This Dallas neighborhood offers a blend of community charm and urban convenience, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks, like the sprawling Lakewood Park and the scenic White Rock Lake, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature. The neighborhood boasts a diverse range of houses, from historic Tudors to bungalows, fostering a unique architectural character.
Families are drawn to sense of community, which is evident in local events, neighborhood associations and Lakewood Shopping Center offers walkable access to boutiques, restaurants and essential amenities. Plus, it’s served by some of the best schools in the Dallas Independent School District, like the A-rated Lakewood Elementary School. And its proximity to downtown Dallas provides easy access to cultural attractions and employment centers, while maintaining a distinct, family-friendly atmosphere.
NEARBY:
Lakewood is located in East Dallas and bound by Mockingbird Lane to the north, Gaston Avenue to the south, Abrams Road to the west and White Rock Lake to the east.
Lakewood Fast Facts
POPULATION
14,654
(estimated)
REAL ESTATE
$1.6 million
Median listing price, realtor.com
Neighborhood Gems
Fit4Mom: This fitness group has class locations in Lakewood, such as Lakewood Park. In most classes you can bring your baby or child, allowing for a workout without having to work out childcare. whiterock.fit4mom.com
Lakewood Early Childhood PTA: Known as LECPTA, this group enriches the lives of East Dallas neighborhood children and offers support to other preschool families through fun, educational and social opportunities. lecpta.org
MomCo: The branch of this faith-based group for moms with kids of all ages meets at Wilshire Baptist Church on Abrams Road during the school year for brunch, speakers and creative projects. wilshirebc.org/connect/momco
RELATED: Where to Find Mom Groups in DFW
Lakewood Tower Farmers Market: This producer-only market brings fresh produce, meats and cheeses, bread and specialty foods to the corner of Gaston Avenue and Oram Street Sundays from February to November. // 6301 Gaston Ave., Dallas; goodlocalmarkets.org
White Rock Farmers Market: Another producer-only market put on by Good Local Markets, this one is a neighborhood tradition in East Dallas, offering foods, crafts and community on Saturdays, March to December. // 1450 Old Gate Ln., Dallas; goodlocalmarkets.org
RELATED: Farmers Markets Around DFW
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: This stunning 66-acre oasis on White Rock Lake showcases breathtaking seasonal displays and themed gardens. Visitors can wander through vibrant flowerbeds and attend various events and festivals. For kids, the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden features indoor and outdoor learning galleries with over 150 exhibits focused on life, earth, and environmental science. // 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas; dallasarboretum.org
RELATED: A Guide to Dallas Arboretum
Bath House Cultural Center: Nestled near White Rock Lake this vibrant hub for the arts housed in a former bathhouse hosts diverse art exhibitions, theatrical performances and community events. The unique space offers a platform for local and regional artists to showcase their talents in an intimate setting. // 521 E. Lawther Dr., Dallas; bathhouse.dallasculture.org
Lakewood Park: Right in the heart Lakewood you’ll find this 16-acre recreational space with a playground, sports courts and fields, and a community recreation center. Shady picnic areas and grilling stations invite gatherings, while walking trails wind through mature trees. // 7143 Williamson Rd., Dallas; dallasparks.org
White Rock Lake: A scenic urban oasis, it spans over 1,000 acres, offering green space for recreation and relaxation. A popular 9-mile trail encircles the lake, and water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding are enjoyed. // Dallas; dallasparks.org
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Down to Play: An inclusive indoor playground designed for children of all abilities. Here you’ll find a fun and safe environment with play structures and a sensory room. // 6464 Northwest Hwy., Suite 138, Dallas; downtoplay.com
Cheeky Monkeys: For kiddos age 10 months to 8 years, this indoor playground offers a multi-level soft play structure, arts and crafts, a play clubhouse, and daily activities. // 1152 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas; cheekymonkeys.us
RELATED: Indoor Play Places Around DFW
Property Tax Rate
(per $100 accessed value)
Dallas County / Dallas ISD: 2.23%
Property taxes may vary based on location and taxing entities.
Child Care Centers & Preschools in Lakewood
Lakewood Schools
Public School District
Dallas Independent School District
• 141,000+ students
• 138 elementary schools, 35 middle schools, 23 multi-level schools and 36 high schools
• TEA rating: C
Learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system at tea.texas.gov.
