The island is properly finished on both sides and includes clever storage panels. Modern changes to code mean island outlets are often located in top-mount pop-ups or elsewhere; this Builder used top-mount pop-ups that nest flush into the countertop — tidy and elegant. The cooktop vent is directly vented to the exterior, a must-have for people who cook frequently or have strong culinary cultures in their households.

Upstairs layout and bonus spaces

The upstairs of the Lawson is where this floor plan earns its reputation. There is a gigantic game room, a fully enclosed media room, and several bedrooms laid out with privacy in mind. This plan is an example of the "everything you want" second story: space for teens, hobby rooms, or a secondary living zone separate from the primary living floor.

Primary suite and closet space

The Lawson primary suite is deep and wide, with a bay window that added four feet of depth in the model I toured — a structural add-on many buyers later wish they included. The primary bathroom featured double vanities, a soaking tub, and a large shower, and the walk-in closet is expansive with potential for more shelves and hanging runs if you want to customize it after closing.

Pricing and inventory — Lawson

• Base price: Lawson base starts around $571,000 for the 60 foot product line.
• Typical upgrade budget: $50,000 to $80,000, though Lawson buyers sometimes spend $40,000 to $70,000 because the media room is already included with the base plan on many Lawson structures. That reduces some structural upgrade expense.
• Inventory opportunity: I saw a Builder-spec Lawson that had $450,000 to $560,000 in upgrades put in and was listed at $614,000 with a delivery timeframe in April-May — an aggressive discount against the build cost and an excellent move-in ready option.

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Current incentives and negotiation levers

At the time of my tour, the Builder and the neighborhood were offering buyer incentives that made these homes much more affordable than comparable products in adjacent towns like Frisco or Prosper. Here’s what buyers could expect:

• Design center credit: Up to $25,000 toward Design Center or structural upgrades for qualified buyers in certain months.
• Media rooms at no additional cost: For a limited-time promotional window (end of March during my tour window), the Builder offered media rooms at no added structural cost for buyers who contracted in the promotion period.
• Builder spec price reductions: Several model/spec homes received major cuts — tens of thousands of dollars off — and these made move-in ready options very attractive.
• Buyer agent commission: Builders in this community agree to pay buyer agent commissions, which means you can use independent representation at no cost to you and still benefit from negotiation expertise.

Design trends and smart upgrade decisions

During tours I track trends I see across multiple builders so my clients can make smart choices that increase both enjoyment and resale value. Trends and tips from these model homes:

• Stand-up showers are trending. Many buyers prefer multiple stand-up showers and keep a single tub in the home rather than multiple tubs that might be too shallow to be functional.
• Accent walls and specialty millwork look great in models, but the Builder charges a premium. Do these projects after closing with a local contractor and save money while achieving the same look.
• Ceiling height matters. Homes with bumped rooflines, tray ceilings, and second-floor vaulted spaces feel larger and more valuable.
• Storage wins. Because basements are not standard in North Texas, closets and attic/second-floor storage plans are critical. Look for layouts that provide walk-in closets and linen storage.
• Island outlets and electrical: code updates have changed how islands are wired. Ask about flush-mount pop-up outlets or top-mounted solutions if countertop plug access is important to you.

Practical homebuying advice for new construction

Whether you are buying a spec home or building, consider these practical tips:

1. Budget for design: plan at least $50,000 for upgrades if you want model-level finishes, unless you buy a spec with heavy upgrades already installed.
2. Ask for builder allowances in writing: heating/cooling specs, window treatments, fence type, lighting, and appliances.
3. Review which structural options are standard and which are add-ons. Some Builders include media rooms in base price for certain plans; others charge extra.
4. Verify the timeline and delivery dates for spec homes. A spec may be discounted because it is completed and ready to move in, which can be valuable if you want to avoid lengthy construction waits.
5. Have buyer representation. Builders pay the buyer agent commission in this neighborhood, and having independent representation can help you navigate upgrade allowances and avoid costly functional mistakes.

Location and lifestyle — Celina and the Dallas metro

Celina is one of the fastest-growing pockets north of Dallas. If you want to live near the best new master-planned communities but pay less than Prosper or Frisco, Celina is an attractive middle ground. The weather is a big draw, outdoor living is year round for most of the year, and Legacy Hills is designed to deliver a strong set of community amenities that will only enhance long-term value. Buying now captures current pricing before more builders and spec homes sell out.

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FAQs About Affordable New Construction Homes near Dallas, TX

What price ranges should I expect for affordable new construction homes near Dallas, TX in Legacy Hills?

Base prices for the plans I toured ranged from roughly $569,900 to $599,000 for the 50 foot products and around $571,000 for the 60 foot Lawson base floor plan. Realistic total purchase prices after design and structural upgrades typically fall in the $560,000 to $690,000 range depending on lot premiums and how many upgrades you choose. Builder spec move-in homes frequently get deep discounts and can be significantly cheaper than building new.

How much should I budget for Design Center and structural upgrades?

Plan on roughly $50,000 to $80,000 to reach model-quality finishes and structural options in these product lines. Some buyers spend less and some buyers spend more. The Builder in this community was offering $25,000 design credits at the time of my tour which can reduce your out-of-pocket upgrades.

Are there move-in ready or discounted inventory homes available?

Yes. At the time of my tour there were Builder spec Riverdale and Lawson models with significant price reductions — some listings were reduced by $40,000 to $90,000. These spec homes often include the designer upgrades, making them a great value for buyers who want to move quickly.

Do Builders pay buyer agent commissions?

Yes. In this neighborhood the Builders have agreed to pay the buyer agent commission. That means you can use independent representation at no cost to you, and a buyer agent will help negotiate upgrade allowances and review contract terms to protect your interests.

Is a media room included or an upgrade?

It depends on the floor plan. The Lawson base plan often includes a media room, while other 50 foot plans may treat a media room as a structural upgrade. During limited promotions the Builder offered media rooms at no cost for buyers who contracted within the campaign window; always check current promotions as they change month to month.

What are common upgrades with high resale value?

Elevated flooring, upgraded kitchen cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, gas cooktops with exterior venting, higher-end appliances, and increased ceiling heights or bay windows tend to be upgrades that buyers love and that help resale value. Smart storage improvements also pay off in resale markets where basements are uncommon.

How do accent walls and specialized finishes work with Builder allowances?

Most Builders include a single wall and base color allowance. Accent walls, shiplap, built-ins, and specialty paint are typically charged as upgrades. Because a contractor outside of the Builder may execute these for much less than the Builder’s vendor, many buyers schedule these projects after closing to get the same look for a lower price.

Final thoughts — is Legacy Hills right for you?

If you want affordable new construction homes near Dallas, TX that offer modern family-focused floor plans, robust builder incentives, and inventory opportunities, Legacy Hills in Celina is worth serious consideration. Between 50 and 60 foot products, flexible floor plans with media rooms and game rooms, and meaningful discounts on spec inventory, buyers can find value not available in adjacent higher-priced markets.

Interested in a deeper dive for your family? I can walk you through current inventory, community maps, available options, and the best negotiation strategy for the house you love. Legacy Hills is moving fast — if you want to lock in incentives like design credits or promotional media rooms, timing matters. Reach out to me at 469-885-0435 and I'll be happy to walk you through.