Southlake Living: Balancing Lake Days And Town Square Nights

Picture this: you start your morning on a quiet trail by the water, then end the evening under twinkle lights with dinner and live music. If that balance sounds like your ideal pace, Southlake delivers it in a refined, easy-to-live way. In this guide, you’ll learn how lake life around Grapevine Lake pairs with the energy of Southlake Town Square, plus quick insights on housing, taxes, schools, and getting around. Let’s dive in.

Southlake at a glance

Southlake sits in Tarrant County with small portions in Denton County, minutes northwest of DFW International Airport and roughly 19 miles from both Dallas and Fort Worth. The city spans about 22 square miles and has a population in the low-30,000s. According to Census QuickFacts, median household income is $250,000-plus, the owner-occupied housing rate is about 94.6 percent, and the owner-occupied median home value is around $1,014,500. Together, those numbers point to a high-end, owner-focused suburban market with strong lifestyle amenities.

Lake days on Grapevine Lake

You are never far from the water here. Grapevine Lake has multiple public ramps, parks, and marinas that make it simple to get on the water for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, or a lakeside picnic. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains lake information, including access points and park details, so you can plan ahead for fees and hours. Explore access options on the Grapevine Lake USACE page.

Launch points and marinas

Public ramps and marinas such as Murrell Park, Twin Coves, Oak Grove, and Scott’s Landing offer quick entry and courtesy docks. Day-use and annual pass details vary by operator, and water levels can affect ramp openings. For a ramp-by-ramp look, use the city-operated list of Grapevine Lake boat ramps.

Trails and nature at Bob Jones

On Southlake’s side of the lake, Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve delivers hundreds of acres of native prairie, cross-timber woodland, and connected trails. It’s a favorite for morning hikes, birding, and nature programs close to home. Get trail and program info through the city’s page for the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve.

Town Square nights: dining, shopping, and events

Evenings in Southlake often orbit Southlake Town Square, the polished, open-air heart of the city. You’ll find national retailers and independent spots, with fountains, patio seating, and walkable blocks that make dinner-and-a-stroll a weeknight habit. As a visual, national brands maintain storefronts here, such as the Pottery Barn at Southlake Town Square.

Signature events and seasonal energy

Town Square’s calendar keeps the plaza lively. Annual favorites include Art in the Square, Stars & Stripes around July 4, Oktoberfest, and the Home for the Holidays tree-lighting tradition. For a sense of the scale and vibe, check the official site for Art in the Square. Dates change each year, so always confirm the current schedule before you go.

A weekend that balances both

Want to test-drive the lifestyle? Here’s a simple, low-stress plan:

• Morning: Coffee, then a trail loop at Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve. Keep it easy or stack on miles with connected paths along the lake edge.
• Midday: Load the cooler and launch at Oak Grove or Murrell Park. Paddle or cruise, then picnic under a shade pavilion.
• Evening: Head to Southlake Town Square for an early dinner on a patio. If an event is on, arrive a bit earlier to park and enjoy the scene.

Housing and ownership snapshot

Southlake’s housing market sits in the luxury tier for DFW. Census QuickFacts reports a roughly $1.01M owner-occupied median home value and a very high owner-occupancy rate, which reflects a stable, long-term ownership profile and strong lifestyle amenities. You’ll find a range of property types from lock-and-leave townhomes to custom estates and gated golf communities like Timarron, Carillon, and private-club enclaves such as Vaquero.

Taxes and costs to expect

The city’s adopted FY2026 property tax rate is $0.295 per $100 of valuation for the municipal portion only. Your total property tax bill also includes school district, county, and other entities, so the final number will be higher. You can verify the city portion on the City of Southlake budget page and confirm total taxes with the county tax office for a specific address.

Getting around and airport access

Southlake puts you within a short drive of DFW International Airport, often about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and route. If you prefer rail connections, neighboring Grapevine offers TEXRail service to DFW Terminal B, which is helpful for visitors and frequent flyers. For current connection details, see DFW’s overview of rail options to the terminals.

Schools snapshot

Most of Southlake is served by Carroll Independent School District. The district publishes accountability reports and campus ratings through its assessment office. For the latest data and summaries, visit Carroll ISD’s accountability and assessment page. Always review the most recent release if school performance is important to your decision.

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FAQs

How close is Southlake to DFW Airport for frequent flyers?

• Southlake sits just northwest of DFW International Airport, typically a 10 to 20 minute drive depending on traffic and route.

Where can you launch a boat on Grapevine Lake near Southlake?

• Public ramps and marinas such as Murrell Park, Twin Coves, Oak Grove, and Scott’s Landing offer convenient access for boating and paddle sports.

What kinds of events anchor Southlake Town Square nights?

• Seasonal programs like Art in the Square, Stars & Stripes, Oktoberfest, and the Home for the Holidays tree lighting create lively, walkable evenings.

What do census data say about Southlake home values and ownership?

• Census QuickFacts reports an owner-occupied median home value around $1,014,500 and an owner-occupied rate of about 94.6 percent, signaling a high-end, owner-driven market.

What is the city property tax rate and how does it work?

• The city’s FY2026 rate is $0.295 per $100 of assessed value for the municipal portion; total bills also include school district, county, and other taxing entities.

Which school district serves most of Southlake and where can you see ratings?

• Carroll ISD serves most areas, and the district posts accountability reports and ratings on its assessment page.

Is there rail service to DFW from nearby Southlake?

• Yes. TEXRail operates from neighboring Grapevine to DFW Terminal B, which many residents and visitors use when flying.