Living in North Dallas, TX — Relocation Guide

Dallas County, Texas

Living in North Dallas, Dallas

Established neighborhoods, luxury estates, and corporate corridors along the Dallas North Tollway.

Ask Your Advocate About North Dallas

North Dallas at a Glance

Key Neighborhoods

Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, Far North Dallas, Bent Tree, Northwood Hills

Population (est.)

~250,000

To Downtown Dallas

10–25 min

To DFW Airport

25–35 min

To Love Field

15–25 min

Median Home Price

$550,000–$1.2M+

Avg. Property Tax Rate

~2.1%

ZIP Codes

75230, 75240, 75243, 75248, 75252, 75287

Welcome to North Dallas

North Dallas is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the city, offering a blend of established neighborhoods, luxury custom homes, and convenient access to major employment centers. Stretching from the Park Cities border northward to the President George Bush Turnpike, this region encompasses communities like Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, Far North Dallas, and Addison. Residents enjoy proximity to world-class shopping at NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas, top-rated schools, and a well-developed network of parks and trails. Whether you are looking for a classic mid-century ranch home or a newly constructed estate, North Dallas delivers exceptional variety and long-term value.

Housing in North Dallas

North Dallas offers one of the most diverse housing markets in the city. Preston Hollow is synonymous with luxury tree-lined streets, large lots, and custom estates ranging from $1M to well over $5M. Lake Highlands provides more attainable options with mid-century ranch homes and updated bungalows in the $400K–$700K range.

Far North Dallas and Bent Tree feature planned communities with townhomes, patio homes, and single-family residences suited to a wide range of budgets. New construction is active in several pockets, particularly near the Dallas North Tollway corridor.

Condominiums and high-rise living are available near Addison and along the Tollway, making North Dallas accessible to buyers who prefer low-maintenance urban-adjacent living without sacrificing access to suburban amenities.

Lifestyle in North Dallas

Life in North Dallas revolves around convenience and quality. Residents have immediate access to NorthPark Center one of the top shopping destinations in the country as well as Galleria Dallas, Preston Center, and dozens of neighborhood retail corridors.

The area is known for its strong sense of community, active neighborhood associations, and well-maintained parks. Lake Highlands in particular has a tight-knit neighborhood culture with local events, farmers markets, and community organizations.

Dining options range from casual neighborhood spots to acclaimed fine dining. The Addison corridor is especially well known for its restaurant density, offering cuisines from around the world within a compact, walkable area.

Shopping & Dining

NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas anchor the retail landscape, offering luxury brands, department stores, and specialty retailers. Preston Center provides a more intimate neighborhood shopping experience with boutiques and local businesses.

The dining scene in North Dallas is exceptional. Addison alone has over 170 restaurants per square mile, earning it a reputation as one of the most restaurant-dense areas in the country. From upscale steakhouses to authentic international cuisine, options are nearly limitless.

Farmers markets operate seasonally in several neighborhoods, and specialty grocery stores including Whole Foods, Central Market, and Trader Joe's are well-represented throughout the area.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

White Rock Lake Park is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in North Dallas, offering trails, boating, fishing, and some of the best urban birding in Texas. The surrounding White Rock Creek Trail extends the trail network significantly.

Northwood Hills Park, Addison Circle Park, and numerous neighborhood parks throughout the region provide green space for families, dog owners, and fitness enthusiasts.

The Katy Trail, while primarily associated with Uptown, extends northward and connects to the broader trail network accessible from North Dallas neighborhoods.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

NorthPark Center is not just a mall it houses one of the most significant private art collections in Texas, with works by Frank Stella, Jonathan Borofsky, and other major artists displayed throughout the property.

The Addison Theatre Centre hosts community theater productions year-round. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison preserves and displays historic aircraft and is a unique cultural attraction.

Numerous galleries, live music venues, and comedy clubs are scattered throughout the region, with the Addison corridor being particularly active on weekends.

Transportation & Major Highways

North Dallas is well-served by a network of major highways. The Dallas North Tollway runs the length of the region north-to-south and is the primary commuter artery. US-75 (Central Expressway) serves the eastern portions, while I-635 (LBJ Freeway) provides east-west connectivity.

