Want space, trees, and quick city access without moving to the far suburbs? Preston Hollow and the broader North Dallas corridor deliver a rare mix of large lots, established homes, and easy reach to key job centers. If you’re weighing a move within Dallas or relocating to the area, you likely want clear insight on housing styles, costs, schools, commutes, and day‑to‑day living. This guide gives you a grounded look at what it feels like to live here so you can decide if the fit is right. Let’s dive in.
Preston Hollow at a glance
Preston Hollow sits on the northern side of Dallas within city limits. It is known for large, tree‑lined lots, mid‑century and traditional homes, and a meaningful number of luxury estate properties. Many streets have seen teardowns replaced by custom new construction over the last decade.
Locals often refer to informal halves: “Lower/West Preston Hollow” near Preston Road and the Dallas North Tollway, and “Upper/East Preston Hollow” toward Hillcrest and Midway. These distinctions often influence lot sizes, the age of homes, and price tiers.
The area is primarily single‑family residential, with limited multi‑family or high‑density development compared with other North Dallas corridors. That residential feel is a key part of its appeal.
How North Dallas compares
“North Dallas” is a broad term that includes Preston Hollow, neighborhoods around NorthPark and Preston Center, communities along the Dallas North Tollway, and nearby edge areas often discussed in the same breath. You’ll find a wide variety of settings, from mixed‑use hubs and condo clusters to quiet single‑family enclaves.
Preston Hollow is one of the more prestigious pockets within North Dallas, especially if you want a large lot and a classic neighborhood fabric. Other North Dallas areas offer more townhomes, condos, and denser living near retail and office centers. Your choice comes down to the balance you want between land, lifestyle, and convenience.
Housing styles and what you’ll find
In Preston Hollow, expect a mix of ranch, colonial, Tudor, Spanish, and mid‑century homes alongside luxury new construction with high‑end contemporary design. Lots commonly range from roughly a quarter acre to well over an acre, and mature trees are a hallmark.
Across North Dallas more broadly, you’ll see townhomes and condos near commercial corridors, mid‑century homes in established subdivisions, and newer master‑planned or gated communities as you extend north. This mix allows buyers to match budget and lifestyle while staying close to major job centers.
Market dynamics to expect
Preston Hollow typically sits above the Dallas median price range, and many sales fall squarely into the luxury segment. Lot value is a major driver. Buyers often purchase older properties to build larger residences, which shapes pricing patterns and comparable sales.
Inventory for large lots can be tight, which sustains demand in many pockets. In the highest price tiers, sales cycles can be longer and more sensitive to interest rate shifts. If you’re a move‑up buyer, plan your financing early and be ready to weigh tradeoffs between renovation and new construction.
For North Dallas generally, the price spectrum is wide. You can shop everything from lock‑and‑leave townhomes to estate properties, often within a short drive of the same retail and dining hubs.
Cost of ownership basics
Texas has no state income tax, and local governments rely more on property taxes. In Preston Hollow and North Dallas, your bill reflects the City of Dallas, Dallas County, the school district, and any special districts tied to your address. Effective rates and assessed values vary by property, so you should review estimates during your search.
Homeowners insurance in North Texas often accounts for wind and hail exposure. Older or larger homes can carry higher premiums due to size and replacement cost. Many Preston Hollow properties are not part of a large HOA, though some smaller subdivisions and newer communities may have fees. For larger lots, plan for landscaping and pool service in your monthly budget.
Schools and education options
Preston Hollow is within Dallas Independent School District boundaries. School assignments are address‑specific and can influence buyer decisions, so you should verify the current boundary maps and feeder patterns during your search. Across North Dallas, some neighborhoods are served by other districts in nearby municipalities, each with its own programs and offerings.
The area also supports a strong private school ecosystem, including day schools, faith‑based options, and well‑known college‑prep institutions. Families often weigh admission processes, tuition, transportation, and proximity to home or office when choosing between public and private options. Use official district resources and campus reports to evaluate fit for your student.
