There are endless lakes in and around Dallas — all surrounded by amazing places to call “home”
“For many city families — and people coming from outside of Dallas — these lakes are a huge draw,” says Lauren Wight, Suburban Jungle’s Dallas Strategist. “Who doesn’t want to live on the waterfront or beach-side? And the good news: the communities that surround these incredible lakes are great spots for families — highly-rated schools, tons of activities, plenty of restaurants. Exactly the kind of place you’d want to raise a family.”
If waterfront living is at the top of your suburban must-have list, check out these lakes and family-friendly towns on their shores.
#1. Lake Lewisville
Located in Denton County, Lake Lewisville touches a number of suburbs including Lewisville, Highland Village, Frisco, and Little Elm. This area is also popular among commuters and frequent travelers since it’s minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Lake Lewisville toll bridge.
Lake Lewisville itself spans 29,000 acres with 233 miles of shoreline, surrounded by 9,000 acres of protected land. Given its average depth is close to 25’, this lake is ideal for watersports, boating, fishing, and more. And when you’re done on the water, hit the hiking and biking trails that wrap around the lake.
Lake Lewisville is also considered one of the most family-friendly lakes in the area. With marinas, lake-side restaurants, boat rides, and plenty of spots to dive in and swim, kayak, or canoe, it’s a very active lake and great for all ages. And if you’ve got a fisherman in the family? This is your lake — Lake Lewisville is known as the Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas.
#2. Little Elm Beach
Part of Lake Lewisville — and located in popular suburb Little Elm — this beautiful sandy beach feels more “weekend getaway” than “North Texas suburb.” In addition to swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking trails, Little Elm Beach is home to 10 volleyball courts, an outdoor restaurant, and plenty of spots to settle in and enjoy the sun and surf. Throughout the year, Little Elm Beach also hosts community events including Easter egg hunts, July 4th celebrations, Christmas programs, and more.
#3. Lake Ray Hubbard
Close to popular suburbs including Forney, Wylie, Rockwall, Heath, and Rowlett — and spanning across Dallas, Kaufman, Collin, and Rockwall counties — Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in the area. No matter the season, expect jet-skiers, fishermen, and plenty of people swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake is also close to a number of parks and playgrounds — hit up a park, break a sweat, then head to the lake to cool off.
“I always tell families to check out Wander Windsurf Bay Park,” says Lauren. “It’s a 42-acre park just west of Lake Ray Hubbard — and it’s a great spot for families. The park itself extends out into the lake, so you have water on both sides.” The park has two distinct beaches — both ideal for swimming — a playground, picnic pavilion, and more.
And while it’s not open yet, Lauren’s excited for Sapphire Bay Lagoon, expected in 2023 in the Rowlett section of Lake Ray Hubbard. The new space will include a “Crystal Lagoon, marina, surf and beach club, and conference center.
#4. Lake Lavon
Lake Levon offers more than 121 miles of shoreline and crosses through several distinct suburbs.
“Lake Lavon touches Lavon, Princeton, Wylie, and St. Paul, which are smaller, more rural-feeling suburbs about 30 miles from downtown Dallas,” Lauren says. “People who want that small-town vibe love these communities.”
And if you’re looking for a bigger ‘burb?
“But it also expands into towns like Lucas, which is a bit larger and more established — and feeds into the Lovejoy School District,” Lauren says. “Expect more private, luxury lakeside developments in Lucas.” Many homes, she adds, have direct access to the lake via private docks.
This freshwater is another hotspot for fisherman and known for its bass and catfish. With a maximum depth of 35’, it’s also a perfect spot for boating and jet-skiing.
In addition to waterfront activities, Lake Levon is home to Pebble Beach Park in Wylie. Open from April to October, this park has a designated swim area, picnic spots, a boat ramp, and more. There’s also a 25-mile multi-purpose trail for hikers, joggers, and horseback riders that winds around the lake.
Another perk to choosing a community on Lake Lavon?
“The area tends to have great tree cover,” Lauren says, “so many homeowners say they have lower utility bills and that their homes stay cooler in the summer.”
#5. Eagle Mountain Lake
Just 15 miles from downtown Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake is known for its crystal-clear water — and for being home to the Fort Worth Boat Club, one of the largest and best-known sailing clubs in the area. A number of national and international regattas are held at Eagle Mountain, in conjunction with the boat club.
“While many people live lake-side year-round, for about 20% this is their second home — it’s really a beautiful spot and perfect for families and for weekend getaways,” Lauren says. “If you want to feel like you’re on vacation every day, this is a great spot to consider.”
The lake has two distinct sides: the Fort Worth side and the Azle side. Because there’s no bridge across the lake, commuting from Fort Worth is quicker than commuting from Azle.
No matter which side of the lake you land on, Eagle Mountain is a perfect spot for fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. There’s also an aquatic habitat within the lake that’s known for sport fishing — expect large-mouth bass, spotted bass, catfish, and white bass.
Want to explore Dallas lakefront communities? Get in touch to schedule a FREE Suburbs Strategy session.