Lake Highlands: Why locals revere this unique area of North Texas — and where they go to enjoy it

 

Less than a mile from White Rock Lake, Dallas’ beloved centerpiece of natural beauty and outdoor activity, the community of Lake Highlands offers residents the benefits of a well-established neighborhood — think quiet streets lined with towering older trees — but a central location that makes it convenient for accessing all points in the city through several nearby highways and freeways. Many agents at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty specialize in this part of town and almost always have listings for any architectural taste — though, they all tend to sell quickly, with most homes on the market for about 12 days. If you are looking to relocate to a neighborhood with charm and friendly people, consider a look at the homes of Lake Highlands, available now in this unique area of East Dallas.

 

Home prices as of Summer 2023

The average list price of a home in Lake Highlands is hovering around $500,000 and $240 per square foot. Expect to pay 98 percent of a seller’s asking price in this desirable area.

 

Schools

One of the main reasons families love Lake Highlands is access to great elementary schools. The area is served by both White Rock Elementary and Moss Haven Elementary, both of which have impressive five-star ratings from SchoolDigger. Meanwhile, Lake Highlands Elementary, Merriman Park Elementary and other elementary schools rank four stars. High schools in the area don't fare quite as well, so many residents opt for private institutions for those grades.

 

Food and drink

Even though it's tucked away from high-traffic commercial areas, Lake Highlands affords locals quick access to some great neighborhood restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of nearby grocery stores, including Kroger, Tom Thumb, Aldi and Sprouts Farmers Market. Lake Highlands residents love to eat out, and you'll find many of them at El Vecino, Resident Taqueria and Mariano’s Hacienda (home to the world’s first frozen-margarita machine, pictured, now in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History), all seeking great Tex-Mex. Meanwhile, Shady’s Burgers, Cedar & Vine, BarNone and Lochland’s Food & Spirits offer diners both clever and straightforward takes on American fare. For a little happy-hour action or a fun time on a patio before or after a trip to the lake, Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House, La Caveua Vinoteque and District 9 Draught Haus all have you covered.

 

Shopping

Ever convenient, Lake Highlands isn’t too far from one of Dallas’ greatest shopping destinations, the art-filled NorthPark Center. But, closer to home, residents usually duck into one of two big-box Target stores located less than a mile from each other. And for local boutiques and smaller retailers, Lake Highlands Town Center and Casa Linda Plaza have plenty to offer.

 

Diversions

By now, you know that White Rock Lake is the biggest draw in the area. You can travel around the lake on miles of walking, jogging and cycling paths, or get out on the lake on The Spirit of Dallas (ideal at sunset) or on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Dallas Paddle. White Rock Lake also has a very popular dog park on Mockingbird Lane, with separate lakeside areas for both small and large breeds. TopGolf is also popular, for eating, drinking and testing your driving skills. Or, catch the latest release or a classic film at the dine-in Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands.

 

To explore the latest homes on the market in the Lake Highlands neighborhood and across Dallas, start your property search today. To learn more about Lake Highlands, read D Magazine’s neighborhood guide, here.

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