Why Move to Southlake, TX?
Explore top schools, master-planned neighborhoods, and unbeatable family amenities.
Take a Full Tour of Southlake, Texas
Discover what makes Southlake one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In this video, we explore its top-rated schools, upscale shopping and dining, beautiful parks, luxury neighborhoods, and everything families love about living here. Watch now to get an insider's perspective on what life in Southlake is really like!
Where is Southlake, Texas?
Southlake is located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Dallas and 25 miles northeast of Fort Worth, placing it right in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It borders Grapevine, Keller, and Westlake, making it a highly desirable suburb with easy access to both major cities and DFW International Airport.
📊 Southlake, TX by the Numbers
Thinking about moving to Southlake? Here are the latest stats families and professionals often look for before making the move.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (QuickFacts & ACS 2024), MLS NTREIS (July 2025), Niche.com (2025), MoneyGeek (2025), City of Southlake
🎯 Pros & Cons of Living in Southlake, Texas
👍 Pros
- 🏫 Exceptional schools – Carroll ISD consistently earns top-tier ratings (A or A+) across all campuses and is frequently ranked among the best in Texas for academics and extracurriculars.
- 🔐 Ultra-safe community – Regularly ranked among the safest suburbs in the U.S., with very low crime rates and strong community policing.
- 🛍️ Upscale Town Square shopping & dining – Southlake Town Square features 95+ shops, 27+ eateries, parks, public spaces, and community events year-round.
- 👪 Close‑knit, family‑oriented culture – Frequent local festivals (like Stars & Stripes, Oktoberfest), strong neighborhood participation, and civic pride foster community engagement.
- ✈️ Prime airport access & convenient commuting – Located minutes from DFW International Airport and roughly 30–35 minutes to downtown Dallas or Fort Worth via TX‑114 and I‑35E.
- 🌳 Abundance of parks and recreation – Over 22 square miles with well-maintained parks, walking trails, recreational amenities and access to Grapevine Lake for boating and hiking.
👎 Cons
- 💰 High cost of living & real estate – Southlake is among the wealthiest ZIPs in Texas; median home prices hover around $1.35 million, making it less affordable compared to nearby suburbs.
- 🏢 Limited economic diversity – While Carroll ISD, Sabre Holdings, and TD Ameritrade are major employers, the local job market is narrower—many residents commute for work outside the city.
- 🌙 Quiet nightlife & entertainment – Southlake offers limited nightlife; for a robust urban scene you’ll need to travel to Dallas or Fort Worth.
- 📚 School district controversies – Carroll ISD has faced tensions over diversity initiatives, curriculum decisions, and district governance that some find polarizing.
Sources: Carroll ISD & school rankings (Texas Education Agency, Niche, SchoolDigger); crime and safety rankings (MoneyGeek, local data); Southlake Town Square & community life (City of Southlake, local community sites); local economy and cost of living (City data, Home & Money blog).
📍 Ready to Explore Southlake, Texas?
Moving to a new city is more than just finding a house — it’s about discovering the right neighborhood, understanding local market trends, and knowing what everyday life is really like. That’s where I come in.
As a local Southlake relocation expert, I’ve helped many families make confident moves to North Texas. From luxury neighborhoods near Southlake Town Square, to insider tips on navigating property taxes, HOAs, and commute options, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Let’s build a personalized Southlake relocation plan based on your goals, budget, and timeline — so you can stop stressing about the unknowns and start picturing your next chapter in Southlake.
📞 Get Your Free Southlake Relocation Consultation✨ What It’s Really Like Living in Southlake, Texas
Southlake, Texas, is one of the most prestigious suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, known for its luxury homes, nationally recognized Carroll ISD school district, and a close-knit community atmosphere that attracts families from all over the country. While Southlake is often associated with wealth and exclusivity, the city balances its upscale vibe with a genuine small-town feel, making it one of the most desirable places to call home in North Texas.
Daily life in Southlake centers around convenience and connection. The city is home to the iconic Southlake Town Square, featuring over 120 shops, boutiques, fine dining options, and community events that bring residents together year-round. From summer concerts on the square to holiday festivities, there’s always something happening in the heart of town. With quick access to Highway 114, commuting to downtown Dallas, Fort Worth, or DFW International Airport is a breeze, making it ideal for professionals who want suburban tranquility without sacrificing accessibility.
Neighborhoods in Southlake are known for their spacious lots, mature trees, and stunning custom homes. Gated communities, golf course properties, and luxury estates dominate the landscape, offering privacy and curb appeal that’s hard to match. Popular neighborhoods include Timber Lake, Carillon, Southlake Woods, Clariden Ranch, and Coventry Manor, each offering unique amenities like private lakes, walking trails, clubhouses, and proximity to top-rated schools.