Mom-Approved Pediatricians in Lakewood
Find more DFWChild Mom-Approved Pediatricians near you.
Top Family Neighborhoods
Jamie Simpson, a realtor and team owner of Unlocking DFW, shares five great neighborhoods for families near Lakewood.
Lakewood Heights
The popular and well-defined neighborhood of Lakewood Heights has a strong sense of community. It’s known for its Tudor-style homes, bungalows and tree-lined streets. Residents here enjoy walking to neighborhood coffee shops and restaurants and spending weekends at nearby parks like Tietze Park, which has a playground and sports fields. The strong neighborhood association also organizes many family-oriented events. Learn more at realtor.com.
The M Streets
Technically part of the Greenland Hills neighborhood, the M Streets are highly desirable and located very close to Lakewood. Homes here are primarily Tudor style. Living in the M Streets means having easy access to trendy restaurants and boutique shopping on Greenville Avenue and enjoying a vibrant social scene. Learn more at realtor.com.
Belmont Addition
Located close to White Rock Lake, Belmont Addition offers a mix of architectural styles. Residents here often take advantage of the proximity to the lake for outdoor activities and appreciate the neighborhood’s laid-back vibe and community events. Families enjoy the ample green space and trails around the lake, as well as the nearby Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Learn more at redfin.com.
Forest Hills
Featuring larger, more estate-like homes, Forest Hills is also located near White Rock Lake. With its spacious lots and mature trees, it offers a more secluded lifestyle, while still being a short drive from cultural attractions and fine dining in Lakewood and nearby areas. It’s a great place for families who want a large yard and a quieter atmosphere. Learn more at realtor.com.
Old Lake Highlands
Adjacent to White Rock Lake and offering a mix of charming older homes and newer constructions, Old Lake Highlands residents enjoy access to the lake, the Dallas Arboretum and local spots like Lake Highlands Village. Families are drawn to the area for its recreational opportunities and family-friendly events. Learn more at realtor.com.
Lakewood Mom Life
Why Amanda Wiesemann Calls Lakewood Home
Growing up in Illinois, Amanda Wiesemann, 38, moved to Chicago to experience big-city life after college, then to the suburbs after getting married. But after settling into Lakewood with her family three years ago, she’s found the best of both worlds in the neighborhood.
“Lakewood strikes that perfect balance—it’s a warm, family-friendly neighborhood where kids ride bikes down tree-lined streets, neighbors stop to chat on evening walks and every home has its own unique charm. With several nearby parks, plus easy access to the lake and nature trails, it’s a place that encourages outdoor play and exploration,” she says.
“It feels like a small-town community tucked inside a big city, with easy access to all the culture, dining, and excitement Dallas has to offer.”
Amanda’s Local Faves
Family Fun
“We love spending family time at the Dallas Arboretum—the Children’s Adventure Garden is always a huge hit with the kids, and it’s a place we can visit all year round. The seasonal exhibits keep things fresh and exciting, so every visit feels like a new adventure.”
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
“Our go-to spots are usually Hudson House or Mi Cocina. Both have a laid-back vibe and consistently good food, making them perfect for a relaxed meal out.”
Me Time
“I love grabbing a matcha latte from Merit Coffee and heading out for a refreshing walk around White Rock Lake—it’s my favorite way to sneak in some me time. On the social side, joining LECPTA has been awesome for meeting other local moms and making friends with parents who have little ones. It’s really helped me feel connected and settled in Lakewood.”
RELATED: DFWChild’s Best for Families winners
Family-Friendly Events In & Around Lakewood
Valentine’s on Tap
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Disco Kids
Deep Ellum Art Company
Dallas Blooms: A Celebration of Spring
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Cupid’s Undie Run
Barcadia Dallas
My First Classic: Cinderella
Moody Performance Hall
HGF Skeletal Dysplasia Family Day
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Where We Stand
Kalita Humphreys Theater
Soccer: More Than a Game
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Music Man
Winspear Opera House
YMCA Family Night
Klyde Warren Park
DJ Raphi 2026 USA Tour
Granada Theater
Laurie Berkner Live
Majestic Theatre
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Museum
Dallas Museum of Art
Disney ’80s–’90s Celebration in Concert
Winspear Opera House
Ballet North Texas’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Moody Performance Hall
Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.