Where the North Dallas Suburbs Meet Lake Country

Highland Village is a lake-adjacent suburb in Denton County with a population around 42,950 and a median home value of $464,000 according to Census Bureau data. The city is divided into 97 named neighborhoods, nearly all served by Lewisville Independent School District, which holds an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. Denton County's economy is anchored by retail, healthcare, and professional services, with significant employment in manufacturing and construction. The city's identity revolves around family-oriented neighborhoods, extensive park systems, and proximity to Lewisville Lake.

History

Highland Village has no registered historical markers, reflecting its identity as a planned suburb developed primarily in the 1980s and 1990s. The city's history is tied to Lewisville Lake's creation and the broader suburbanization of North Texas rather than deep historical roots.

ZIP Codes Compared

The city's housing market is relatively homogeneous, with most neighborhoods falling within a similar price range and offering comparable amenities. Older sections like Baird Addition and Hermanson Addition provide the most affordable entry points, while lakefront properties command premium prices.

Demographics

Highland Village skews affluent and educated, with a median household income of $127,211 per Census estimates and nearly half the adult population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The population is predominantly white at 66.6 percent, with growing Hispanic and Asian communities, and the homeownership rate of 78 percent reflects the city's single-family residential character.

Economy

Most Highland Village residents commute to jobs in nearby Frisco, Plano, or the Alliance corridor, while Denton County's broader economy is driven by retail trade, healthcare, and professional services according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Manufacturing and construction also provide significant employment, with average wages in professional and technical fields exceeding $105,000 annually.

Schools

The entire city is served by Lewisville Independent School District, which carries an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and operates four schools within Highland Village enrolling over 2,100 students. School quality is a primary driver of the city's housing market and a key reason families pay the premium to live here.

Cost of Living

Highland Village's cost of living runs higher than the Texas average, driven primarily by housing costs with a median home value around $464,000 per Census data. Texas's lack of state income tax provides some offset, though property taxes fund schools and local services at rates typical for North Texas suburbs.

Homeowners Associations

Highland Village has eight registered homeowners associations that govern most neighborhoods, typically covering common area maintenance, deed restrictions, and architectural standards. HOA fees and rules vary by neighborhood but are a standard part of homeownership here.

About Highland Village

Highland Village sits at the northern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth sprawl where Denton County starts to feel more like lake country than metroplex. The city wraps around the eastern shore of Lewisville Lake, giving it a geography that shapes everything from weekend routines to home prices. With a population around 42,950 according to Census Bureau estimates, Highland Village reads as a planned suburb that grew deliberately rather than explosively, the kind of place where parks were built alongside neighborhoods and trail systems connect one section to the next.

The people moving here tend to be families with school-aged kids or professionals working in Frisco, Plano, or the Alliance corridor who want more space and a slower pace without losing access to the job centers that define North Texas. The median household income sits at $127,211 per Census data, which tells you something about who can afford to live here but also about the kind of amenities and school quality that income supports. Nearly half the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, and the homeownership rate hovers around 78 percent. This is a city of buyers, not renters, and the housing stock reflects that.

The lifestyle here revolves around the lake and the parks that line nearly every neighborhood edge. Castlewood Park, Brazos Park, Murray Park, Doubletree Ranch Park — these aren't just green spaces on a map, they're the social infrastructure of daily life. Parents meet at playgrounds after school, runners loop the trails before work, and weekends tend to involve some combination of kayaking, fishing, or simply sitting near the water. The lake isn't a vacation destination here; it's a Tuesday evening.

Compared to other Texas suburbs in this income bracket, Highland Village feels quieter and more residential. There's no downtown district to speak of, no walkable main street lined with boutiques and bistros. The Shops at Highland Village anchor the retail scene, but most errands happen along FM 407 or require a short drive to neighboring Flower Mound or Lewisville. This is not the place for urban energy or nightlife. It's the place you move when you've decided that proximity to good schools and open space matters more than proximity to restaurants.

The housing market here skews higher than the broader Dallas-Fort Worth average, with a median home value around $464,000 according to Census estimates. That buys you into neighborhoods like Briarhill, Castlewood, or Clearwater, where lot sizes are generous and the architecture leans toward traditional brick-and-stone two-stories built in the 1990s and 2000s. There are pockets of older homes in areas like Baird Addition and Hermanson Addition, and newer construction in sections like Chapel Springs Estates, but the overall character is consistent: suburban, family-oriented, and built around the car.

