Paris vs Sherman New Construction: Where Should You Build in Northeast Texas?

Paris and Sherman are two of the strongest new construction markets in Northeast Texas, and they offer two different versions of the same opportunity. In Paris, D.R. Horton's Forestbrook Estates delivers master-planned living from the $200s, while Sherman pairs Highland Homes communities like Heritage Ranch and Canyon Creek Estates with one of the fastest-growing economies in Grayson County. This guide compares pricing, floor plans, schools, and commute so you can choose with confidence.

What new construction is available in Paris, Texas?

Paris's story centers on Forestbrook Estates, a 200-acre master-planned community in southeastern Lamar County built by D.R. Horton. Its Express Series homes offer seven floor plans from 1,146 to 2,115 square feet, two to four bedrooms, and energy-efficient construction with smart home technology as standard. Base pricing starts in the $209,000 range, and homes available now run roughly $234,000 to $277,000 depending on plan, lot, and upgrades.

The community is within walking distance of the new Paris High School, part of a $50 million investment in Paris ISD. See the full breakdown in our Forestbrook Estates community guide and explore all of new construction in Paris, TX.

What new construction is available in Sherman, Texas?

Sherman's growth sits on the US-75 corridor, and Highland Homes leads the new construction charge with two standout communities. Heritage Ranch is a 440-acre master plan at FM 1417 and Highway 82 with homes from the $290s, floor plans from 1,468 to 3,164 square feet, a pool, trails, and Parker Elementary, a brand-new school inside the community where kids can walk without crossing a highway. Canyon Creek Estates offers oversized lots, homes from the $560s, and floor plans from 2,602 to 3,785 square feet, minutes from Lake Texoma. Both are served by Sherman ISD and worth a stop when you tour new construction in Sherman, TX.

How do new construction prices compare?

Both cities deliver square footage and quality that would cost considerably more in DFW suburbs or Collin County. Paris is the value play: Forestbrook Estates starts in the $209,000 range, with homes available now between roughly $234,000 and $277,000. Sherman starts higher at Heritage Ranch in the $290s, and Canyon Creek Estates reaches into the $560s on larger, more private lots.

The gap comes down to location. Sherman sits closer to DFW and draws commuter demand from Collin County, which supports higher values. Paris trades proximity for pace: more house and more lot for the dollar, in a community where errands are measured in minutes. Both builders carry strong national reputations and warranty programs.

Which city is better for your commute?

If DFW needs to be within daily reach, Sherman wins. Heritage Ranch is about 30 minutes south of McKinney with direct US-75 access, and Canyon Creek Estates sits close to the highway for a realistic commute to Collin County jobs. Lake Texoma is about 20 minutes north for weekends on the water.

Paris is roughly 100 miles northeast of Dallas, about a 90-minute drive. That works for weekend trips, not a daily commute. Buyers who choose Paris are usually choosing short drives to work, school, and the grocery store, and a week that belongs to the family, not the freeway.

Which city is better for families?

Both score well on schools, in different ways. Paris ISD just opened a new high school within walking distance of Forestbrook Estates. Sherman ISD anchors Heritage Ranch with Parker Elementary on site, giving young families a walkable school and a clear path up through Sherman High School. For recreation, Sherman has Lake Texoma minutes away, while Paris offers the Love Civic Center, youth sports, and parks like Harmony Park.

One rule that applies in both cities: bring your own agent

In every model home in both cities, the person greeting you works for the builder. D.R. Horton and Highland Homes both register buyers on their first visit, and if you sign in without your own agent, you can lose the right to add representation later. The builder's sales team is professional, but their loyalty runs to the builder, not to you.

Shannon and Scott Miles are new construction buyer specialists with eXp Realty, both GRI designated and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists. They coordinate your registration before the first visit and handle contract review, inspections, and negotiation at every stage. Because the builder pays the buyer's commission on new construction, their representation costs you nothing.

Paris or Sherman: which should you choose?

Choose Paris and Forestbrook Estates if you want the lowest entry point into master-planned new construction, a community minutes from new schools and historic downtown, and no dependence on a DFW commute. Choose Sherman if you want two Highland Homes communities, the closest position to Collin County's economy, and Lake Texoma 20 minutes away.

The honest answer is that both are strong moves, and the right one depends on your commute, your budget, and the pace of life you want. We live and work in this region, represent buyers in all eight counties, and will give you a straight comparison, not a sales pitch.

The next step

Tell us your priorities and we will line up tours of Forestbrook Estates, Heritage Ranch, and Canyon Creek Estates. We will walk you through floor plans, lot premiums, builder incentives, and the details that never make it into the sales brochure.

Reach out before your first model home visit and we will make sure your representation is on file from day one. That one step protects your leverage, your timeline, and your investment, in whichever city you choose.