Ultimate Guide to McLendon-Chisholm TX Living: Sonoma Verde & The Terraces in Rockwall

Scott Baxter • September 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

Rockwall's Top Neighborhoods are gaining momentum for a reason: outstanding schools under Rockwall ISD, big-lot living, and master-planned amenities that actually get used. If you’re relocating to Dallas and want the space of the suburbs without losing access to city conveniences, this breakdown of McLendon-Chisholm’s Sonoma Verde and The Terraces in northern Rockwall explains why these areas are worth a hard look.

Wide aerial view of a model home and neighborhood street illustrating lot size and curb appeal

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Why McLendon-Chisholm and Sonoma Verde Stand Out in Rockwall

Sonoma Verde, inside the McLendon-Chisholm area, offers a rare combination: large yards, community-scale amenities, and placement inside Rockwall ISD. That matters. Families get the same school district advantages as homes closer to town, while enjoying a quieter setting and developing commercial options nearby.

The neighborhood layout prioritizes active living: basketball, tennis, volleyball courts, and playgrounds sit within easy walking distance of many lots. There’s an amenity center with a pool that looks over a lake, sports fields, fishing ponds, and trail systems that knit the community together. For buyers who want a neighborhood where kids can roam and neighbors actually meet, this setup is exactly why Sonoma Verde is rising on buyers’ lists.

Phase 5 Green Belt Lots and Opportunities in Rockwall

Perry Homes is re-entering the area in Phase 5, and these lots are the ones to watch. Phase 5 includes generous widths — many lots are at least 70 feet, some stretch to 90 feet, and several sit on green belt backs. Green belt lots mean more open space behind you, privacy, and often better long-term views as the neighborhood matures.

Somerset Park, a nearby phase, closed with 80-foot wide lots. The Phase 5 offering gives you similar scale at competitive pricing compared with many Dallas-area options. If you want a wide yard and a large home footprint, these lots are built for it.

Perry Homes at The Terraces in Northern Rockwall: What to Expect

The Terraces, up in northern Rockwall, has finished its amenities and the pool overlooks a lake — a seriously attractive sight when you want your backyard to feel like a weekend escape. Perry Homes and other reputable builders like David Weekley anchor quality homebuilding here, and model homes give you a direct sense of finish levels and layout options.

Expect well-considered floor plans that favor family function: dedicated office or study space, multiple kids’ bedrooms with en suite baths, oversized kitchens, and game/movie-room combos upstairs. Perry’s focus on classic one-story designs and large two-story plans gives buyers real choices based on lifestyle rather than price alone.

Plan 4336: Two-Story Layout That Works for Rockwall Families

Plan 4336 is one of the standout two-story plans available now. At 4,336 square feet it balances generous living areas with private upstairs bedrooms. The footprint emphasizes an open main floor with structural beams, vaulted ceilings, a large kitchen anchored by a waterfall island, double ovens, a six-burner gas range, and an enormous walk-in food pantry.

Practical features that buyers love:

  • Office on the main level — perfect for remote work or a homework station.
  • Guest or in-law suite downstairs with a private bathroom.
  • Large primary suite with freestanding tub, dual vanities, and sizeable his-and-hers closets.
  • Ample outdoor access from the family room to the backyard for entertaining.

On pricing: homes like this in the area are often listed around the mid-to-high six-figure mark into a million-dollar neighborhood, depending on lot position, upgrades, and finish selections. For buyers chasing scale and a polished builder finish, this is a compelling value compared with similar product in closer-in suburbs.

Plan 3433: One-Story Luxury Without Compromise in Rockwall

One-story living remains Perry Homes’ specialty, and Plan 3433 is a perfect example: 3,433 square feet of single-level elegance. The layout is engineered for flow, effortless entertaining, and long-term accessibility. A large, resort-style primary suite, multi-use living spaces, and generous storage make it practical and luxurious.

Why one-story matters:

  • Ease of living now and as years go by — no stairs for everyday life.
  • Open sight lines for families — you can see the kitchen, living room, and outdoor area in a glance.
  • High resale appeal in family-heavy neighborhoods and among downsizers who still want lots of space.

Plan 4891: The Big Two-Story for Families Who Want It All in Rockwall

When scale is the goal, Plan 4891 delivers. Nearly 5,000 square feet and configured for five bedrooms with multiple living zones, this plan is for families with space-hungry lifestyles: hobby rooms, a dedicated media room, upstairs game areas, and plenty of closets. Even unfinished, the volume of space is obvious — and that’s often a selling point for customizations like a large back patio or pool.

Think of Plan 4891 as a blank canvas for big-family living or multi-generational households. The upstairs bonus areas are large enough to function as semi-independent living suites for older kids or extended family, while the main floor hosts the classic family hub: kitchen, dining, and a primary suite with private flow to the backyard.

