Things to Know About Southlake

Lifestyle & Culture

Southlake is one of the most affluent communities in the DFW metroplex. Known for its luxury homes, championship school district, and the iconic Southlake Town Square, the city offers an upscale suburban lifestyle that attracts executives, business owners, and sports professionals.

The culture is family-centered with a strong emphasis on education and athletics. Friday night football at Carroll Dragon Stadium is a community institution. Southlake Town Square functions as the community's living room — a beautifully designed town center with shops, restaurants, and event spaces.

Family Life & Schools

Carroll ISD is among the top-rated school districts in Texas. Carroll Senior High School is nationally ranked, and the Dragons' athletic programs (especially football and swimming) are legendary. The district offers International Baccalaureate programs and robust AP offerings.

Family amenities include the Bob Jones Nature Center, Bicentennial Park, multiple community pools, and highly competitive youth sports leagues. The Southlake Parks & Recreation Department offers programs for all ages.

Cost of Living

Southlake is a premium market with home prices ranging from $600K to $5M+, and a median around $1.1M. Property tax rates run 2.0-2.3%, lower than some neighboring cities due to Southlake's strong commercial tax base (Town Square and surrounding retail).

Daily living costs are above average — dining and shopping options skew upscale. However, the excellent public schools save families the cost of private school, which can offset the higher housing costs.

Commute & Transportation

Southlake's central location between Dallas and Fort Worth is a major advantage. Downtown Dallas is 25-35 minutes via SH-114 and SH-121. Downtown Fort Worth is 20-30 minutes via SH-114/I-30. DFW International Airport is just 10-15 minutes away.

The proximity to DFW Airport makes Southlake ideal for frequent travelers and airline employees. SH-114 can be congested during rush hour, but multiple alternate routes exist. There is no public transit — car-dependent community.

Dining & Shopping

Southlake Town Square is the crown jewel — a walkable, open-air town center with over 130 shops and restaurants. Dining highlights include Truluck's, Mi Cocina, North Italia, and Taverna Rossa. The square also hosts seasonal events and concerts on the lawn.

Nearby Southlake Boulevard and Central Market/Whole Foods serve everyday grocery needs. The proximity to Grapevine's Main Street adds vintage shopping and wine tasting options. DFW-area malls (NorthPark, Galleria) are 20-30 minutes away.

Outdoor Recreation

Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve (758 acres) offers hiking trails, nature education, and wildlife observation within the city. Bicentennial Park has sports fields, playgrounds, and community facilities. The Southlake trail system connects neighborhoods to parks and Town Square.

Grapevine Lake (10 minutes away) provides boating, fishing, and beach access. Golf options include Timarron Country Club and nearby Trophy Club Country Club. The DFW area offers numerous golf courses within a 20-minute drive.

Community Events

Southlake Stars Across Texas (July 4th), Oktoberfest, the Southlake Art in the Square festival, and Christmas on the Square are beloved annual traditions. Town Square hosts live music, movies on the lawn, and seasonal markets throughout the year.

Carroll Dragon football games are major community events drawing thousands. The Southlake Women's Club, Rotary Club, and other civic organizations host charitable events. Nearby Grapevine adds the GrapeFest wine festival and historic railroad events.

Healthcare & Safety

Healthcare options include Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake, a full-service hospital with ER and specialty services. The Baylor Scott & White network has facilities nearby. Medical City Alliance and Cook Children's are within 20 minutes.

Southlake has one of the lowest crime rates in the DFW metroplex. The Southlake DPS (Department of Public Safety) provides comprehensive police and fire services. The affluent community invests heavily in home security and surveillance.

Real Estate Market Overview

Southlake's market features luxury homes on large lots, ranging from $600K to $5M+. Popular neighborhoods include Southlake Estates, Shady Oaks, Southridge Lakes, and Clariden Ranch. New construction opportunities are limited due to the city's built-out nature.

Property appreciation has been strong at 5-8% annually. Limited land for development supports property values. Southlake consistently ranks as one of the most desirable addresses in DFW. Browse Southlake homes for sale.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Top-ranked Carroll ISD, Southlake Town Square, central DFW location, near DFW Airport, low crime, strong property values, beautiful neighborhoods, excellent dining
• Cons: Very high home prices ($600K-$5M+), limited diversity, limited new construction availability, can feel exclusive/homogeneous, SH-114 traffic, no public transit