DART rail service is available at several stations along the Red and Orange lines, connecting North Dallas to downtown, Uptown, and DFW Airport. The Arapaho Center and Spring Valley stations serve the southern portions of the area.

Traffic congestion on the Tollway and US-75 during peak hours is a known consideration. Many residents time their commutes or work remotely to avoid the heaviest periods.

Major Employers

North Dallas is home to a significant concentration of corporate headquarters and regional offices. Major employers include AT&T, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, Nortel, and numerous financial services and technology firms clustered along the Dallas North Tollway.

The Addison area hosts a dense office park ecosystem with employers in healthcare, technology, and professional services. The proximity to DFW Airport makes it attractive for companies with national and international operations.

Healthcare is also a significant employer, with Medical City Dallas and several specialty medical campuses serving both patients and providing substantial employment in the region.

Things to Do

White Rock Lake, located on the eastern edge of North Dallas, offers 9.3 miles of trails, kayaking, sailing, and picnic areas one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in the city.

NorthPark Center hosts rotating art exhibitions alongside its retail offerings, making it a cultural destination as well as a shopping hub. The Galleria features an indoor ice rink open year-round.

Addison's Vitruvian Park hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, and the beloved Addison Oktoberfest each fall. The area also has a strong live music and comedy scene with venues like the Addison Improv.

Homeownership in North Dallas

North Dallas has historically been one of the strongest real estate markets in DFW, with consistent appreciation and strong resale values. Preston Hollow and Lake Highlands in particular have seen sustained demand from buyers seeking established neighborhoods with mature trees and character.

Property taxes in Dallas County run approximately 2.1%, which is moderate by Texas standards. Filing a homestead exemption with the Dallas Central Appraisal District is an important first step for new homeowners.

HOA fees vary widely some neighborhoods have no HOA, while planned communities and high-rise condominiums may have significant monthly fees. Always review HOA documents carefully before purchasing.

Move-In Utilities & Services

Everything you need to set up before your move-in date in North Dallas.

Internet Providers

Common providers in North Dallas — availability varies by address.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
Google FiberFiber866-777-7550Visit site
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997Visit site

Electricity

Dallas is a deregulated electricity market — choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of Dallas. Set up service 1–2 weeks before move-in.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site

Water & Sewer

Water service in Dallas is provided by Dallas Water Utilities. Set up service before your move-in date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Dallas Water Utilities214-651-1441Visit site

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling in Dallas is managed by the City of Dallas Sanitation Services.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Dallas Sanitation Services214-670-3111Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV & Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with the Dallas Central Appraisal District to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

CountyAppraisal DistrictWebsite
Dallas CountyDallas Central Appraisal DistrictVisit site

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Dallas safe?

North Dallas is generally considered one of the safer areas of the city. Crime rates vary by neighborhood Preston Hollow and Northwood Hills tend to have lower crime rates, while some pockets near major commercial corridors see higher property crime. Reviewing neighborhood-specific crime data on the Dallas Police Department website is always recommended.

What school districts serve North Dallas?

North Dallas is served primarily by Dallas ISD, with portions of Far North Dallas falling within Richardson ISD and Plano ISD. Highland Park ISD serves the Park Cities area adjacent to North Dallas. School quality varies significantly by campus researching specific schools using GreatSchools.org or the Texas Education Agency ratings is recommended.

How is the commute from North Dallas to downtown?

The commute from North Dallas to downtown Dallas typically takes 15–30 minutes by car depending on traffic and your specific starting point. DART rail via the Red or Orange Line offers a traffic-free alternative, with travel times of approximately 25–40 minutes from stations in the area.

Are there walkable neighborhoods in North Dallas?

Walkability varies considerably. Addison and areas near NorthPark Center have higher walkability scores. Most of North Dallas is car-dependent for daily errands, though many neighborhoods have excellent trail access for recreational walking and cycling.

Thinking About Moving to North Dallas?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance — no pressure, just answers.

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