Northlake Texas: Top Family Communities Explained (Schools, Zoning and What to Know)
Watch: Northlake Texas Tour — 4 Family Communities (Pecan Square, Harvest & More)
Thinking about moving to Northlake, Texas? This in-depth driving tour walks through four of the most popular family-focused communities — including Pecan Square, Harvest, Highlands of Northlake, and part of Canyon Falls. We break down school districts, neighborhood feel, and what families need to verify before buying in Northlake.
If you’re a family thinking about moving to Northlake, Texas, you’re not alone — and you’re also not crazy if you’re feeling confused. Northlake is one of those areas where the “Northlake” address you see online doesn’t always tell the full story.
Northlake sits in the southwest corner of Denton County and is positioned near major commuter routes like I-35W and Hwy 114, putting you within reach of Fort Worth, Alliance, Roanoke, Denton, and DFW Airport. That location is a big reason families are moving here: you can often get newer homes, more space, and strong school options without being as deep into the “city” feel.
But here’s the big thing to know upfront:
Northlake can be confusing for families (and here’s why)
In and around Northlake, it’s common for master-planned communities to cross:
Multiple school districts (even within the same neighborhood)
Multiple city boundaries (Northlake, Argyle, Flower Mound, etc.)
Different tax structures depending on the specific phase / section / address
That’s why in our driving tour video, we focus on four communities families ask about the most — and we break down what you need to verify before you buy.
Community #1: Pecan Square (Northlake) — Master-Planned + Amenities + On-Site Schools
Why families love Pecan Square
Pecan Square is one of the most talked-about communities in Northlake because it’s intentionally designed around walkability and community life. Families who want that “master-planned lifestyle” usually love:
A central town-square-style amenity setup (lots of “meet your neighbors” energy)
Community events and activities that make it easy for kids to make friends
Trails and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood (big for strollers, bikes, evening walks)
A strong “newer home” feel with modern layouts and features
If you’re relocating and want a neighborhood where your kids can realistically ride bikes, meet friends outside, and where it feels active and social — Pecan Square is often a top pick.
School district(s) serving Pecan Square
Pecan Square is in Northwest ISD and has an on-site elementary school, with additional campuses planned/expanding as the area grows. Families like the convenience factor here (less driving across town, easier mornings, neighborhood friends at school).
New construction vs pre-owned in Pecan Square
Pecan Square has both new construction and pre-owned options depending on the phase and the timing of the market. In general, this community appeals to:
Families who want newer homes and modern finishes
Buyers who like having builder options, incentives, and inventory homes when available
Why some families may NOT like Pecan Square
This is where being practical helps:
It’s popular — which means it can feel busy, and some homes are closer together than “country living” buyers expect.
Traffic and growth: like many fast-growing areas, road construction and development can be part of daily life.
Extra tax line item (MMD tax): Pecan Square has a Municipal Management District (MMD) tax that helps fund infrastructure and community improvements. This is not “good” or “bad” — it’s just something to understand because it impacts total monthly payment.
The Pecan Square MMD tax (what families should know)
In Pecan Square, one thing we help families verify is the MMD tax rate and how it shows up on the tax bill. It’s an extra line item that is separate from your school district and county taxes, and it’s important when comparing monthly payments between communities.
(If you want, we can provide a quick estimated monthly payment comparison between Pecan Square vs non-MMD areas once we know your budget, down payment, and target school district.)
Community #2: Harvest (Northlake / Argyle area) — Lifestyle Community + “Everything Happens Here” Feel
Why families love Harvest
Harvest is known for being a true lifestyle community — the kind of place where the amenities aren’t “just there,” they’re actually used. In the driving tour, you’ll notice how the community is designed around gathering spaces and everyday life.
Families tend to love Harvest because:
It feels like a place where kids can safely play outside and families actually socialize
There are strong community traditions and events
The central area (with coffee shop / gathering spaces) creates a real “hub”
It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll see kids biking to school and neighbors hanging out
The BIG thing to know about Harvest: school districts can vary
Harvest is a perfect example of the “Northlake can be confusing” point:
Some sections are zoned to Argyle ISD
Some sections are zoned to Northwest ISD
So if your family is choosing Harvest specifically for a certain district, it’s critical to verify the exact address zoning before you fall in love with a home.
New construction vs pre-owned in Harvest
Harvest offers a mix:
New construction (depending on current phases and builder inventory)
Pre-owned homes that may offer mature landscaping, established streets, and potentially different pricing/value compared to new builds
Harvest is a great fit if you want community energy, amenities, and a master-planned environment that feels very “family-first.”
Why some families may NOT like Harvest
A few honest considerations:
If you want larger lots / more separation, Harvest may feel more “neighborhood close” than “country spread out.”
Because it’s popular and active, some families who prefer quiet/low-traffic neighborhoods may find it busier.
The school district zoning differences can be frustrating if you don’t verify early.
