Relocating To Preston Hollow: Orientation Guide

Considering a move to Preston Hollow? You’re not alone. Many buyers look here for larger lots, mature trees, and a calm residential feel with easy access to core Dallas jobs and retail. In this guide, you’ll learn how the neighborhood is laid out, what homes and lots look like, where you’ll run errands, and how to plan an efficient tour. Let’s dive in.

Preston Hollow at a glance

Preston Hollow is an established North Dallas neighborhood known for privacy, space, and a mix of mid-century homes and newer luxury estates. You get the feel of an inner suburb while staying close to central Dallas. Many streets are quiet and tree-lined, and buyers often value the sense of retreat.

You’ll also hear the term “Old Preston Hollow.” That label often refers to the original estate section with some of the area’s largest lots and deeper setbacks. Other parts of Preston Hollow include smaller single-family blocks and corridors with mid-century ranch homes alongside newer rebuilds.

Boundaries and neighborhood feel

There isn’t one single official boundary used in everyday conversation, and different maps may draw lines a bit differently. If you want precise parcel boundaries, check City of Dallas neighborhood maps and Dallas County appraisal records. For moving decisions, it’s helpful to think in micro-areas by block, street, and proximity to major roads.

The overall character is residential with easy access to major arterials. It attracts buyers who want land and privacy without a long commute to Downtown, Uptown, or the Tollway corridor.

Homes and lots: what to expect

Lot sizes vary across Preston Hollow. In many blocks, lots are larger than typical city parcels, and parts of Old Preston Hollow include estate-size properties. Elsewhere, you’ll find modest but still generous lots compared with many inner-city areas.

Older ranch homes sit next to new construction, and it’s common to see rebuilds where a mid-century home made way for a larger, modern house. If you like outdoor living, pools, covered patios, and guest spaces are typical features in recent builds.

Styles and new-build trends

You’ll see a mix of architectural styles: ranch, traditional, Colonial revival, Mediterranean, and contemporary modern. Larger custom homes often maximize lot coverage within setback rules and include multiple-car garages and high-end finishes.

Renovations and teardowns are part of the neighborhood’s evolution. If you’re eyeing a renovation, factor in roof, foundation, windows, and systems for mid-century homes. If you prefer turnkey, focus on newer construction or recently updated properties.

Zoning, HOAs, and trees

Preston Hollow parcels fall under City of Dallas zoning. Some blocks may have deed restrictions or a local HOA, while others do not. There is no single neighborhood-wide HOA. If you intend to add on, build an accessory unit, or remove trees, plan to confirm setbacks, lot coverage, and any tree or heritage protections with the city.

Mature trees are a signature feature here, and many buyers prize the canopy and privacy. If you are considering a major landscape change, ask about permits and any neighborhood-specific restrictions.

Everyday convenience: shopping and dining

You’re close to some of Dallas’s most established retail corridors. NorthPark Center offers a regional mix of high-end retail and arts programming. The Preston Center area around Preston Road and Northwest Highway brings restaurants, boutiques, and professional services.

Day-to-day conveniences are also nearby. You’ll find grocery stores, pharmacies, and local dining along Preston Road, Northwest Highway, Royal Lane, and other surrounding arterials. Expect a blend of independent restaurants and national retailers within a short drive.

Parks and recreation

Preston Hollow includes smaller neighborhood parks and shady streets that make daily walks comfortable. Larger public parks and lakes in North and East Dallas are a short drive for sports fields, trails, and playgrounds. Private club and studio fitness options are common across North Dallas if you prefer structured amenities.

Schools and education options

Public schools here are served by Dallas ISD. Attendance boundaries can change over time, so verify the specific schools for a given address directly with DISD. If you’re comparing performance, the Texas Education Agency publishes accountability reports you can review.

Families also consider nearby independent and private schools in North Dallas and surrounding areas. If schools are a priority, plan visits and open houses early in your search and review enrollment timelines.

