Originally called French Settlement after the French family that founded it -- that was their name, not their nationality -- this little community became Garza in 1881. But, a lake by any other name -- okay, you know the rest! Lake Dallas was officially incorporated with its current moniker in 1965.
The community has existed since since 1852 and there has almost always been some confusion concerning its name
Originally called French Settlement after the French family that founded it -- that was their name, not their nationality -- this little community became Garza in 1881. But, a lake by any other name -- okay, you know the rest! Lake Dallas was officially incorporated with its current moniker in 1965.
The community has existed since since 1852 and there has almost always been some confusion concerning its name.The history of the reservoirs resulting from tampering with the Elm Fork of the Trinity River in this area is even more confusing. This isn't a natural lake, you know, but folks who live here sure do love it! Suffice it to say that the waters have been known as Lake Dallas, Garza-Little Elm Reservoir, and now Lake Lewisville. It doesn't really matter, however -- all you really need to know is that if you live near here, you can be fishing or boating in short order. Residents of Lake Dallas, all 7,105 of them, like that.
Moving to Lake Dallas is a relatively easy decision. Interstate Highway 35E runs through the community, and it is located only 10 miles southeast of Denton in the county of the same name, and on the northern tier of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Lake Dallas is near enough other larger suburbs to have access to all of their benefits, but it offers a more relaxed, countrified, rural option to big city living.
One of its biggest attractions is the water. Another is its small town personality. The lake it looks upon is not a "fishing hole," but a respectable body of water, 13 miles long with a 183-mile shoreline. It is a boating and recreational center for many thousands of people, and has the facilities and amenities that you would expect in such a water-oriented setting. It also has a major dam, an interesting history and a future that holds a lot of promise. And you can catch your dinner if you're so inclined.
Old-Time Personality
Lake Dallas has retained its down home appeal, with a downtown area proud of its heritage but also boastful of its up-to-date and forward-looking business philosophy. For instance, the city talks of revitalizing the downtown area with a zoning plan that encourages a mix of residential and commercial development. And the city's leaders speak proudly of its decades-old history of this kind of development. Its local newspaper occupies the first floor of a renovated 1908 building that has modern lofts above.
It will never be the equal of downtown Dallas, and certainly can't compete with Boston or New York, but additional development in the downtown area will combine historical brick buildings with modern commercial spaces, restaurants and shops, all encouraged by city leadership. Rental properties here account for about 30 percent of the housing, and prices are comparable to neighboring areas. And you can find a reasonably-priced loft here and still be on the lake within minutes!
Getting around in the area is primarily by personal auto; but a popular alternative, the DCTA A-Train will take you from the modern Lake Dallas station to Denton or Carrollton where you can transfer to a Dallas Area Rapid Transit Line that will whisk you to all the tempting destinations in Dallas.
Shop, Study or Wager
Shopping facilities abound in nearby communities, with major malls as well as small shops and boutiques located within just a few miles. Nearby colleges and universities afford residents access not only to higher education, but also to sports events, concerts, drama productions and lectures. And the North Texas location also affords easy access to the casinos and top-named entertainment located just across the border in Oklahoma.
When you're ready to fly away on vacation, the busy DFW International Airport is only about one hour away, even with traffic.
Because Lake Dallas is a small town, even though there are subdivisions, there are few identifiable neighborhoods, and different areas are really pretty similar. Homes for the most part are relatively new, although some lakefront properties were built as vacation homes. Most of the city's housing is made up of primarily owner-occupied homes, typically newish 3-bedroom ranches, with a smattering of two-story 4- or 5-bedroom models on typical city lots.
There are modern apartment complexes, duplexes and townhouses, and to rent in Lake Dallas you will need to supply all the normal documentation of credit and employment information. In the downtown area, there is a trend toward newer live-work development, with lofts and mixed-use buildings being built to supply the demand for new housing as well as office and retail space.
Rental homes are available, but they are snapped up quickly, so if you are interested, be prepared to act quickly and be ready to sign a one-year lease. Apartments with paid utilities are not common, though some may include water and trash pickup in their rental fee.
Throughout the year, there are plenty of activities to keep Lake Dallas residents busy. Not surprisingly, many of those activities focus on the water. There is the annual Watercross Championship that attracts thousands of visitors. Local residents as well as inhabitants of nearby communities take to the water every summer in rental boats, and enjoy weekends at the waterside parks and swimming beaches.
The Fourth of July is a major festival in Lake Dallas, with numerous events as well as local fireworks to celebrate the nation's birthday. Additional fun can be enjoyed at the annual radio-controlled airplane show, and the community's Halloween Festival provides fun for all. Got your costume? There is also a year-long lineup of special events sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation Department for all residents, young and old alike.
No Need to Dress Up Here
Eating out is easy, and usually laid back and casual, in Lake Dallas. An appetite for great Tex-Mex can be satisfied at the Blue Goose Cantina; great burgers are a given at the Lake Dallas Point, and the local sports bar has always been Swisher Tavern. In the summer, The Ice Princess satisfies your need for cold and sweet, with a great selection of ices and ice cream!
The area's major sports teams play just slightly farther away, in Dallas and Arlington.
For fancy dinners out and nightlife, you will have to travel some distance. But Lake Dallas is located adjacent to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, so what's a little time in the car when world class dining, museums, art galleries and entertainment are readily available?
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Originally called French Settlement after the French family that founded it -- that was their name, not their nationality -- this little community became Garza in 1881. But, a lake by any other name -- okay, you know the rest! Lake Dallas was officially incorporated with its current moniker in 1965.
The community has existed since since 1852 and there has almost always been some confusion concerning its name
View Lake Dallas City Guide