Community #3: The Highlands of Northlake — 1+ Acre Lots + Custom Home Feel (Northwest ISD)
Why families love The Highlands
The Highlands of Northlake is for families who want space — especially those who are tired of feeling stacked on top of neighbors.
This neighborhood is known for:
1+ acre lots (more breathing room, more privacy, more “Texas space”)
A more custom / estate-home vibe compared to typical master-planned neighborhoods
A quieter feel with more of that “countryside” look and atmosphere
It’s a great fit for families who want:
room for outdoor living, a shop, a pool, a bigger backyard lifestyle
a neighborhood that feels more “premium and private” than amenity-driven
School district serving The Highlands
In the driving tour, we specifically called out that The Highlands is zoned to Northwest ISD.
New construction vs pre-owned in The Highlands
This area often appeals to buyers who want:
Custom build opportunities (when lots/specs are available)
Higher-end pre-owned homes with larger lots
Why some families may NOT like The Highlands
A few practical trade-offs:
If you want a neighborhood with nonstop activities and “always something happening,” The Highlands is more quiet and spread out.
Larger lots can mean more maintenance (yard care, landscaping, etc.)
If being walkable to a central amenity hub is important, this one is more about space and privacy.
Community #4: Canyon Falls (Northlake portion) — Nature + Trails + Multiple Cities & ISDs
Why families love Canyon Falls
Canyon Falls is a standout for families who care about nature, trails, and a different type of North Texas topography. It has more rolling terrain than many DFW master-planned communities, and it’s built around a major preserve area.
Families are drawn to:
A big nature focus with trails (paved and natural)
Community amenities and events
A mix of home styles and price points
Proximity to shopping/dining in multiple directions (without feeling like you’re in the middle of it)
The “Northlake confusion” factor is real here
In the driving tour, we called out that Canyon Falls can include:
Multiple school districts
Multiple cities within the same master-planned community
So if your family has a specific school district goal, Canyon Falls is absolutely a place where we recommend verifying:
exact address zoning
city boundary (because it can impact services and taxes)
where the home sits relative to the preserve/amenity areas
New construction vs pre-owned in Canyon Falls
Canyon Falls tends to be a blend:
Mostly established areas with pre-owned options
Limited new construction depending on remaining sections
Why some families may NOT like Canyon Falls
A few honest considerations:
Because it spans multiple cities and ISDs, the “research” step is more important here than in a single-boundary neighborhood.
Some families prefer a simpler “one city, one district” setup.
Depending on where you commute, your route may be more scenic… but not always the fastest.
Quick Family “Fit Check” (Which Community Matches Your Lifestyle?)
Choose Pecan Square if…
You want a master-planned community that feels active, walkable, and packed with amenities and neighborhood energy.
Choose Harvest if…
You want a true lifestyle community where “everything happens here,” and you like that family hub feel — but you’re willing to verify the exact school zoning.
Choose The Highlands if…
You want space, privacy, and that “custom home on an acre” lifestyle — with Northwest ISD zoning.
Choose Canyon Falls if…
You want nature, trails, a unique landscape feel, and you don’t mind extra due diligence because of the multiple cities/ISDs.
Sources & References
Town of Northlake – Location, Growth & Infrastructure
Town of Northlake Official Website
https://www.town.northlake.tx.us
Northlake location and development overview (I-35W / Hwy 114 access, Denton County)
https://www.town.northlake.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/282/Community-Profile
Pecan Square (Northlake) – Community, Schools & MMD
Pecan Square by Hillwood – Official Community Site
https://www.pecansquarebyhillwood.com
Pecan Square Community FAQ (amenities, schools, MMD explanation)
https://www.pecansquarebyhillwood.com/community/faq
Town of Northlake – Municipal Management District (MMD) information
https://www.town.northlake.tx.us/169/Municipal-Management-District
Harvest Community (Northlake / Argyle)
Harvest by Hillwood – Official Community Site
https://www.harvestbyhillwood.com
Harvest Schools & Zoning Overview
https://www.harvestbyhillwood.com/schools
Highlands of Northlake – Custom Homes & Acreage
Highlands of Northlake Community Information
https://www.highlandsofnorthlake.com
Canyon Falls (Northlake / Argyle / Flower Mound areas)
Canyon Falls Master-Planned Community – Official Site
https://www.canyonfallscommunity.com
Canyon Falls Trails & Graham Branch Creek Preserve
https://www.canyonfallscommunity.com/amenities/trails-and-open-space
School District Verification (Critical for Northlake Buyers)
Northwest Independent School District – Boundary & Zoning Tools
https://www.nisdtx.org
Argyle Independent School District – Attendance Zones
https://www.argyleisd.com/domain/38
County & Tax Verification
Denton County Appraisal District – Property & Tax Records
https://www.dentoncad.com
Denton County Tax Office – Tax Estimator
https://taxweb.dentoncounty.gov/TaxEstimator
School zoning, city boundaries, and tax structures can change. Always verify the exact address with the appropriate school district, city, and county before purchasing a home.
