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Community

Darling Homes Presents 2019 Red Carpet Concert Series

Love is in the air on this Valentine’s Day thanks to Darling Homes and Frisco Arts’ 2019 Red Carpet Concert Series, presenting “A Night of Romance” at the Lincoln Experience Center at The Star in Frisco.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate concert featuring America’s No. 1 Romantic Pianist, David Osborne, also known as the “Pianist to the Presidents.” The acclaimed pianist is the first of two planned shows this year as part of the Red Carpet Concert Series.

Osborne, an international Steinway artist, has performed for Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. When he’s not touring with “The David Osborne Trio”, Osborne regularly performs at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, making his performance at the Frisco Arts Center on Valentine’s Day a truly special and romantic experience.

“A Night of Romance” will be one to remember as guests can enjoy beloved and original romantic tunes surrounded by stunning art in red by Frisco artist Leticia Herrera. The mixed media artist, who currently resides in McKinney, Texas, combines her talent for art with her deep and strong sense of color after discovering her emotional connection with color itself. The night will showcase her works featuring the color red, known for its association with the feelings of passion, desire, love and Valentine’s Day.

Wine, hors d’oeuvres and tasty desserts will be served before the show and complimentary valet will be provided. Cocktail attire is recommended.

Don’t wait to purchase tickets as seating is limited. VIP tickets cost $100 each and $85 for Frisco Arts members. VIP tickets include pre-concert hors d’oeuvres, wine, desserts, a private performance and after-party with the artist (including dessert).

Give the gift of an unforgettable evening of world-class music and art this Valentine’s Day with “A Night of Romance”, part of the 2019 Red Carpet Concert Series presented by Darling Homes.

For more info on show dates and tickets visit here.

Community

Exploring the Bayou City

You may know Houston as the “Space City” because of its ties to NASA but did you also know Houston is referred to as the “Bayou City”? Home to 10 winding waterways that flow through the surrounding area, the Bayou City name reflects the connection of the hustle and bustle of the city to the possibility of exploring nature around every corner.

Buffalo Bayou Park, one of the country’s greatest urban green spaces, connects the city to all the beauty and adventure in Houston. Whether you’re biking on winding paths along the waterway or canoeing through Lost Lake, Buffalo Bayou Park is a popular destination that gives city residents the opportunity to become one with nature.

Not only does Buffalo Bayou Park offer beautiful scenery, it’s also a popular destination for beautiful dining. The Kitchen at the Dunlavy is an extraordinary venue, lit gorgeously by bright chandeliers hanging above the dining space and surrounded by large windows overlooking the banks of Buffalo Bayou Park and Lost Lake. Voted by CNN as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, the Dunlavy is the perfect place to enjoy delicious Southern Californian-style cuisine or even host a special event. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a stunning space made for a dream wedding or an exquisite cocktail party.

Other famous restaurants to enjoy in Houston include Nobu, a world-renowned Japanese restaurant with polished service and a local twist, and La Lucha, serving gulf oyster “gems” and finger-licking good chicken and biscuits. The city’s diverse culture enwraps Houston cuisine in a way that showcases the most delicious dishes from around the world.

Shopping in the city is abundant thanks to the world-renowned Galleria in Uptown Houston. With more than 375 stores and a grand ice rink, The Galleria is an oasis for retail therapy. For more of an outdoor shopping scene, residents can explore Memorial City Mall or the art deco-styled River Oaks Shopping Center.

If you’d rather hit the course than the stores, Houston has an expansive golf scene with weather that allows for gorgeous golfing almost any day of the year. Seven different courses are located throughout the city of Houston so golfers will never need to travel very far.

Located right in the center of Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Museum District in Downtown Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy is a master-planned green space that is treasured by all who have the chance to experience it. From the Miller Outdoor Theater to the Houston Zoo to the Japanese and rose gardens, Hermann Park is a cultural and recreational hub. Receiving the General Design Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Hermann Park is a spectacular space full of beauty and adventure.

The first word spoken on the moon was “Houston”, giving the city its other nickname, “The Space City”. Space Center Houston is NASA’s Official Visitors Center and showcases the early Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab projects and today’s International Space Station and Space Shuttle programs. Visitors get the chance to see actual spacecrafts and a walk-through space experience thanks to the center’s state-of-the-art space simulators.

