Construction is underway on a new Liberty Hill subdivision that will include upward of 1,850 homes.
The gist
Johnson Development broke ground on the 762-acre neighborhood, to be known as Freely, according to a Nov. 9 news release. Located along the North Fork of the San Gabriel River, the development is expected to have a grand opening in spring 2028.
Homesites are expected to be ready for construction by fall 2027 and construction on model homes will be underway by the end of the year, according to Tommy Tucker, Johnson Development’s vice president of business development for Central and North Texas. Builders for the community include David Weekley Homes, DRB Homes, Empire, Meritage Homes, Scott Felder Homes and Westin Homes.
The planned lots will range from 45 to 70 square feet, and the new neighborhood will feature trails, access to the river and more than 250 acres of green space.
“Cultivating an appreciation of the river and the landscape around it is very much a part of our development plan,” said Kandis Rushing, a marketing director for Freely. “We also expect to offer a river camp kind of experience with boat rentals, fly fishing and other outdoor activities.”
She added that the development aims to collaborate with the city on volunteer events, educational workshops and other activities along the river.
The development will also feature a 7.5-acre amenity center, expected to be under construction by spring 2028, the news release states. The center will include a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, splash pad, pickleball courts and a playground. Smaller parks and a stocked fishing pond are also planned.
While Freely is currently zoned for Bill Burden Elementary School, development plans include 15 acres for an elementary school within the neighborhood. Older children are zoned for Liberty Hill Middle School and Liberty Hill High School.
How we got here
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Oct. 22.
Johnson Development, the same developer behind Leander’s Bryson community, purchased the land in 2025. Previously, the land was known as Chapman Ranch.
“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 said. “Its proximity to major employers and access to Liberty Hill ISD offers a compelling combination of location, lifestyle and natural beauty.”
