Bartonville, Copper Canyon and Argyle are three small Denton County towns north of DFW International Airport where buyers find estate homes on acreage, room for horses and a more rural pace within reach of the metroplex. Bartonville has the highest home values of the three in Census-based data: its median property value was $932,700 in 2024, compared with $695,300 in Argyle, according to Data USA's analysis of American Community Survey figures. Copper Canyon is the smallest and quietest of the three. The right choice depends on lot size, school district, commute and how much land you actually want to maintain.
At The Agency Dallas, our agents help buyers and sellers with homes, acreage and ranch property across North Texas. This guide compares the three towns and covers what to check before buying land-heavy property here.
Where are Bartonville, Copper Canyon and Argyle?
All three sit in southern Denton County, north and northwest of Flower Mound and Highland Village, roughly between Interstate 35W and Interstate 35E. They grew as part of development north of DFW Airport, and they border master-planned communities such as Lantana, which is unincorporated.
- Bartonville was incorporated in its current form in 1973 and had 1,725 residents in the 2020 Census.
- Argyle is the largest of the three, with about 5,371 residents in 2024 per Data USA.
- Copper Canyon is a small town east of Bartonville, near Highland Village and Lewisville Lake.
How do the three towns compare?
Each town has a slightly different feel. Broadly:
- Bartonville. Known for estate homes on larger lots and an equestrian-friendly setting. Its 2024 median property value of $932,700 (Data USA) is among the highest in the area. Schools are split: the east and south portions are served by Denton ISD and the northwest by Argyle ISD.
- Argyle. A mix of acreage estates, newer subdivisions and a growing town center. Data USA reports a 2024 median property value of $695,300, up 11.4 percent from 2023. Argyle ISD serves most of the town.
- Copper Canyon. A small, mostly residential town with larger lots and fewer homes for sale at any time. Inventory is thin, so buyers who want it often wait for the right property.
School district boundaries do not follow town lines neatly in this part of Denton County. Always confirm the district for a specific address before you buy.
What should I check before buying acreage here?
Acreage estates come with questions that a typical suburban purchase does not. Before making an offer, look at:
- Survey and boundaries. Order a current survey and compare it with fences and improvements.
- Easements and access. Utility, pipeline and access easements can limit where you build barns or arenas. See fencing, easement and access issues to check before buying Texas land.
- Water and septic. Some properties use wells and septic systems. Inspect both and check permits.
- Zoning and deed restrictions. Town zoning and subdivision restrictions can control lot splits, outbuildings and livestock.
- Agricultural valuation. If the seller has an agricultural or wildlife valuation, understand what it takes to keep it and what rollback taxes could apply if you change the use.
- Horse facilities. Barns, arenas and fencing need their own inspection. Our guide on moving to Texas with horses covers what to look for.
How much land do I actually need?
Many buyers overestimate the acreage they want and underestimate the upkeep. A few guidelines:
- One to two acres gives privacy and room for a pool and outdoor living without much maintenance.
- Three to five acres can support a small barn and a few horses with good pasture management.
- More than five acres starts to behave like a small ranch, with fencing, mowing and water management to match.
For buyers new to land, our first-time buyer's guide to rural acreage in North Texas walks through the process.
How are acreage estates priced?
Acreage estates are harder to price than suburban homes because no two properties have the same land, improvements and setting. A sound valuation separates land value from the house and outbuildings, compares closed sales of similar acreage nearby and accounts for road frontage, topography, trees and water. Town-level medians like the Data USA figures are a starting point, not a price for a specific property. See our Denton County housing market report for current conditions.
What does daily life look like in these towns?
Daily life in Bartonville, Copper Canyon and Argyle is quieter than in the larger suburbs. Shopping, dining and medical offices are mostly a short drive away in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lantana and Denton rather than inside the towns themselves. Many residents value that tradeoff: darker skies, less traffic and room for gardens, animals and outdoor projects. Buyers should plan for practical details such as longer drives for errands, private road or driveway upkeep on larger tracts, and the time it takes to maintain pasture, fencing and outbuildings. Visiting at different times of day helps buyers judge noise, traffic and the feel of each road.
How The Agency Dallas helps with acreage estates
The Agency Dallas is an independently owned North Texas luxury brokerage with a dedicated Land and Ranch division, so our agents work with homes and acreage under one roof. For buyers, that means help evaluating land, water and improvements as well as the house. For sellers, it means pricing that reflects both the estate home and the land it sits on, and marketing that reaches buyers relocating from other states as well as local move-up buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more expensive, Bartonville or Argyle?
Bartonville has the higher median in Census-based data. Data USA reports a 2024 median property value of $932,700 for Bartonville and $695,300 for Argyle. Individual properties vary widely with acreage, improvements and location, so a property-specific valuation matters more than town averages when you are buying or selling.
What school districts serve Bartonville?
Bartonville is split between districts. The east and south portions are served by Denton ISD, and the northwest is served by Argyle ISD. Because boundaries in southern Denton County do not follow town lines, confirm the district for any specific address with the district itself before buying.
Can I keep horses in Bartonville, Copper Canyon or Argyle?
Many properties in all three towns can accommodate horses, but it depends on lot size, town zoning and any subdivision deed restrictions. Check the town's ordinances and the property's restrictions before you buy, and have barns, fencing and pasture inspected along with the house.
Are these towns close to DFW Airport?
Yes. All three are in southern Denton County north of DFW International Airport, and they grew partly because of that access. Drive times vary by location and traffic, so buyers who commute or travel often should test the drive at the times they would actually use it.
What should I inspect on an acreage estate?
Beyond the house, inspect the well and septic system if present, barns and outbuildings, fencing, drainage and any ponds. Order a current survey, review easements and deed restrictions, and confirm whether an agricultural valuation is in place and what would trigger rollback taxes.
Sources: Data USA, Bartonville, TX and Argyle, TX profiles (2024 American Community Survey data); Wikipedia, Bartonville, Texas (2020 Census population). Accessed October 30, 2026.