As much as there is to do in Houston, there’s no place like home. If you’re looking for your dream home in the Bayou City, let Darling Homes in Houston help place you in the perfect Houston home. Call 713-401-2008 today for more information.

Community

Why Houston? A Spotlight on Sports

From football to soccer, Houston is home to many successful professional sports. Not only is the city home to a number of professional teams and college sports programs, many other annual sporting events for teams outside of Texas are also hosted in Houston. Plus, Texas pride and loyalty makes for an unparalleled fan culture.

Houston is home to six professional major league teams and four stadiums that hold over 150,000 fans collectively, making it worthy of the title, Sports City, USA in 2016.

The Houston Texans anchor the city’s fascination with sports and have established themselves as the most iconic part of Houston’s sports identity. Led by fan favorite J.J. Watt, NRG Stadium is packed with football fans during home games making attending a game an experience in its own.

Then there’s James Harden and The Houston Rockets – another huge part of Houston’s sports culture. The Rockets plays their home games at Toyota Center in downtown Houston and have collected two NBA championships and four Western Conference titles during their time in Houston. With the arrival of star player Harden in 2012, the Rockets soon became one of the highest scoring offenses in the NBA.

The Houston Dynamo are yet another professional sports team that the city has to offer fans. The soccer club was established in 2005 and quickly went on to win the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups as well as the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. Then there’s this fact: In 2008, Houston Dynamo became the first American club to secure a point on Mexican soil during the CONCACAF Champions League.

Last but most certainly not least are The Houston Astros. The 2017 World Series champs play their home games at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston and have established themselves as one of the American League’s top teams to beat this decade.

There are many reasons why Houston is a great city to call home. One of them is the abundance of professional sporting teams and events to enjoy, but more importantly is the spirited culture you can experience throughout either city. Know a sports fan looking to make the move to Houston? Have them take a look at all that Darling Homes has to offer.

Community

Why Dallas? A Spotlight on Sports

They say everything is bigger in Texas and sports are no exception. From major to minor league, Dallas is a huge sporting hub. Not only is the city home to a number of professional teams and college sports programs, many other annual sporting events for teams outside of Texas are also hosted in Dallas. Plus, Texas pride and loyalty makes for an unparalleled fan culture.

Dallas is home to one of the biggest franchises in football, The Dallas Cowboys. Whether you love them or hate them, the Cowboys are the NFL’s most valuable team and have been for six years, according to Forbes. But the Cowboys also provide for the city in ways that most are not aware of. From the team’s work with women’s health to its youth programs, the team offers Dallas residents much more than football with their strong and powerful community outreach efforts.

Toyota Stadium, just north of downtown Dallas in Frisco, is home to the major league soccer team, FC Dallas, and Frisco’s Independent School District’s high school football games. The stadium also hosts the NCAA Division I Football Championship, an annual postseason college football game that serves as the final match between the top teams. Frisco has hosted this game since 2010 and will continue to do so until at least 2024.

Men’s basketball in Dallas is primarily dominated by The Dallas Mavericks. The NBA team has won three division titles, two conference championships, and took home the coveted NBA championship trophy in 2011. The Mavs play their home games at the American Airlines Center which they share with the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars.

The Dallas Stars have a loyal fan base in Dallas and north Texas and the Dallas Stars Foundation is a generous contributor to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Darling Homes is proud to be a presenting partner for the team’s Open Ice video series, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes look into the team.

Darling Homes is also a sponsor of the Allen Americans, two-time winners of the Ray Miron President’s Cup in the CHL. Since moving to the ECHL, the Amerians have won the Kelly Cup twice.

Arlington is home to the Major League Baseball team, The Texas Rangers. Not to be confused with the famous law enforcement agency of the same name, The Texas Rangers have been based in Arlington since 1972 and represented the American League in both the 2010 and 2011 World Series. In 2020, the team will make the move from Arlington Stadium to the brand-new baseball park known as Globe Life Park, located just next door.