How to Build with Perry Homes in Rockwall

Building with a large production builder like Perry Homes in these neighborhoods is straightforward if you know the steps and the local market levers:

  1. Pick your lot first. Lot selection impacts price more than most buyers realize: green belt backs, corner lots, and orientation for shade matter.
  2. Choose a floor plan that fits your daily routine. Consider whether you need a main-level guest suite, an office, or dedicated media/game rooms upstairs.
  3. Understand upgrades and allowances. Model homes show the high-end finishes, but there’s a difference between base plans and the full model build.
  4. Use a buyer’s agent. You do not pay extra to use an agent on a builder contract. An agent familiar with Rockwall's Top Neighborhoods can guide lot selection, negotiate upgrades, and protect you through the closing process. Call or text me at 945.244.0342.
  5. Plan the timing. Lot release phases and model availability change; being in the loop on Phase 5 timing can mean better selections and incentives.

Pricing Snapshot and Value in McLendon-Chisholm and Rockwall

Here’s a practical snapshot of pricing to ground expectations:

  • Smaller models and some quick-move-in homes in the neighborhood start in the high $600,000s to $700,000s for ~3,500 square feet when listed in earlier phases like Somerset Park.
  • Two-story plans like the 4336 typically place in the mid-six-figure to million-dollar range depending on lot and options.
  • Larger, near-5,000-square-foot plans such as the 4891 will push higher, particularly with premium lots and extensive upgrades.

Value comes from matching the plan to the lot — a green belt lot with a larger plan often delivers more usable outdoor space and a better long-term return than squeezing the same plan onto a narrow lot.

Living in Rockwall: Lifestyle and Commute

These neighborhoods sit roughly 10 to 15 minutes from several commercial nodes, wineries nearby, and major thoroughfares that connect you to the broader Dallas area. Living here feels like the country with city access. Lake Ray Hubbard and local parks are close enough to make boating, fishing, and weekend outdoor life an easy part of your routine.

If you’re relocating to Dallas and want a quieter pace with school quality and long-term upside, Rockwall ISD neighborhoods like Sonoma Verde and The Terraces offer a compelling balance.

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Quick Checklist for Homebuyers in McLendon-Chisholm and Rockwall

  • Confirm school boundaries — Rockwall ISD attendance can be a primary driver of value.
  • Prioritize lot type — green belt, corner, or lake-facing lots influence lifestyle and resale.
  • Ask for move-in timelines — model homes often showcase finished options that aren’t included in base prices.
  • Bring an agent — you are not charged for representation; an agent can negotiate upgrades and advise on pricing. 
  • Walk the neighborhood — check trails, amenity proximity, and how finished the community feels.

FAQs

Which neighborhoods are considered part of Rockwall's top neighborhoods right now?

Sonoma Verde in McLendon-Chisholm and The Terraces in northern Rockwall are two of the top neighborhoods highlighted for 2025. Both offer large lots, strong Rockwall ISD schools, and extensive community amenities.

What makes Phase 5 lots special?

Phase 5 includes wider lots (70 to 90 feet), green belt backs, and room for larger home plans. These lot types provide more backyard space, privacy, and better siting possibilities for pools and outdoor living.

Are Perry Homes a good builder for families?

Perry Homes is known for one-story designs and family-focused two-story plans. They offer layouts with multiple en suite bedrooms, dedicated offices, and functional kitchens. For buyers prioritizing scale and finishes, Perry is a strong option.

How should I approach negotiation on a new build?

Work with an agent who knows local builder incentives and lot pricing. Agents can negotiate upgrades, identify included allowances, and help structure price or upgrade packages that align with your budget. Do not assume the builder’s initial price is final.

Is one-story living better for resale in Rockwall?

One-story homes have broad appeal, especially among downsizers and families with young children or mobility concerns. In Rockwall neighborhoods where lot sizes are generous, well-designed one-story homes often hold value well.

How do I get notified about lot releases and model homes?

Stay on builder and neighborhood mailing lists, follow local real estate agents who specialize in Rockwall's Top Neighborhoods, and visit community amenity centers where model home information is typically posted. Being proactive during lot release windows is essential for the best selections.

Final Notes on Buying a Home in Rockwall TX

If you’re relocating to Dallas and want family-friendly, amenity-rich neighborhoods with large yards, Rockwall’s Top Neighborhoods—particularly Sonoma Verde and The Terraces—offer a strong blend of lifestyle and value. Choosing the right plan and lot matters: Perry Homes’ popular options (the single‑level 3433, the balanced two‑story 4336, and the expansive 4891) let you match scale and layout to your needs while preserving resale potential.

When it’s time to move forward, lean on local market expertise for lot selection and to negotiate upgrades—this streamlines the building process, often saves money, and helps you secure the best positioning for long‑term value. These neighborhoods aren’t just a trend; they’re communities people choose to stay in.

Ready to take the next step? Call or text 945.244.0342 to schedule a tour or get personalized lot and upgrade advice to start the conversation.

READ MORE: McLendon-Chisholm TX Real Estate: Discover Toll Brothers' Henson Model on Acre Lots

scott baxter

Local Realtor. Builder Expert. Relocation Pro.


Based in Rockwall, Scott helps buyers and families navigate new construction and relocation across the Dallas metro — with straightforward advice, real video tours, and unmatched builder insight.

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