For many Fort Worth families, the idea of buying a home feels out of reach. High rents make it difficult to save for a down payment, while rising purchase prices are pushing many would-be buyers out of the market. Now, a new development in south Fort Worth aims to make homeownership more attainable.
Carroll Park, a 15-acre planned neighborhood in the Rosemont area, is the first major project of the Fort Worth Community Land Trust (FWCLT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring attainable homeownership. When completed in 2029, Carroll Park will include an estimated 200 one-to three-bedroom homes, all priced for affordability starting at $135,000.
Created by Fort Worth Community Land Trust and developed by the Fort Worth-based nonprofit Housing Channel with support from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Carroll Park represents a new way to tackle Fort Worth’s housing affordability crisis. Last month, FWCLT opened the first Carroll Park model home at 4092 Merida Avenue, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in the new neighborhood.
“The opening of the model home marks a milestone for the Fort Worth Community Land Trust,” said Becky Gligo, the organization’s executive director. “This is more than just a house — it represents a long-term investment in housing stability, community connection, and generational wealth-building for families in Fort Worth. We are proud to demonstrate how community land trusts can keep homes permanently affordable while creating opportunities for homeownership that will last for generations.”
How Carroll Park works
Unlike traditional home purchases, a community land trust retains ownership of the land while families buy the homes built on it. Homeowners sign a 99-year renewable ground lease—in this case just $37.50 per month—while their mortgage covers the structure. Removing the cost of land from the purchase keeps sales prices and property taxes lower. A resale formula ensures homes remain attainable for future buyers, protecting affordability for generations.
Carroll Park is the first land trust neighborhood in Fort Worth, designated by City Council in 2024. The model, used successfully in other cities, combines stability with opportunity: homeowners build equity, while the land trust preserves affordability.
“Carroll Park is an important new tool for Fort Worth to create affordable homeownership opportunities for working families who have been left out of the real estate market,” said Donna VanNess, President of Housing Channel. “Rising home prices have pushed many families out of the market, and at the same time, high rents are consuming more than 35 percent of household income, leaving little room to save for a down payment. Carroll Park’s price point, combined with available down payment assistance, helps remove both of these barriers and makes homeownership attainable.”
Who qualifies
Carroll Park homes are offered to buyers with household incomes between 60–120 percent of the area median income (AMI). For example, a family of four earning between $64,000 and $128,000 would be eligible. Households in the 60–80 percent AMI range (about $64,000-$85,000 for a family of four) may also qualify for up to $25,000 in down payment assistance from the City of Fort Worth.
To qualify, prospective buyers must attend an information session and complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course through Housing Channel or another FWCLT partner organization.
Upcoming Open House and Information Session events:
While the first Carroll Park homes won’t be available until later this year, FWCLT is encouraging prospective buyers to begin preparing now. October events will give families a chance to see the model home, learn about eligibility, and take the first steps toward homeownership.
Open House Events
● Wed., Oct. 8 | 4:30–6 p.m.
● Sat., Oct. 18 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Model home address: 4092 Merida Avenue, Fort Worth
Zoom Information Sessions
● Tues., Oct. 7 | 10 a.m.
