Best Gated Communities in Dallas 2026
Premier Gated Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Dallas-Fort Worth's gated communities set the standard for luxury living in North Texas. From championship golf courses to equestrian estates, these exclusive neighborhoods combine world-class amenities with the security and prestige that discerning buyers demand.
What to Look For
Key factors our experts evaluate when ranking Dallas's best options
Golf & Recreation
Many Dallas gated communities are built around championship golf courses with full country club memberships and amenities.
School District Quality
Top communities are zoned to Carroll ISD, Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, and other highly rated North Texas districts.
Lot Size & Privacy
Dallas gated communities offer generous lot sizes, often one acre or more, with mature trees and custom architecture.
Community Character
Each community has a distinct personality, from resort-style to equestrian to traditional country club living.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Ranked by our Dallas real estate experts based on comprehensive analysis
-
Vaquero
$2M+The crown jewel of Westlake gated communities, Vaquero features a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, a stunning Tuscan-style clubhouse, equestrian facilities, and custom estates on one-to-five acre lots. Located in Westlake with Carroll ISD schools, Vaquero is home to professional athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Key Features: Fazio golf course, equestrian center, Carroll ISD, 1-5 acre lots
-
Stonebriar Country Club
From $800KAn established gated golf community in Frisco featuring two championship golf courses (home of the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge practice rounds), a world-class clubhouse, swimming, tennis, and fine dining. Homes range from elegant custom estates to villa-style residences, all zoned to top-rated Frisco ISD.
Key Features: Two golf courses, PGA-caliber, Frisco ISD, clubhouse dining
-
Phillips Creek Ranch
From $700KA premier master-planned gated community in Frisco offering resort-style living with a crystal lagoon, lazy river, clubhouse, fitness center, and miles of trails. Phillips Creek Ranch features new construction from top builders within Frisco ISD. The community is conveniently located near the Dallas North Tollway.
Key Features: Crystal lagoon, lazy river, Frisco ISD, new construction
-
Starwood
$1.5M+One of the most prestigious gated communities in Frisco, Starwood features custom estates on heavily wooded lots with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, country club, resort pool, tennis center, and spa. Zoned to Frisco ISD, Starwood is known for its mature trees, rolling terrain, and exclusive membership amenities.
Key Features: Fazio golf course, spa, tennis, Frisco ISD, wooded lots
-
Montserrat
From $1MAn intimate gated community in Fort Worth featuring a Jay Morrish/Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course surrounded by custom homes on large lots. Montserrat offers a refined country club lifestyle with a beautiful clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Located in the Keller ISD school zone with excellent access to I-35W.
Key Features: Championship golf, country club, Keller ISD, intimate setting
-
Castle Hills
From $400KA master-planned gated community in Lewisville offering diverse housing options from townhomes to custom estates. Castle Hills features an amenity center with pools, splash pads, fitness center, parks, and trails. Zoned to Lewisville ISD with select areas in The Colony, it provides accessible gated living near major DFW employment centers.
Key Features: Multiple pools, fitness center, trails, Lewisville ISD
How We Ranked These
Our methodology for evaluating and ranking these options
Our Dallas gated community rankings are based on property values, amenity quality, school district ratings, security features, golf course rankings, community management, and resident feedback. We analyzed MLS data, HOA financial reports, and community satisfaction surveys across the DFW metroplex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our Dallas real estate experts
Vaquero in Westlake is widely regarded as the most exclusive gated community in the DFW area. With homes starting at $2 million, a Tom Fazio golf course, equestrian facilities, and Carroll ISD schools, it attracts executives, athletes, and high-net-worth families seeking ultimate privacy and luxury.
Phillips Creek Ranch and Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco are excellent for families, offering Frisco ISD schools (among the best in Texas), resort-style pools, playgrounds, and active social calendars. Castle Hills also provides family-friendly gated living at more accessible price points.
Vaquero (Tom Fazio), Starwood (Tom Fazio), Stonebriar Country Club (two courses), and Montserrat (Morrish/Weiskopf) all feature championship-caliber golf courses with full country club memberships available to residents.
HOA fees in Dallas gated communities range from $150-$400 per month for communities like Castle Hills and Phillips Creek Ranch, to $500-$2,000+ per month for full country club communities like Vaquero and Starwood, which include golf, dining, and social memberships.
Related Resources
Explore more Dallas real estate guides and tools
Ready to Explore Dallas Real Estate?
Key Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth represents Texas's largest real estate market with over 7 million residents. Median home prices hover around $400,000, offering strong value compared to coastal cities. Top neighborhoods include Highland Park, University Park, Southlake, and rapidly growing suburbs like Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper.
Connect with a Dwellverse Dallas expert for personalized guidance on finding your perfect home.