Texas boasts wide open spaces, booming cities and a blend of urban and rural living that’s so appealing. Whether you’re in the market for investment, your dream home, or the long term payoff, purchasing a plot of land in Texas provides freedom to carryout what you want, when you want. But in a state as massive as this, where are the best places to buy land in Texas?
Top locations to explore, tips for finding reputable home builders and how VA loans can help you make your dream home your reality.
Austin and Surrounding Hill Country
The Austin area, along with towns close by, such as Dripping Springs, Bastrop and Georgetown, has expanded greatly in the last 10 to 15 years. The combination of its culture, tech innovation and natural beauty means Austin is one of the most sought after places in the state.
Land in Austin proper is costly, but as you head in to the Hill Country, you get down to a more reasonable level of cost per acre. These communities feature beautiful vistas, rolling hills and easy access to outdoor recreation ideal for those who want to build a custom home that’s surrounded by nature, but near the city.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
There’s a great variety of suburban and rural land-buying opportunities in this part of the Lonestar state. Cities such as Celina, Prosper and Midlothian are growing fast but have land still to develop. These communities are great for families hoping to reside in quiet neighborhoods while still having access to excellent schools and shopping destinations.
As the metroplex expands, purchasing land on the outskirts can also be intelligent investment for value appreciation down the line.
San Antonio and the I-10 Corridor
San Antonio is one of the cheapest large cities in Texas, and the surrounding rural areas are ready for land ownership. Small towns such as Boerne, New Braunfels and Seguin are especially popular because of their quaintness, history, and location on interstate highways.
I-10 from San Antonio to Houston, is another corridor that also provides favorable land prices and the benefit of being close to two major Texas cities.
Houston Outskirts and the Gulf Coast
Central Houston isn’t likely to be the best place to buy land, given urban density, but the surrounding areas have a lot of potential. Or think farther north in Conroe, Magnolia and Cleveland or south toward the Gulf Coast with areas like League City or Alvin. Those areas offer affordable land, which is both residential and recreational.
You’ll also encounter a cross section of master-planned communities, most offering the option of buying your own lot and selecting your own builder.
West Texas and the Permian Basin
If you’re in the market for huge swaths of land for farming, ranching or because you plan to develop it in the future, west Texas may is your best shot. Towns like Midland, Odessa and Fort Stockton have plenty of open land going for a fraction of the cost per acre as in central or eastern Texas.
For a more remote retreat, look to West Texas for big sky views, peace and quiet, and one-of-a-kind investment opportunities now that the energy industry is booming across the region.
East Texas Piney Woods
For those who love densely forested land and a gentler pace of life, East Texas is it. The region is dotted with treelined farms and country ranches, but much of the tree cover is situated around Tyler, Longview and Nacogdoches and mostly consists of towering pine trees, which creates a serene, forested landscape that’s ideal if you want to build a retreat-style home.
This area also has rich, fertile soil and lots of ponds, perfect for agricultural development or tranquil, rural custom built homes.
Finding a Custom Home Builder
Once you find your ideal spot, the next task is transforming that land into a home. You might be also thinking about, what are the top custom home builders near me ? Great places to start are local builder directories, referrals and model homes. Reviews and portfolios are critical in selecting a builder that can understand your style and got the quality down.
And if you plan to take out a government-backed loan, confirm whether the builder is approved by VA. This makes sure they meet the requirements for VA construction loans, which are perfect for veterans who want to build a home instead of buying a home.
Best Home Builders in Texas
The Texas State has many of the nation’s best house builders. Notable builders in the community include Perry Homes, Drees Custom Homes and Highland Homes, which are known for quality, service and personalization. Local builders in the individual areas can also provide a more customized approach and can be more flexible in their materials and designs. Whether in Houston, Austin or El Paso, you can find builders with experience crafting everything from modern farmhouses to traditional ranch homes.
Financing Land and Construction with VA Loans
Veterans and active-duty service members have the benefit of using VA Loans in Texas, which can help finance land and new construction projects. While traditional VA loans typically focus on purchasing existing homes, there are also VA construction loan lenders that specialize in helping veterans build from the ground up.
Such a loan can pay for land, construction and some closing costs. It’s a potent perk that can meaningfully change your living situation without requiring a big down payment or private mortgage insurance.
Final Thoughts
You have plenty of land ownership options in Texas, from being close to the city to the great escape to the countryside. From the picturesque Hill Country and the forests of East Texas to the energy-rich lands in the west, a little something for every lifestyle and budget. The location is just the tip of the iceberg; finding a dependable builder and the best financing approach are just as significant factors.
Be patient, do your research, and work with people who will help you realize your dream. Your very own piece of Texas can be the foundation for a custom home you’ll enjoy for generations.