Busting Myths about Master-Planned Communities
Are you asking yourself “Should I live in a master-planned community?” Many people are drawn to planned communities for their many benefits, but there are a few misconceptions about these neighborhoods than can give folks pause. Below, we dispel these myths and misconceptions and explain why buying a home in a planned community like Lilyana by Hillwood in Celina, TX is a great decision!
Myth #1: The Houses All Look the Same
One of the most common myths about planned communities is they are full of “cookie cutter” houses that all look the same. When it comes to Hillwood Communities such as Lilyana, this is simply not the case. Most master-planned communities have anti-monotony codes that keep houses from all looking the same. In fact, the zoning codes (pages 102 and 110) in Celina, Texas where Lilyana is located have rules governing matters like elevation and materials, all in order to keep homes in neighborhoods from looking too similar.
At Lilyana, we have a variety of home designs, with different options for both internal layout and exterior appearance. The homes in our neighborhoods are constructed by a number of builders, each with their own specialties and styles. You can check out our different styles with virtual tours here.
Myth #2: The Community Rules Are Too Restrictive
Homeowners associations, or HOAs, are a common part of living in a master-planned community and all homeowners become members when they buy a home. A common misconception is that HOAs wield an unreasonable level control over homeowners. The reality is, the HOA is there to support the community, take care of common facilities, and improve the neighborhood overall.
Many of the HOA’s rules are designed to help preserve property values. The HOA works with homeowners who wish to customize their home to help them stay in line with community standards. According to survey data from the Community Associations Institute, 71% of homeowners know their association’s rules both protect and enhance their property values.
HOA rules also govern noise, lawn care, yard signs, use of common areas such as pools and pavilions, etc. These reasonable rules set expectations for the community so there are no surprises. The end result is a community everyone can be proud of.
Myth #3: HOA Dues Aren’t Worth It
Another common misconception has to do with HOA dues—that people don’t want to pay them and question what they are for. HOA dues cover maintenance of the amenities and common areas of the community and in most cases are reasonable. For example, annual dues for Lilyana’s HOA are $805 per year, or a little over $67 per month. These dues go cover the maintenance of the community’s common areas, parks, and amenities, such as:
- An outdoor kitchen and pavilion
- Paths for walking and biking
- A catch and release fishing pond
- Playgrounds & parks
- A resort-style pool
Each of these amenities adds value to the community. At Lilyana, your HOA dues go toward creating and maintaining a wonderful neighborhood for everyone.
Myth #4: Planned Communities Are Too Remote
A common misconception about master-planned communities is that they’re located too far from shopping and other needed services and resources. With Hillwood Communities, this just isn’t the case. Lilyana, for example, is conveniently located just 10 miles North of Frisco and the $5 Billion Mile, which is jam-packed with shopping, restaurants, health care services, commerce, sports and entertainment venues, and just about anything else you could want!
Great schools are close by and convenient to Lilyana, as well. The community is located within the Prosper Independent School District, which has some of the best schools in the state, including:
- Johnson Elementary School
- Rogers Middle School
- Prosper High School
In the future, Lilyana will have an on-site elementary school, making it even more convenient for parents and their kids to walk or bike to school!
Myth #5: The Homes Won’t Hold Their Value
Some people believe, incorrectly, that homes in a master-planned community may not hold their value. Again, in Hillwood Communities like Lilyana, this is simply not true. With a combination of top builders, favorable locations, award-winning school districts, and country-club-like amenities, homes built in master-planned communities typically maintain or increase in value over time.
There’s no doubt homes within master-planned communities are in high demand. In fact, sales at the top master-planned communities grew over 40% in the last year according to RCLCO’s most recent mid-year report, and Texas is among the top locations in terms of home sales in master-planned communities.
Buying a New Home? Try Lilyana by Hillwood!
Still just thinking of buying a new home in a planned community? Now that we’ve busted the common myths, there’s no reason not to! If you’re looking for a great place to live, drop by Lilyana in Celina, TX within Prosper ISD for a visit or get in touch!
4 Reasons to Move to Collin County, Texas
Relocating to a new area can be quite overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose the right city for you and your family. If your next move is to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, the growing cities in Collin County, Texas should be at the top of your list.
Where Is Collin County, Texas?
You may be wondering where Collin County is. Collin County, TX, is situated in the northern part of the state, just south (about 30 miles) of the Red River. The county seat, McKinney, is less than 35 miles northeast of Dallas. As a part of the DFW metroplex area, Collin County is an ideal choice for people who are looking for access to all that DFW has to offer while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller city.
