What It’s Like To Live In Forest Hills Dallas

Do you picture leafy streets, big backyards, and weekends on the water without leaving Dallas? If so, Forest Hills might be exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked on the east side of the city near White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum, it offers a calm, park-adjacent lifestyle with quick access to urban amenities. In this guide, you’ll learn what daily life feels like, what homes and lots are like, how you’ll get around, and the key buying details to know. Let’s dive in.

Forest Hills at a glance

Forest Hills sits in East Dallas just south and east of White Rock Lake. The neighborhood feels residential and green, with a mature tree canopy and generous setbacks that create a quieter, more private setting than busier corridors nearby. You’ll see people out walking, running, or biking around the lake, and spending time in yards and on patios.

Buyers come here for space, outdoor access, and a mix of classic homes and thoughtful new construction. The trade-off is that you will likely drive a few minutes for dining and shopping, and you may see ongoing infill activity as older homes make way for larger builds.

Homes and lots: what to expect

Forest Hills is known for oversized lots compared with many central Dallas neighborhoods. Mature trees, deep yards, and larger setbacks shape the look and feel of the streets. Those trees also influence how new homes are designed and placed on lots.

Original homes and new builds

You’ll find a blend of original bungalows, cottages, ranch or mid-century homes depending on the block. In recent years, many lots have seen custom rebuilds that lean larger, with open plans, modern finishes, and outdoor living spaces. Both character homes and contemporary designs have a place here, which creates a varied but cohesive streetscape.

Lot sizes and mature trees

The tree canopy is a signature feature. Large, protected trees can be a selling point and a planning consideration for remodels or new construction. Buyers and builders commonly plan around preservation or permitted removal, so it is smart to think about trees early in your design or renovation process.

Daily life and things to do

White Rock Lake routine

White Rock Lake is the lifestyle anchor. The multi-use trails invite daily walks, runs, and bike rides, and there are areas for paddling, rowing, fishing, and picnics. Many residents build their routines around sunrise jogs and evening loops on the lake’s perimeter trails.

Dallas Arboretum and seasonal events

Next to the lake, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden offers beautiful grounds, rotating seasonal displays, educational programming, and community events. It adds curated greenspace and a steady calendar of things to do close to home. Weekend picnics and seasonal festivals are a common part of Forest Hills living.

Dining and shopping nearby

While Forest Hills itself is residential, you are a short drive from East Dallas favorites. Lakewood, Lower Greenville, and the Mockingbird and White Rock corridors offer restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. It is easy to plan a dinner out or a coffee run, then return to the quiet of tree-lined streets.

Getting around

Driving access

Forest Hills offers relatively direct routes to central Dallas and East Dallas hubs. Depending on your destination, major roads like US-75, I-30, I-635, and the Loop 12 and Mockingbird corridors connect you to downtown, Uptown, and beyond. Peak-hour congestion on these arteries is common, so plan timing accordingly.

Biking and trail options

The White Rock Lake trail system supports daily biking, running, and walking. Some residents choose to bike to nearby neighborhoods and employment centers in East Dallas and Midtown. If you value an active lifestyle, this trail network is a daily advantage.

Transit snapshot

Dallas Area Rapid Transit serves the broader city with bus routes and light rail. Forest Hills is more car and bike oriented than rail oriented, but bus service in the area can be useful depending on your route. Check current DART maps when planning your commute.

Buyer essentials and fine print

Flood and elevation checks

Proximity to a reservoir and shoreline means some parcels around White Rock Lake fall within mapped floodplains. Before you buy, review FEMA and City of Dallas flood maps, verify elevation, and confirm any flood insurance requirements. An elevation certificate can clarify risk and potential insurance costs.

Tree and permit considerations

The City of Dallas has tree preservation and removal regulations that can influence remodels, teardowns, and new builds. Large protected trees may require permits or mitigation. Engage city planning and permitting staff early to understand timelines, costs, and requirements.

Taxes and utilities

Texas relies on property taxes more than many states. Budget for Dallas County and municipal tax rates and confirm parcel-specific history with appraisal records. Water, sewer, trash, and other municipal services are provided by the City of Dallas; internet options typically include cable and fiber providers, but verify availability by address.

Resale outlook

Forest Hills’ larger lots and access to major parks position it well for long-term appeal among buyers who value outdoor living and privacy. The niche is competitive and diverse, with some buyers drawn to modern amenities in new builds and others seeking the character of original homes. Your resale strategy should align with your property type, lot size, and proximity to lake amenities.

Is Forest Hills a fit for you?

Choose Forest Hills if you want a calm, green setting with fast access to White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum. You’ll likely appreciate larger yards, outdoor living, and a blend of classic and contemporary homes. Plan for short drives to shops and dining, and set expectations around active infill and permitting if you are planning a build or a major renovation.

If this lifestyle sounds right, let’s talk about on-market and off-market options that match your goals. For tailored guidance and a local strategy, connect with Christi Weinstein for neighborhood insights, curated tours, and a plan for your next move.

FAQs

What defines the Forest Hills neighborhood in Dallas?

• Forest Hills is an East Dallas enclave near White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum, known for mature trees, larger lots, and a quieter residential feel.

How close is Forest Hills to White Rock Lake and the Arboretum?

• The neighborhood sits just south and east of White Rock Lake with easy access to the lake’s trail system and the Dallas Arboretum’s gardens and events.

What types of homes are common in Forest Hills?

• You’ll see original bungalows, cottages, ranch or mid-century homes alongside newer custom builds that emphasize larger footprints and outdoor living.

Are any Forest Hills properties in a floodplain?

• Some parcels around White Rock Lake can be within mapped floodplains; check FEMA and City of Dallas flood maps, confirm elevation, and verify insurance needs.

What are typical commute options from Forest Hills?

• Most residents drive, using US-75, I-30, I-635, and Loop 12 or Mockingbird corridors; biking via the lake trails and DART bus service are additional options.

Does Forest Hills have a neighborhood association?

• Many East Dallas neighborhoods have active associations or community groups; verify current Forest Hills groups and events through local channels or neighbors.