Lake Highlands, Dallas: A Relocation Guide to Homes, Schools, and Trails

Lake Highlands is a large neighborhood in Northeast Dallas, just north of White Rock Lake. It's inside Dallas city limits, but most of it is served by Richardson ISD instead of Dallas ISD. That one detail is why so many relocating buyers end up asking me about it.

It covers most of the northeast corner of the city, bordered by Richardson and Garland to the north and east, White Rock Lake and East Dallas to the south, and Lakewood and North Dallas to the west.

Why do relocating buyers look at Lake Highlands?

Buyers usually come to Lake Highlands for three reasons:

• The school district. Most of the neighborhood is served by Richardson ISD, including Lake Highlands High School. Always confirm the attendance zone for the specific address.
• The outdoors. White Rock Lake sits on the south edge, with a lakeside trail of more than nine miles and the Dallas Arboretum on its eastern shore. The area has hundreds of acres of parkland and miles of trails.
• Getting around. The DART Blue Line runs through the neighborhood, with stations at White Rock, Lake Highlands, and LBJ/Skillman, and I-635 crosses its northern half.

What kind of homes are in Lake Highlands?

Most of Lake Highlands was built in the second half of the 20th century, so you'll see a lot of mid-century ranches and 1970s and 1980s traditional homes on generous lots. Many have been updated or rebuilt. Near Lake Highlands Town Center you'll find newer townhomes and apartments.

Compared with Lakewood to the south, homes here are generally newer, lots tend to be larger, and your budget can stretch further. Compared with the northern suburbs, you're closer to Downtown and still inside the city.

What should buyers watch for?

1. School zones split by street. Some addresses near the edges fall into Dallas ISD. Verify each address before you fall for a house.
2. Updates vary widely. Two houses built the same year on the same street can be very different inside. Budget for the age of the systems, not just the finishes.
3. Foundations matter. North Texas clay soil moves, so a foundation evaluation is worth adding to any inspection here.
4. It's a big area. The feel near the lake is different from the feel near I-635. Tour both ends before you narrow down.

Is Lake Highlands right for you?

If you want a Dallas address, a yard, access to the lake trails, and Richardson ISD schools, Lake Highlands belongs on your shortlist. If walking to restaurants matters most, Lakewood or Lower Greenville will probably fit you better. Many of my clients tour both on the same day, and the right choice usually becomes clear quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What school district serves Lake Highlands in Dallas?

Most of Lake Highlands is served by Richardson ISD, including Lake Highlands High School, even though the neighborhood is inside Dallas city limits. Some addresses fall into Dallas ISD, so always confirm the attendance zone for a specific home.

Is Lake Highlands near White Rock Lake?

Yes. White Rock Lake forms the southern edge of Lake Highlands. Its lakeside trail runs more than nine miles, and the Dallas Arboretum sits on the east shore.

Does DART serve Lake Highlands?

Yes. The DART Blue Line has stations at White Rock, Lake Highlands, and LBJ/Skillman.

Comparing Lake Highlands with Lakewood or the suburbs? I'll map it out against your commute and school priorities. Reach me at (214) 642-2510 or lacey@theadvisoryteamdallas.com. — Lacey