Collin County, TX, is one of the fastest-growing counties, not just in Texas but in the entire nation! The county had more than 1 million residents in 2018, and an estimated 80 people a day move to Collin County. The Collin County area includes fantastic cities such as Frisco, Plano, Celina, Prosper, Melissa, and many others. Consider these notable Collin County demographics:
- There is a female-to-male ratio of 51 percent to 49 percent.
- The median age of residents is 37.3 years.
- More than 93 percent of the residents have completed high school, and 52 percent of them have acquired a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The average household income is approximately $118,000.
Now that you have a snapshot of Collin County, let’s take a look at a few reasons that the county is the best place to call home.
1. Employment Opportunities
Collin County’s tax rate of .208395 per $100 of assessed value has remained the same for more than 20 years, making it an attractive location for large corporations, small businesses, and startups alike. The area is home to Toyota, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Texas Instruments, NTT Data International, JP Morgan/Chase, FedEx, and Frito Lay, to name a few. The area is home to many innovative mixed-use projects and is expected to provide over 1.16 million job opportunities by 2054.
2. Housing
Along with all that business growth comes a bustling housing market. Collin County, TX is home to the number one place to live in the country, Frisco. It also offers a number of smaller cities where residents enjoy the benefits of small-town living just minutes from the excitement of the big city. There are many affordable options for those who want to own a piece of land in the country and those buyers who are seeking the vast array of amenities that master-planned communities can provide. Collin County offers an unmatchable blend of affordable and high-end neighborhoods featuring historical and newly built homes in urban and rural settings. You’re sure to find your forever home here.
3. Educational Opportunities
Collin County has the highest concentration of top-ranked schools in the state. It is home to 267 public schools and 108 private schools, as well as Collin College. According to the Public-School Review, Collin County, TX, public schools average math proficiency scores of 68 percent compared to the state average of 48 percent and reading proficiency scores of 65 percent compared to a statewide average of 45 percent. The county’s schools rank in the top 1 percent of Texas public schools. High-quality education is one of the main reasons families are choosing to move to Collin County.
4. Quality of Life and Things to Do
You’ll never run out of fun things to do in Collin County. Outdoor recreational opportunities are plentiful, and the county has numerous public parks, lakes, and natural areas for hiking and biking. Several professional sports teams have practice venues and stadiums in Collin County including the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, the Dallas Stars, and the Frisco Rough Riders. There are also small-town farmers’ markets, a wide range of year-round cultural and community activities, and a slate of seasonal events and festivals including the Celina Cajun Fest, the Wildflower Festival, and the Anna Glowfest. And of course, there are fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the county and in nearby Dallas.
Visit Lilyana by Hillwood
If you’ve decided Collin County, Texas is for you, take a look at Lilyana by Hillwood. Our 400-acre wooded master-planned community in picturesque Celina offers homesites for those seeking a tranquil life in a beautiful, natural setting, within minutes of the bustling city of Frisco. Our holistic approach to neighborhood design helps develop a community rooted in shared values, connection, and stewardship. We think you’ll find Lilyana is the perfect place to call home. Take a virtual tour or contact us to learn more.
The Best Places to Raise Your Family in Collin County
With some of the best small towns in Texas for families, the Collin County area is a prime place to raise your children with good values, safety, and plenty of opportunities for family fun.
Let’s take a look at some of the great communities in Collin County.
Celina, Texas
When looking to purchase a home in North Texas and specifically the DFW area, Celina can’t be beat. With great schools, lots to do, and high ratings for safety, Celina is among the best family cities in Texas.
Growing Fast
The city of Celina is growing fast. That’s likely because it has developed a reputation as one of the best small towns in Texas to raise a family. It’s convenient location and reasonable cost of living have landed Celina on the list of the top cities in Collin County, TX for 2021. The great schools and fun, family friendly attractions make it one of the most kid-friendly cities in Texas.
Top Schools
Education is top priority for Collin County kids and their parents. Residents of Celina have two excellent school district options. Celina ISD serves the majority of the town’s students, including Bluewood by Hillwood, while kids living in the southern portion of the city, like Lilyana by Hillwood, attend Prosper ISD schools. Both are 3A school districts that have achieved recognition from the Texas Education Agency for the quality of their academics, with low student-teacher ratios and excellent teachers.
