Most Expensive Cities in DFW to Buy a Home: Top Luxury Areas

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 5th Most Expensive City in DFW: Lucas TX Home Prices
• 4th Most Expensive City in DFW: Southlake TX Luxury Homes
• 3rd Most Expensive City in DFW: Westlake TX Real Estate Costs
• 2nd Most Expensive City in DFW: University Park TX Home Prices
• 1st Most Expensive City in DFW: Highland Park TX Luxury Real Estate
• How to Choose a High-End City in DFW
• FAQs
• Final Note

Introduction

If you are moving to DFW and want to know where the priciest pockets of the metroplex are, this is a quick guide to the five most expensive cities to buy in. I’ll break down population, average price points, how many homes are on the market, and what the entry-level and trophy homes look like—so you can see what your money buys in each place. I’ll also point out common price drivers like school districts, lot sizes, and commute times to help you weigh the lifestyle tradeoffs between these neighborhoods.

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5th Most Expensive City in DFW: Lucas TX Home Prices

Lucas sits northeast of the core Metroplex and is quietly being absorbed by growth. It’s attractive to buyers who want space and a slower pace while still being within commutable distance to job centers.

At a glance

• Population:~8,100
• Average price point: about $1,000,000
• Active listings (at snapshot):~28

The low end in Lucas during this snapshot was roughly $798,000 for a 4 bed, 4 bath, ~3,400 sq ft home in a neighborhood with a three-car garage—solid size and modern finishes.

The high end reached around $2.75 million for a 6 bed / 8 bath estate on two usable acres and roughly 6,000 sq ft. If you’re moving to DFW and need acreage without being hours from town, Lucas is worth a look.

4th Most Expensive City in DFW: Southlake TX Luxury Homes

Southlake sits west of Grapevine and north of the airport, and it consistently draws buyers who want top public schools, gated neighborhoods, and high-end amenities.

At a glance

• Population:~31,000
• Average price point: about $1.2 million
• Active listings (at snapshot):~46

Entry-level options can still be sizable; one example was about $599,000 (3 bed / 2 bath, ~1,885 sq ft). That’s the rare sub-$600k in a city where the average sits well above.

On the other extreme, a nearly 31,000 sq ft mansion on three acres listed near $20 million showcased why Southlake appears on every “most expensive” list: symmetry, resort-style pool and grounds, dramatic interiors, and extensive entertainment features like bowling, a full basketball court, batting cage, indoor trampoline area, arcade, and multiple luxury closets. If you are moving to DFW with a large budget and want resort living on private acreage, Southlake delivers.

3rd Most Expensive City in DFW: Westlake TX Real Estate Costs

Westlake is small in population but big on luxury. Expect new construction, lake proximity, and large lots. It’s popular with buyers who want modern custom homes and privacy.

At a glance

• Population:~1,600
• Average price point:$1.7–1.8 million
• Active listings (at snapshot):~21

The bottom end in this snapshot was surprisingly a duplex around $1.1 million—proof that even lower-tier options in these markets are still expensive.

The top homes push toward the $8 million mark and beyond, with 12,600 sq ft estates, private theaters, chef-caliber kitchens, and high-end build-outs. If you are moving to DFW and want modern architecture with lake access, Westlake is a match.

2nd Most Expensive City in DFW: University Park TX Home Prices

University Park is adjacent to Highland Park and north of downtown Dallas. It’s known for classic neighborhoods, mature trees, and close-in convenience to the city core.

At a glance

• Population:~24,000–25,000
• Average price point: around $2,000,000
• Active listings (at snapshot):~21

Entry-level homes in University Park at the time were about $1.5 million for older, character-filled houses. That price gets you into a central, walkable neighborhood with top schools.

High-end homes—think Turtle Creek estates—can push to $11 million or more, offering large interiors and premium finishes but smaller lots compared with exurban estates. If you are moving to DFW and want city-adjacent luxury with big style, University Park ranks high.

1st Most Expensive City in DFW: Highland Park TX Luxury Real Estate

Highland Park is regularly the most expensive community in the DFW area. It blends high-end living with iconic streetscapes, mature landscaping, and easy access to Uptown and downtown Dallas.

At a glance

• Population:~8,700
• Average sales price: north of $2.2–$2.3 million
• Active listings (at snapshot):~18

During this sampling, the cheapest available home in Highland Park was roughly $1.2 million—a 3 bed, 3 bath home from 1939 with character but in need of updates. The top-tier offerings include completed estates around $15 million for double-digit bedroom/bathroom counts and sprawling, fully finished interiors.

How to Choose a High-End City in DFW

If you are moving to DFW, these five cities represent the high-water mark for luxury, convenience, and lifestyle. Whether your priority is acreage and quiet (Lucas, Southlake), modern custom design (Westlake), close-in city living (University Park), or classic prestige (Highland Park), there is a clear tradeoff between land, square footage, and proximity to downtown.

If budget is a concern, there are plenty of more affordable options across the metroplex. But if you are moving to DFW with the goal of buying into one of these markets, expect competition, strong schools, and properties that often come with special features and high upkeep costs.

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FAQs

Which city is the most expensive to buy in DFW?

Highland Park typically holds the top spot for most expensive sales and average price per home. It combines prime location and longstanding prestige.

How much should I budget to move to DFW and buy in one of these cities?

Expect entry prices in these markets to start around $1.1–$1.5 million and climb quickly. A safe planning range for buying into these cities is $1.5 million to $3 million for many desirable properties; trophy homes reach much higher.

Do these expensive cities have good schools?

Yes. Southlake, University Park, and Highland Park are known for top-rated schools. School quality is a major reason families choose these neighborhoods when moving to DFW.

Will property taxes be high in these neighborhoods?

Taxes scale with value—expect substantial annual property taxes on high-priced homes. Budget for maintenance and taxes when planning a move to DFW in these markets.

What documents are typically required for high-end purchases?

Sellers and listing agents often request proof of funds or pre-approval letters for multi-million-dollar homes. For the highest-end transactions, strong proof of liquidity is standard.

Final Note

Moving to DFW means choosing the right balance of lifestyle, schools, commute, and budget. These five cities showcase how different that balance can be—from large-lot private estates to historic close-in neighborhoods. If you want help narrowing down options while moving to DFW, feel free to reach out and ask for neighborhood comparisons or market snapshots.

Ready to narrow down the perfect DFW neighborhood? Call or text me at 469-707-9077   and I’ll send personalized neighborhood comparisons and current market snapshots. If you prefer, you can also book a time to chat and I’ll walk you through options that match your budget and lifestyle.

READ MORE: Affordable Cities Near Dallas TX to Buy a Home Under $500K