Liberty Hill, TX – Johnson Development announced the ceremonial groundbreaking of its newest master‑planned community, Freely, on October 22. Spanning 762 acres along the North Fork of the San Gabriel River, the project will eventually offer roughly 1,850 homes on lots ranging from 45 to 70 feet wide.
Timeline and Builders
According to Tommy Tucker, vice president of business development for Central and North Texas at Johnson Development, homesites are expected to be ready for construction by fall 2027, with model homes under way by the end of the year. The development will be built by a coalition of reputable builders, including David Weekley Homes, DRB Homes, Empire, Meritage Homes, Scott Felder Homes and Westin Homes.
River‑front Lifestyle
Freely’s design emphasizes outdoor recreation and stewardship of the river corridor. “Cultivating an appreciation of the river and the landscape around it is very much a part of our development plan,” said Kandis Rushing, marketing director for Freely. The community will feature a river‑camp experience with boat rentals, fly‑fishing and other activities, as well as trails that connect residents to more than 250 acres of preserved green space.
Amenity Center and Community Spaces
A 7.5‑acre amenity center is slated for construction by spring 2028. The center will house a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, splash pad, pickleball courts and a playground. Smaller neighborhood parks and a stocked fishing pond are also part of the plan, providing families with multiple options for recreation close to home.
Education and Family Focus
While the current zoning assigns Freely to Bill Burden Elementary School, the development plan includes a dedicated 15‑acre site for a new elementary school within the community. Older students will attend Liberty Hill Middle School and Liberty Hill High School, ensuring continuity for families as the neighborhood grows.
Economic and Employment Impact
The project builds on Johnson Development’s recent success with the Bryson community in Leander, reinforcing the company’s commitment to Central Texas growth. By creating a sizable housing inventory near major employers and within Liberty Hill Independent School District, Freely is expected to attract new residents, boost local commerce and generate construction‑related jobs through 2028.
Community Partnership
Freely’s developers have pledged to work closely with the City of Liberty Hill on volunteer events, educational workshops and river‑conservation initiatives. This collaborative approach aligns with the city’s emphasis on family‑friendly amenities and responsible growth.
Looking Ahead
“With 1.5 miles of river frontage, we have an incredible opportunity to create a community that embraces its natural surroundings and offers residents a distinctive outdoor lifestyle,” Tucker added. The combination of affordable lot sizes, extensive amenities and proximity to schools and employers positions Freely as a notable addition to the Liberty Hill housing market, with a grand opening projected for spring 2028.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