Community Safety
Celina has long enjoyed a reputation as a safe city and was recently named one of the 25 safest cities in Texas by Safewise.com. The Celina area is home to several master-planned communities, which usually offer residents increased safety based on the layout of the development. Lilyana by Hillwood was designed to create a sense of connection for residents. When neighbors see each other within their community and share amenities, they are drawn together in natural, authentic ways. This makes for a tight-knit neighborhood that is inherently safer.
Prosper, Texas
Settled right next to Celina, Prosper is considered one of the top five family-friendly cities in Texas. With its small-town charm and big-city resources, the Prosper area is a wonderful place for parents with children.
Small Town Ideals
As one of the best cities in Texas to raise a family, Prosper, Texas, gives residents the opportunity to be part of a thriving community. The area boasts large, expansive parks such as Frontier and Town Lake, making the area great fun for families. With a reasonable cost of living that rivals many other area cities, Prosper is an ideal place to plant your roots.
Quality Education
Prosper High School and Prosper ISD are both nationally ranked for giving students excellent access to education. Multiple elementary schools in the Prosper area are blue-ribbon rated, and the school district receives an accountability rating of A and an academic performance score of 10. These facts place Prosper among the top Collin County cities for families with kids.
Community Safety
Prosper, like many Collin County cities, has established a reputation for being a safe place for families. With low crime rates, you won’t need to worry about your family’s safety. In a Prosper neighborhood, you can relax with confidence knowing that you are in a secure and safe area, making it one of the best small towns in Texas to raise a family.
Little Elm, Texas
If you love to spend time outdoors, Little Elm, which has 66 miles of Lake Lewisville shoreline, might just be the place for you. With loads of family activities and great educational opportunities, it’s one of the top kid-friendly cities in Texas.
Recreational Activities Abound
Lake Lewisville is a main attraction for both residents and tourists of Little Elm, making the area a top Collin County, TX destination for fun and relaxation. However, Little Elm has even more to offer than the lake. With golf, hiking, water parks, hot air balloon rides, rock climbing, museums, amusement parks, and much more, the Little Elm area offers families ample adventures.
Great Schools
Little Elm residents have access to excellent schools for their children. Most homes in the city fall within the Little Elm School District. Residents in the eastern most portion of town are in the Frisco ISD and homes in the northern sections of the city are in the Denton ISD. As some of the fastest-growing in the state, these districts have the resources to educate their students properly, giving kids a great springboard for a bright future. Residents of Union Park by Hillwood attend Denton ISD, which is top-rated among local ISDs.
Safe Living
Crime rates in Little Elm are significantly lower than the rest of the state, making it one of the best cities in Texas to raise a family when it comes to safety.
Melissa, Texas
Melissa, Texas, is another incredible up-and-coming town in Collin County, Texas. With fantastic restaurants, entertainment, schools, and safety, this area is a home run for new and established families alike.
Hometown Values not Far from the City
Any parent can feel confident raising their children in Melissa, with its significant focus on education and family values. With a rich history and close-knit community, as well as great home and resale values, this area has the hometown charm you’re looking for coupled with close proximity to Frisco, Plano, and Dallas.
Award-Winning ISD
Melissa ISD has award-winning educational programs focused on the growth and development of its students. With an eye focused on student potential, this district is founded on principles you can feel confident in. Children receive nothing short of a first-class education at Melissa ISD.
Community Safety
As one of the safest towns in Collin County, you don’t have to spend any time worrying about your family’s security. In Melissa, and especially within Liberty by Hillwood, crime rates are some of the lowest in Texas. As a result, you can always rest easy knowing your family is safe.
Contact Lilyana by Hillwood
If you and your family are looking to join a close-knit community in Collin County, TX, look no further than Lilyana by Hillwood. With plenty of fun amenities, community events and neighborhood parks, your kids will make new friends and feel right at home fast. Contact us or visit our website for more information.
Benefits of Living Near Natural Beauty, Parks, Trails, and Other Green Spaces
Whether it’s biking, running, or walking the dog, spending active time outdoors is good for your health and happiness. But these activities require a significant amount of space. This is one of many reasons why living by nature can be a huge benefit if you love an active lifestyle.
Having access to true outdoor green spaces is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and that’s exactly what we provide at Lilyana by Hillwood. Here are some of the key benefits of living near a park, trail, or other green space.
Improved Mental Health
According to a recent study, spending regular time outdoors is linked with better mental wellbeing and happiness. This could be due to a number of reasons, including additional fresh air, added socialization, or better exercise. Living in natural beauty is relaxing and peaceful and provides a much-needed respite from the stress of daily life.
