This post is shared in partnership with Zillow.
If you live in Dallas, why did you choose to live where you live? Was it next to work? Close to family? Close to fun? Economically sound? Known as a family friendly neighborhood?
My first neighborhood in the DFW area I lived close to because work was near. Then as I got older (and married), we chose a location that was easily accessible to all of DFW. However, once you have kids (or are looking to in the future), you look at where you live in a whole new way. You begin look at school offerings, how well they rate with the state, how much they cost, and of course, how competitive it is to get in. Then you look at park areas, extracurricular activity offerings and above all, safety.
For our family, this transition wasn’t easy. And unfortunately, the location of my home wasn’t as great anymore because my priorities changed. So for those parents relocating to DFW or are looking at moving to a better neighborhood, here’s three neighborhoods you should look for homes or shop for apartments in one of these family friendly Dallas neighborhoods, according to Zillow.
Families find an ideal community in the Lake Highlands neighborhood, just northeast of downtown Dallas. The community includes rolling hills, numerous trees and access to White Rock Creek trails that connect several city parks. Lake Highlands is in close proximity to business centers in Dallas, Plano and Richardson for working parents. Elementary-aged students have access to top-rated public schools within the neighborhood. GreatSchools rates White Rock Elementary (public, PK-6) a 10 out of 10 for above average test scores within the state of Texas. Lake Highlands also offers a great education at nine-rated Moss Haven Elementary (public, K-6).
$ 365,000 – Current Lake Highlands Listing at Zillow.com
The median list price for homes in Lake Highlands is $63,000, significantly less than national costs ($210,000) and Dallas city ($259,999) prices. Alternatively, the median monthly rent in Lake Highlands is $1,136, more expensive than national rents ($1,350) or the greater city of Dallas ($1,248). In Dallas, the costs of renting balance the costs of buying in a very short time period of 1.1 years. So, parents planning to settle in Dallas longer than 1.1 years should consider buying, based on the breakeven horizon.
Another family-friendly neighborhood for parents to consider is M Streets, north of downtown, but south of Lake Highlands. The M Streets community was established in the 1920s and maintains its charming character with sidewalks, mature trees and access to White Rock Lake. Parents appreciate extremely short commute times to the city. Education is highly rated in M Streets. William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted (public, 6-8) is ranked 10 and older students can attend Booker T. Washington HSPVA (public, 9-12) ranked nine. Just west of M Streets’ boarder is nine-ranked Sam Houston Elementary School (public, PK-5).
$339,000 – Current M-Streets Listing at Zillow.com
Home prices are rising in M Streets due to its community appeal. The median home list price is $374,900, higher than Lake Highlands, Dallas city and the U.S. Rents, too, are the steepest in M Streets at a median monthly price of $1,808.
Northwood Hills is the farthest north community in Dallas, also labeled Far North. The neighborhood is just west of Richardson, TX and conveniently located for residents to work in Richardson and Plano business centers and attend high-quality Richardson schools. Families in Northwood Hills have access to wide open spaces with large lot sizes and old oak trees, perfect for kids to play. The community expanded over several decades incorporating numerous architectural styles and a charming community. Two 10-ranked schools are Bowie Elementary School (public, PK-6) and Brentfield Elementary School (public, K-6). Several more top-ranked schools are within close proximity in Richardson.
$375,000 Current Northwood Hills Listing at Zillow.com.
Parents relocating to Northwood Hills pay more than other Dallas residents and nationwide homebuyers, but less than M Streets homeowners. Northwood Hills’ median home list price is $349,000. Median monthly rents are highest in Northwood Hills, $2,186, compared to the previously mentioned locations.
Selecting the best community to raise a family is complex, but Dallas offers many family-friendly, academically-impressive and environmentally-grounded neighborhoods for cheerful childhoods.
Information and data provided by Zillow.
What’s is the most important priority for where you live?
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The way you break down the factors in looking for a neighborhood to live in works no matter where you are moving. Thanks for reminding me of some of the most important things to consider.
This is a great resource for anyone making a move to Texas. I’ve visited Texas, and it’s a wonderful state.
It’s so funny that you posted this and I found it. My husband and I have been throwing around the idea of moving, and Texas is on the list.
Wish I had Zillow when I moved a few years ago. But I’ll be recommending it to my sister who’s moving to MA!
We’re at the point where within the next year we really have to start looking at where we live with regards to our son starting school. Of course, we want the best education and I’m not impressed with the schools around our current location. It may be getting closer to moving time than we expected.
I just love California!! no place on earth compares for me. Great lead for someone looking for that perfect living place.
Right now, for me great schools are a priority for me with an 8-year old on board.
We are looking into moving to Texas when our kids are a little older. This is great info.
I still have to visit Texas! I plan on checking out Austin. It’s good to know there are some great neighborhoods over there!
It really is crazy how much your priorities change after kids!! Looks like Dallas has some great family neighborhoods!
Dallas seems like a nice place to live. I have heard the weather is quite nice.
Those houses are beautiful! I would love to move south!
Sounds like nice places to live and raise a family. Unless my husband’s job moves him we are staying put in Florida.
Location to schools, parks, medical, shopping… even though I’d love to live “just outside” the city with more of a country-living feel. We have used Zillow for our “just browsing” and to see what houses in different areas were selling for/had sold for to get an idea on prices for the future.
I’ve only visited Texas once, but I have several friends who live there and love it. This is a great list!
We have thought about moving to Texas…thanks for this info about the neighborhoods.
We lived outside Dallas in Garland in ’92. It was a really nice area back then. I haven’t been there in at least 12-13 years. I’d love to go back at some point!
I have always thought about moving to Dallas. It is so pretty there. These look like great neighborhoods
Sound really promising! Texas is truly wonderful! Greets!
I’m so glad that I found your post – it is so well-written and informative! My husband is switching jobs and we’re moving to Dallas in a couple of months. Hope to be in a lovely neighborhood!
Crime is so bad in the areas listed. Everything has to be locked down with cement or chains. Forget walking in the beautiful neighborhoods (crime, loose dogs, etc). Some elementary schools are good if your avg home value is $800k or above (and even them register plenty early due to large refugee policies that fill the schools), but look to move for middle school.