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Lakewood and Lake Highlands are often shortlisted together by buyers who want detached housing with proximity to White Rock Lake. The two areas differ in construction era, lot pattern, renovation economics and access, and those differences usually determine the choice.
Construction era and architecture
Lakewood's housing stock is largely pre-1960, with Tudor, Colonial Revival, Craftsman and mid-century designs, plus renovations and selective new construction on existing lots.
Lake Highlands is predominantly 1950s through 1980s subdivision development — ranch, traditional and split-level plans — with newer construction concentrated in redeveloped pockets.
Lot patterns and street character
- Lakewood: traditional platted lots, mature canopy, narrower streets, frequent alley access, and grade variation on some blocks.
- Lake Highlands: generally wider lots and setbacks, curvilinear subdivision streets, attached garages, and more consistent block-to-block layout.
These patterns affect everything from parking and drainage to how additions can be configured.
Renovation economics and regulatory context
In Lakewood, parts of the area fall within conservation districts or historic overlays that regulate exterior changes, additions and demolition. That can shape scope, cost and timeline for a renovation plan, and it is a factor to confirm before writing an offer.
In Lake Highlands, renovation is more commonly a question of systems, layout and finish level than of overlay approval, though zoning, setbacks and any HOA restrictions still apply.
Access and transportation
Lakewood generally routes toward downtown via Gaston Avenue, Interstate 30 and Central Expressway. Lake Highlands is served by LBJ Freeway and Central Expressway and includes DART rail stations, which matters for buyers who want a transit option.
Both areas connect to the White Rock trail network, though the entry points and the character of the connection differ.
Diligence differences
- Lakewood: foundation evaluation, sewer line scope, electrical service and wiring type, roof age, permit history on additions, and overlay status.
- Lake Highlands: systems age and remaining life, foundation evaluation, permit history for garage conversions and additions, HOA status where applicable, and creek-corridor drainage and flood-map review.
- Both: verify finished square footage source, assess tree health near structures and lines, and obtain insurance quotes early.
What to verify for your own situation
- City of Dallas for conservation district and historic overlay status, zoning and permits.
- Dallas Central Appraisal District for parcel and construction-year data.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center for creek-corridor parcels.
- Licensed inspectors and engineers for condition questions.
Frequently asked questions
Written by
Travis Plumb
Co-Founder, Living in Dallas Texas Team · eXp Realty LLC
eXp Realty LLC · Texas Real Estate License #0749611
Travis writes practical, verification-first guidance for people making Dallas and Dallas–Fort Worth housing decisions. Every article is reviewed for accuracy and updated as processes and local requirements change.