Arlington is also home to the Dallas Wings, a Women’s National Basketball Association team. The team is new to the area as they moved from Oklahoma to Texas in 2016. The Dallas Wings play at the College Park Center at the University of Texas at Arlington, also home to the UT Arlington Maverick’s basketball and volleyball teams.

Know a sports fan looking to make the move to Dallas? Have them take a look at all that Darling Homes has to offer.

Imperial City Collection in Sugar Land, TX
Community

In the Spotlight

Discover a collection of homes that redefines the concept of modern living. The City Collection by Darling Homes is the perfect option for homebuyers seeking an active, low-maintenance lifestyle in the Dallas or Houston area. This collection offers a series of upscale urban-style-living townhomes built for a sophisticated and exciting lifestyle.

The City Collection encompasses the best of urban and suburban living. From upscale ambience to the low-maintenance up keep, these homes are designed with the perfect size in mind. Life in the City Collection offers intimate dinners on the patio, evening walks through the neighborhoods or along trails, and versatile space for hosting lively get togethers. These homes are as inviting as they are livable.

Design details of the collection include varied roof pitches that are aesthetically pleasing and majestic as well as modern layouts that are designed for today’s home buyer trends. Kitchens are designed with a work triangle to be as efficient as they are beautiful while keeping plenty of room for storage in mind. Every aspect of the home is designed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum livability in a non-traditional space.

The City Collection in Dallas

In Dallas, Darling Homes offers three different communities featuring the City Collection in Allen, Frisco and Irving.

In Allen, the City Collection is available at Montgomery Farm Angel Field East, an environmentally-conscious community with a scenic streetscape. Residents here enjoy the community’s convenient location near shopping and dining at Watters Creek shopping center and convenient access to trails and ponds spread across 200 acres of greenway throughout the community. Darling Homes offers four, two-story low maintenance floor plans with flexible design options in Traditional, Craftsman, Mediterranean, English, Tudor, Modern and International elevations that all come together to create an eclectic and exciting community with close proximity to nature.

Canals at Grand Park is a centrally-located community in Frisco, Texas, the #1 Best Place to Live in America in 2018 as ranked by Money Magazine. The community features gorgeous tree-lined streets, hiking and biking trails, green spaces, sparkling water ways, pocket parks, and a top-rated school district nearby. Darling Homes offers the City Collection in four unique two-story home designs with English, Tudor, Traditional, French, Craftsman, Colonial and Mission Elevations. Don’t wait to visit this vibrant community as only inventory homes remain.

Meanwhile, a brand-new community, The Terraces at Las Colinas, is coming soon to Irving and bringing the City Collection with it. This community is ideally situated in the heart of Las Colinas and offers residents walking distance access to shopping and dining as well as community amenities including winding trails, a boardwalk along green space and a park. The community’s close proximity to the George Bush Turnpike, I-635, SH114 and Hwy 35 make it an ideal location for people working in the area.

Darling Homes offers two-story plans from the City Collection on zero lot lines that boast thoughtfully open floor plans, high-end finishes, and designer details. Join the VIP list to be among the first to receive new updates on this low-maintenance lifestyle community.

The City Collection in Houston

In Houston, Darling Homes offers more options for the City Collection in Sugar Land in the community of Imperial and in Missouri City at Avalon at Sienna Plantation.

Sugar Land provides residents with both small-town Texas charm and sophisticated flair along with a highly acclaimed school district and a convenient 20-minute commute to downtown Houston. Imperial is a 720-acre master planned community within Sugar Land that incorporates retail, residential, entertainment and office space. Darling Homes’ City Collection at Imperial features two-story home designs with a range of well-planned spaces, open-concept living and dining rooms that combine seamlessly with lofted spaces, master bedroom suites and gorgeous courtyards.

In Missouri City, the City Collection is available at Avalon at Sienna Plantation where one can discover the finer points of urban-style living in a gated, private enclave of new low-maintenance homes. This traditional neighborhood radiates a welcoming feeling that’s experienced throughout every small detail.

Whether it’s intimate dinners on cozy patios or nights spent strolling along the lake, Sienna Plantation presents the perfect balance of upscale new construction with the warmth and vibrancy of a friendly traditional neighborhood. Darling Homes offers the City Collection through innovative open-concept layouts and distinctive design elements that set the standard for other homes in the marketplace.

