Lake Highlands · Northeast Dallas, TX
A collection of dozens of subdivisions defined by its hills, valleys, and varying street elevations, which offer scenic downtown views.
This peaceful, residential district offers excellent schools and small-town living
Covering most of Northeast Dallas, Lake Highlands, TX is a collection of dozens of subdivisions defined by its hills, valleys, and varying street elevations, which offer scenic downtown views. Served by RISD public schools, as well as an array of private schools, this chain of communities is ideal for families and first-time buyers looking to restore the neighborhood's pre-war bungalows or build houses on well-situated lots.
Commuter-friendly and full of trails and parks, Lake Highlands touches Richardson on the north, Garland on the east, White Rock Lake and East Dallas on the south, and Lakewood and North Dallas on the west. Almost entirely surrounded by greenbelt, outdoor recreation is plentiful here, and Downtown Dallas is only 10 miles away.
Including quiet suburbs like White Rock Valley, Lakeridge Estates, and Oak Highlands, this largely residential area was built up during a housing boom in the 1960s and '70s and is now well known for its big backyards, affordability, and quick access to big-city amenities. There's ample opportunity for properties offering office space and retail, and the area's eclectic restaurant options are also a big draw.
There are just under 90,000 residents in Lake Highlands, and its proximity to White Rock Lake has created an active existence for that population. The area boasts a labyrinth of parks, and recreational opportunities, with over 875 acres of parks, 26 miles of trails, disc golf, and several traditional baseball fields, soccer fields, and playgrounds.
Dining options abound in Lake Highlands. Local favorites include RM 12:20, which offers seasonal craft cocktails and French-inspired dishes, and Cedar & Vine, a dazzling American eatery serving a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, plus a range of entrees and shared plates. You'll love Mi Cocina, a modern chain for classic and innovative Tex-Mex plates. Resident Tacqueria dishes up tacos with unique fillings; and Shady's, offering one-of-a-kind burgers and local beer on tap.
Locally famous for its annual events, Lake Highlands has plenty to do and see.
Thousands of Dallas residents gather for the area's Oktoberfest, which features good food, good beer, and good times. Hosted annually at Flag Pole Hill, just north of White Rock Lake, the event features some of the best local bands, plus plenty of fun for the kids and delicious local restaurant offerings.
The annual Holiday in the Highlands Home Tour is one of the neighborhood's most beloved traditions. The one-day fundraising event - hosted by the Lake Highlands Women's League - raises money for area schools, non-profits, and college scholarships.
At Light up Lake Highlands, families kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting event that includes entertainment and a canned food drive. In the summer, the Lake Highlands Fourth of July Parade, hosted by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, salutes the community with a range of floats and a carnival.
Lake Highlands residents also have ample green space in which to gather. Flag Pole Hill Park, a 107.1-acre urban park established in 1929, offers a covered pavilion and one-of-a-kind all-inclusive playground; White Rock Lake Park, one of the most heavily used parks in the Dallas Park system, is one of the best places to experience natural areas and wildlife in an urban setting and is the location of many special events and runs. The Dallas Arboretum boasts 66-acres of botanical gardens.
The school system in Lake Highlands is a big draw. Families with children may want to consider the following schools:
Lake Highlands High School, a secondary school serving grades 9-12. Part of the Richardson Independent School District, this school is located in central Lake Highlands near the DART Blue Line.
Lake Highlands boasts numerous subdivisions, but our selection of these top 12 areas highlighted have their own distinctive character, amenities, and appeal, catering to diverse preferences for community, nature, and schools.
If you are in search of Lake Highlands houses for sale, connect with realtors from The B.A.R Group, who are favored experts in Dallas.
Area | Detail |
|---|---|
Location | Northeast Dallas, largely surrounded by greenbelt near White Rock Lake |
County | Dallas County |
ZIP Codes | Primarily 75238, 75231, and 75243 |
School District | Richardson ISD (RISD), plus private-school options |
Downtown Dallas | About 10 miles away |
Parks & Trails | Over 875 acres of parks and 26 miles of trails |
Transit | Served by the DART Blue Line |
Population | Estimates vary by boundary — from ~37,700 (census tracts) to ~77,000 for the broader neighborhood |
Because Lake Highlands spans several ZIP codes and dozens of subdivisions, price and character shift block to block. The clearest way to see the current range is to browse the live Lake Highlands Homes for Sale.
Lake Highlands runs from the sought-after single-family core to condo-heavy pockets on the east side, so the "median" depends a lot on where you draw the line. In 2026 the core ZIP (75238) was one of Dallas's more competitive markets — a median sale price in the mid-to-high $600Ks, homes moving in about three weeks — while broader tallies that fold in condos landed lower. Read the numbers below as a range.