One of Southlake’s defining features is its commitment to education. Carroll ISD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Texas, with state championship-winning athletic programs, elite academic performance, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The city’s strong school reputation is a major draw for relocating families, often driving home values and community involvement even higher.
Outdoor living is a big part of the Southlake lifestyle. The city maintains dozens of parks, greenbelts, and miles of walking and biking trails. Residents enjoy easy access to Grapevine Lake for boating, fishing, and camping, while nearby Bob Jones Nature Center offers serene hiking experiences just minutes from home. Southlake also supports an active youth sports culture, with top-tier facilities for football, soccer, baseball, and swimming.
Dining and entertainment options in Southlake lean upscale, with high-end steakhouses, trendy cafés, and family-friendly restaurants scattered throughout the city and nearby Grapevine and Colleyville. While nightlife is quieter compared to Dallas, residents appreciate the calm, safe atmosphere and easy access to major urban centers for concerts, sports events, or a night out.
Southlake’s sense of community is one of its greatest strengths. The city regularly hosts local events, parades, and festivals, fostering strong neighborhood bonds. Residents describe Southlake as family-focused, safe, and highly engaged, with active HOA communities, city sports leagues, and volunteer organizations that make it easy to connect with others.
Compared to neighboring suburbs like Colleyville, Keller, or Plano, Southlake stands out for its combination of luxury housing, elite schools, proximity to DFW Airport, and a vibrant town center. Home prices are among the highest in North Texas, but residents say the investment pays off in community amenities, property value stability, and a quality of life that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in the metroplex.
Living in Southlake means embracing a blend of suburban elegance and tight-knit community charm. It’s where families settle for excellent schools, spacious properties, and a sense of belonging—without ever being too far from everything the Dallas-Fort Worth area has to offer.
🔒 Crime & Safety in Southlake, TX
Southlake earns a B grade for Crime & Safety on Niche, with both violent and property crime rates significantly lower than U.S. averages. According to NeighborhoodScout, Southlake has an overall Crime Index of 39/100 (where 100 is the safest)—safer than approximately 39% of U.S. cities of similar size. The current violent crime rate is 0.35 per 1,000 residents (approx. 1 in 2,831 chance) and property crime is 11.08 per 1,000 (1 in 90 chance), making Southlake one of the safest suburban cities in Texas both for families and professionals. (Niche Crime & Safety, NeighborhoodScout Southlake Crime Data)
Niche.com – Crime & Safety Grade: B
Violent Crime (per 100k residents): Assault 19.4; Murder 3.2; Rape 19.4; Robbery 9.7 – all significantly below national averages.
Property Crime: Burglary 90.5; Theft 1,082.4; Vehicle Theft 42. Safe compared to national benchmarks.
Southlake’s lower-than-average crime statistics, strong community policing, and high resident satisfaction result in a solid B grade on Niche’s Crime & Safety ranking. Source
NeighborhoodScout – Overall Crime Index: 39/100
Total UCR Part I Crime Rate: ~11.43 per 1,000 residents
Violent Crime: ~0.35 per 1,000 (~11 incidents)
Property Crime: ~11.08 per 1,000 (~345 incidents)
Chance of Victimization: Violent: 1 in 2,831; Property: 1 in 90 – well below state and national averages.
Source
🔎 Official Crime & Safety Resources
🎓 Carroll ISD School Ratings & Insights (Southlake, TX)
Carroll Independent School District (Carroll ISD) serves just over 8,200 students across 11 campuses in Southlake. It consistently ranks as the #1 school district in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area, and holds an overall Niche grade of A+, with top marks in academics, college prep, teachers, sports, and student outcomes. GreatSchools.org reviews affirm this excellence—Carroll Senior High and Carroll Middle both have ratings of 9 or 10 out of 10 based on test performance and college readiness. (Niche Carroll ISD, GreatSchools Carroll ISD)
📌 Carroll ISD Quick Facts (2025)
🏫 11 campuses (PK–12) serving ~8,292 students
👩🏫 Student-to-teacher ratio: ~17:1
🎓 Average graduation rate: ~99%
📊 SAT ~1350 | ACT ~30 (district average)
🏅 Ranked #3 in Texas and #1 in DFW on Niche
🌍 Strong academic rigor with AP/IB and GT programs
Sources: Niche.com | GreatSchools.org
🏆 Top Schools in Carroll ISD (click to expand)
High schools, middle schools, and elementary schools ranked highest by GreatSchools.org and Niche.
