Northwood Hills – An Urban Oasis in the DFW Metroplex

Article updated September 2020.

Northwood Hills offers residents in Far North Dallas comfortable, upscale living away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This quiet neighborhood features some great homes and businesses nestled against a backdrop of attractive landscaping and some wooded areas that contribute to the impression it gives of being an “urban oasis”.

The area sprang up in the 1950s, with developments focused around Northwood Club, which still lies at the neighborhood’s center. It has gently evolved over the years into a high-end residential area with lots of green space, winding, tree-lined streets, and a focus on relaxed living.

Location

Bound by Belt Line Road to the north, Coit Road to the east, Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway to the south and the Dallas North Tollway to the west, Northwood Hills allows residents to enjoy a scenic location in close proximity to Downtown Dallas.

Who Lives Here?

Northwood Hills shares a demographic profile with the neighboring suburbs of Addison, Farmers Branch, and Richardson, appealing largely to families and young professionals. The area offers an abundance of housing options, from chic apartments to spacious townhomes and single-family residences, catering to any taste and budget.

Real Estate and Housing Options

Home styles vary a great deal in Northwood Hills, ranging from modern mansions to colonials and sprawling ranches, all perfectly fitting together. The area also features great apartments for rent, many of them located closer to the larger shopping centers in the area such as the Galleria and Valley View Mall.

The majority of apartment complexes consist of standard rental units, though there are some townhouses and other similar options available. Most have been built within the past couple of decades, and in keeping with the architecturally significant homes that populate the area, they tend to have largely contemporary, upscale designs.

What you can rent in Northwood Hills

This beautiful neighborhood holds something for everyone in terms of rental housing, no doubt about that. According to our data, average asking rent for Northwood Hills apartments is approximately $1,145, but there are plenty of cheaper options, depending on the space and amenities you seek.

The Dorchester Apartments

Within walking distance of the Galleria, The Dorchester Apartments caters to both young professionals looking for an easy commute to Downtown Dallas as well as families with kids in search of a quiet location. Rich landscaping with mature trees and jasmine combines with elegant architectural details for a North Dallas residence that offers plenty of luxury at an affordable price.

Rentals start at $980 for single-bedroom residences. Individual floor plans feature amenities such as bay windows, French doors, and well-outfitted kitchens, while all residents have access to a 24-hour fitness center, and a well-stocked clubhouse. This gated community is even pet-friendly and extras such as optional maid service can leave any resident feeling as if they are living the high life.

Villa Piana Apartments

The Villa Piana mid-rise apartments provide Northwood Hills locals with contemporary, European style living options.

The complex comes with upscale amenities including a resort-style pool and high-quality fitness center where residents can even schedule appointments with personal trainers. Inside, renters are treated to island-style kitchens complete with breakfast bars and glass stovetops, and features such as soaking tubs with separate showers for a relaxing evening in. The apartments include spacious patios and balconies, large elegant crown molding, and 10′ ceilings. Rentals start at $1,105 at this pet-friendly property.

The Courts at Preston Oaks

Want to experience the good life in an amazing setting? Check out The Courts at Preston Oaks, an elegant apartment community with resort-style amenities. Located within walking distance of The Galleria, the complex offers cozy one-bedroom apartment homes starting at $929.

Among a series of high-end features, it includes a state-of-the-art athletic club, a private dog park, two refreshing swimming pools and spas, two saunas, free garage parking with elevators, and more.

Retail and Recreational Facilities

North Dallas residents enjoy easy access to great shopping centers, including the Valley View Shopping Center and the well-known Dallas Galleria. The shopping venue is home to high-end stores such as Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and Nordstrom. It hosts special events on a regular basis, and features a large ice skating rink for family fun year-round. Even the movie-going experience is spectacular with access to the LOOK Cinemas which offers dining theaters – theaters for those who want to relax with a cocktail while enjoying their film – as well as traditional theaters for cinephiles.

A number of smaller boutiques such as The Vintage House, a gifts and specialty shop, also serve the area.

For entertainment, locals can head to local grills and bars for a taste of great live music, or enjoy the natural surroundings at one of the city’s parks.

Aside from a great library, the 31-acre Fretz Park (pictured below) offers lots of green space with sports fields (baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball), tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Pet owners can meet up with friends and their four-legged companions at nearby Bert Fields Park, a 59.1 acre community park, perfect for relaxation and fun outdoor activities.

How Safe is This Neighborhood?

Crime rates tend to vary throughout the entire Northwood Hills neighborhood, with the areas around Montfort Drive and Alpha Road behind the Galleria of Dallas and around Northwood Club having lower levels of criminal activity than some areas to the east, around Cliffbrook Drive.

Transportation

Northwood Hills has access to one of the Dallas area’s DART stations, connecting to both the local bus system as well as the DART light rail line. Through the DART system, riders can access various parts of the Dallas area, including Denton to the north and Downtown Dallas (13 miles away). Through DART, residents can also connect to the Trinity Railway Express, allowing them to visit the nearby city of Fort Worth to the west.

Local Schools

The Northwood Hills area is served by the Richardson Independent School District. Several schools in the RISD system have received high commendations, including the placement of 22 schools in the Texas Business and Education Coalition Honor Roll, an honor that ranks them among the top 4 percent in the state.

Overall, the neighborhood of Northwood Hills has a lot to provide in the way of comfortable, luxury living. Those in search of rentals in the Northwood Hills area can find plenty of great housing options at www.rentcafe.com.

Have you got any suggestions you think would be helpful to people deciding whether and where to rent in Dallas’ Northwood Hills neighborhood? Add your thoughts in the comments section below.