Introduction

If you're digging into lists of the "best places to live in Texas," there's a good chance you've seen Southlake pop up. But what does that really mean? In this breakdown, we're going to strip away the surface-level buzz and give you a clear, insider take on why Southlake is on everyone's radar, where it actually sits on the map, and what you need to consider before you get too far down the road. If we do this right, by the end you’ll not only understand Southlake, but also know how it stacks up to other options—and where to look next.

Affluent Consistency

Yes, Southlake is affluent. That’s the first thing people say when it comes up, and it’s true—but there’s a layer beneath that. The biggest difference between Southlake and other high-end pockets in DFW is the consistency of that affluence. In many suburbs, you can go from one beautiful street to another that looks nothing like it. But in Southlake, whether you're driving through a neighborhood, around Town Square, or past any retail center, the entire place is uniformly upscale. It’s not just the stores—though you’ll find Lululemon, ALO, and everything else you'd expect—it’s also the spotless landscaping, the well-maintained streets, and the overall aesthetic. There’s an attention to detail here that gives it a boutique, luxury-suburb feel you don't often find at scale.

Central Proximity

Southlake's geography is another huge asset. It sits in one of the most strategically located areas in the entire metroplex. You’re only 27 miles from downtown Dallas, but also tucked right into proximity with Fort Worth, and just about 7 miles from DFW International Airport. That puts you in a unique spot—not only do you get suburban peace and quiet, but you’re also never too far from any of the key hubs in the region. Whether you're commuting or flying often, that centrality is a big win.

Beyond the travel perks, Southlake also makes a compelling case as a complement to the broader Dallas area. You’ve got high-end retail, beautiful homes, and all the conveniences of a self-sustained town, but without losing touch with the rest of the metro. It doesn’t feel remote—it feels intentional.

Close-Knit Balance

Southlake hits a rare balance: privacy without isolation. It feels established and small-town-ish, but it still has the kind of development and modern retail that most people relocating expect. If you're someone who doesn’t want to trade walkable shops and top-tier grocery stores for antique stores and aging town squares, Southlake has you covered.

What’s more, the city feels quietly luxurious. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s refined. It also helps that the local government is run like a business. From budgeting to city planning, there’s a high level of competency here—everything is manicured, organized, and forward-thinking. It reminds you of corporate-level execution in a suburban setting. That’s increasingly rare.

Everything Else To Know

Once the idea of Southlake is resonating with you, the next questions are practical: does it work for your lifestyle, your family, and your budget? Here are a few key things to know:

Schools

This is a major draw. Southlake’s Carroll ISD is not just good—it’s one of the top-rated districts in the entire state of Texas (currently ranked #3 statewide). What makes this notable is the consistency across all grade levels. You’re not just seeing a great elementary school with a weak high school; every step of the path is strong. That means fewer surprises, and fewer situations where families have to move again to stay in a top school zone.

Home Prices

This is where things get serious. As of 2025, Southlake’s median home price sits around $1.2 million. That’s a big number, and it reflects both demand and the exclusivity of the housing inventory. If you’re budgeting under $900K, you might find a few options, but expect trade-offs. In most cases, that price range will feel like you’re getting a smaller version of what Southlake has to offer. But if your budget allows, the value in terms of location, schools, and lifestyle is strong.

For those who find Southlake compelling but slightly out of range, it can also serve as a benchmark. Use it to compare similar towns across other parts of the metro: what’s the Southlake of the north? Or the east? This can help refine your search without starting from scratch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re researching Dallas-Fort Worth and you stumble onto Southlake, this is what you need to know: it’s not a fluke that it shows up on every list. Southlake delivers on luxury, consistency, and access in a way that’s hard to duplicate. It’s a rare combination of upscale living, civic quality, and everyday convenience—all without the chaos of the urban core.

Use this guide as a litmus test. If Southlake checks a lot of your boxes, keep digging. Visit in person, compare it to its “mirror towns,” and get a feel for whether this kind of lifestyle fits. It might not be for everyone—but for the right buyer, Southlake might be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.