Top Places to Live Near Dallas: Acreage & Lakefront Homes

Introduction: The Best Places to Live Near Dallas
Waxahatchie TX: Affordable Acreage Living Close to Dallas
Van Alstyne TX: Quiet Country Living with Easy Access to Dallas
Rockwall TX: Lakefront Living Near Dallas with Family-Friendly Amenities
Heath TX: Upscale Lakefront Homes for a Luxury Lifestyle Near Dallas
Parker TX: Spacious Acreage and Luxury Homes Near Plano
Lucas TX: A Serene Countryside Escape with Top Schools Near Dallas
Why These Six Dallas-Area Towns Made the List
Practical Tips For Buying Acreage Near Dallas
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Dallas Suburb for Your Lifestyle
FAQs About Relocating Near Dallas
Final Thoughts

Introduction: The Best Places to Live Near Dallas

If you are thinking about the top places to live near Dallas and you want a mix of country roads, space, and still easy access to the city, this guide is built around exactly that. These are the six places I would consider living in 2025 if I were starting over. Each town gives a different mix of lakes, acreage, school ratings, taxes, and a small town vibe — plus the commute options back into Dallas when you need them.

I’ve focused on communities that deliver acreage or big lots, A-rated schools where possible, and a livable commute. I also paid attention to taxes, local amenities, and the long-term growth potential — especially if you want a quieter life but still need Dallas within reach. If you want practical recommendations for relocating to Dallas, these picks will help you narrow your search.

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Waxahatchie TX: Affordable Acreage Living Close to Dallas

Waxahatchie sits on the south side of the Dallas metro area and is one of the more affordable entries on the list of top places to live near Dallas. Think classic small town Texas: a quaint downtown, a lake to enjoy, and plenty of one-acre and larger lots. If you want space without getting price-shocked, Waxahatchie often delivers.

Why Waxahatchie made my list:

Affordability: Median home price around $372,000 for a town that offers acreage options.
Growth potential: Jerry Jones’ Blue Star purchase of 120 acres for a mixed-use development will significantly raise local retail and job options.
Schools and vibe: A-rated schools and a genuine small-town feel — it’s the kind of place that feels like home instantly.
Location: It’s the last big town heading south before Austin — great if you travel that way.

Waxahatchie is ideal if you want to be among the top places to live near Dallas on a budget while enjoying one-acre lots, low density, and future growth tied to big-name developments. The tax rate hovers around 1.35% plus county taxes, which is another plus.

Van Alstyne TX: Quiet Country Living with Easy Access to Dallas

Van Alstyne sits along the I-75 corridor north of McKinney. It checks the boxes if you want rolling hills, multiple-acre properties, and a slower life but still the option to commute to Dallas—especially in a hybrid work scenario.

What makes Van Alstyne stand out among the top places to live near Dallas:

Ranch-style living: Large lots, ranches, and plenty of room to build.
Not yet overrun: Dallas hasn’t reached this corridor fully yet, so you’ll find better pricing and fewer new developments than in other suburbs.
Build-friendly: Building is often more affordable here compared to closer-in suburbs.
Taxes and schools: Median home price about $385,000 and effective property tax around 1.35%, with A-rated schools available.

Van Alstyne is a top choice for anyone relocating to Dallas who wants to trade commuting time for acreage and a feeling of being “out in the country” while still keeping Dallas accessible.

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Rockwall TX: Lakefront Living Near Dallas with Family-Friendly Amenities

Rockwall is where I live and it makes the list because it delivers lake lifestyle without the premium tax or constant new-infrastructure surprises. It’s family-friendly, established, and offers a strong mix of older used homes and comparable new construction pricing.

Why Rockwall ranks high on the list of top places to live near Dallas:

Lake life: The harbor, restaurants, sunset cruises, and daily lake views make Rockwall feel like a vacation spot year-round.
Price balance: You can find used lake-adjacent homes in the $450k–$650k range, while new construction often competes at similar price points.
Taxes: One of the lower effective tax rates in DFW at about 1.54%.
Infrastructure: Most of Rockwall is developed already, so you’ll rarely get surprised by new MUDs or infrastructure assessments.

If you want daily lake sunsets and community amenities without some of the headaches of newer developments, Rockwall is a smart pick among top places to live near Dallas.

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Heath TX: Upscale Lakefront Homes for a Luxury Lifestyle Near Dallas

Heath sits just south of Rockwall and is the upscale counterpart. If you want luxury on the lake, gated golf and yacht club living, and one-acre custom-home parcels, Heath is the place to look.

What sets Heath apart among the top places to live near Dallas:

Higher-end neighborhoods: Expect homes starting around the high six figures into the millions; custom estates are common.
Lake access and amenities: Limited lakefront inventory makes lake homes rare and desirable, but the lifestyle is exceptional.
Commute improvements: I-30 widening and new bridges across the lake are easing traffic and making Heath more accessible.
Taxes and price: Median home price about $815,000. Effective property tax typically around 1.54% but can vary depending on MUDs or special districts.

Heath is a top places to live near Dallas pick when you want quiet, upscale living with real lake access and are willing to pay for the privacy and amenities that come with it.

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Parker TX: Spacious Acreage and Luxury Homes Near Plano

If your priority is wide-open space and strict land-use rules, Parker is worth a close look. Parker limits commercial development heavily — you’ll find primarily residential acreage and very few commercial corridors.

