Thinking about trading city noise for lake breezes and trail time? If you want an easy suburban rhythm without giving up access to Dallas, Plano, or Irving, Highland Village may fit your move perfectly. You likely care about commute windows, outdoor space, everyday conveniences, and a home that suits your lifestyle. This guide gives you a clear, practical look at what life feels like in Highland Village, plus a step-by-step plan to shortlist neighborhoods and buy confidently, even from out of state. Let’s dive in.
Why Highland Village appeals
Highland Village sits on the south shore of Lewisville Lake in Denton County, part of the northern DFW corridor. You get a suburban pace with easy access to trails, lakefront parks, and a central shopping district, all within driving reach of major employment centers.
If you value outdoor recreation, single-family neighborhoods with yards, and quick runs to high-quality retail and dining, you will feel at home here. Many relocating professionals choose Highland Village for its balance of lake life and practical commutes into Plano, Dallas, Irving, and nearby corporate hubs.
Commute planning that works
Most residents drive to work, with common routes heading southeast to Dallas, east to Plano or Irving, and north or west toward Frisco and the Sam Rayburn corridor. Time of day and direction matter, so model real drives using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze and check the “typical traffic” view for AM and PM.
Toll roads are common across the northern suburbs, so consider transponder costs and whether your route includes toll exposure. For corridor updates and traffic trends, the Texas Department of Transportation is a helpful reference. If you are buying remotely, ask your agent for drive-time screenshots during peak hours to your specific workplace.
Lake, trails, and parks you will use
Highland Village fronts Lewisville Lake, so weekend boating, fishing, and shoreline time are a regular part of local life. If you want a home with dock access or water views, verify dock permits, shoreline setbacks, and lake management rules early in your search. Lakefront properties can carry extra due diligence related to erosion, flood risk, and marine-structure condition.
The city prioritizes connected green space. Trails link neighborhoods to parks and the shopping district, which makes daily walking, biking, and short errand runs easier. Explore parks, programs, and community amenities on the City of Highland Village website to see how the system fits your routines.
Hot, humid summers and a spring severe-weather season are part of North Texas life. Factor shade, irrigation, and outdoor storage into your plans and review local storm-preparedness guidance. If you are considering property near the shoreline or a creek, check flood status before you write an offer.
Everyday anchors: shopping and services
You will find a walkable open-air shopping district with restaurants, coffee, services, and seasonal events, plus big-box and specialty retailers along nearby corridors. Additional options in Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Plano broaden your choices for dining, entertainment, and services.
As you evaluate neighborhoods, confirm how close you are to your daily anchors:
- Grocery and pharmacy
- Primary care, pediatric care, and urgent care
- A full-service hospital
- Pet care and boarding
- Fitness or clubs you plan to use
Homes and neighborhoods at a glance
Housing in Highland Village is primarily single-family detached homes across a mix of lot sizes. You will also see patio homes, townhomes, and a pocket of higher-end lakefront estates and gated communities. Older established areas often offer mature trees and larger lots, while newer sections typically deliver more modern systems and finishes.
Expect some price premium compared to nearby suburbs, given the lake, trail network, and central retail. Neighborhoods vary in HOA presence, amenities, and architectural guidelines. Review HOA rules for landscaping standards, exterior changes, access to amenities like pools or private trails, and any rental restrictions that could affect your plans.
If lakefront living is on your list, budget time for shoreline questions, flood checks, and dock or sea wall inspections. If low-maintenance living matters, consider newer subdivisions or patio home communities with managed grounds.
Schools, taxes, and insurance basics
Highland Village is primarily served by the Lewisville Independent School District. Attendance zones can change, so always confirm the specific school assignments for a property directly with the district.
Texas does not have a state income tax, but property taxes are a key ongoing cost. Use the Denton County Appraisal District to review assessed values, tax entities, and exemptions that may apply. Insurance rates vary by home age, roof condition, proximity to the lake, and whether a property lies in a mapped flood zone. To verify flood status and any insurance requirements, consult the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Most homes are on municipal water and sewer, but verify utilities and any special systems for a given property. If a home lies near the shoreline, ask about any city permitting considerations for docks, fences, or exterior improvements.