Want to experience all the City Collection has to offer for yourself? Make an appointment today to tour the model homes in the five unique communities in Dallas or Houston.

Community

Things to See and Do in Dallas and Houston

At Darling Homes, we take pride in ensuring that every part of your experience with your dream home is authentic and distinctive. That includes where we build our homes. While all of our communities are located in either the Dallas or Houston area, each individual city has its own unique attractions and personalities.

It’s the individual character and flavor of the area that helps set our communities apart. Take a look at some of the highlights each community has to offer its residents and see which best fits your lifestyle.

Greater Houston Area

Cypress

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Downtown Houston, Cypress is one of Houston’s largest suburbs with a thriving economy, outstanding public and private schools, and plenty of local recreational, cultural and entertainment choices. The town that was once rural farmland is now a booming and exciting place to call home. 

If you enjoy the outdoors, Cypress is a fantastic place to find plenty of parks and hiking trails. You can find a complete list of the expansive options here.

Cypress is also surrounded by prestigious golf courses, making it the perfect destination for any golf fanatic. Black Horse Golf Club, Longwood Golf Club and Cypress Lakes Gold Club are all popular choices for public golfing. Private golf courses include Raveneaux Country Club, Hearthstone Country Club and Houston Oaks Country Club and Family Sports Retreat.

Shopping in Cypress is abundant with options like Houston Premium Outlets, Cyfair Town Center, Vintage Park, Willowbrook Mall, Traders Village, and The Boardwalk at Towne Lake, a beautiful shopping, dining, and wellness center surrounded by a picturesque body of water. 

Darling Homes’ communities in Cypress are situated conveniently close to the U.S. 290 employment corridor for easy commutes. Communities include the peaceful retreat of Alden Woods, a luxury development nestled among a luscious landscape of trees and stunning surroundings, and Bridgeland, a connected community with access to 900 acres of lakes and waterways, parks, and a resort-style swimming complex. Like all Darling Homes, homes in Alden Woods and Bridgeland are beautifully crafted with thoughtful floorplans and distinctive design details.

Sugar Land

Originally founded as a sugar plantation in the mid-1800s, Sugar Land offers residents a lifestyle just about as sweet as it sounds. Located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land is home to master-planned communities and welcoming neighborhoods that enhance the feeling of belonging.

There is so much to do in Sugar Land. From sightseeing to shopping, there is always something to do here. If you’re a lover of golf, you can find 12 different golf clubs around the city including Greatwood Golf Club and Sugar Creek Country Club. If shopping is more your style, you can spend your time exploring First Colony Mall which offers a variety of stores and restaurants, or you can take the short drive into Houston and spend time at The Galleria.  

If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, take advantage of the biking trail and BMX track at Lost Creek Park or hike the Oyster Creek Trail. Baseball fans can enjoy the weather from the stands at Constellation Field, home to the Sugar Land Skeeters professional baseball team.

A number of high-profile businesses including The Minute Maid Company, Fluor Corporation and Noble Drilling have chosen Sugar Land as their corporate home, making the town a business-friendly environment with a bounty of opportunities.

Darling Homes offers two master-planned communities in Sugar Land, Imperial and Avalon at Riverstone. Imperial is the largest development within the prestigious Fort Bend area and offers homebuyers a series of homes that maintains a lifestyle-focused design while providing the space and modern living requirements homebuyers are looking for in their next home.

Avalon at Riverstone is beautifully situated in the heart of Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston’s shopping district at The Galleria and offers residents the experience to live within an enchanting forest setting complete with miles of serene walking trails, sparkling lakes and ponds, and plenty of pocket parks.

The Woodlands     

Founded in 1974, The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre escape just waiting for you. The community cares about preserving the beauty of the natural environment by setting aside large amounts of land for parks, allowing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the gorgeous world around them. Not to mention, the area offers excellent housing options, plenty of great places to work, an amazing school system, and an abundance of retail shopping and dining. All of this makes The Woodlands a wonderful place to call home.

The Woodlands is a premier place for shopping, too. In fact, Southern Living Magazine named The Woodlands “One of America’s Best Shopping Destinations”. If you consider the more than 11 million square feet of world-class shopping featuring a variety of retailers and exclusive boutiques, you can easily see how shoppers thrive here.

