The best Dallas neighborhoods near top private schools are Preston Hollow, Bluffview, Devonshire, Highland Park, University Park and North Dallas around Walnut Hill Lane and Preston Road. Those neighborhoods sit within a short drive of several of the city's best-known independent schools, including St. Mark's School of Texas, The Hockaday School, Jesuit Dallas, Ursuline Academy, Episcopal School of Dallas and Greenhill in nearby Addison. Families should budget for tuition as well as housing: at St. Mark's, tuition for 2026-2027 runs from $33,432 in first grade to $41,856 in twelfth grade, according to the school.
At The Agency Dallas, our agents help families who choose a home around a school rather than a school around a home. This guide matches neighborhoods to the schools families ask about most.
Which neighborhoods are closest to the major Dallas private schools?
Many of Dallas's established independent schools are clustered in North Dallas, which is why nearby neighborhoods are in such demand:
- Preston Hollow. Large lots and estate homes, minutes from St. Mark's, Hockaday, Jesuit and Ursuline.
- Bluffview and Devonshire. Established single-family neighborhoods west of Preston Hollow with easy access to the same schools.
- North Dallas near Walnut Hill and Preston Road. A wide range of homes and prices close to several campuses.
- Highland Park and University Park. Known for the Highland Park ISD public schools, and also a short drive to many private campuses.
- Far North Dallas and Addison. Convenient for families choosing Greenhill or schools farther north.
Our Dallas private schools guide covers the schools themselves. This article focuses on where to live.
How do I choose a neighborhood if I have children at different schools?
Families with children in two or three schools often plan around carpool routes rather than a single campus. A few practical steps:
- Map each school and the times of drop-off and pickup.
- Drive the routes at school hours, since traffic on Preston Road, Inwood Road and Northwest Highway can change commute times significantly.
- Look for a home central to all schools rather than next to one.
- Consider whether a future change, such as a move from lower to upper school, could change the route.
What should families budget beyond the house price?
Private school families in Dallas are effectively paying for two major costs. Plan for:
- Tuition. St. Mark's lists 2026-2027 tuition between $33,432 and $41,856 depending on grade. Other schools publish their own schedules.
- Property taxes. Rates depend on the city and school district, and private school families still pay school district taxes. See what to check on a Dallas County property tax bill.
- Application timing. Many schools have fall and winter application deadlines for the following year, so the home search and school search usually run together.
Is Preston Hollow or Highland Park better for private school families?
Both work well. Preston Hollow tends to offer larger lots and more space for the money, and it sits closest to several major campuses. Highland Park and University Park offer smaller lots, walkable streets and the option of strong public schools if plans change. Our comparison of Preston Hollow and Highland Park covers the tradeoffs, and which private schools are closest to Preston Hollow goes deeper on that neighborhood.
When should families start the home search?
For a fall start, families often begin looking at homes in the winter or early spring, around the time admission decisions come out. Inventory in the most sought-after neighborhoods is limited, so it helps to be ready to act once a school decision is made. Relocating families can see how school enrollment works when you move mid-year.
What kinds of homes are available near the private school corridor?
The neighborhoods around the North Dallas campuses offer a range of housing, which helps families at different stages:
- Estate homes on large lots. Preston Hollow is known for one-acre and larger lots, with both established homes and new custom builds.
- Mid-century and updated ranch homes. Bluffview, Devonshire and parts of North Dallas offer older homes on generous lots that many families renovate or rebuild.
- New construction. Teardowns and new builds are common throughout the area, so buyers can often find recently completed homes.
- Smaller-lot homes near the action. Highland Park and University Park offer walkable streets, smaller lots and proximity to shops and parks.
Families deciding between buying an existing home and building should read whether to build new or buy an existing home in Preston Hollow. Lot size, the age of the home and how long you plan to stay all affect which option makes the most sense, and timing matters if you want to be settled before a school year begins.
How The Agency Dallas helps private school families
The Agency Dallas is an independently owned luxury real estate brokerage on Preston Road, in the middle of the North Dallas school corridor. Our agents know the neighborhoods around the major campuses and can help families compare homes by commute, lot size and budget. Our Relocation division also helps families moving from out of state line up the home search with school timelines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Dallas neighborhoods near top private schools?
Preston Hollow, Bluffview, Devonshire, Highland Park, University Park and North Dallas near Walnut Hill Lane and Preston Road are the most popular. They sit within a short drive of St. Mark's, Hockaday, Jesuit, Ursuline, Episcopal School of Dallas and other well-known independent schools.
How much is private school tuition in Dallas?
It varies by school and grade. As one example, St. Mark's School of Texas lists 2026-2027 tuition from $33,432 for first grade to $41,856 for twelfth grade. Check each school's website for current tuition and financial aid details.
Do I still pay school taxes if my children attend private school?
Yes. Property taxes in Texas include school district taxes regardless of where your children attend school. Families should factor both tuition and property taxes into their monthly budget when comparing neighborhoods.
Should I buy a home before or after private school admission decisions?
Many families wait for admission decisions, which usually arrive in late winter or early spring, then move quickly. Being pre-approved and having a short list of neighborhoods ready helps you act fast once you know which school your child will attend.
Source: St. Mark's School of Texas, Tuition and Financial Aid, 2026-2027, accessed October 30, 2026.