Cleaner Air
City planners know the importance of parks in urban areas. They give city dwellers a little slice of nature to enjoy. Even more important, the trees and other plants found in urban green spaces produce oxygen that we require for life and clean the air of carbon dioxide. Without parks and natural areas, life could not exist.
Better Physical Fitness
If you need a nudge on your fitness journey, living near a green space is a wonderful way to get just that. It’s hard to stay motivated when you only see grey concrete outside of your window, but with green spaces, it’s nearly impossible to stay inside. Parks and trails provide a beautiful and convenient reason to get outside and get active. With lovely views, interesting wildlife, and safe design, trails provide a built-in gym for those who live nearby. In fact, studies have shown a correlation between living near green spaces and physical fitness. Some researchers even believe living around nature could even make you live longer. If it doesn’t, it can certainly make your life more beautiful and enjoyable.
Natural Beauty Abounds at Lilyana
So why are parks important to the community? Because they are beautiful, they enhance property values, and they encourage us to get moving, engage with others in the community and enjoy nature. The benefits of green space in communities are numerous, so Hillwood incorporated them into all master-planned communities including Lilyana. Take a look at the amenities our residents enjoy including pocket parks, trails, ponds, and much more.
Lilyana has countless trails for your evening walks or daily runs, a pond for some catch-and-release fishing, an outdoor entertainment area, and more. In addition to these great amenities, our newest amenity, Bluebonnet Park, is coming soon. This pocket park will include a covered pavilion, gas grills, bocce ball and sport courts, and a children’s play area for residents of all ages to enjoy.
Contact Us
Now that you know the countless benefits of parks in communities, your healthy, happy, nature-filled life awaits you at Lilyana, located in Celina, TX within Prosper ISD. If you are ready to learn more about our community just north of the DFW Metroplex in North Texas, take a virtual tour, visit our website, or get in touch today!
4 Reasons to Love Living in Prosper ISD
Whether you’re looking to buy a starter home or need to move to a larger home for your growing family, location is a huge consideration. While you may be thinking about proximity to work, entertainment, and shopping, don’t forget to investigate the area’s schools. Fantastic public schools are one reason parents in Prosper, TX and the surrounding areas love living in the Prosper Independent School District.
Prosper ISD Ratings and Rankings
Out of 1,019 school districts evaluated, Prosper sits high on the charts as the 14th best district in Texas. As such, Prosper ISD school ratings consistently go above and beyond the average. Across Prosper ISD’s 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools, the district received an A rating by the Texas Education Agency’s accountability system in 2019. This means that Prosper schools met the top performance targets for student achievement, school progress and “closing the gaps” for Texas schools, based upon testing results from every student enrolled.
Prosper Test Scores Rank in Top 5% for Texas
Prosper ISD’s mission is to prepare students so they can graduate excited, inspired, and prepared to succeed in the rapidly changing environment of higher education and the working world. This mission helps teachers motivate students to achieve 10/10 rankings on tests, placing Prosper schools’ ratings and test scores in the top 5% in the state.
Prosper ISD Rating: Top in Reading and Math Proficiency
Two specific areas in which students in Prosper, TX schools excel are reading and math proficiency—with average scores in the top 5% and 1%, respectively. When it comes to college preparedness, math and reading skills are important building blocks to understanding a large majority of university curricula. If a student has a firm grasp on math and reading, they will have much more flexibility in their future educational and career paths.
Prosper Schools Are More Diverse Than Similar Rural School Districts
Diversity is an important consideration for many young families as they search for a home in a new community. Prosper Independent School District is located in a community with a more diverse population than many other areas of north Texas. Minority enrollment in the Prosper Independent School District accounts for over 43% of the student population.
Students at Prosper schools are taught diversity and inclusion from an early age. Starting in pre-K, students begin learning competencies in interpersonal effectiveness, including:
- Positive student self-concept
- Effective interactions with diverse populations
- Effective and appropriate communication
- Recognition of personal boundaries, individual rights, and privacy needs of others
- Effective conflict resolution
Those who choose a home in the Prosper Independent School District can be assured that their children’s schools will reflect our diverse world.
Prosper School District Rating: Top 1% in Graduation Rate
Across the state, the average graduation rate of Texas high schools is 90%. The Prosper school district, however, ranks in the top 1% of the state, with a graduation rate of 99.1%. Studies have shown that more rigorous academic programs tend to have higher graduation rates and lower dropout rates.
Earning a high school diploma has shown to have positive effects that last throughout life. Students who graduate from high school have higher self-esteem, earn a better living, and tend to have a greater quality of life overall.