If you’re looking for premier dining in The Woodlands, you won’t need to look far. There are a variety of options that are sure to please. From dining on Waterway Square to enjoying a meal on Market Street, you’ll never go hungry here.

Darling Homes offers elegantly authentic homes in beautifully master planned communities. The Woodlands, Cassena Grove is the perfect community for outdoor enthusiast with a total of 13 pools, several golf courses and two wide walking and biking trails running along the banks of Lake Paloma. The Woodlands, Village of Creekside Park is a newer expansion of The Woodlands and features distinctive designs from Darling’s Founders Collection that exude modern styling with timeless elegance.

You can also explore The Woodlands, Waterbridge with single family luxury homes surrounded by lakes and featuring dramatic entries with curved staircases and outdoor courtyards.

Somerset Green

Looking for a unique living experience near the hustle and bustle of the city? Look no further than the new VUE collection at Somerset Green. The new concept for city living offers homebuyers the unheard-of opportunity to select from a series of single floor layouts, stacking them to create their ideal home design.

The homes come equipped with elevator shafts (elevator optional), outdoor living spaces, generous storage options as well as access to Somerset Green amenities like an on-site pool with entertainment area, dog parks and more.

The location means Somerset Green is next to some of Houston’s most desirable destinations including Memorial Park, Washington Corridor, the Heights, Buffalo Bayou Park, the Galleria and Uptown Park, the Energy Corridor and downtown Houston.

Houston offers its residents the best of the best. From exquisite shopping malls like the famous The Galleria mall to fine dining at lavish locations like Brenner’s on the Bayou or the newest expansion of the world famous Japanese restaurant Nobu Houston.  

Downtown Houston also provides beautiful scenery throughout the city. One can enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park or jog through the gorgeous oak trees on the grounds of Rice University. Other popular attractions are Space Center Houston, home to NASA’s Mission Control and the largest Fine Arts Museum in the Southwest.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Frisco

Just last year, Frisco was rated the number one place to live by Money Magazine. The city that was once a small quiet community is now the most sought out place to call home. So why all the fuss? The city of Frisco provides a higher quality of life for its residents. From its outstanding schools to its spectacular shopping and dining, Frisco is making a name for itself that is recognized nationwide.

Jobs in Frisco are projected to grow by nearly 15% over the next four years, thanks to the reasonable cost of living the city affords its residents. Blue-chip companies like AT&T, Toyota and Oracle have built offices in Frisco so they can provide jobs where houses are affordable for their employees. Employees relocating to Frisco will experience a diverse community of skilled workers that are delighted in the city’s lower cost of living and shorter commute times.

With the high quality of life and the rapid population growth, there is plenty of room for home builders to flourish in Frisco. Darling Homes is among the top builders with 9 authentic communities to choose from.

The communities these homes are located in are not your average neighborhoods. Newman Village, a master-planned community built around a deep appreciation for European and Mediterranean architecture, has created an eclectic streetscape like no other. The Estates at Shaddock Park is another master-planned community that offers residents a central location with resort-style amenities and a 6-acre park. Edgestone at Legacy provides residents with miles of winding trails throughout the community as well as neighborhood parks and upscale amenities like a fitness center and a clubhouse with a swimming pool. Canals at Grand Park is home to low-maintenance luxury properties that offers homebuyers modern style with upscale suburban comfort.

To learn more about Frisco check out our blog: Best Places to Live: Frisco

Irving

Located just 12 miles away from Dallas, Irving is both a great place to live and experience. With an abundance of excellent dining, entertainment, arts, music, theater and so much more, you’ll never run out of things to explore.

Attractions in Irving include the meandering along the popular Mandalay Canals, diving into the West Irving Aquatic Center and experiencing the expansive Irving Arts Center. Outdoor living in Irving is plentiful through enjoying the beautiful weather hiking Campión Trails or hitting one of the four 18-hole golf courses.

Known for its fresh and inspired culinary scene, Irving is home to some of the nation’s best chefs and innovative dining venues. From fine dining to exceptional BBQ and Tex-Mex, Irving has so many delicious flavors to experience. Check out some notable options here.

