North Dallas

Affluence continues above Northwest Highway into the wealthiest neighborhoods in Dallas: Preston Hollow, which consists of Old Preston Hollow and 12 other small designations. Strait Lane in particular is a multi-million dollar address of influencers. These estate-filled neighborhoods with shade-covered hills, private lakes, streams and expansive grounds house dignitaries and CEOs such as George W. Bush and Mark Cuban, and sports icons like Dirk Nowitzki and Roger Staubach. Famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright designed a majority of the older mansions. But new, custom estates are the current trend. Predominately a family-centric community, many of the children get their education at the prestigious private school corridor within the area.

As you travel north, the Preston Forest neighborhoods scale into ranch homes and prices drop slightly to more modest sums. Quick entry onto both the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 75 gives easy access to the rest of the city. High-end shopping and dining is found at Preston Center and the popular NorthPark Center.



Far North Dallas

Sandwiched between Addison and Richardson, rising north of Interstate 635 to Belt Line Road is Far North Dallas. Even residents have trouble distinguishing the lines between Dallas proper and their suburban neighbors—especially since the school districts belong mostly to Richardson ISD. The schools, plus proximity to shopping centers and equidistant between downtown and Frisco, have recently attracted many young families with children.

The area was first developed in the ’70s and ’80s. Many homes date back to that era, but the home values vary widely. While made up of many neighborhoods, the North Dallas Neighborhood Alliance creates some cohesion. Of note are the 6.3-mile Preston Ridge Trail and the Galleria, a multistory mall featuring lots of shopping and an ice-skating rink.



Life in the Fast Lane

A series of highways and interstates connect the communities that comprise the Dallas Region. The roads are undergoing steady improvements to keep pace with North Texas’ population growth. In the Dallas Region, we call some roads by their number, like “75,” and some by their name, like “George Bush Turnpike.” Here’s your handy guide to highways with more than one name.

Guide to highways with more than one name

Airport Freeway

S.H. 183 from S.H. 114 to the south DFW International Airport entrance

President George Bush Turnpike

PGBT, S.H. 190, S.H. 161 in Las Colinas

John W. Carpenter Freeway

S.H. 183 and S.H. 114 from I-35E to the north DFW International Airport entrance

C.F. Hawn Freeway

U.S. Highway 75 south of downtown

Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway (LBJ)

I-635, begins at the north entrance of DFW International Airport and circles the city from the north, east, and south; it includes I-20 in the south

Loop 12

Inner-city loop including Northwest Highway on the north, Buckner Boulevard on the east, Ledbetter Drive on the south, and Walton Walker Boulevard on the west

Tom Landry Highway

I-30 between I-35E in Dallas and I-35W in Fort Worth

Marvin D. Love Freeway

U.S. Highway 67 from I-35E to I-635 south of downtown

North Central Expressway

U.S. Highway 75 from downtown to the north

George W. Bush Expressway

U.S. Highway 75 from Walnut Hill Lane to downtown Dallas

Julius Schepps Freeway

I-45 from downtown to the south

Stemmons Freeway

I-35E from downtown to the north

R.L. Thornton Freeway

I-35E south of Dallas and I-30 from downtown to East Dallas

Elmer Weaver Freeway

U.S. Highway 67 from I-635 to the south

Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Spur 366, the short freeway that connects I-35E with U.S. Highway 75 and I-45

Tollways Map

If you’re going to be a frequent traveler on one of the tollways or the turnpike, you’ll want to get a TollTag. The self-adhesive transponder sticks on your windshield and debits your NTTA account each time you use a toll road (there are no toll booths on North Texas toll roads). You can skip the whole TollTag business, but you won’t get a free ride. The NTTA bills the registered owner of the vehicle by mail via ZipCash, which costs 50 percent more than paying via TollTag.  To open a TollTag account, go to ntta.org or call 972-818-6882. You can also apply for a tag in person at a regional NTTA partner, which includes government offices, libraries, and grocery stores all over the region.

Bonus: You can use your TollTag to pay for parking and pass-through at DFW International and Dallas Love Field airports.

What Are Managed Toll Lanes?

Texas has a low gasoline tax relative to many other states, which means it needs another way to fund the construction and operation of highways—and that way is tolls, specifically, managed toll lanes.

In a nutshell, managed toll lanes are taking the place of what were carpool lanes on freeways. Commuters who want to avoid congestion during peak travel times can take a managed lane for a price.



Newly Local and Loving It

Name: Corneil Montgomery

City: Dallas

Neighborhood: Preston Forest Village

Company/Title: Toyota Motor North America, Sr., Personal Mobility Analyst – Social Innovation, Partnerships

When did you move here? From where?
March 2017, from Atlanta, Georgia

Where else have you lived?
I have also lived in South Carolina, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas?
I chose Dallas because of its booming economy — significant job opportunities and career growth; diversity — multiple nationalities and communities; rich culture — I’m a huge fan of art and nature; and the social amenities offered — music, sports, greenspace, and trails.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
I’m still equally excited about Dallas and what it will offer me on my Dallas journey. However, being that the city is so big with so much to offer, I know that I’m only scratching the surface. The thought of that is exciting!

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
I live in the Preston Forest Village area, a quiet, small area with a variety of housing options, restaurants and shops, parks and greenspace, and healthcare centers. It is central to other cities/neighborhood within the Dallas Region.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
Visit the city. Explore Dallas’ rich history and culture. Secondly, do your research and seek advice from relocation experts and ambassadors.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?
I have several passions; sports, fitness, arts, civic involvement, and my faith. Dallas is a city of many offerings, allowing me to explore my passions from minimum to maximum. For example, civically, there is always an opportunity to volunteer with local nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, and Boys and Girls Club of America — in which I’m highly involved.

