Branch Crossing in Farmers Branch: Walk Right On Over to the Farm Stand

There are many reasons why Hoebeke Properties LLC selected Branch Crossing in Farmers Branch to develop Hoebeke’s homestead plus four additional development lots, but proximity to community amenities was chief among them! 

“Start with an old estate on a beautiful creek surrounded by Farmers Branch’s Historical Park, add a bird sanctuary, rose gardens, a four-acre park complete with interactive children’s playground, and million dollar homes right down the street, bingo,” says Bob Hoebeke, “that’s Branch Crossing.”

Branch Crossing in Farmers Branch is the hottest neighborhood of this sleepy community that borders Dallas just north of LBJ/635 off Marsh Lane. It comprises a pocket of post World War II homes that are quickly changing hands, many torn down outright, thanks to the City’s incredible builder/developer economic incentives. Yes, while other municipalities underwrite businesses, Farmers Branch underwrites homeowners — stay tuned!

Homes in the area have enjoyed the rising tide of real estate values across DFW and are now touching the $900,000 mark, for many reasons.

There are abundant natural resources: trees, vegetation and water. But best of all, the area is totally walkable to amazing amenities incentivized by the city of Farmers Branch in the last few years. The weekend Farmers Market in the Grove at Mustang Crossing, and the Farmers Branch Twilight Market now come complete with live entertainment, and a high-end grocery store servicing the needs of the immediate community is coming soon. All of this excitement is happening just on the other side of Rawhide Creek!

If you are from Dallas, this is not the Farmers Branch your parents and grandparents knew. Farmers Branch was settled in 1842 by Thomas Keenan and his wife, Sarah, and so named because of the rich soil and flourishing crops. Between 1845 and 1850, it was the best-known of all of the Texas settlements and Indian raids were common. In 1946, the population was only 800. Today, it is 33,000 plus.

“Nestled under a canopy of Post Oak trees, the Grove at Mustang Crossing is home to the Farmers Branch Twilight Market and various special events throughout the year,” says Allison Cook, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Farmers Branch. “With it’s close proximity to the Farmers Branch DART Station and I-35, it’s easily accessible by car or light rail. The area is even outfitted with restrooms and a kids play area.”

Here, too, are rich housing price points and living options, from the Vintage Townhomes, K Hovnanian homes starting at about $400,000, and the Mustang Apartments on DART’s green line.

And there is the huge Dr Pepper StarCenter Farmers Branch, home to the Dallas Stars Alumni Center and Texas Hockey History Center, built on the former Word of Faith Family Church. Renovation at the 80,000 square foot facility built in 2003 is nearly finished with upgrades to the exterior, lobby and rink viewing areas. 

And starting this holiday season, the City of Farmers Branch and the Dallas StarCenter will partner to bring a seasonal outdoor skating rink to the area. That’s right, a neighborhood ice skating rink! Coming soon, actually under construction, are an Urban Village restaurant park and Cox Farms Market opening in fall of 2019. There is even community theater: across Valley View is the Firehouse Theater, a step up from community theater in old firehouse station will offer great performances and entertainment.

“This is all within walking distance of our home,” says Bob Hoebeke, who analyzed the area for years prior to his move. “The city of Farmers Branch has been very smart about growth and bringing in amenities to draw families.”

A little over ten years ago, he says, Farmers Branch created incentives for the re-development of pocket areas such as Branch Crossing. House by house, builders and developers have created new streetscapes, replacing post World War II homes on 60-foot wide lots with fresh new neighborhoods of larger, more modern homes, often on larger lots like those Hoebeke has developed in that neighborhood. 

“Hoebeke Properties LLC and other community builders have created a vision with the highly progressive Farmers Branch City Council, which encourages community growth and re-development,” says Bob Hoebeke. “It’s the natural by-product of Farmers Branch’s exceptional location at LBJ and I-35, so close to Dallas amenities, while actually living in a smaller, safer community.

Allison points out that while the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD is a good school system, the community is close enough to North Dallas private schools to make school commutes as easy as, say, from Preston Hollow. And with the tremendous growth taking place in Frisco, it’s easy to steer north.

While the area is only 13 minutes to D/FW Airport, 12 minutes to Love Field, and all of ten minutes to the Dallas Galleria and and points north, Bob Hoebeke says it was the peaceful, small town feel that first engaged him and his wife, Molly. 

“It’s all about outdoor living, porch swinging, and connecting with friends and neighbors,” he says. “Fishing in the creek, walking or jogging on the gorgeous trails and enjoying life with everything you need in the community at your fingertips!”