Darling Homes provides excellent options for luxury living in Irving. Stonegate is located conveniently in central Irving and features diverse architectural style with open and flowing designs that break the mold of cookie cutter neighborhoods. The Terraces at Las Colinas is the newest Darling community in Irving built in the exclusive Las Colinas location. Residents will get to experience an exciting, upscale, urban lifestyle with shopping and dining within walking distance. Darling Homes will be offering the popular City Collection of new homes featuring zero lot line, low maintenance, luxury living.

McKinney

McKinney’s tagline is “Unique by Nature” which reigns true when you take a look at the elements that make up the town into all that it is today. From the beautiful tree-lined streets to McKinney’s diverse residential neighborhoods, this town is nothing but ordinary.

The community spirit in McKinney friendly, safe, and inviting making McKinney the perfect place to call home. In fact, in 2014, Money Magazine ranked McKinney the #1 Best Place to Live in America. The town offers its residents unique shopping and dining in the historic downtown area, fun festivals throughout the year, year-round outdoor activities, and great opportunities for business.

Darling Homes are featured in some of McKinney’s most prestigious master-planned communities. Auburn Hills is a part of the gated Willowcreek enclave and includes picturesque trails and a pond. Darling Homes offers seven two-story home designs with Traditional, English Tudor, and French Elevations. Tucker Hill is a place where community comes first with opportunities to create lasting friendships and family memories. The wide-open feel of this new home community provides residents with a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Darling Homes offers residents five one and two-story home designs with English Tudor, Four Square, French, Craftsman, and American Classic Elevations.

Already in love with these beautiful communities and cities? Let us help you find the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of in the home of your dreams in Dallas or Houston.

Community

Best Places to Live: Frisco

Just last year, Frisco was rated the number one place to live by Money Magazine. The city that was once a small, quiet community is now the most sought out place to call home. So why all the fuss? The city of Frisco provides a higher quality of life for its residents. From its outstanding schools to its spectacular shopping and dining, Frisco is making a name for itself that is recognized nationwide.

People are Flocking to Frisco

Known as a city of progress, Frisco has consistently been one of the fastest growing cities in the country since 2000. Today, Frisco is home to over 180,000 residents!

Business and Jobs

Jobs in Frisco are projected to grow by nearly 15 percent over the next four years, thanks to the reasonable cost of living the city affords its residents. Blue-chip companies like AT&T, Toyota and Oracle have built offices in Frisco so they can provide jobs where houses are affordable for their employees. The growing city has made room for multiple major corporate headquarters in its mixed-use developments. Employees relocating to Frisco will experience a diverse community of skilled workers that are delighted in the city’s lower cost of living and shorter commute times.

Homes

With the high quality of life and the rapid population growth, there is plenty of room for home builders to flourish in Frisco. Darling Homes is among the top builders in Frisco with nine authentic communities to choose from.

The communities these homes are located in are not your average neighborhoods. Newman Village, a master-planned community built around a deep appreciation for European and Mediterranean architecture, has created an eclectic streetscape like no other. The Estates at Shaddock Park is another master-planned community that offers residents a central location with resort-style amenities and a 6-acre park.

Edgestone at Legacy provides residents with miles of winding trails throughout the community as well as neighborhood parks and upscale amenities like a fitness center and a clubhouse with a swimming pool. Canals at Grand Park is home to low-maintenance luxury properties that offers homebuyers modern style with upscale suburban comfort.

Education

The Frisco Independent School District is a top-rated school district with an extremely high graduation rate of 98.2%. Frisco’s exceptional public-school system has more than 70 campuses in the area with 92% of their students meeting state standard in all grades and all subjects. The district also offers high school students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in specialized programs from health science to hospitality through their state of the art Career and Technical Education Center.

Frisco ISD also benefits from private partnership arrangements that provide high-level sports, art and technology for the city. Its partnership with the Dallas Cowboys allows high school teams to use the NFL team’s indoor athletic practice facility, the Ford Center at The Star, for practice and games.