Getting around and commutes

Preston Hollow is primarily car-oriented. You’ll rely on Preston Road and Northwest Highway for many daily trips, with Royal Lane, Walnut Hill Lane, and Midway Road as important connectors. The Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway are nearby for regional access north to Plano and Frisco and south to central Dallas.

Public transit exists through DART bus routes, and nearby rail stations along US-75 serve the broader corridor. Many residents still prefer to drive due to door-to-door timing. Dallas Love Field is a short drive, and DFW International is reachable via tollways and highways.

Plan your first neighborhood tour

A guided tour helps you understand street-by-street differences that photos cannot show. You can gauge traffic noise, sunlight, lot shapes, and the rhythm of daily life. If you’re comparing older homes and new construction, seeing both back-to-back makes tradeoffs much clearer.

Schedule at least two visits: one during a weekday rush hour to test commutes and one on a weekend midday to sample errands and parks. Bring a short list of must-have distances to keep your time focused.

Your Preston Hollow tour checklist

• Lot and exterior
  • Confirm lot size and usable yard area relative to setbacks and easements.
  • Note sun exposure, tree canopy, drainage, and space for future additions or a pool.
  • Look at adjacent uses and proximity to arterials that may affect privacy or noise.
• Street and neighborhood character
  • Observe street width, sidewalks, lighting, and typical curb parking.
  • Visit at different times to spot traffic, delivery activity, and evening patterns.
• Building condition and style
  • Scan roof, windows, and foundation for age and signs of movement.
  • For older homes, weigh renovation scope versus a teardown path.
• Access and services
  • Time real commutes to work, school, and airports during peak periods.
  • Identify your nearest grocery, pharmacy, and medical providers.
• Schools and childcare
  • Verify public school assignments with Dallas ISD for the specific address.
  • Map private school options and application calendars.
• Legal and financial checks
  • Confirm zoning, deed restrictions, and HOA presence if any.
  • Review property tax data and check floodplain status with the city.

What to bring and when to visit

• Comfortable shoes and a phone for photos and notes.
• A printed or saved map of blocks you want to see.
• Your must-have distance list for commute and school checks.
• Plan two trips: a weekday rush-hour test and a weekend run for errands and parks.

Decision factors to weigh

• Lot size and shape relative to your plans for outdoor living or additions.
• Age and condition of the home versus your budget for updates.
• Street position and proximity to major roads.
• Commute routes to work hubs and airports.
• School attendance zones and private school access timelines.
• Long-term resale trends for similar lots and styles nearby.

How we help you relocate

You deserve a calm, informed process. Our team creates a focused tour that matches your lifestyle and timing, from quiet estate streets to convenient corridors near daily amenities. We also help you confirm zoning, school assignments, and practical details like floodplain and internet providers so you can move forward with clarity.

If you’re ready to explore Preston Hollow with a local, relationship-first guide, reach out to Chris Blackman for a complimentary neighborhood consultation.

FAQs

What sets Preston Hollow apart in Dallas?

• Larger lots, mature trees, and a residential feel with quick access to core job centers and retail define the neighborhood.

Where does “Old Preston Hollow” fit in?

• It generally refers to the estate section with larger lots and deeper setbacks, though informal boundaries vary by source.

What home styles are common in Preston Hollow?

• You’ll see mid-century ranch, traditional, Colonial revival, Mediterranean, and contemporary modern, plus many newer custom builds.

Is public transit convenient in Preston Hollow?

• DART buses serve parts of North Dallas, and nearby rail stations sit along US-75, but most residents prefer to drive for speed and convenience.

How should I verify school assignments for a specific home?

• Confirm the address on Dallas ISD’s attendance tools and review Texas Education Agency reports for current accountability data.

What’s the best way to evaluate a specific block?

• Visit at multiple times of day, time your commute, listen for noise, and compare nearby sales for similar lot sizes and ages within a tight radius.