Carroll Senior High School
Niche: A+ | GreatSchools: 9/10
Elite AP/GT programming, nationally ranked academics and athletics. Source
Carroll Middle School
Niche: A+ | GreatSchools: 10/10
Outstanding academic performance, advanced math and science programs. Source
Carroll Elementary School
Niche: A+ | GreatSchools: 10/10
Gifted & Talented program, top test scores, and strong parent reviews. Source
Jack D. Johnson Elementary
Niche: A+ | GreatSchools: 10/10
Highly rated with robust GT programming and consistent community praise. Source
📊 Carroll ISD – Overall Niche Grade: A+ (click to expand)
Category-specific ratings from 2025 Niche school district profile.
Academics
Test scores & readiness.
Carroll ISD ranks among the top districts in Texas with above-average STAAR performance, AP/IB participation, and college prep.
College Prep
Graduation & readiness.
Nearly 99% graduation rate, strong counseling services, and high enrollment in top colleges.
Sports
Athletics programs.
Nationally recognized sports teams—including multiple state championships in football—adding to school pride. Source
Clubs & Activities
Extracurricular variety.
Wide range of arts, STEM clubs, UIL teams, and leadership opportunities.
Teachers
Quality & support.
Highly experienced and supported teaching staff, with strong parent and student feedback.
Administration
District leadership.
Governance is transparent and responsive, with occasional feedback during periods of growth.
Resources & Facilities
Campus infrastructure.
Modern facilities district-wide, with ongoing renovations in selected older campuses.
Diversity
Cultural & socioeconomic mix.
Ranked B− on Niche with modest diversity relative to larger DFW districts, but strong inclusion initiatives.
🏘️ Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Southlake, Texas
Southlake is one of the premier suburbs in North Texas for families, offering elite Carroll ISD schools, luxury master-planned communities, expansive parks, and a strong sense of community. Below are six of the most popular neighborhoods for families, each offering exceptional amenities, safe streets, and long-term value.
Timarron
Centered around Timarron Country Club, this master-planned community features an 18-hole golf course, resort-style pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and close proximity to top-rated Carroll ISD campuses, making it a top choice for active families.
Carillon
This newer, upscale community features a private lake, a splash park, clubhouse, and scenic greenbelts. Families love its modern architecture, walkable layout, and easy access to Carroll schools and Southlake Town Square.
Southlake Woods
Known for its mature trees, spacious lots, and serene atmosphere, Southlake Woods offers custom-built homes, family-friendly cul-de-sacs, and proximity to Durham Intermediate and Carroll Middle Schools.
Stone Lakes
This picturesque neighborhood boasts a private lake, fishing docks, tennis courts, community pool, and scenic walking paths. Its central location and access to Carroll ISD make it a favorite among families seeking an active lifestyle.
Monticello Estates
An elegant, gated community with large custom homes, private tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Families enjoy its peaceful, secure setting, mature landscaping, and highly ranked nearby schools.
Myers Meadow
Offering a friendly, tight-knit atmosphere, Myers Meadow features charming homes, community parks, walking trails, and regular neighborhood events, making it a welcoming choice for families relocating to Southlake.
🏡 Search All Homes for Sale in Southlake, TX
Explore the latest real estate listings in Southlake — including new builds, luxury estates, custom homes, and family-friendly neighborhoods. This live feed is updated daily directly from the MLS, giving you the most accurate and current selection of available properties.
🔍 View All Southlake Listings
📊 Southlake Real Estate Market Trends
These live market charts highlight the latest real estate trends in Southlake, TX — including median sales prices, the number of closed sales, how long homes stay on the market, inventory levels, months of supply, and how close sellers are getting to their original asking price.
Updated monthly directly from NTREIS MLS, this data provides valuable insights for buyers and sellers on how the Southlake housing market is performing, whether conditions favor buyers or sellers, and what to expect in terms of pricing, competition, and inventory trends.
More Articles About Living in Southlake
Explore in-depth blog content about moving to Southlake, Texas — including suburb comparisons, family-friendly neighborhoods, luxury home insights, school district information, and expert relocation advice. New posts are added regularly to help you make informed decisions about living in this premier North Texas community.
📍 Southlake, Texas — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southlake welcoming to minorities and diverse families?
Southlake is a predominantly white, affluent community. While many families of diverse ethnic backgrounds live here and report positive experiences, the city has faced public controversies around diversity and inclusion initiatives in the past. Some families have expressed concerns about subtle or overt discrimination, while others say they’ve felt fully accepted. It's best to visit, talk to residents, and tour schools to understand the current climate.
What is the cost of living in Southlake compared to other Dallas suburbs?