What Highland Village doesn't offer is diversity of housing types. There are no urban apartments, no historic bungalow districts, no mixed-use developments where you can walk to dinner. The rental market is thin, and what exists tends to be single-family homes or townhomes rather than large apartment complexes. If you're looking for starter condos or affordable entry points, you'll find better options in Lewisville or Denton. Highland Village is where you move once you're ready to buy and settle.

The city's identity is deeply tied to Lewisville Independent School District, which serves the entire area and carries an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. Schools like Briarhill Middle School and Highland Village Elementary anchor neighborhoods, and parents here tend to be deeply involved in campus life. The school quality is a primary reason families pay the premium to live here, and it's the factor most often cited when people explain why they chose Highland Village over other North Dallas suburbs.

Economically, Highland Village itself is largely residential, but it sits within Denton County's broader job market, which includes significant employment in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Many residents commute south toward the corporate campuses in Frisco and Plano or west toward the Alliance area in Fort Worth. The city's location along FM 2499 and near Interstate 35E makes those commutes manageable, though rush hour traffic toward Dallas can be heavy.

This is a city that works best for people who know what they want: good schools, safe streets, access to outdoor recreation, and a neighborhood where kids can ride bikes and parents know their neighbors. It's not the most exciting place in North Texas, but that's part of the appeal. Highland Village is where you move when you're done experimenting with urban living and ready to invest in stability.

Finding Your Neighborhood in Highland Village

Highland Village doesn't have distinct districts in the traditional sense, but the city does break down into recognizable pockets shaped by when they were built, how close they sit to the lake, and what kind of park access they offer. Understanding these areas helps narrow your search quickly.

The Castlewood neighborhoods form the largest and most recognizable cluster, stretching across multiple sections that all share proximity to Castlewood Park and trail systems that connect to the lake. Castlewood Section One, Castlewood Section II-I, Castlewood Section III-I-A, and the other Roman-numeral-labeled sections can feel confusing on a map, but on the ground they read as mature, tree-lined streets with traditional two-story homes built mostly in the 1990s. These neighborhoods attract families who want walkable park access and a sense of established community. Prices here tend to align with the city median, and the housing stock is consistent: four-bedroom homes with two-car garages and landscaped yards. This is the heart of Highland Village's family-oriented identity.

The Briarhill sections — Briarhill I, II, and III — sit in the central part of the city near schools and shopping, making them popular with families who prioritize convenience. These neighborhoods feel similar in character to Castlewood but with slightly smaller lots in some sections and a mix of building styles that reflect phased development. Briarhill Middle School anchors the area, and proximity to The Shops at Highland Village means errands are genuinely quick. This is where you look if you want to be centrally located within Highland Village and close to the amenities that make suburban life easier.

The lakefront and near-lakefront neighborhoods, including areas like Edgewood Estates and sections near Doubletree Ranch Park, offer the most direct access to Lewisville Lake and tend to command higher prices. Homes here often sit on larger lots with more privacy, and the lifestyle skews toward outdoor recreation. If your weekends involve boats, paddleboards, or lakeside trails, this is where you focus your search. The trade-off is that you're a bit farther from the main retail corridors, so daily errands require a longer drive.

The northern sections of Highland Village, including neighborhoods like Chapel Hill Phase I and II and Chapel Springs Estates, feel newer and more recently developed. The housing stock here includes larger floor plans and more contemporary design, and the streets have that just-built feel where trees are still young and landscaping is still maturing. These areas attract buyers who want modern finishes and updated layouts, and they tend to draw families upgrading from smaller homes in nearby cities. Silverthorne Park serves as a neighborhood gathering spot, and proximity to FM 407 makes commuting north toward Denton or west toward Fort Worth straightforward.

The older, smaller neighborhoods like Baird Addition, Hermanson Addition, and Copperas Branch Addition offer a different profile. These pockets feature homes built in the 1980s and early 1990s, often on slightly smaller lots with more modest square footage. They're the closest thing Highland Village has to starter-home territory, though prices here still reflect the broader market premium. These neighborhoods attract buyers who want to be in Lewisville ISD without paying top dollar, or who prefer the character of an older home over new construction.

Finally, the Clearwater sections — Clearwater A, B, and C — sit in the southern part of the city near Murray Park and Brazos Park, offering easy access to multiple green spaces and a central location within Highland Village. These neighborhoods feel cohesive and walkable, with homes that range from mid-1990s builds to early 2000s construction. They're popular with families who want park access without being on the lakefront, and they offer a good balance of space, convenience, and community feel. If you're trying to understand Highland Village quickly, spending time in Clearwater gives you a solid baseline for what the city offers.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4833848

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

33848

Statistics

Neighborhoods

97

Population

15,883

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

14 km²

County

Denton

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Highland Village

Is Highland Village a good place to live?

