Nearly 1,600 homes coming Hutto's way as Austin region's rapid growth continues

More housing is coming to Hutto, with projects planned by two of the nation's largest homebuilders that will bring more than 1,600 homes to the growing area north of Austin.

Taylor Morrison, the country's fifth-largest homebuilder, said its planned Emory Crossing subdivision will have 1,341 homes priced from about $330,000 and up. Homes will range in size from 1,700 square feet to 3,000 square feet.

Also in Hutto, Meritage Homes, the nation's sixth-largest public homebuilder, is wrapping up development on 248 lots in its Durango Farms subdivision, which is off U.S. 79 and FM 1660.

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Home prices in Durango Farms are expected to range from $321,990 to $467,990. Floor plans will range from 1,249 square feet to 2,981 square feet.  The first buyers are expected to move into their homes in late December, according to Meritage Homes.

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The projects come as the Austin region — an area spanning five counties from Georgetown to San Marcos — continues to see strong demand for housing but not enough supply, with the imbalance leading to surging home prices in recent years, local housing market experts say.

Builders have been trying to put enough homes on the ground to meet demand but have faced challenges that include shortages of lots, labor and lumber.

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In Hutto, Taylor Morrison said its 315-acre Emory Crossing subdivision will be north of Texas 130 and U.S. 79.

“This is our first community in Hutto and we are excited to bring quality homes at a great price to this fast growing area,” April Whitaker, Taylor Morrison's division president for Austin, said in a written statement. “Emory Crossing is in a great location and allows buyers the space they need while still keeping the character and small town feel that residents love about this town.”

Amenities will include a pool, clubhouse, park and trails.

Through a Taylor Morrison partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, there will be a children's playscape with climbing platforms, rope walls, swing sets and slides.

At Durango Farms, amenities will include a neighborhood park with a dog park, a basketball court, a playground and open space.

Meritage officials said they expect Durango Farms to appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers, including "first-time buyers who want to escape escalating rents." Two model homes are due to open next month.

“Hutto is one of the most sought-after communities for families in the Austin metroplex due to its high-ranking schools, as well as its proximity to entertainment, employment and major corridors,” James Saunders, Meritage's Austin division president, said in a written statement.

Some upgrades will be standard with every home, including covered outdoor living spaces, stainless steel appliances and oversized showers.

Durango Farms is within walking distance of the Hutto Co-Op District, a 35-acre business, retail, entertainment and residential development.

Durango Farms also is near the newly opened Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, a  vacation destination that has a luxury spa, family entertainment centers, restaurants, convention facilities and a large indoor waterpark.