Southlake is a vibrant and growing community with easy access to the many attractions and amenities of the Texas Metroplex while still providing a small-town atmosphere. The city is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and robust economy, making it an ideal place to call home.

Those considering buying a home in Southlake could not choose a better option. The city has plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment, and various housing options to fit any lifestyle. Homeowners in Southlake also benefit from its low tax rates and excellent quality of life. Want to find out more about making your home in Southlake? Read on.

In a nutshell, Southlake provides residents with a rural Texan feel in proximity to abundant parks, excellent schools, and the best urban amenities.

Southlake has over 30 parks offering plenty of activities for all ages. At Bicentennial Park, you can enjoy various outdoor activities like fishing, volleyball, and basketball. Meanwhile, Southlake Town Square Park is the perfect spot for a picnic and provides beautiful walking trails.

Bob Jones Nature Center and Park is great for bird-watching, fishing, and taking nature hikes. You can also explore the nearby hiking and biking trails at the 8,000-acre Lake Grapevine, pop over to Lake Lewisville with the family, or take a relaxing stroll along the Carroll Creek Linear Park.

Southlake has plenty of high-end shopping, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Residents access many other great shopping and dining opportunities at Southlake Town Square and Gateway Plaza.

Regarding fine dining, Truluck's offers the freshest seafood in the Metroplex, while Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse provides a luxurious atmosphere for a romantic evening. Other notable spots include the Mexican restaurant Mi Cocina and Cool River Café steakhouse and whiskey lounge.

Whiskey Cake has a lively atmosphere with craft cocktails and live music, perfect for those looking for a nightlife spot in Southlake. Not far away, the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium offers more than 200 craft beers worldwide.

Southlake also has an excellent school system and plenty of family-friendly activities. Carroll Middle School and Old Union Elementary School are two of the top-rated schools in Southlake, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. The schools in Southlake are operated by Carroll Independent School District and are known for their rigorous curriculum and high test scores, giving children the necessary skills for success.

Southlake also provides family-friendly activities perfect for parents and children. The city is home to the Rustin/Family Park, an outdoor recreational area with a playground and basketball court. Families can also visit the Southlake Public Library, which offers various activities for children, such as arts and crafts, story times, and movie nights. And if you want to let the kids burn off some energy, the Dove Park skate park in nearby Grapevine has a variety of ramps and skate-friendly surfaces.

At any given time, several dozen excellent homes are available in Southlake. Collaborate with a trusted local agent like Julie Gray to find your preferred neighborhood — here are three of her favorites.

Shady Oaks is a family-friendly community known for its architectural masterpieces. It is an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood with tree-lined streets and homes with thousands of square feet of living space. Homes here are typically well-maintained and feature beautiful landscaping. You may find homes with perks, including heated swimming pools, spas, ponds, and outdoor entertainment space. Homes are valued in the low seven figures, and families can send children to excellent public or private schools.

Monticello has a convenient location and diverse amenities. Situated in the heart of the city, it is convenient to major highways and interstates. Residents can easily access downtown Dallas or Fort Worth while still enjoying the small-town atmosphere of Southlake.

The neighborhood features a variety of homes, from traditional single-family homes to luxury estates, making it an excellent choice for people of all ages and lifestyles. There are also plenty of parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts, excellent schools, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

The gated community of Carillon offers some of the best outdoor amenities in the city, from immaculate parks to scenic walking trails. Residents can enjoy various activities, including fishing, swimming, and sports. The community also boasts a top-notch educational system, with excellent schools that provide an outstanding academic foundation for students.

Carillon also provides plenty of options for entertainment and leisure. There are several restaurants and bars, an array of shops, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Residents can enjoy theater performances, music concerts, and art galleries.

Knowing your reasons for moving to Southlake is half the battle. Your agent will help you set a budget and navigate the financial aspects of your purchase.

Whether your idea of luxury is a $1 million home where you can park your RV in the driveway or a $15 million estate with a screening room and bowling alley, Southlake has a residence for you. The city belongs to Tarrant County, where home inventory increased 147% in January 2023. Though total inventory is only equivalent to about two months, the recent decrease in closed sales means now could be the perfect time to buy.

Texas is commonly known as a low-tax state, but its property taxes are among the nation’s highest. In addition to city and Tarrant County property taxes, Southlake residents also pay property taxes based on their school district.

Tarrant County provides a convenient online calculator for estimating property taxes. Based on the information, a Southlake home in the Carroll Independent School District worth $1 million would incur around $20,000 in annual property taxes without counting any homestead or age-related exemptions. Your agent will inform you of the latest property tax rates and other expenses when buying a home in Southlake.

If you are ready to start your journey toward buying a home in Southlake, the next step is finding a real estate agent, such as Julie Gray, with the experience you can trust. Julie has the knowledge and tools to help you find the right neighborhood and home to meet your personal and financial needs. As her clients attest, she brings a wealth of knowledge about local markets, including Southlake. Please get in touch as soon as you’re ready to take the next step toward homeownership.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Julie Gray}