Highland Village works exceptionally well for families prioritizing school quality, outdoor recreation, and a quiet suburban lifestyle. The city's median household income of $127,211 according to Census Bureau estimates reflects an affluent population that values the stability and amenities Highland Village offers, particularly access to Lewisville Independent School District, which holds an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. The homeownership rate sits around 78 percent, indicating a community of long-term residents invested in their neighborhoods. The city's geography along Lewisville Lake shapes daily life significantly, with extensive park systems and trail networks that make outdoor activity a routine part of the week rather than a special occasion. Highland Village lacks urban amenities like walkable downtowns or diverse dining scenes, and the housing market skews expensive with a median home value around $464,000, so it's not the right fit for everyone. But for families with school-aged children who want safe streets, strong schools, and a neighborhood where kids can ride bikes and parents know their neighbors, Highland Village delivers exactly what it promises. The trade-off is that you're committing to a car-dependent lifestyle and a community that prioritizes residential character over retail or entertainment options.

What are the best neighborhoods in Highland Village?

The Castlewood sections are often considered the most desirable, particularly Castlewood Section One and the various Castlewood III and IV subdivisions, because they offer mature landscaping, proximity to Castlewood Park, and trail access that connects to the lake. These neighborhoods feel established and cohesive, with traditional two-story homes built mostly in the 1990s and a strong sense of community among residents. The Briarhill neighborhoods — Briarhill I, II, and III — are popular with families who want central locations near schools and shopping, particularly Briarhill Middle School and The Shops at Highland Village. These areas offer convenience and walkability to key amenities, making daily life smoother. For buyers seeking lakefront or near-lakefront properties, Edgewood Estates and neighborhoods near Doubletree Ranch Park provide the most direct access to Lewisville Lake and larger lot sizes, though they command premium prices. The Clearwater sections — Clearwater A, B, and C — offer excellent park access with proximity to both Murray Park and Brazos Park, and they attract families who want green space without paying lakefront prices. For more affordable entry points, older neighborhoods like Baird Addition and Hermanson Addition provide smaller homes built in the 1980s and early 1990s, appealing to buyers who want to be in Lewisville ISD without paying top dollar. The best neighborhood ultimately depends on your priorities: lakefront access, school proximity, park walkability, or budget constraints.

What is the cost of living in Highland Village?

Highland Village's cost of living runs significantly higher than the Texas average, driven primarily by housing costs. The median home value sits around $464,000 according to Census Bureau estimates, compared to a statewide median closer to $300,000, and the rental market is thin with median rents around $2,098 per month for the limited rental stock available. Property taxes in Texas fund schools and local services, and while specific combined rates for Highland Village weren't provided, Denton County rates typically range from 2.0 to 2.5 percent of assessed value, meaning a $464,000 home could carry annual property taxes between $9,000 and $11,500 per Texas Comptroller standards. Texas has no state income tax, which provides some financial offset for higher property taxes, but the overall cost structure here favors higher-income households. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs in Highland Village align with broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro averages, so the housing premium is the primary differentiator. The median household income of $127,211 reflects the economic profile of residents who can afford to live here, and the city's amenities — particularly Lewisville ISD's A-rated schools and extensive park systems — justify the premium for families who prioritize those factors. For buyers seeking more affordable entry points in North Texas, nearby Lewisville or Denton offer lower housing costs while maintaining reasonable school quality and commute access.

How are the schools in Highland Village?

Highland Village is served entirely by Lewisville Independent School District, which holds an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and is the primary reason many families pay the premium to live here. The district operates four schools within Highland Village enrolling over 2,100 students, including highly regarded campuses like Briarhill Middle School and Highland Village Elementary. According to Texas Education Agency accountability ratings, Lewisville ISD consistently performs well on state assessments and offers strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation resources. Parents in Highland Village tend to be deeply involved in campus life, and the community's affluence supports robust PTA funding and volunteer networks. The district's size — it serves multiple cities across southern Denton County — means students have access to specialized programs, advanced coursework, and competitive athletics that smaller districts can't always provide. School quality is the single most cited factor when families explain why they chose Highland Village, and the city's housing market reflects that priority with prices that align with the school district's reputation.

Is Highland Village good for families?