Entertainment

Speaking of the Dallas Cowboys, the team chose to move their world headquarters to Frisco, noting that the city aligns with the Cowboy’s core values, which include youth sports, health, safety and community. Not only are the Cowboys calling Frisco home, but so are seven other Dallas-area professional sports teams who have moved their headquarters to the city, making Frisco a sports enthusiast’s dream.

However, if sports won’t draw you to the city, the shopping might. You can occupy your time with over nine million square feet of retail and dining, award winning hotels, parks, concerts and events in Frisco. Stonebriar Centre in Frisco offers locals a variety of entertainment from shopping through a wide range of incredible stores to relaxing at the movie theater or dining in a full-service restaurant. The Shops at Legacy offer even more dining and shopping opportunities. Want more? Downtown Dallas is just 25 minutes away, offering access to exciting Metroplex destinations.

Weather

Last but not least, you can’t forget about the excellent weather the city sees almost every day. With an average of 232 clear days per year, you can’t help but enjoy a better quality of life in Frisco.

Thinking of making the move to Frisco, too? Take a look at some of the exceptional communities and properties that Darling Homes has to offer. Let us build you the home of your dreams in the number one place to live.

Community

For Darling Homes, the Giving Season Means Giving Back to Local Communities

As the year begins to close, people turn their attention toward the giving season. In addition to the presents expected under the tree this time of the year, many charities also rely on the months of November and December to help fund their worthwhile operations year-round.

There are numerous worthy charities in Dallas as well as excellent charitable organizations in Houston. At Darling Homes, the company trains its focus on being good partners in the community throughout the year. Nevertheless, the holiday season always makes for a festive time to do even more.

In December, team members from the builder’s Frisco office wrapped gifts and donated cookies and other snacks for Dallas Life, the largest homeless recovery center in North Texas. This is the second year Darling Homes has participated in the gift-wrapping drive for the group’s Christmas Toy Store. The store allows parents to shop for their kids, picking out special gifts for their family which are then wrapped on-site by volunteers, giving the children a special surprise waiting for them under the tree.

The Taylor Morrison sales team also staged a food drive for Frisco Family Services Food Pantry in November, creating ready-made cookie kits from the more than 600 pounds of flour, sugar and baking items that the team received in donations from the Dallas Division staff. The kits were free for shoppers at the pantry and the contents in each kit did not count toward the weight of the food allotted each family per visit, giving each family a special treat for the holidays.

For the ninth straight year, Darling employees rounded up coats and outwear to help the less fortunate combat the area’s coldest months. This November, they donated approximately 300 coats to the Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC), a CitySquare program that aids young adults who have aged out of foster care and are integrating into society. The remaining coats will be distributed through CitySquare to men, women and children in need throughout the Dallas area. To date, more than 6,000 coats have been donated.

Meanwhile in Houston, the giving continued. Houston team member, Michael Carroll, hosted a party at his model home where he collected toys to send to Texas Children’s Hospital for their treasure chests. The toys were a welcome sight for the children, many of whom were battling life-threatening illnesses. The treasure chests allow children staying at the hospital to pick out a special toy for the season.

Michael’s idea to give back also inspired other Darling Houston team members. For Michael and his co-worker, Brandi Parker, Texas Children’s Hospital had been an important part of their immediate family. Each had seen their sons diagnosed with cancer and treated by the hospital.

To give back, Michael and Brandi collected toys during an event hosted at Darling’s Woodforest 65s model and at their team Sales Rally on December 5. By the end of the day, they were able to deliver an SUV full of toys to the Texas Children’s Hospital Downtown.

Inspired by what Brandi and Michael had done, David Vigil collected toys at an event with over 60 attendees at Darling’s Waterbridge model home. David’s nephew is currently battling Neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks the adrenal glands. The toys collected at the event were delivered by Brandi to the Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands.

Not only did the Houston division demonstrate their generosity by donating toys to various Texas Children’s Hospitals, but they also gave back to the Gamez and DeLaCruz families through the Houston Children’s Charity Outreach 2018. The two families were emotional and grateful as a parade of team members guided carts full of presents down to family’s vehicles.

There are many charitable organizations that Darling Homes contributes time and resources to each year. For the Texas homebuilder, the giving season lasts all year long.