Metric | Reported Figure (source) |
|---|---|
Median Sale Price — core (75238) | ~$636K–$667K, up ~10.8% YoY (Redfin, 2026) |
Median Sale Price — broader area | ~$610K trailing 12 months (Homes.com); ~$564K all-home (Redfin neighborhood) |
Price per Sq Ft | ~$257 (neighborhood) to ~$305 (75238 core) |
Days on Market | ~21 days in the core (75238); longer in condo-heavy pockets |
Competitiveness | Redfin Compete Score ~77 in 75238 ("very competitive"); homes average a few % under list |
How to read this: A couple of things pull these figures apart. First, "Lake Highlands" covers several ZIP codes (75238, 75231, 75243) and a wide mix of homes — a renovated single-family house in the core and an eastside condo aren't the same market, and a list-price median that includes condos (some sources show the high $400Ks) will sit well below single-family sale prices. Second, watch for similarly named areas — Old Lake Highlands and Lakeside Highlands are distinct sub-markets with their own stats. For a specific street or subdivision, a direct read from an agent beats any single dashboard.
Lake Highlands has been one of Northeast Dallas's steadier bets: RISD schools, big lots, and a location ten minutes from downtown keep demand strong, and prices have climbed by double digits year over year in the core. It draws a healthy mix of families, first-time buyers, and renovators, which supports both resale and rental. For a deeper dive, see the team's guide to investing in Lake Highlands real estate.
Rental demand is steady, anchored by families wanting RISD schools and professionals commuting to downtown or the Telecom Corridor. Single-family rentals in the core lease reliably; the eastside condo stock turns over faster and at lower rents.
Updated single-family homes on good lots in the core subdivisions hold value best and sell fastest, often in weeks. Original-condition bungalows can be strong value-add plays, but budget realistically for the work — buyers increasingly pay up for turnkey.
None of this should deter a buyer — it should shape the offer and inspection plan. Handled well, Lake Highlands remains one of the best value-for-location buys in Dallas.
Relocating here is less about picking a house and more about picking the right pocket of Lake Highlands. A renovated home in the L-Streets lives very differently from a value-add bungalow off Moss Haven or a low-maintenance condo on the east side — on price, on schools, and on how much work you're taking on.
Families tend to anchor to RISD attendance boundaries first and work outward; first-time buyers often chase the best lot they can renovate. Both are Lake Highlands, but they're different budgets and timelines. If you're selling, the team's moving checklist for sellers is a useful starting point.
When a move is on the horizon, the most useful first step is a candid conversation about your priorities and a walk through what's available. Reach out to The B.A.R. Group to get started.
How much does a home in Lake Highlands cost?
It depends on the pocket. Eastside condos can start in the $200Ks–$400Ks, while single-family homes in the core commonly run from the high $500Ks into the $1M+ range for larger renovated properties. In 2026 the core ZIP's median sale price sat in the mid-to-high $600Ks.
The most reliable way to gauge current pricing is to see what's listed now. Browse the live Lake Highlands Homes for Sale to compare by pocket and property type.
Is Lake Highlands a good investment?
Historically, yes — RISD schools, big lots, and a ten-minute-to-downtown location keep demand steady, and core prices have risen by double digits year over year. Budget for Texas property taxes, insurance, and (on older homes) foundation considerations.
What's the rental market like?
Steady. Single-family rentals in the core lease reliably to families wanting RISD schools, while the eastside condo stock turns over faster at lower rents.
What types of homes are available?
A wide mix: mid-century ranch and pre-war bungalows across dozens of subdivisions, newer custom builds on redeveloped lots, and condos and townhomes concentrated on the east side.
What makes Lake Highlands different from Lakewood or Preston Hollow?
Lake Highlands offers bigger lots and more value per dollar than Lakewood or Preston Hollow, plus RISD schools and easy greenbelt access. It's more family-and-first-time-buyer oriented, with a strong renovation culture.
How do people get around, and what about airports?
It's a car-oriented area with DART Blue Line access; US-75 and I-635 (LBJ) are the main arteries. Dallas Love Field is roughly 20 minutes away and DFW International about 30, traffic depending.
Are the schools good?
Schools are a major draw. Lake Highlands is served by Richardson ISD, including Lake Highlands High School, alongside private options. Public attendance boundaries depend on your exact address, so confirm them early.
Have a question this page didn't cover? Reach out to The B.A.R. Group — a candid conversation about your priorities is the best way to find the right home in Lake Highlands.
37,695 people live in Lake Highlands, where the median age is 32 and the average individual income is $41,097. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Lake Highlands has 17,605 households, with an average household size of 2.12. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Lake Highlands do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 37,695 people call Lake Highlands home. The population density is 6,837 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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