Housing that helps communities keep the people they depend on

Upward partners with school districts and public employers to build high-quality, long-term housing that supports recruitment, retention, and strong communities.

SEE HOW UPWARD WORKS→

Rendering of a row of Upward homes with front porches, reflected in a pond at golden hour

Four Upward Communities and public partner principals turning the first soil with ceremonial shovels at the Wildflower Lockhart site

Rendering of a tree lined Upward street at golden hour, with two residents walking past front porches toward a neighborhood pavilion

MISSION DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

A network of mission-aligned partners

We are more than a real estate developer. We are a mission-driven community developer. Upward partners with non-profits to deliver long-term essential housing for the people who keep our schools, cities, counties running.

Meet our team →

By the numbers

100+Years of combined real estate experience

480Homes under construction

$200M+INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITIES

THE UPWARD DIFFERENCE

Workforce housing works. We built version 2.0.

01Privately Funded

Private capital from our non-profit partners funds every project — so we move faster and structure programs around your needs, without waiting on grants, bonds, or procurement cycles.

02Turnkey Delivery

From site design through construction to daily property management, we handle everything. Your team never has to become a real estate developer.

03Budget Neutral

Communities can be structured so all operating expenses are expected to be covered by resident rents — no ongoing financial burden on the employer, ever.

See how the model works →

Nine partners in hard hats lifting the first soil with ceremonial shovels at the Wildflower Lockhart groundbreaking

Everything you want from a neighborhood.

Thoughtfully designed homes, elevated amenities, and the space to live well every day.

Homes, not units

Private yards, porches, and entryways instead of shared hallways.

Everyday amenities

Pools, fitness, green space, and places to gather and unwind.

Designed to fit real households

Floor plans for singles, couples, and families across every stage.

SEE WHAT WE BUILD

Sunlit living room in an Upward home, with a vaulted ceiling, sofa, armchair and dining area beyond

Bathroom in an Upward home, with a double vanity, walk-in shower and an adjoining closet

Rendering of a tree lined Upward street at golden hour, with residents walking past front porches

Rendering of Upward homes across a pond, their porches and rooflines reflected in the water

WORDS FROM OUR PARTNERS

Research consistently shows that, among school-based factors, teacher quality is one of the most important drivers of student achievement. By expanding access to high-quality, attainable housing, weare investing directly in the people who shape our classrooms, strengthen our schools, and support thelong-term growth of our district.

Christina Courson

Chief Human Resources Officer, Hays CISD

Across Central Texas, housing costs have increased by roughly 40 percent over the past decade, making it increasingly difficult for educators and staff to live in the communities they serve. This partnership is about more than housing. It is about supporting our people, reducing long commutes, and strengthening our connection to the Lockhart community.

Dr. Mark Estrada

Superintendent, Lockhart ISD

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Community Impact

June 16, 2026

Hays CISD to provide affordable housing in effort to retain, recruit staff

Hays CISD moves ahead with attainable housing for district employees, delivered in partnership with Upward Communities.

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