Ramble by Hillwood: Everything You Need to Know About Celina's Newest Master-Planned Community
Brent Wells May 22, 2026
Brent Wells May 22, 2026
Hey Y'all, if you've been searching for new construction homes in Celina, Texas, one name keeps coming up — and for good reason. Ramble by Hillwood is the most ambitious new community to land in Celina in years, and it's redefining what buyers can expect from a master-planned neighborhood in North Texas.
As a new construction specialist who has worked the Celina market for over 18 years, I've watched this community take shape from dirt to model homes. Here's everything you need to know before you visit — and what most buyers don't realize until it's too late.
Ramble is a 1,380-acre master-planned community developed by Hillwood Communities, the residential development arm of Dallas-based Perot Companies. The community stretches from Preston Road to Custer Road, roughly two miles north of downtown Celina, and is planned for approximately 4,000 single-family homes at full buildout.
What makes Ramble different from the dozens of other new construction communities in Celina? The short answer: the land itself. Hillwood designed this community around the existing terrain rather than leveling it. Rolling hills, mature tree canopies, natural water features, and wetlands were preserved and woven into the neighborhood's layout. The result is a community built within a park — not one with a park tucked into a corner.
Ramble broke ground in October 2024, and its opening phase delivers approximately 700 homes.
New homes in Ramble are priced from the low $400,000s to over $1 million, depending on the builder, lot size, and floor plan. Homesites are available in 40-foot and 60-foot widths, with some lots fronting the Ramble Trailway, tucked into quiet residential enclaves, or positioned along parkway streets.
The architectural style at Ramble leans warm and modern, with three primary design influences: Farmhouse, Craftsman, and Contemporary European. Expect open-concept kitchens, luxurious primary suites, and indoor/outdoor living spaces designed for the way North Texas families actually live.
This price range puts Ramble squarely in the sweet spot for Celina's new construction market. For comparison, the median listing price for new construction across Celina currently sits around $564,000 — so Ramble's range accommodates both entry-level new builds and move-up luxury.
Hillwood selected five established DFW homebuilders for Ramble's opening phase. Each brings a different style and price tier, giving buyers meaningful variety without leaving the community:
American Legend Homes — Known for flexible floor plans and quality craftsmanship, American Legend is building on both 40-foot and 60-foot homesites at Ramble. They have a strong reputation across Collin County for buyer-friendly customization.
Coventry Homes — A staple in North Texas master-planned communities, Coventry offers energy-efficient construction and contemporary designs with an emphasis on livable layouts.
Drees Custom Homes — Drees brings a true semi-custom approach, allowing buyers to modify floor plans significantly. They tend to attract buyers in the upper price range who want more personalization without going fully custom.
Highland Homes — One of the most recognized builders in DFW and one of my personal favorites, Highland is known for exceptional included features and model-home-quality standard finishes. They're building on 50-foot lots at Ramble with estimated completions beginning in late 2026.
Perry Homes — A Texas-based builder with decades of experience in master-planned communities. Perry's plans at Ramble emphasize spacious living and energy efficiency. Perry is one of the few home builders that offers a two-year home warranty.
Here's something most buyers searching for new construction homes in Celina don't realize: the sales agent at the model home works for the builder, not for you. Their job is to sell the builder's inventory at the best possible price and terms — for the builder.
Having your own buyer's agent who understands new construction contracts, builder incentives, structural options vs. cosmetic upgrades, and construction timelines can save you tens of thousands of dollars and protect you from common pitfalls. This is what I do every day.
Ramble's amenity package is, frankly, a step above what most Celina communities offer. Two features in particular set it apart.
The Turtle Club is Ramble's signature amenity center, overlooking an 11-acre lake at the heart of the community. Inspired by National Park lodge architecture, it includes an infinity-edge pool, a children's splash area, firepits, a beer garden, an event lawn, a food truck lot, a playscape, and a lakeside dock — all surrounded by walking paths and expansive green space.
This isn't a typical subdivision pool house. It's designed as a lifestyle destination that gives residents a reason to gather, and it's the kind of amenity that builds real community over time.
At the center of Ramble is a 7-mile linear greenspace called the Ramble Trailway, which serves as the central spine connecting homes to lakes, parks, sports fields, a dog park, disc golf, the amenity center, planned schools, and a future regional bikeway linking directly to downtown Celina.
In total, Ramble will feature over 30 miles of interconnected trails winding through nearly 220 acres of parks and 28 acres of recreational lakes. For families who prioritize outdoor living, this trail network is a genuine differentiator — and one of the primary reasons buyers are choosing Ramble over other new communities in the area.
Ramble is zoned to the Celina Independent School District, which has become one of the most sought-after districts in Collin County. Students will attend existing elementary, middle, and high school campuses — Celina High School is approximately one mile from the community entrance.