Community Travel

Best Places to View Fall Foliage in Texas

Leaves are beginning to change in Darling Homes communities in Dallas and Houston, and there are a few hidden gems throughout the Lone Star State where visitors can go to experience autumn’s beauty.

Below are three Texas state parks and natural areas that offer visitors an unparalleled look at fall colors, and this leaf color map from Thrillist is an excellent tool to keep track of when leaves are at their most brilliant.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area, located northwest of San Antonio, is known for its radiant beauty during autumn. Filled with striking maple trees that turn brilliant hues of orange, yellow and red, Lost Maples is renowned for its rugged beauty.

At this park, visitors can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities, including:

  • Over 10 miles of trails meandering along the edge of a 2,200-foot cliff
  • Camping at a selection of over 30 campsites
  • Fishing in the Sanibal River or Can Creek
  • Geocaching
  • Wildlife watching
  • An off the grid weekend – no cell service here!

Tyler State Park

At Tyler State Park, a peaceful retreat nestled in northeast Texas, visitors will delight in seeing the changing leaves from the comfort of the car with a scenic drive or getting an up close view at the vibrant hues from one of many hiking and walking trails.

This beautiful park offers its visitors a plethora of activities, including:

McKinney Falls State Park

Near Austin, at McKinney Falls State Park, visitors will find themselves enchanted by the capital region’s hill country, where Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges to create a breathtaking waterfall. During autumn, this scenic park is brimming with incredible colors.

While visiting McKinney Falls State Park, explore the outdoors by:

  • Camping at one of 81 sites
  • Mountain or road biking
  • Fishing in Onion Creek
  • Bouldering
  • Joining a Ranger Program on birding, geocaching and more

Texas is filled with incredible opportunities to see fall foliage while exploring the outdoors!

Community Fashion

Finding the Best Shopping in Dallas and Houston

For fashionistas, people shopping for new clothes for an event, or those simply looking to enjoy a day out on the town with friends, there are numerous shopping destinations near Dallas or Houston Darling Homes communities with convenient access to today’s best brands.

Dallas

When it comes to shopping in and around Dallas, there is no shortage of fantastic choices. NorthPark Center provides its patrons with a broad range of shopping, dining and event options. This metropolis often houses special displays inside, such as its current exhibition on ‘The Fabric of Opera’.

Stores at NorthPark Center include:

  • Neiman Marcus
  • Versace
  • J.Crew
  • Express
  • Fossil
  • Williams-Sonoma, and a variety of other shopping options

In Allen, the Allen Premium Outlets are conveniently located near several Darling Homes communities and provide a large, walkable outdoor mall filled with opportunities to get high-quality brands at great prices.

Outlet stores include:

  • Ann Taylor Factory Store
  • Guess Factory Store
  • J. Crew Factory
  • Loft Outlet
  • Armani Outlet and much more!

At the Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, locals can take a day to go to a movie, grab lunch from a snack station or dine in a full-service restaurant, and shop at their favorite stores::

  • Athleta
  • Bath & Body Works
  • Disney Store
  • Vera Bradley and a wide range of other incredible stores

Houston

It’s easy for residents of Darling Homes communities in the Houston area to find first-class shopping close to home.

One of the best destinations in Houston is The Galleria, an upscale retail hub that houses delectable dining options including FIG & OLIVE, Nobu Houston, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and more to cater to any craving. This exceptional space is renowned for being the largest mall in Texas and home to extraordinary special features, including an expansive ice rink that is adorned with a giant Christmas tree during the holiday season.

Stores include:

  • Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Sephora
  • Nordstrom
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Lululemon Athletica
  • Armani Exchange and hundreds of other choices

At Katy Mills Mall, a large indoor mall in Katy, near the Darling Homes community of Elyson, shoppers can purchase goods from:

  • Bass Pro Shop
  • Calvin Klein
  • Coach
  • Converse and more popular stores

Market Street, a diverse shopping center situated in The Woodlands, offers its customers a full experience with restaurants, local artworks and an ongoing calendar of social events. Stores here include:

  • Kate Spade New York
  • Francesca’s
  • Tiffany & Co.
  • Lucky Brand and other stylish options

Both Houston and Dallas have incredible, upscale shopping opportunities for residents to enjoy year-round.