Add Wildcat Ranch to the growing list of big master-planned communities in Kaufman County. Located between U.S. Highway 175 and Interstate 20 near Crandall and the popular Heartland community, the 903-acre development will contain 3,100 homes at build-out, per the Dallas Morning News.

SOCFM Developer LLC recently acquired Wildcat Ranch from James Mabrey, the developer who assembled the property, which already contains a new elementary school slated to open next year.

"The phenomenal growth in Kaufman County and the opportunity to provide a well-planned community to value-conscious homebuyers in the metroplex attracted us to this property," said Patrick Sessions, managing partner of SOCFM Developer LLC, according to the Dallas Morning News. "We're looking forward to doing business in the city of Crandall and bringing a quality development to the area."

Beazer Homes, D.R. Horton, and KB Homes are builders for the project, and the first homes are expected to open at the end of next year with prices starting in the $200s.

PMB Capital Investments of Dallas is a partner on the deal, and project acquisition and development funding were provided by Dallas-based Trez Capital, a commercial mortgage lender.

Wildcat Ranch not only meets the affordable price demand of first-time homebuyers as well as downsizing empty nesters, it’s also a prime fit for homebuyers seeking a small-town vibe within a 30-minute commute to Downtown Dallas.

"This is going to be very affordable housing," Ted Wilson with Residential Strategies Inc. told the Dallas Morning News. "The appetite for homes is huge down there. I think these will be some of the most affordable lots in a master-planned setting you will be able to find in the D-FW area."

According to Wilson, builders have sold more than 1,800 new houses in the Kaufman County area in the 12 months ending in September, and the Heartland and Devonshire communities in Forney have seen the most new-home purchases.

Typical new construction homes in Texas

Heartland

Heartland is a 2,100-acre Huffines Community near Forney in Kaufman County. Located just 25 miles east of Downtown Dallas, the sprawling master-planned community is served by the Crandall Independent School District. Barbara Walker Elementary School and Hollis T. Dietz Elementary School are both in Heartland. 

Home builders in Heartland include Bloomfield Homes, Highland Homes, HistoryMaker Homes, Impression Homes, and Lennar Homes. And prices vary from the high $100s to the $300s. 

In addition to affordable new homes and a neighborly feel, Heartland is known for its amenities, which include more than 400 acres of parks and picnic areas, a 35-acre stocked fishing lake with a pier, miles of hiking and biking trails alongside native greenery, a junior Olympic-size pool, a tot pool, an adult volleyball pool, a basketball court, and sports fields.

A master amenity center is currently under construction and set to open next summer. It’ll contain a resort pool, an adult pool, a tot pool, and splash park along with water slides, indoor and outdoor event space, and a fitness center.

Devonshire

Amenities at this master-planned community are aimed at fostering friendships with neighbors. The Club at Devonshire is not just the community gathering spot for special events, it’s where friends and neighbors often relax and socialize.

Outside of the club, amenities run the gamut from an events lawn and covered pavilion with a grilling area and fireplace to a large swimming pool, splash pool, and playground where kids can play with their friends. Hiking and biking trails wind alongside the greenbelt and around ponds and pocket parks, ideal for a leisure stroll or intense run. A second amenity center is in the works, and it’ll contain an oversized swimming pool, lounge seating, and an open event lawn.

Builders at Devonshire include Beazer Homes, Bloomfield Homes, Gehan Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, and Pulte Homes. Prices range from the low $200s to the $400s.

Located off Highway 80 and FM 548 in Forney, Devonshire is five minutes from most local shopping and dining, 15 minutes from the Town East retail and restaurant area in Mesquite, and within 30 minutes of everything Dallas has to offer. Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport are about 45 minutes away.