Key reasons Parker makes the list of top places to live near Dallas:

One to two-acre lots: Large lot minimums preserve the rural, low-density feel.
Proximity to Plano: About 15 minutes from Plano for shopping, restaurants, and employment centers.
Top builders and grand homes: Neighborhoods like Kings Crossing and Whitestone Estates feature large custom homes ranging from 4,000 to 8,000+ square feet.
Stats: Median sale price near $1,260,000 and an effective tax rate around 1.52%. Schools fall under Plano or Allen ISD depending on location.

Parker is for buyers who want the country roads and space without giving up quick access to high-end shopping and dining in Plano. That combination makes it one of the most desirable top places to live near Dallas for families with bigger budgets.

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Lucas, TX: A Serene Countryside Escape with Top Schools Near Dallas

Lucas sits west of Lake Lavon and offers mature trees, existing acreage, and a pastoral setting that feels far removed from city life, yet you can reach Allen and Plano in a reasonable drive.

Why Lucas is a favorite among top places to live near Dallas:

Beautiful country roads: Rolling lanes, mature trees, and established homes give a sense of permanence.
Custom and used homes: While not many new builds remain, you’ll find custom options and older properties on generous lots.
Schools: Lovejoy ISD serves much of Lucas and is A+ rated — a huge draw for families.
Numbers: Median sale price about $1.15 million, population around 8,300, and taxes roughly 1.44%.

Lucas is a strong choice for buyers relocating to Dallas who prioritize mature landscapes, large yards, and top schools while still keeping the city within reach.

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Why These Six Dallas-Area Towns Made the List

My criteria when assembling this list of top places to live near Dallas were simple: space, schools, commute, taxes, and lifestyle. I favored towns that deliver acreage or large lots, A-rated schools where possible, reasonable property tax rates, and a genuine small-town or lake lifestyle.

I also weighed future growth and infrastructure projects. For example, big commercial investments can increase convenience and property values but can also change the town’s character. Waxahatchie’s Blue Star development is a perfect example of a project that could alter the town’s appeal — possibly for the better if you want retail and jobs nearby.

Practical Tips For Buying Acreage Near Dallas

Check for special districts: MUDs or special assessments can add to your yearly costs — read plats and ask about future infrastructure taxes.
Understand commuting options: Consider improvements like bridge projects or highway widening that may shift commute times over the next five years.
Inspect access and utilities: Acreage often means private wells, septic systems, and longer drives to utility connections — factor these into your budget.
Confirm school zones: School boundaries change; double-check with the ISD to confirm which schools serve the lot address you are considering.
Work with local experts: A realtor who specializes in acre lots and the surrounding towns can save you time and avoid costly surprises. Call or text me at 945.244.0342.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Dallas Suburb for Your Lifestyle

The top places to live near Dallas offer a surprising variety: from affordable acreage in Waxahatchie to luxury lakefront in Heath, from countryside charm in Lucas to established lake living in Rockwall. Your choice depends on budget, desired lot size, school preferences, and how often you’ll commute to Dallas.

If you value space, A-rated schools, and a quieter life without losing Dallas access, these six towns are an excellent place to start your search. Whether you are relocating to Dallas or just moving across the metro, the right town is out there — and one of these six might be your perfect fit.

FAQs About Relocating Near Dallas

Which of these towns is the most affordable?

Waxahatchie and Van Alstyne are the most affordable on this list. Waxahatchie has median prices around $372,000 and Van Alstyne around $385,000, both offering one-acre and larger lots at lower price points than the lakefront or luxury markets.

Which option has the best school districts?

Several towns here have excellent schools. Lovejoy ISD (Lucas) and parts of Van Alstyne and Waxahatchie feature highly rated schools. Parker offers access to Plano or Allen ISD depending on the lot, both of which are strong districts.

Are property taxes higher outside Dallas?

Property tax rates vary town to town. Many of these towns have effective tax rates between 1.35% and 1.6%. Special districts and MUDs can raise your effective tax rate, so always check the specific parcel’s tax rate before buying.

How do I evaluate commute times from these towns?

Factor in the typical time of day you will commute and current infrastructure projects like new bridges or highway expansions. For example, I-30 improvements help Rockwall and Heath commuters. Use real-time traffic tools and drive the route during peak hours before making a decision.

Is it harder to get utilities and permits on acreage?

It can be. Acreage often requires septic systems, wells, or extended utility runs. Permitting for wells and septic is common and adds cost. Contact local county offices and a knowledgeable builder to estimate these expenses early.

What should I ask a realtor who helps with acreage?

Ask about experience with land purchases, familiarity with local MUDs and special districts, knowledge of utility and septic requirements, and examples of recent acre-lot transactions. A realtor experienced in relocating to Dallas and acreage will save you time and reduce risk.

Final Thoughts

If you want a hand narrowing down which of these top places to live near Dallas fits your lifestyle, prioritize lot size, school needs, and commute time. These are the things that will shape daily life, and each of these towns meets those needs in different ways.

Ready to explore these top places to live near Dallas and find the acreage or lake lifestyle that fits your family? Call or text me at 945.244.0342 to get personalized guidance, schedule tours, or compare neighborhoods. You can also email hello@dallasrelocationteam.com or visit our website for current listings and neighborhood guides.

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