Lennar vs. D.R. Horton

Comparing Two of the Biggest Home Builders in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, attracting thousands of new residents each year. With strong job growth, a diverse economy, and an affordable cost of living compared to other major metro areas, DFW has become a top destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Naturally, this explosive growth has fueled demand for new construction homes, and two builders consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton.

Both builders are industry giants, not just in DFW but nationwide. Yet, while they share similarities in size and reputation, they also offer distinct differences in price points, floor plans, features, and buying experience. If you’re considering purchasing a new home in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the surrounding suburbs, understanding the nuances between Lennar and D.R. Horton can help you make a more informed decision.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into Lennar vs. D.R. Horton, exploring everything from pricing and design to neighborhoods, incentives, and customer experience, so you can decide which builder is the right fit for your family.

A Look at the Builders

Lennar Homes

Founded in 1954, Lennar is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded homebuilders. They’re well-known for their “Everything’s Included®” approach, which bundles many sought-after features—like smart home technology, stainless steel appliances, and upgraded finishes—into the base price of the home. Lennar builds across a wide range of price points in DFW, from starter homes for first-time buyers to luxury residences in master-planned communities. Lennar is also a leader in innovation, often experimenting with new ideas like multigenerational “Next Gen®” homes, which include a private suite for in-laws or adult children.

D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Arlington, TX, proudly calls North Texas home. The company is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume, earning the nickname “America’s Builder.” With decades of experience in the DFW market, D.R. Horton is often the go-to builder for a wide range of buyers.

Known for its wide selection of floor plans and community options, D.R. Horton offers homes at nearly every price point, from affordable entry-level properties to larger, more luxurious homes under its Emerald Homes brand. Their reach across DFW is extensive, making it easy for buyers to find a D.R. Horton community near their preferred location.

Price Points and Affordability

Lennar Pricing

Lennar tends to position itself slightly higher in terms of base pricing because of its “Everything’s Included®” philosophy. While you may pay more upfront, you won’t need to budget as much for upgrades, since many features are already included. In DFW, Lennar homes typically range from the mid-$300s to over $700k, depending on location and community.

D.R. Horton Pricing

D.R. Horton is often considered more budget-friendly because their homes start at lower base prices. However, buyers should be aware that many upgrades—such as flooring, countertops, or premium appliances—may cost extra. In the DFW market, D.R. Horton homes generally range from the low-$300s to $600k+, though premium brands under the Horton umbrella can push higher.

Takeaway: If you’re looking for move-in-ready upgrades without add-on costs, Lennar may offer better value. If you’re comfortable with a more basic starting point and choosing upgrades à la carte, D.R. Horton might save you money initially.

Design and Floor Plans

Lennar

Lennar emphasizes modern designs, open-concept layouts, and their signature Next Gen® suites. Their communities often feel more uniform because of consistent included features and design standards. Buyers who want turnkey homes with a sleek, updated feel often gravitate toward Lennar.

D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton offers a broader range of design flexibility. Their communities often include multiple floor plan options to appeal to different buyer profiles, from single professionals to large families. While their entry-level homes may feel more basic, higher-end D.R. Horton builds—particularly under Emerald Homes—compete directly with Lennar’s style and finish.

Communities and Locations in DFW

Both Lennar and D.R. Horton have a major presence in Dallas-Fort Worth, building in nearly every corner of the metroplex.

Lennar Communities:

Lennar tends to focus on master-planned communities with strong amenities, such as pools, walking trails, playgrounds, and sometimes even schools within the neighborhood. Popular Lennar communities in DFW include locations in Frisco, Little Elm, Prosper, Forney, and Mansfield.

D.R. Horton Communities:

D.R. Horton has the widest footprint in DFW, with communities across nearly every suburb and even more rural areas. Whether you want to live close to Dallas, Fort Worth, or a quieter outlying town, there’s likely a D.R. Horton development nearby. Their scale allows them to appeal to buyers across all budgets and lifestyles.

Incentives and Financing

Lennar

Lennar frequently offers incentives like closing cost assistance when buyers use their preferred lender. They’re also known to advertise special interest rate promotions, which can make a significant difference in monthly payments.

D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton provides similar incentives, often covering closing costs or offering discounted mortgage rates with their in-house lender. Because of their size, D.R. Horton often has more flexibility with financing options and promotions, especially for quick move-in homes.

Resale Value and Long-Term Investment Both Lennar and D.R. Horton homes hold their value well in DFW because of the region’s strong housing market and population growth.

• Lennar homes often appeal to resale buyers looking for turnkey, modern features and smart home technology.

• D.R. Horton homes attract buyers seeking affordability and value.

In general, homes in master-planned communities with good amenities—whether Lennar or D.R. Horton—tend to appreciate faster than those in smaller, less-developed neighborhoods.

Which Builder is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between Lennar and D.R. Horton depends on your priorities:

• Choose Lennar if:

  • You want a modern, move-in-ready home with premium features included.

  • You’re interested in Next Gen® floor plans for multigenerational living.

  • You prefer a streamlined buying process with fewer upgrade decisions.

• Choose D.R. Horton if:

  • You want maximum flexibility in floor plans and locations across DFW.

  • You’re budget-conscious and prefer to start with a lower base price.

  • You don’t mind selecting upgrades individually to customize your home.

Final Thoughts Both Lennar and D.R. Horton dominate the Dallas-Fort Worth new construction market for a reason: they build quality homes at competitive price points, with communities that cater to the region’s rapidly growing population. If you’re debating between the two, the best step is to tour both Lennar and D.R. Horton communities in your target area, compare floor plans side by side, and factor in not just the base price, but the value of included features, potential upgrades, and builder incentives.

At VIP Realty, we specialize in helping homebuyers navigate the DFW new construction market. Our team can guide you through builder comparisons, negotiate the best deal possible, and—most importantly—help you take advantage of exclusive builder incentives and cash-back rebates that could save you thousands.