Highland Village is purpose-built for families with school-aged children, and nearly every aspect of the city reflects that priority. Lewisville Independent School District's A rating from the Texas Education Agency anchors the appeal, and neighborhoods are designed around proximity to schools and parks. The city's extensive park system — including Castlewood Park, Brazos Park, Murray Park, Doubletree Ranch Park, and numerous smaller green spaces — means outdoor recreation is genuinely accessible, not something you have to drive across town to find. The homeownership rate of 78 percent and median household income of $127,211 per Census Bureau data indicate a stable, affluent population invested in long-term community building. Streets are safe, neighbors tend to know each other, and the overall vibe is family-friendly in the most traditional suburban sense. The trade-offs are limited housing diversity — this is a city of single-family homes with minimal rental or starter-home options — and a car-dependent lifestyle with no walkable downtown or urban amenities. But for families who want strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a lifestyle centered around youth sports, park time, and lake access, Highland Village delivers exactly what it promises.

What is the job market like in Highland Village?

Highland Village itself is primarily residential with limited major employers within city limits, so most residents commute to jobs in nearby Frisco, Plano, Lewisville, or the Alliance corridor in Fort Worth. Denton County's broader economy, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, is anchored by retail trade with over 36,000 employees, healthcare and social assistance with more than 34,000 workers, and professional and technical services employing nearly 20,000 people at an average annual wage exceeding $105,000. Manufacturing, construction, and transportation also provide significant employment, with manufacturing jobs averaging around $88,000 annually. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro's diverse economy means job opportunities span corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, logistics hubs, and technology companies, most concentrated in the cities south and west of Highland Village. Commute times from Highland Village to major employment centers like Frisco or Plano typically range from 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, while the Alliance area in Fort Worth sits about 30 minutes west. The city's location near Interstate 35E and FM 2499 provides reasonable access to these job markets, though rush hour congestion toward Dallas can be heavy. For remote workers or those with flexible schedules, Highland Village offers the lifestyle benefits of lake access and suburban quiet without sacrificing proximity to major employment hubs.

What is the lifestyle like in Highland Village?

Highland Village's lifestyle revolves around outdoor recreation, family activities, and a quieter pace than you'll find in more urban parts of North Texas. Lewisville Lake shapes daily routines significantly, with residents spending weekends kayaking, fishing, or walking the trails that line the shoreline. The city's park system is extensive and genuinely used — Castlewood Park, Doubletree Ranch Park, Murray Park, and Brazos Park aren't just green spaces on a map, they're where neighbors meet for morning runs, kids play after school, and families gather for weekend picnics. The Shops at Highland Village provide the main retail anchor with chain restaurants, grocery stores, and service businesses, but this isn't a city with a vibrant dining or entertainment scene. Most social life happens in neighborhoods or through youth sports leagues, school events, and church communities. For urban amenities like live music, diverse restaurants, or cultural institutions, residents drive to nearby Denton, Flower Mound, or into Dallas proper. The lifestyle here works best for people who value outdoor access, safe streets, and a family-oriented community over nightlife or walkable urbanism. It's a place where Tuesday evenings might involve a quick bike ride to the park and Saturday mornings start with a farmers market run, not brunch at a trendy restaurant. If that rhythm appeals to you, Highland Village delivers it consistently.

How does Highland Village compare to nearby cities?

Highland Village sits at the higher end of the North Texas suburban market in terms of both housing costs and school quality. Compared to neighboring Lewisville, Highland Village offers a more affluent, residential character with a median home value around $464,000 versus Lewisville's lower median closer to $300,000 according to Census Bureau data, and both share access to Lewisville Independent School District's A-rated schools per the Texas Education Agency. Flower Mound to the south offers similar demographics and school quality but with a slightly larger population and more retail development, while Highland Village feels quieter and more focused on lake access. Denton to the north provides a more diverse, college-town atmosphere with the University of North Texas anchoring the local economy, and housing costs there run significantly lower, making it a better option for buyers seeking affordability or urban energy. Frisco and Plano to the south offer comparable school quality and higher median incomes but with less direct lake access and denser development patterns. Highland Village's primary advantages are its lakefront geography, quieter residential character, and strong schools, while its disadvantages include limited housing diversity, minimal walkable retail, and higher costs than many surrounding suburbs. The choice between Highland Village and nearby cities often comes down to whether lakefront access and a slower pace justify the premium over more affordable or amenity-rich alternatives.

Ready to Explore Highland Village?

Finding the right neighborhood in Highland Village means understanding the differences between Castlewood, Briarhill, and the lakefront sections — and knowing which schools and parks matter most to your family. Connect with a Texas Ally advisor who knows Denton County's housing market and can help you navigate your search with local expertise.