Fast shortlisting workflow
A focused approach helps you narrow options quickly, especially if you are relocating on a tight timeline.
- Define non-negotiables
- Commute maximum in minutes, with and without tolls
- Lake access preference: deeded, nearby, or none
- Minimum beds, baths, garage, yard size, and age or style preferences
- Budget that includes estimated property taxes and insurance
- Map and filter
- Draw 20, 30, and 45 minute drive rings from your workplace
- Overlay school boundaries and confirm with the Lewisville Independent School District
- Check flood status on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Filter MLS results by property type, age, HOA, and lake proximity, then build a top 10 list
- Coordinate with your agent
- Request pre-recorded walkthroughs and live video tours
- Ask for floor plans, lot diagrams, and drone flyovers for lake-adjacent homes
- Review comparable sales and neighborhood trends before you write
Buy and close from anywhere
You can complete much of the Texas purchase process remotely, from tours to closing.
Virtual tours and verification
- Request 3D tours, high-resolution photos, and live video calls that capture light, street noise, roof condition, and proximity to neighbors
- Ask for 12 months of utility bills, if available, to estimate operating costs
Inspections and specialists
- Include a standard inspection contingency and plan for a re-inspection after repairs
- Order specialist inspections for pools, docks, septic systems, marine structures, and HVAC as needed
Title, closing, and remote options
- Texas closings typically run through title companies with escrow services, and most allow eSigning for many documents
- Many title companies support remote online notarization or mobile notaries, subject to your lender’s requirements
- Clarify who holds earnest money and confirm all contract deadlines for inspections, title review, and objections
Wire safety
- Protect your funds by following Federal Trade Commission guidance on wire fraud
- Always verify wiring instructions by calling the title company at a known phone number, not the number in an email
Pre-close checklist
- Order title search, HOA documents, and a survey if needed
- Secure homeowners insurance and complete the appraisal if financed
- On closing day, eSign or meet a remote notary, wire funds securely, and confirm recording with the title company
Seasonal and lake-specific checks
North Texas spring brings storms, and summer brings heat. Review roof age, guttering, shade, irrigation, and outdoor storage. If you are considering lakefront or near-shore properties, verify setbacks, dock permits, and shoreline rules with the city. Always confirm flood status and any insurance implications through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before finalizing your offer.
Work with a local, design-forward advocate
Choosing the right home is about lifestyle, not just square footage. You deserve a guided process that blends neighborhood insight with white-glove execution, from curated tours to a seamless remote close. If you want a boutique experience with refined presentation, vendor coordination, and relocation-ready support, connect with Betsy Daniel for a consultation.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Highland Village to Dallas or Plano?
- Drive times vary by route and time of day. Many commutes land in the 25 to 50 minute range under typical traffic, but model your exact endpoints with Google Maps or Waze and check rush-hour estimates.
Are there lakefront homes in Highland Village and what should I inspect?
- Yes, and they require extra due diligence. Verify dock permits and shoreline setbacks, check flood status with FEMA, and order specialist inspections for docks and sea walls.
Which school district serves Highland Village?
- Most of Highland Village is served by the Lewisville Independent School District. Always confirm assignments for a specific address directly with the district.
Can I close on a home remotely if I am relocating from out of state?
- Often yes. Many Texas title companies and lenders support eSigning and remote notarization. Confirm your title company’s options and your lender’s requirements early.
What should I budget for property taxes and insurance in Highland Village?
- Texas relies on property taxes, so plan for that annual expense. Use the Denton County Appraisal District for current assessments and check insurance needs, including flood coverage if a home is in a mapped flood zone.
What is the fastest way to shortlist neighborhoods if I cannot visit?
- Define commute and home criteria, draw 20 to 45 minute rings from your workplace, overlay school boundaries and FEMA flood maps, then have your agent provide video tours and comps of a top 10 list before you write.
