Liberty Hills: An Exciting New Housing Development Transforming Northern Collin County

This story was originally published at The Dallas Morning News.

Courtesy of Old Prosper Partners

The landscape of Collin County continues to evolve with the announcement of Liberty Hills, a significant new master-planned community set to bring approximately 1,800 homes to the rapidly growing city of Anna. This development, situated in northern Collin County, north of Dallas, signifies a substantial expansion of housing options in a region experiencing a notable population surge . For real estate professionals and prospective homebuyers in the McKinney area, Liberty Hills represents a noteworthy addition to the local market, offering a diverse range of housing and lifestyle opportunities in a dynamic setting.   

Liberty Hills is strategically located in Anna, which lies about 20 miles south of Sherman and 40 miles north of Dallas, positioning it within convenient reach of both employment hubs and the amenities of larger metropolitan areas . The development spans an impressive 1,035 acres along U.S. Highway 75 at Anna's northern edge, making it one of the city's most comprehensive mixed-use projects . Spearheading this ambitious venture is Veritas Communities, the principal developer with a vision to create a community that sets a new benchmark for urban planning in the region . Their aim is to foster an outstanding lifestyle where residents can experience a strong sense of community pride . The land for this development was initially acquired in 2022 by Collin County-based real estate investment firm Old Prosper Partners LLC, with portions subsequently sold to homebuilders for residential development .   

The initial phase of Liberty Hills, encompassing 74 acres on the eastern side of the site, will feature 269 residential lots with homes starting at $500,000 . These single-family homes will range in size from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet and will be built on lots spanning 40 to 70 feet, offering over 80 distinct floor plans . Homebuyers can anticipate luxury design elements, including high ceilings, expansive windows for natural light, steep roof pitches, and integrated smart home technology . Prominent builders involved in this first phase include Grand Homes, Perry Homes, Shaddock Homes, and William Ryan Homes . Future phases of Liberty Hills will expand housing options to include high-end multifamily units, catering to a broader spectrum of residents .   

Beyond the residential offerings, Liberty Hills is planned to incorporate an array of amenities that capitalize on the area's natural beauty . The development is situated on a picturesque woodland area adjacent to Hurricane Creek Country Club, promising scenic views and access to creeks, trail networks, and pocket parks . Future development will also include a vibrant commercial district featuring a curated mix of national retailers, popular dining establishments, sports centers, and other attractions . To ensure seamless connectivity for residents, Veritas Communities, in collaboration with the City of Anna, will invest $50 million in infrastructure improvements . A key component of this investment is the construction of an east-west thoroughfare over U.S. Highway 75 via Mantua Parkway and Standridge Boulevard .   

Construction on Liberty Hills is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, with the first wave of homebuyers expected to move in by 2027 . This timeline provides a clear outlook for those interested in establishing themselves in this new community. The development is poised to benefit from the significant growth Anna has been experiencing. The city's population grew by an estimated 17% between July 2022 and July 2023, ranking it as the fourth-fastest-growing city in the nation for municipalities with populations of 20,000 or more . This rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for housing in Anna and the broader northern Collin County region .   

For real estate consultants based in McKinney, the emergence of Liberty Hills in nearby Anna presents both opportunities and considerations. Anna's appeal often lies in its relative affordability compared to established cities like McKinney, Plano, and Frisco . As these southern Collin County cities approach full development, areas like Anna are becoming increasingly attractive to those seeking value while maintaining proximity to urban amenities . The average home price in Anna was approximately $359,580 as of late 2024, significantly lower than the average in Frisco . This price point, coupled with the quality and amenities planned for Liberty Hills, could draw interest from a segment of the market that finds McKinney's prices less accessible.   

While McKinney's real estate market remains robust, with a year-over-year increase in home sales in late 2024 , the addition of 1,800 new homes in Anna will undoubtedly influence the broader housing landscape of Collin County. The increased inventory in the northern part of the county could potentially moderate price increases in McKinney over the long term, offering more options for buyers in the overall region . The development of Liberty Hills, along with other projects in Anna, reflects a broader trend of growth extending northward within Collin County, driven by factors such as affordability and the anticipation of new job opportunities in nearby Sherman .   

In conclusion, Liberty Hills represents a significant and exciting development for northern Collin County, particularly for the city of Anna. With its diverse housing options, appealing amenities, and strategic location, it is poised to attract a wide range of homebuyers. For real estate consultants in McKinney, understanding the nuances of this new community and the broader growth trends in Anna will be crucial in advising clients and navigating the evolving dynamics of the Collin County real estate market. The development not only offers new housing opportunities but also signifies the continued expansion and economic vitality of the region.