Lakewood, Dallas: A Relocation Guide to Homes, Schools, and Lifestyle

Lakewood is one of Dallas's most sought-after in-city neighborhoods for relocating families, known for its 1920s-30s Tudor and Craftsman homes, tree-lined streets along White Rock Lake, and strong Dallas ISD elementary schools. Median home prices run around $1.6 million, with smaller bungalows starting closer to $700,000-$900,000.

What Makes Lakewood, Dallas Different?

Lakewood sits just east of White Rock Lake, about 10 minutes from downtown Dallas. Unlike the newer master-planned suburbs, Lakewood is an established, walkable neighborhood built mostly between the 1920s and 1940s. Families relocating from cities like Chicago, San Francisco, or Seattle often find Lakewood's mix of historic architecture, mature trees, and urban proximity closer to what they're used to than the newer construction found farther north in Collin County.

The neighborhood centers around the Lakewood Shopping Center, Whole Foods, and a strip of local restaurants and shops on Gaston Avenue and Abrams Road, along with quick access to the Santa Fe Trail for running and cycling around White Rock Lake.

What Are Lakewood Home Prices and Architecture Like?

Lakewood's housing stock is dominated by Tudor, Spanish Colonial, and Craftsman homes built in the 1920s and 1930s, many updated with modern kitchens and additions. As of 2026, the median sale price in Lakewood is around $1.6 million, though smaller original bungalows can still be found in the $700,000-$900,000 range depending on lot size and condition. Larger homes near the lake and in the Lakewood Country Club area regularly trade above $2 million.

Because most homes were built before modern zoning, lot sizes and floor plans vary block to block, which is why touring in person with a relocation-focused agent matters more here than in newer, more uniform suburbs.

What Schools Serve Lakewood Families?

Lakewood is zoned to Dallas ISD, with several sought-after elementary schools in the area, including options with strong parent-teacher association support and active magnet transfer programs. Many Lakewood families also transfer into DISD's magnet and talented-and-gifted programs, or supplement with nearby private schools such as St. Thomas Aquinas and Lakehill Preparatory School.

What Is Life Like Near White Rock Lake?

White Rock Lake anchors daily life in Lakewood. Residents run, bike, and paddleboard on the 9-mile trail loop, and the Dallas Arboretum sits at the lake's southern edge. Lakewood also hosts a walkable stretch of restaurants, coffee shops, and the historic Lakewood Theater, giving relocating families an urban, amenity-rich lifestyle without leaving a residential neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lakewood, Dallas a good place to raise a family?
Yes. Lakewood combines strong Dallas ISD elementary options, walkable amenities, and access to White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum, making it one of the most popular in-city neighborhoods for relocating families who want an urban lifestyle with a residential feel.

How much does a home in Lakewood, Dallas cost?
As of 2026, the median home price in Lakewood is around $1.6 million, with smaller bungalows starting near $700,000-$900,000 and larger homes near the lake trading above $2 million.

Is Lakewood or Highland Park a better fit for relocating families?
Highland Park offers the top-ranked school district in DFW at a higher price point, while Lakewood offers more architectural variety, a slightly lower entry price, and a more eclectic, walkable lifestyle near White Rock Lake.

"I'd describe her to a friend as working with your best friend, except she's the consummate professional and always goes that extra mile for her clients." — Shane Wallin

Lacey Brutschy has been licensed in Dallas-Fort Worth since 2010 and has closed more than $100 million in career residential sales volume, with 50-60 transactions a year. She's consistently ranked in the Wall Street Journal's Top 1% of the nation's real estate agents and recognized as a Top 100 Dallas-Fort Worth Realtor. If you're relocating to Lakewood or anywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth, reach out to start your search.