LIttle Elm water tower
LIttle Elm water tower
Little Elm, Texas, is a lakeside gem that has rapidly grown from a small town into a thriving suburban community. Located in Denton County, about 40 miles north of Dallas, Little Elm offers a unique blend of suburban living with a laid-back, waterfront vibe. Its growth has been nothing short of impressive, and today, it stands as one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas.

Little Elm Housing Market

In July 2024, Little Elm home prices were down 12.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $439K. On average, homes in Little Elm sell after 38 days on the market compared to 33 days last year. There were 63 homes sold in July this year, up from 57 last year.

Little Elm’s real estate market has been booming, driven by the town’s rapid population growth and the demand for affordable housing in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The town offers a variety of housing options, from affordable starter homes to more upscale properties in master-planned communities. Homebuyers are drawn to Little Elm for its more affordable prices compared to neighboring cities like Frisco and McKinney, while still enjoying a high quality of life.

Many of the newer developments in Little Elm are located near Lake Lewisville, offering residents beautiful lake views and easy access to water-based recreational activities. These developments often feature amenities like parks, community pools, and walking trails, making them particularly attractive to families. The town’s real estate market has been stable, with home values appreciating steadily, making Little Elm an appealing option for both homebuyers and investors.

Price Drops in Little Elm as reported by Flyhomes.com
Price Drops As Reported by Flyhomes - Please click picture to visit Flyhomes.com
Home in Little Elm
Census Little Elm
Census Little Elm - Click Picture To Visit Data.Census.Gov

Industry and Economic Landscape

Little Elm’s economy has grown alongside its population, though it remains more residential than industrial. The town’s proximity to larger employment hubs like Frisco, Plano, and Dallas makes it an attractive place for commuters who work in these cities but prefer the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere of a smaller town. While Little Elm doesn’t have a large industrial base, it has a thriving local economy supported by retail, dining, and service industries.

The town is also seeing growth in small businesses and locally-owned shops that cater to the needs of its growing population. The commercial areas along FM 423 and U.S. Route 380 have expanded significantly, offering residents a variety of shopping and dining options. This growth has provided local job opportunities and contributed to the town’s economic stability.

Home Maintenance During Affordability Crisis

Bob Vila has always emphasized the importance of regular home maintenance in preserving the value and integrity of your property. Just like a car needs routine check-ups to run smoothly, your home requires consistent care to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Prioritize these three maintenance tasks:

  • Roof Inspections and Repairs: A small leak can quickly turn into a major issue, leading to water damage, mold, and structural problems. Annual inspections and minor repairs typically cost between $150 to $400, while a full roof replacement can range from $5,000 to $10,000.
  • HVAC System Maintenance: Regular servicing of your heating and cooling system can prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency. A yearly maintenance check costs about $100 to $200, whereas replacing a failed system could set you back $4,000 to $7,000.
  • Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation problems, and even basement flooding. Cleaning gutters typically costs around $100 to $250, but neglecting this task could result in repairs that easily exceed $1,000.

Top Ten Expensive Home Repairs

List of referrals coming soon!

In celebrity news, Bob Vila, America’s Favorite Handyman, Asks $52.9 Million For Waterfront Florida Home. Self-described “preservationists” when it comes to real estate, Vila said they spent about a year renovating, but intentionally retained the flow and many original details. “Our goal was to keep it feeling very old Florida,” Barrett said. Read more at Mansion Global.

Little Elm Dallas - Things To Do

Tourist Attractions

Little Elm has the distinction of being the town in the DFW Metroplex that contains the most miles of shoreline,so of course, many of the most popular things to do in Little Elm, TX involve the local lake, Lake Lewisville

This expansive park offers a sandy beach, boat ramps, picnic areas, and volleyball courts, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. For the 21 and over crowd,Fortunata Winery is a thing to do near Little Elm when the weather is nice. Walk the grounds, sample the wine, munch on the wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards, and enjoy the live music and beautiful ambiance.

Johnny Broyles Nature Trail, which winds through wooded areas along the lake’s shoreline. Experience this 2.7-mile loop trail near Little Elm, Texas. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, mountain biking, and road biking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

But Little Elm has more to offer than just its natural beauty. The town has a vibrant community life, with a calendar full of events and activities. Autumn Fest is back in Little Elm Park September 12-15 with a weekend full of fun for the whole family! There will be a carnival complete with rides and games, live music, food trucks, and additional activities for kids of all ages.

Local Secrets

Little Elm is full of little surprises that make it unique. Did you know that Little Elm was once a stop on the Chisholm Trail? The Chisholm Trail was the major route out of Texas for livestock. Although it was used only from 1867 to 1884, thelonghorn cattledriven north along it provided a steady source of income that helped the impoverished state recover from theCivil War. Youthful trail hands onmustangsgave a Texas flavor to the entire range cattle industry of the Great Plains and made the cowboy an enduring folk hero. While the town has evolved significantly since those days, its history as part of the Old West is still remembered and celebrated by the community.

Another local secret is the Little Elm Craft House, a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. This cozy spot offers a rotating selection of craft beers, including many from local Texas breweries, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the company of friends.

Resources

Little Elm Animal Services (Lost and Found). If your pet is missing or if you have located an animal that is not yours, please complete alost or foundreport. Once this form is submitted, Animal Services is notified during regular business hours. By submitting your information on this form, you agree that your information may be given out to potential owners/finders.

Little Elm Park
Little Elm Park