Tell us about the work environment here.
My work environment is team-oriented, family friendly, and challenging, yet extremely rewarding!

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
I’m an avid runner and enjoy doing so on the Katy Trail, White Rock Trail, and several paths in my neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Chase Mardis

Video Credit: Jane Martens 



TikTok Takeover

Step into the vibrant world of DFW dining with famous TikTok food critic, Keith Lee. Keith Lee visited Dallas Region restaurants, known for their sweet and savory tastes. Part of his Dallas cuisine journey was not fulfilled as some restaurants were closed for the weekend or weekday, nevertheless, those restaurants are dropped down below for you to try out! With more than 15 million followers on TikTok, lines formed at each location within minutes of his posts dropping.  You are guaranteed a fantastic food journey by going to any of the restaurants Keith Lee reviewed; and leave your own opinions of each dish and restaurant!

Check out more of his other reviews for cities across the country by following his TikTok or Instagram page, @keith_lee125.

DALLAS REGION CUISINES

BRUNCHAHOLICS – Desoto, TX

Newly opened Brunchaholics delivers to their table soul food and creole cuisine with breakfast and brunch options. Open from Wednesday-Saturday, this local restaurant offers delivery, catering, and got some of the most notable ratings from Keith Lee.

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Catfish Soul Food Burrito: 9/10
  • Chicken Soul Food Burrito: 8.8/10
  • Catfish and Fries: 8.3/10

THUNDERBIRD PIES  – Dallas, TX

This Detroit-style pizzeria is led by the same team who run Cane Rosso and Zoli’s Pizza. With perfect cheese crust edges, topped with Wisconsin cheese, and blended with delectable flavors, the Dallas Region is happy to be home to Thunderbird Pies.

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Buffalo Wings with banana pepper ranch: 7/10
  • Connie pizza with added bacon: 7/10
  • Lil’ Bastard (Fried brussels sprouts): 5/10
  • The Goat pizza: 3/10
  • Budd pizza: 3/10

TERRY BLACKS BBQ– Dallas, TX 

A classic Dallas barbecue spot, and with two other locations in Texas, Terry Blacks is one of the first barbecue restaurants anyone goes to when visiting Texas! With more than 10,000 votes on Keith Lee’s Instagram poll to visit, you should grab you friends and family and taste their incredible menu with your own reviews.

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Ribs: 8.7/10
  • Brisket: 8.5/10
  • Turkey: 7.9/10
  • Original Sausage: 7.5/10
  • Cornbread: 2.5/10
  • Mac and Cheese: 1/10
  • Jalapeno Cheese Sausage: 1/10

HALAL FUSIONZ– Farmers Branch, TX

This Pakistani-Tex Mex fusion restaurant, a first in North Texas, comes with a uniquely South Asian twist and halal certified ingredients to meet the standards of Islamic dietary laws. Make sure to try their fusion dishes and everything in between!

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Chipotle Kheema Taco 9.3/10
  • Birria Taco: 8.7/10
  • Paneer Tikka Taco: 8.7/10
  • Paneer Tikka Masal Chili Elote: 2/10

HUTCHINS BBQ– Frisco & McKinney, TX

Named as one of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ spots in the state, Hutchins BBQ is one of the most popular barbecue spots in North Texas and has the ability to ship orders nationwide. With more than 17,000 votes on his Instagram poll, Lee was impressed with this barbecue spot.

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Pork Ribs: 9.5/10
  • Brisket: 9.3/10
  • Peach Cobbler: 9/10
  • Texas Twinkie: 8.5/10
  • Sauge: 6/10
  • Potato Salad: 5/10

ABSOLUTELY EDIBLE CAKES– Rowlett, TX

Home of the Sweet Potato Thang, Absolutely Edible Cakes snagged one of the highest ratings of all time for a dessert from Keith Lee. This small cake shop has been in the area for more than 20 years and is happy to serve anyone walking through their doors with their sweet treats!

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Sweet Potato Thang: 9.1/10
  • Red Velvet Cake: 9/10

TASTE PROJECT– Fort Worth, TX

The Taste Project did not receive any rating from Keith Lee and that is because of their mission. Keith Lee spread the message on his social platforms that the Taste Project is “one of the dopest restaurants” he’s ever seen. They believe everyone should have access to healthy nutritional food and base pay on the following forms of payment:

  • Pay what you can afford,
  • Pay what you would typically pay, or
  • Pay what you would typically pay, plus a little extra.

They are opening another location in Arlington, TX walking distance from the University of Texas at Arlington. A fundraising campaign is in progress with about 20% of their goal still needing to be reached to open the restaurant before summer.

CEEZOOS– Dallas, TX 

This Dallas bar and lounge is the perfect blend of city vibes and intimate lounging in the heart of the Dallas Region. Serving brunch and other options, CeeZoos offers live music and a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your friends to enjoy.

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Chicken and Waffles: 8/10
  • Lamb chops with sides: 3/10
  • Breakfast Patties with sides: 1/10

ROOTS SOUTHERN TABLE– Farmers Branch, TX 

Chef Tiffany Derry, two-time James Bear Award finalist in 2022 and TV personality, established Roots Southern Table in 2021 with menu items inspired by her upbringing. This fine dining restaurant features southern dishes with strong Louisiana influences and locally sources their ingredients for a fresh and authentic feel to each of their dishes!

Keith Lee’s Eats:

  • Short Ribs: 7/10
  • Cornbread Muffins: /10
  • Biscuits: 6.5/10
  • Duck Fried Chicken: 6/10
  • Gumbo: 4/10

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Keith Lee and his family looked forward to trying different restaurants his follower suggested all around the Dallas Region. Unfortunately, some restaurants were closed on weekdays and were not able to try out their foods. Here are those restaurants along with their Instagram handles: