Dallas is a large, spread-out metro, and where you land matters as much as the city itself. A few basics apply everywhere: Texas has no state income tax, most day-to-day life still assumes a car even in transit-accessible areas, and summers run hot and humid, so proximity to shade, trails, and water (like White Rock Lake) is worth more than it sounds on paper. Because the metro is so large, picking the right neighborhood — not just the right city — is really the first decision to make.

Why Do People Choose Lake Highlands When Relocating to Dallas?

Lake Highlands is one of Dallas's more established Northeast neighborhoods, built up primarily from the late 1950s through the 1970s and organized around Richardson ISD, a district families specifically relocate to access. Add in direct access to White Rock Lake's trail system, Harry Moss Park, and Flag Pole Hill, and it's a neighborhood that reads as more settled and less transient than some of Dallas's newer, faster-turning-over areas — appealing if you want to feel established quickly after a move.

What's the Commute Like From Lake Highlands?

Lake Highlands sits at the crossing point of I-635 (LBJ Freeway) and US-75 (Central Expressway), with the Forest Lane and LBJ/Central DART Rail stations both nearby. Downtown Dallas is about five miles away, Medical City Dallas hospital is roughly 2.5 miles from the neighborhood's western edge, and Dallas Love Field is about 15 miles out — close enough for a straightforward airport run without living directly under a flight path.

What Does It Cost to Live in Lake Highlands?

Cost is one of the neighborhood's bigger selling points relative to Dallas's more heavily marketed areas. As one point of reference, one-bedroom apartments at The Link start in the roughly $900s and range up to about $1,980 for larger three-bedroom, townhome-style units — figures that will shift with availability and season, so treat them as a starting point rather than a quote. Renting also gives new arrivals flexibility that buying doesn't, which matters if you're still learning which part of Dallas actually fits your life.

What Should Be on Your Moving-to-Dallas Checklist?

• Tour neighborhoods in person or virtually before committing to a lease — Dallas is too spread out to guess.
• Budget for a security deposit, application fees, and first month's utilities on top of rent.
• If you're bringing a vehicle, register it in Texas within 30 days of establishing residency.
• New Texas residents are required to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of moving to the state.
• If you have kids, start the Richardson ISD enrollment process early — it's one of the reasons families choose this specific area.
• Update your address and set up renter's insurance before move-in day, not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Highlands a good area for families moving to Dallas?

Yes. It's zoned for Richardson ISD and offers significant park and trail access via White Rock Lake and Harry Moss Park, both common priorities for relocating families.

How far is Lake Highlands from Dallas Love Field?

About 15 miles. DFW International Airport is farther out, so plan extra drive time if that's your home airport.

Do new Texas residents need to register their car and get a new license right away?

Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of moving and to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days, per the Texas DMV. Confirm current requirements with the Texas DMV and Department of Public Safety, since rules can be updated.

What's the average rent for an apartment in Lake Highlands?

At The Link, for example, one-bedrooms start around $925 and three-bedroom townhome-style units run up to about $1,980, though pricing varies by floor plan, floor, and season — check current availability for exact numbers.

Ready to make Lake Highlands home? Tour The Link Apartments today.

The post Moving to Dallas? Why Lake Highlands Should Be on Your List appeared first on The Link Apartments Blog.