WHAT $350k BUYS YOU IN DFW

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, one of the most common questions is: “What can I actually get for my budget?”

This week, let’s take a look at what $350K can buy across different parts of DFW, and the reality is, it varies quite a bit depending on location, builder type, and neighborhood. Let’s break it down by area.

Dallas County: Affordable New Construction Still Exists 

In Dallas County, there are still plenty of opportunities at or below the $350K price point.

Many builders are offering new construction starting in the upper $200s, with homes typically ranging from around 1,200 to nearly 2,800 square feet, depending on the neighborhood.

One key thing to note is a lot of these homes are built by smaller, independent builders, rather than the larger national builders like D.R. Horton or Perry Homes. That can sometimes mean more flexibility in design, but also more variation in quality and finishes.

Example property:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9419-Briggs-St-Dallas-TX-75227/26820064_zpid/

Takeaway: Dallas offers solid value at this price point, especially if you’re open to different neighborhoods and builder types.

Fort Worth: Strong Value + Large Builder Communities

The Fort Worth area offers a very similar “bang for your buck” compared to Dallas, but with one major difference. Here, you’ll find a large number of master-planned communities built by national builders like:

• D.R. Horton

• Trophy Signature Homes

• Smith Douglas Homes

These communities often feature hundreds of homes, many priced under $350K. At this price point, most homes fall between 1,200 to 1,900 square feet, starting in the mid-$200s up to $350K

Example property:
https://www.drhorton.com/texas/fort-worth/fort-worth/longhorn-estates/qmis/2209-waylon-drive

Takeaway: If you’re looking for a newer home in a structured neighborhood with amenities, Fort Worth offers some of the best value in DFW.

Collin County: Location Premium Changes Everything

Collin County is where things start to shift. In cities like Frisco, McKinney, and Plano, you’re not going to find new construction anywhere near $350K. Most new builds in these areas typically start closer to $500K+.

At the $350K price point, your options are primarily in outer Collin County markets, such as Anna, Blue Ridge, Farmersville and Princeton. There are also a few opportunities in Celina, where some builders still offer homes in the mid-$300s.

Example property:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1132-Beautyberry-Ln-Celina-TX-75009/460325419_zpid/

Takeaway: In Collin County, you’re paying a premium for location. To stay around $350K, you’ll need to look further out.

The Big Takeaway: Location Matters More Than Budget

The biggest thing I always tell buyers is that your location will impact what your budget can buy more than anything else.

The same $350K can get you:

• A larger home in Fort Worth

• A newer build from a smaller builder in Dallas

• Or a more limited selection in Collin County unless you go further out

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to buy in DFW, understanding how far your budget stretches in different areas is one of the most important first steps.

Every buyer’s situation is different, and sometimes small adjustments in location can open up significantly better options.