Austin developer breaks ground on 5,300-acre master-planned community

By Angela Gonzales

Austin-based Castle Hill Partners is breaking ground today on its 5,300-acre Saddleback master-planned community in Peoria.

While the community is entitled for 8,000 homes, the plan is to build 6,500 homes and another 180 multifamily units, said Carlee Ryan, vice president of asset management for Castle Hill Partners.

Miami-based Lennar Corp. (NYSE: LEN) and Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison Home Corp. (NYSE: TMHC) have been selected to build the first 572 homes in the first village called Saltbrush, she said.

They will split those lots about half and half, she said, adding that it's too soon to determine home prices. The Castle Hill Partners team is in discussions with homebuilders for the next 370 lots in the second phase, she said.

"We're about to enter into contract with a couple of homebuilders," she said, but declined to disclose their names.

The Texas developer made its Valley debut in March 2022 when it paid $106.58 million for the vacant land that is north of Vistancia's Northpointe master-planned community, which also has been sellling hundreds of lots to homebuilders.

Atlanta-based PulteGroup Inc. (NYSE: PHM) also is working through plans to develop a 6,355-acre master-planned community on what currently is state land.

The developments are near Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s $65 billion plant under construction in north Phoenix, which will employ thousands of workers.

Saddleback is six miles south of Lake Pleasant.

Plans call for extending Vistancia Boulevard through the community all the way up to Arizona State Route 74, Ryan said.

As the giant master-planned community is developed, it will move up the mountain, where custom home lots will be developed for the largest homes with the best views, she said.

While previous developers of the master-planned community — originally called Saddleback Heights in the 1990s — had entitled the property with three golf courses, Ryan said there are no current plans for golf courses, which require a lot of water.

"We're trying to be conscious of that," she said. "Water is a precious resource here in Arizona, which we recognize."

Besides, she said, there are plenty of golf courses nearby for residents.

Instead, that land will be dedicated to open space, including more than 60 miles of a trail network throughout the community as well as 60 acres of public parks that will be donated to the city.

Final Thoughts:

For those planning to relocate to Arizona, the Saddleback master-planned community in Peoria offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable living. Nestled near the thriving Vistancia area and close to major economic hubs like the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant, this development is more than just a place to live—it's a gateway to opportunity. With a balanced focus on modern housing and preserving Arizona's natural beauty, Saddleback caters to families and individuals seeking an active lifestyle with access to miles of trails and scenic views. Whether you're drawn by the promise of custom homes on the mountainside or the energy of a booming region, Saddleback invites you to be part of something extraordinary.