Quick Comparison
| Category | Highland Park | Southlake |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $2M - $4M+ | $900K - $1.5M |
| School District | Highland Park ISD (Legendary) | Carroll ISD (Excellent) |
| Commute to Dallas | 10-20 min to downtown | 30-45 min to downtown |
| Lot Size | Smaller, established | Larger lots typical |
| Home Age | Historic estates + renovations | Newer construction (1990s+) |
| Lifestyle | Old money, walkable village | Family-focused, Town Square |
| Property Taxes | ~1.9% (lower) | ~2.3% |
Schools: Highland Park vs Carroll ISD
Highland Park ISD is legendary - generations of Dallas families have prioritized living within its boundaries. HP is known for rigorous academics, state championships, and a network that opens doors. The prestige factor is unmatched in DFW.
Carroll ISD is also excellent - consistently top-rated with strong academics and dominant athletics (especially football). The newer schools have modern facilities. For most families, the educational outcome is comparable.
Schools Winner: Highland Park (Prestige) / Carroll (Value)
Highland Park's multi-generational prestige is unmatched. Carroll delivers similar quality at a lower price point.
Home Prices & Value
Highland Park commands Dallas's highest prices. Entry level starts around $1.5M for a smaller home needing work. Prime addresses on Beverly or Lakeside easily exceed $5M. You're paying for location, prestige, and irreplaceable addresses.
Southlake offers more home for your money. $1M buys a beautiful 4,000+ sf home in a gated community. Even $2M gets a custom estate with pool and acreage. Dollar-for-dollar, Southlake delivers more.
Value Winner: Southlake
Southlake provides significantly more home and land per dollar. Highland Park's premium is for irreplaceable location and prestige.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Highland Park offers a walkable village lifestyle unique to DFW. Highland Park Village has high-end shopping and dining steps from homes. The tree-lined streets, established gardens, and proximity to downtown Dallas create an urban-adjacent luxury lifestyle.
Southlake centers on Southlake Town Square - an outdoor shopping/dining destination. The lifestyle is more traditional suburban luxury: larger lots, newer homes, more space. It's family-focused with excellent sports facilities and parks.
Lifestyle Winner: Depends on Preference
Urban-adjacent, walkable luxury = Highland Park. Space-focused, family-oriented = Southlake.
Commute & Location
Highland Park's central location is unbeatable. Downtown Dallas is 10-20 minutes. DFW Airport is 25-35 minutes. Love Field is even closer. For executives commuting to downtown or traveling frequently, HP wins.
Southlake is between Dallas and Fort Worth, 30-45 minutes to either downtown. DFW Airport is nearby (15-20 min), which is convenient for frequent travelers. But regular downtown commuters face traffic on 114/635.
Location Winner: Highland Park
Highland Park's central position provides better access to Dallas employment centers and amenities.
Property Taxes
Highland Park has notably lower property tax rates (~1.9%) thanks to its wealthy tax base. Even with higher home values, annual tax bills may be comparable to Southlake's ~2.3% rate on lower-priced homes.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Highland Park If:
- Prestige and address matter to you
- You want walkable village lifestyle
- You work in downtown Dallas or travel frequently
- You appreciate historic architecture and established gardens
- Multi-generational school prestige is valued
Choose Southlake If:
- You want more home and land for your budget
- Newer construction and modern amenities are preferred
- You have school-age children focused on athletics
- You prefer traditional suburban luxury lifestyle
- You work between Dallas and Fort Worth
Need Help Deciding?
Our luxury agents know both communities intimately. We'll help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Schedule a ConsultationLearn More: Highland Park Guide | Southlake Guide | Dallas Overview