What school district serves Lake Highlands?

Lake Highlands is zoned to Richardson ISD, not Dallas ISD — despite being inside Dallas city limits. This is a significant draw for families who want strong schools without leaving the city for a suburb. Richardson ISD is generally ranked among the better North Texas districts. Confirm specific address boundaries before signing, as a few streets near the edges fall into Dallas ISD.

How close is Lake Highlands to White Rock Lake?

Most Lake Highlands apartments are within a 5-10 minute drive of White Rock Lake and its 9-mile loop trail. The trail is popular with runners, cyclists, and sailors. The lake is the largest urban green space in central Dallas and a major amenity for residents of the east side neighborhoods.

Is Lake Highlands more affordable than Uptown?

Yes — Lake Highlands apartment stock is older and generally 20-30% less per square foot than comparable Uptown or central Dallas units. The tradeoff is less walkability and a 15-20 minute drive to downtown versus Uptown's 5-10 minutes. Renters prioritizing space or school zoning over walkability often land in Lake Highlands.

Does Lake Highlands have DART rail?

Yes. The DART Blue Line serves Lake Highlands via the LBJ/Skillman and Lake Highlands stations. The Lake Highlands Town Center mixed-use development sits adjacent to the Blue Line station and has newer apartment stock within walking distance of the rail.

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A OK Apartment Locators — Lake Highlands, TX

Apartments in Lake Highlands, Dallas, TX

Discover the tight-knit community and rolling, tree-lined hills of Lake Highlands, one of Dallas’s best-kept residential secrets.

Population
~85,000 (neighborhood area)

Median Age
34 years

Median Income
$88,000

Renters
65%

Avg. Commute
25 minutes

Reviewed by The A OK Apartment Locators TeamDFW apartment locators since 1997About our team

Updated May 2026

General Information

Beautiful photograph of a family-friendly residential neighborhood with mature trees and well-maintained parks in Lake Highlands, Dallas, Texas.

Lake Highlands is a highly sought-after neighborhood in the northeast corner of Dallas, uniquely characterized by its rolling topography, mature tree canopy, and a fiercely loyal community spirit that feels genuinely rare within a major city. Often described as having a small-town feel within the Dallas city limits, it is defined by its passionate support for the local high school and its active neighborhood associations that maintain the area’s character. The Lake Highlands Town Center redevelopment has injected significant new life into the area, creating a walkable mixed-use hub with new dining options, a Sprouts Farmers Market, and modern apartment living that blends seamlessly with the neighborhood’s established aesthetic.

For renters, Lake Highlands offers a compelling middle ground. It provides more affordable options than neighboring Park Cities or Lakewood while still offering excellent access to major highways, beautiful green spaces like White Rock Lake, and a strong sense of community. A defining advantage of this neighborhood is that it falls almost entirely within the Richardson Independent School District (RISD) despite being located within the Dallas city limits, a fact that significantly elevates its desirability and rental demand.

Historical & Geographic Context

Scenic view of White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, showing sailboats and the Dallas skyline in the distance at golden hour.

Developed primarily in the 1950s through the 1970s, Lake Highlands represents one of Dallas’s early suburban expansions. It sits at a higher elevation than much of the city, creating its distinctive rolling hills. Geographically, it is bounded by Northwest Highway to the south, Central Expressway (US 75) to the west, LBJ Freeway (I-635) to the north, and Garland Road to the east. This central positioning provides easy commutes to Downtown Dallas, Richardson, and the Telecom Corridor.

Demographics

Metric	Data
Population	~85,000 (neighborhood area)
Median Age	34 years
Median Household Income	$88,000
Renter Percentage	65%
Average Commute Time	25 minutes

Rental Prices (Spring 2026)

Unit Type	Price Range
Studio	$1,150 – $1,400/mo
1 Bedroom	$1,300 – $1,750/mo
2 Bedroom	$1,650 – $2,200/mo
3 Bedroom	$2,100 – $2,700/mo

Schools & Education

A defining feature of Lake Highlands is that it is almost entirely served by the Richardson Independent School District (RISD) despite being located within the city of Dallas.

White Rock Elementary School (RISD): A highly sought-after elementary school known for strong parent involvement and academic excellence.
Lake Highlands Junior High School (RISD): A prominent middle school serving the core of the neighborhood.
Lake Highlands High School (RISD): The central focal point of the community, renowned for its academic programs and highly competitive athletic traditions.
St. Patrick Catholic School: A highly regarded private school offering a rigorous education from Pre-K through 8th grade.

Things to Do in Lake Highlands

White Rock Lake:

Located just to the south, offering 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, sailing, and scenic views of the Dallas skyline.

Lake Highlands Town Center:

A revitalized mixed-use development featuring Taco Diner, Sprouts Farmers Market, and a growing collection of local dining and retail.

Flag Pole Hill Park:

An iconic park at the southern edge of the neighborhood, offering rolling hills, picnic areas, and views of White Rock Lake.

Harry Moss Park:

An expansive green space featuring popular off-road biking trails maintained by local cycling groups.

Vector Brewing:

A popular local craft brewery near the neighborhood core, offering community events and locally brewed beers.

Why Choose A OK Apartment Locators for Lake Highlands

The Lake Highlands rental market in 2026 is driven heavily by the RISD school district designation, which creates consistent demand that keeps pricing elevated relative to surrounding Dallas neighborhoods. The difference between a newly constructed luxury apartment at the Town Center and an older, value-priced complex near Skillman Street is significant, and understanding which specific elementary school a given apartment feeds into within RISD can be a critical factor for families.

A OK Apartment Locators navigates these nuances expertly. We understand the RISD elementary school feeder patterns and how they impact rental demand and pricing across different blocks of the neighborhood. We track which established properties have recently undergone interior renovations, offering modern amenities at prices well below new construction. We also know which buildings offer the best access to the White Rock Lake trail system.

Our service is completely free to renters. Whether you prioritize walkability to the new Town Center, access to the White Rock Lake trails, or placement within a specific RISD elementary zone, we have the local knowledge to find your perfect fit.

Ready to Find Your Lake Highlands Apartment?

Don’t navigate the Lake Highlands rental market alone. Contact A OK Apartment Locators today and let our expert team match you with the perfect apartment in this uniquely charming Dallas neighborhood. Your ideal home is waiting.

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