Master-Planned Community in Prosper ISD
Now, if you’re looking for the best community for relocation within the north Texas and DFW area, look no further than Lilyana by Hillwood. Situated in Celina, TX, just outside Frisco and Plano, homes in Lilyana provide the best of both worlds—proximity to shopping, entertainment, work, and top-tier schools in Prosper ISD. Texas students living in Lilyana attend Johnson Elementary School, Rogers Middle School, and Prosper High School, giving them the opportunity to attend the acclaimed Prosper Independent School District.
In the near future, a Prosper ISD elementary school will be built within the Lilyana community, allowing the neighborhood’s youngest students to walk or bike to school.
Learn more about making your relocation dreams a reality with Lilyana by Hillwood virtual tours, or get in touch with us to discuss your options.
Moving to Celina-Celina City Guide
Thinking of moving to Celina, TX? Congratulations! This thriving little town near Dallas-Fort Worth is a great place to live. Learn the answers to your most pressing questions: Is Celina, TX a good place to live? What is Celina, TX’s crime rate? What are some fun things to do in Celina, TX? Small town charm with the big city a short drive away is just one of the many reasons you’ll love this town. Our Celina city guide includes information on what you can do for fun in Celina, and other important details that you will want to know.
One of the Fastest Growing Cities in DFW
It’s no surprise that Celina, TX is one of the fastest-growing cities in DFW. Celina’s growth can be attributed to its convenient location to top employers, thriving business park, top schools, and low crime rate. The Celina, TX crime rate is well below the national average and rated an “A+” by areavibes.com. Both violent crimes and property crimes are approximately 70% below the national average, which makes Celina a very safe place to live. These are just a couple of reasons that make Celina appealing to people looking to invest in meaningful place to call home.
Where is Celina, TX
Where is Celina, Texas located? This growing city of just over 23,000 is located up the road from Prosper, about 13 miles north of Frisco and 17 miles northwest of McKinney. Celina, Texas is 33 miles, or 40 minutes north of Plano and 42 miles, or about 50 minutes north of Dallas. Celina is located in both Denton and Collin counties.
Cost of Living in Celina
According to payscale.com, the cost of living in Celina, TX is 19% lower than the national average. When it comes to housing, utilities, and transportation, Celina just about matches the national average with the exception of housing costs, which are about 18% lower than the average. Food and grocery prices are 11% lower than the national average, whereas healthcare costs are 2% higher than the national average.
What to Do in Celina
You will not run out of fun things to do in and around Celina, TX. Celina’s historic town square offers a variety of wonderful restaurants and unique shops. Nearby cities also have historic downtown areas with shopping markets, seasonal festivals, restaurants, music venues and incredible outdoor space to roam. Places like Hope Park and Arcade 92 are perfect for all ages, young and old! You won’t believe how much fun Celina offers until you see it for yourself.
Four Fun Activities in Celina, TX
- Hope Park
This park is amazing for all children, no matter what their abilities are. It’s an all-inclusive fun land that has playground equipment, splashpads, climbing walls, and a host of developmental play themed areas for all ages to enjoy. - Arcade 92
Arcade 92 is a place to eat and let your hair down, so to speak. It’s family-friendly but also a popular place to enjoy happy hour or plan a party to celebrate a special occasion. There are games galore, including pinball, retro video games, and the ever-popular gaming lounge. - Historic Downtown McKinney
Shop, dine, and enjoy is the motto of Historic McKinney, and there are a million reasons why. From fine dining restaurants, chic pubs to local coffee shops and bakeries, McKinney has it all! Cities near McKinney, TX are host to popular events and festivals that are unique to the area and will quickly become a favored tradition. - Frisco Fresh Market
This popular hot spot offers a year-round farmer’s market that is open, rain or shine. Locally harvested and carefully prepared foods are sold here amongst live music, in-person demonstrations, and special events. This family (and pet) friendly destination offers up to 100 vendors and is home to a wide variety of goods for sale. Typically, cities near Frisco, TX, like Celina, are considered neighbors and are welcomed as part of their community as well.
Celina, TX is a Great Place to Call Home
These are just a few of the attractions Celina, TX offers its residents. The friendly town also eagerly welcomes newcomers, so it’s just the kind of place you can call home. Still not sure if living in Celina, TX is right for you? If you need more encouragement, contact us today. Or better yet, drive on over for a visit, take a look at our homes, and see for yourself all the reasons this up and coming city is so appealing!