Additionally, Hillwood has set aside land within Ramble for two future Celina ISD elementary schools, which will serve the community as it grows.
For families relocating to North Texas, Celina ISD's combination of strong academics, championship athletics, and a community-centered culture is a significant draw. It's one of the reasons Celina consistently ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the state.
Ramble's location is one of its strongest selling points for buyers who want to be close to everything without living in the middle of it.
Downtown Celina is just 2.6 miles from the community — close enough for a bike ride to the square for dinner at one of the local restaurants. Celina's downtown has become a real destination in its own right, with a growing mix of boutique shops, local restaurants, and community events like Cajun Fest and Christmas on the Square. One of my personal favorites is Tender Smokehouse, offering some of the best Texas BBQ in the state!
Frisco and Stonebriar Centre are a straight shot south down Preston Road, making major shopping, dining, and entertainment easily accessible.
Brookshire's grocery is located minutes from Ramble's entrance, covering daily essentials without a long drive. I personally love shopping at Brookshire's because it's the type of store that offers that hometown experience.
Future commercial and retail space within Ramble itself — 64 acres have been designated for commercial development, and 18 acres for future multifamily, meaning the community will eventually have its own retail ecosystem.
For buyers relocating from out of state, Celina's position in the northern Collin County corridor puts you within reasonable reach of Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and the broader DFW metroplex — while living in a community that still feels like its own place.
Celina is not short on new construction. With nearly 2,000 new homes currently on the market and major communities like Mustang Lakes, Light Farms, Legacy Hills, and the newly announced Serenade Texas all competing for buyers, the landscape can feel overwhelming.
Here's how Ramble stacks up:
Scale and vision. At 1,380 acres and 4,000 planned homes, Ramble is one of the largest single-developer communities in the Celina pipeline. Hillwood's track record with Bluewood, Lilyana, and Harvest shows they execute long-term community plans that build value over time.
Nature-forward design. Most new communities in Celina are built on flat farmland with amenities added after the fact. Ramble was designed around existing terrain — the hills, trees, and water features were there first. That distinction shows up in the day-to-day experience of living there.
Builder quality and variety. Five established A+ builders across a wide price range give buyers options without having to shop across multiple communities.
Amenity depth. The combination of The Turtle Club, the Trailway system, and 220 acres of parks puts Ramble in a different tier than communities offering a single pool and a walking trail.
Location. Being 2.6 miles from downtown Celina and directly on Preston Road gives Ramble better connectivity than communities further north or west.
Buying a new construction home is a fundamentally different process from buying a resale property. The contracts are builder contracts — written by the builder's attorneys to protect the builder. The incentives change weekly. The upgrade pricing can be opaque. And the construction timeline introduces variables that don't exist in a traditional purchase.
This is my specialty and my passion. With over 18 years of experience in real estate, I'm kind of known by my clients as the New Construction Guru. I know how to read builder contracts, negotiate meaningful concessions, evaluate structural options vs. cosmetic upgrades, and ensure your interests are protected from contract to closing. Plus, I keep you updated and informed throughout the build job with personal videos sent directly to you each week.
When you visit a model home without representation, you're walking into a one-sided negotiation. When you bring me, the dynamic changes entirely.
If you're considering Ramble by Hillwood — or any new construction community in Celina — here's my recommendation:
Don't visit the model homes alone. Contact me first. I'll set up a tour, walk you through what each builder offers at what price point, and make sure you understand the full picture before you sign anything.
Brent Wells
Real Estate Broker & New Construction Specialist
LivingWell Realty — Celina, Prosper, McKinney, Frisco
Deb and Brent Wells are the Broker Owners of LivingWell Realty, a boutique real estate brokerage serving Collin County, Texas. Brent specializes in new construction and buyer representation across Celina, Prosper, McKinney, and Frisco. Deb holds a CLHMS designation and specializes in luxury listings and home staging.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
If you're not already familiar with the Celina story, the numbers speak for themselves.
EV-Ready Living. Light Farms offers electric car charging stations within the community.
Buying a new construction home is a fundamentally different process than buying a resale property.
You’re clearing multiple rooms, a garage, attic, shed, or light remodel debris.
You find yourself only using part of the house while the rest collects dust.
Keeping the same flooring throughout the main living areas helps create a smooth, cohesive flow.
Overpricing, even by a little, can cause a listing to sit stale — which often leads to price drops.
Every week I am visiting with many new homes sales associates and I am hearing a consistent story.
North Sky is a June 2025 favorite, with new contemporary homes featuring open layouts and smart tech.
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, we're here to provide answers, insights, and the support you need. Contact us and start planning your next move.