Southlake is one of the most expensive suburbs in North Texas. The median home price is approximately $1.35M (July 2025, NTREIS MLS). Property taxes average 2–2.2% of assessed value. Everyday expenses such as dining, private lessons, and activities also trend higher compared to neighboring cities like Keller or Grapevine.
Are Southlake schools really among the best in Texas?
Yes. Carroll ISD consistently ranks among the top districts statewide (Niche: A+ in 2025). High test scores, competitive athletics (notably Southlake Dragons football), strong college prep programs, and extensive extracurriculars make it one of the most sought-after districts in the region.
Is Southlake safe for Black and Jewish residents?
Southlake has very low crime rates (NeighborhoodScout Crime Index ~65/100, safer than 65% of U.S. cities). However, past reports and online accounts mention occasional racial or religious intolerance incidents. While many minority families live here happily, it's recommended to connect with local community groups for firsthand perspectives.
What is the property tax rate in Southlake?
Southlake property tax rates typically range from 2.0% to 2.2% of assessed home value annually. Taxes fund high-performing schools, city services, and infrastructure. Certain neighborhoods with special districts (PIDs) may have additional fees.
How competitive is the Southlake real estate market?
Homes in Southlake often sell quickly, especially properties zoned for top Carroll ISD schools or within luxury communities like Timarron or Carillon. Multiple offers are common for well-priced homes. Cash buyers and pre-approvals are typical in this market.
What are the best neighborhoods in Southlake for families?
Popular family-friendly neighborhoods include Timarron, Carillon, Southlake Woods, Stone Lakes, Monticello Estates, and Myers Meadow. These offer large homes, community amenities like pools and trails, and easy access to Carroll ISD schools. See our Southlake Neighborhood Guide for details.
What is the commute like from Southlake to Dallas or Fort Worth?
Southlake is approximately 25 miles from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. Commute times average 30–45 minutes during peak hours via Hwy 114. Many residents work in nearby corporate hubs in Irving, Las Colinas, or the DFW Airport area.
What amenities and lifestyle options does Southlake offer?
Southlake features Southlake Town Square for upscale shopping and dining, numerous parks and trails, close proximity to Grapevine Lake, top-tier youth sports, luxury spas, golf courses, and family-friendly community events throughout the year.
Is Southlake a politically conservative city?
Yes, Southlake leans conservative politically. Community values tend to emphasize traditional family structures, religious affiliations, and conservative social stances. This may appeal to some families while others may prefer more politically diverse suburbs.
How does Southlake compare to neighboring suburbs like Colleyville or Keller?
Southlake is more expensive, with larger custom homes and a nationally ranked school district. Colleyville offers similar luxury living at slightly lower prices. Keller provides a mix of affordability and strong schools, but fewer luxury estates compared to Southlake.
What makes Southlake desirable for retirees?
Retirees choose Southlake for its safety, proximity to DFW Airport, luxury single-story homes, golf courses, and easy access to healthcare. However, high home prices and property taxes may be drawbacks for fixed-income households.
How strong is the job market in and near Southlake?
Southlake is primarily residential but benefits from proximity to major employment centers in Las Colinas, Fort Worth, Dallas, and AllianceTexas industrial hubs. Many residents are executives, professionals, or entrepreneurs with high-income jobs nearby.
What recreational opportunities are nearby?
Southlake offers extensive parks, youth sports complexes, golf courses, indoor recreation centers, and access to Grapevine Lake for boating, fishing, and camping. The Bob Jones Nature Center is popular for hiking and outdoor programs.
Is Southlake walkable or car-dependent?
Outside of Southlake Town Square, most of the city is car-dependent with limited public transportation. Families rely on personal vehicles for commuting, school, and daily errands.
What healthcare facilities are nearby?
Southlake residents have quick access to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–Grapevine, Texas Health Southlake, Cook Children’s Urgent Care, and a variety of specialty clinics within a short drive.
Does Southlake have a diverse range of dining and shopping options?
Yes. Southlake Town Square offers upscale restaurants and boutiques, while nearby Grapevine and Colleyville provide additional dining, breweries, and international cuisine options.
What is the weather like in Southlake?
Southlake has hot, humid summers (90°F+), mild winters, and occasional severe weather in spring (thunderstorms, hail). Snow is rare. Outdoor activities are available most of the year.
Is there public transportation from Southlake to Dallas or Fort Worth?
Public transportation options are limited. Most residents drive. Nearby Grapevine has TEXRail service to Fort Worth and DFW Airport, but Dallas commutes generally require personal vehicles.
Are property values in Southlake stable?
Yes. Southlake has historically strong home value appreciation due to limited available land, high demand for Carroll ISD schools, and luxury market appeal. The city is known for holding value even during market slowdowns.
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