Best Neighborhoods in Dallas for Relocating Families With Kids in Public School

The best Dallas neighborhoods for relocating families with kids in public school come down to three names: Highland Park, Lakewood, and Preston Hollow. Each pairs top-rated public schools with the kind of walkable, established neighborhood feel that out-of-state families often ask for first, though the right fit still depends on budget and commute.

Highland Park: The Top School District in DFW

Highland Park ISD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, and it carries the lowest school tax rate in the area at roughly $0.83 per $100 of assessed value. The district serves both Highland Park and University Park within the Park Cities, an area known for tree-lined streets, walkable retail, and some of the most sought-after home values in Dallas. Families relocating for a top public school district alone should put Highland Park at the top of the tour list.

Lakewood: In-City Living Near White Rock Lake

Lakewood sits against White Rock Lake about eight miles from downtown Dallas and offers a well-regarded slate of Dallas ISD schools alongside historic Tudor and Craftsman homes from the 1920s and 1930s. As of early 2026, the median sale price in Lakewood runs around $1.6 million. For families who want an in-city alternative to the suburbs, with walkability, mature tree canopy, and lake access built into daily life, Lakewood is consistently the neighborhood clients ask about first.

Preston Hollow: Space, Privacy, and Top Schools

Preston Hollow offers larger lots and more privacy than Lakewood or the Park Cities, with a mix of public and private school options and an easy commute to the Dallas business core. It's a strong fit for families who want more square footage and yard space without giving up school quality, and it consistently ranks among the neighborhoods relocating executive families ask for by name.

Deciding between the two in-city options? Read Lakewood vs. Preston Hollow: Which Dallas Neighborhood Is Better for Families? for a side-by-side on schools, prices, and lot sizes, or Lakewood vs. White Rock Lake if you're focused on East Dallas.

What If Your Budget Points to the Suburbs?

If in-town prices don't fit the budget, Plano, Frisco, and McKinney each carry highly rated school districts, master-planned amenities, and commute times that are often shorter than what a relocating California or New York family expects. The trade-off is straightforward: more house and newer construction in the suburbs, more walkability and shorter commutes in-town.

For suburb-by-suburb detail, see the Plano relocation guide, the Frisco relocation guide, the McKinney relocation guide, and Plano vs. Frisco. Buying your first home here? Start with the best Dallas neighborhoods for first-time buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school district near Dallas for relocating families?
Highland Park ISD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in DFW and carries the lowest school tax rate in the metro, making it the most requested district among relocating families who prioritize schools above all else.

Is Lakewood or Highland Park better for families?
Both offer strong schools. Highland Park has its own top-rated ISD and lower school taxes; Lakewood offers Dallas ISD schools, White Rock Lake access, and a lower price point than the Park Cities in many cases.

What Dallas neighborhoods should I tour first as a relocating family?
Highland Park, Lakewood, and Preston Hollow are the three most requested in-town neighborhoods for relocating families prioritizing public schools, with Plano, Frisco, and McKinney as the top suburban alternatives.

"Super friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone looking to buy/sell a house." — Josh Knight, East Dallas/White Rock Hills

I'm Lacey Brutschy, a Dallas-Fort Worth Realtor licensed since 2010, closing 50-60 transactions a year with more than $400 million in career sales. I'm consistently ranked in the top 1% of U.S. real estate agents by The Wall Street Journal and RealTrends and named a Top 100 Dallas-Fort Worth Realtor by Real Producers. I specialize in relocating corporate and executive families into homes between $800K and $2M, with a focus on schools, commute times, and neighborhood fit. If you're relocating and want a real tour plan built around your kids' schools, reach out and let's talk.