Commute and getting around
Preston Hollow and North Dallas are framed by major corridors, including Central Expressway (US‑75), the Dallas North Tollway, Preston Road, and LBJ Freeway (I‑635). These routes link you to Uptown and Downtown, as well as employment centers to the north.
Many residents drive to work. DART provides bus service in parts of North Dallas and light‑rail lines in select corridors, though Preston Hollow itself has limited direct rail access. For air travel, Dallas Love Field is relatively close for domestic flights, and DFW International is accessible via tollways and highways.
Walkable pockets exist near mixed‑use centers like Preston Center and around major shopping areas. Within Preston Hollow’s residential blocks, you’ll rely more on driving for daily errands, schools, and groceries.
Lifestyle, shopping, and dining
Access to amenities is a standout. Nearby hubs include Preston Center and NorthPark Center, which offer high‑end retail, popular restaurants, and cultural programming. Along Preston Road and surrounding corridors, you’ll find neighborhood favorites, boutiques, and services that make daily life convenient.
Parks and green space dot North Dallas, while Preston Hollow’s large yards invite backyard living and play. Private country clubs and golf clubs in the area offer tennis, pools, and social events for members. Membership details and availability vary by club.
Healthcare access is strong, with major hospital systems and specialty clinics within driving distance. Exact travel times depend on your address and time of day, so it helps to test your routes.
Safety and peace of mind
Many residents describe Preston Hollow as having a stable, residential feel. Like any in‑city neighborhood, crime statistics vary block by block and over time. You should review recent data for the streets you’re considering and look at year‑over‑year trends when possible. Practical steps like lighting, alarm systems, and neighborhood watch programs can also shape day‑to‑day experience.
Is Preston Hollow or North Dallas a fit?
Choose Preston Hollow if you want larger lots, classic residential streets, and close proximity to Uptown and Downtown while staying inside Dallas city limits. It suits move‑up buyers who value space, privacy, and the option to renovate or build new.
Consider broader North Dallas if you want more housing types, including condos and townhomes, with quick access to retail hubs and job centers. The variety lets you calibrate price, maintenance needs, and commute.
Your ideal match comes down to the weight you give to lot size, commute, school preferences, and ownership costs. Touring a few micro‑pockets at different times of day is the best way to get a feel for the rhythm that fits you.
How we help you decide
You deserve guidance rooted in the nuances of each micro‑market. Our team pairs hyperlocal insight with curated access across Preston Hollow and North Dallas, including public MLS listings and select off‑market opportunities. We help you weigh renovation versus new construction, validate ownership costs, and confirm address‑specific details like school assignments and taxes.
If you’re selling, we leverage polished presentation and targeted marketing through our brokerage network while staying attentive to your timeline and privacy preferences. If you’re buying, we prioritize clarity, fast communication, and a tailored plan to secure the right home.
Ready to explore the neighborhood that fits your goals? Reach out to the team at Hewitt+Saucedo Realty Group to start a focused, confidence‑building search.
FAQs
What defines Preston Hollow’s character?
- Large, tree‑lined lots, a mix of classic and new luxury homes, and a primarily single‑family streetscape within Dallas city limits.
How does North Dallas differ from Preston Hollow?
- North Dallas is broader, with more housing types and mixed‑use pockets, while Preston Hollow focuses on larger lots and a residential feel.
What should I know about property taxes here?
- Texas relies more on property taxes since there’s no state income tax, and your exact bill depends on assessed value and local taxing entities.
Are there townhomes or condos nearby?
- Yes, North Dallas includes townhomes and condos near commercial corridors and mixed‑use centers if you prefer lower maintenance living.
How are school assignments handled in Preston Hollow?
- Assignments are address‑specific within Dallas ISD; verify boundary maps and feeder patterns directly with official district resources.
What are typical commute options from Preston Hollow?
- Most residents drive via the Dallas North Tollway, US‑75, and I‑635; DART buses serve some corridors, with limited direct rail access in Preston Hollow.
What maintenance should I plan for on larger lots?
- Budget for landscaping, tree care, and any pool service; older or larger homes may also have higher insurance and upkeep costs.
