When searching for the ideal place to settle down in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, two neighborhoods that consistently rise to the top of the list are Lakewood and Frisco. Each offers its own unique set of benefits for families, particularly when it comes to excellent schools and impressive amenities. Both are highly desirable places to live, but they cater to slightly different lifestyles. In this blog post, we’ll compare the schools and amenities in Lakewood and Frisco to help you determine which neighborhood might be the best fit for your family.
Schools: Excellence in Education
Both Lakewood and Frisco are home to exceptional schools, but they each have distinct characteristics that could influence your decision.
Lakewood (Dallas Independent School District)
Lakewood, a vibrant neighborhood located just east of downtown Dallas, is part of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Although Dallas ISD is a larger and more diverse district than Frisco ISD, it has several highly regarded schools in the Lakewood area. Lakewood’s public schools, such as Lakewood Elementary, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School, are well-known for their strong academic performance and community involvement.
The area is also known for its proximity to a number of private schools, giving families a range of options for education. These schools often offer specialized curriculums, such as Montessori or religious-based education. Additionally, the Lakewood neighborhood itself is family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for involvement in school activities and community events.
Frisco Independent School District (FISD)
Frisco ISD, one of the fastest-growing and highly rated school districts in North Texas, offers a wealth of educational opportunities for families. The district is known for its excellent academic standards, cutting-edge facilities, and innovative approaches to teaching. Frisco schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses, STEM programs, and college-prep initiatives, ensuring students are prepared for future success.
Frisco also boasts a strong athletic and extracurricular program, with schools such as Frisco High and Centennial High gaining recognition for their high academic performance and athletic achievements. The district's rapid expansion has resulted in modern facilities, which offer a state-of-the-art learning environment for students.
Verdict on Schools:
Lakewood offers strong public school options within the Dallas ISD, with a variety of private school choices nearby. If you’re looking for a more traditional, established neighborhood with easy access to both public and private school choices, Lakewood could be a great option. However, if you’re attracted to newer facilities and an innovative approach to education with a strong focus on college readiness, Frisco ISD is a top contender.
Amenities: The Lifestyle Factor
When it comes to amenities, both Lakewood and Frisco offer something for everyone, though their offerings differ in character and style. Here’s a look at what each has to offer.
Lakewood: A Mix of Historic Charm and Urban Access
Lakewood is a picturesque neighborhood with a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and proximity to White Rock Lake, providing plenty of outdoor recreational options for residents.
Shopping and Dining: Lakewood offers a variety of dining and shopping options, with a focus on locally-owned businesses. The Lakewood Shopping Center features charming boutiques and restaurants. You’ll also find a mix of cafes, wine bars, and upscale eateries, making it an excellent neighborhood for foodies. The nearby Lower Greenville neighborhood and the eclectic Bishop Arts District provide additional dining and shopping options within a short drive.
Parks and Recreation: One of Lakewood’s standout features is its proximity to White Rock Lake, one of Dallas' largest and most scenic parks. The lake offers miles of trails for walking, running, and biking, as well as boating and fishing. The surrounding parkland is perfect for picnics, outdoor events, and nature walks. Additionally, the Lakewood area is home to several other parks, offering playgrounds and green spaces for families to enjoy.
Cultural and Community Events: Lakewood has a strong sense of community, with frequent neighborhood events such as local festivals, farmers' markets, and outdoor concerts. Residents enjoy a quiet, residential atmosphere but are just a short drive from the cultural amenities of downtown Dallas, including museums, theaters, and music venues.
Frisco: Modern Amenities and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Frisco, on the other hand, is a rapidly growing suburb known for its modern amenities and family-centered lifestyle. The city has seen an influx of new developments in recent years, making it a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Shopping and Dining: Frisco offers a wealth of retail and dining options, with major shopping centers like Stonebriar Centre and The Shops at Star. The city is also home to a variety of upscale restaurants and eateries, particularly in areas like Frisco Square and Legacy Drive. Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or fine cuisine, Frisco has you covered.
Parks and Recreation: Frisco is home to a wide variety of parks and recreational facilities, including the expansive Warren Sports Complex and the popular Frisco Commons Park. The city also has an extensive trail system perfect for outdoor activities. Families will appreciate the city’s focus on green spaces and active living.
Sports and Entertainment: Frisco is known for its sports scene, with facilities like The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ training headquarters, and Toyota Stadium, home to FC Dallas. The city is also home to minor league teams, including the Frisco RoughRiders. With so many sports and entertainment venues, Frisco offers ample options for family fun.
Verdict on Amenities:
Lakewood is ideal for those who appreciate a more tranquil, nature-centered lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. Its proximity to White Rock Lake and a more established, historical atmosphere makes it a great choice for those who love outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. On the other hand, Frisco is a rapidly growing city offering modern amenities, shopping centers, and a robust sports culture, making it ideal for families looking for a high-energy, entertainment-filled lifestyle.
Conclusion: Which City is Right for You?
Choosing between Lakewood and Frisco comes down to your lifestyle preferences. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a historic, community-driven feel and a love for outdoor recreation, Lakewood offers a unique charm with its proximity to White Rock Lake and local dining options. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a blend of quiet residential living with easy access to the vibrant city life of Dallas.
Frisco, on the other hand, is ideal for families who want to be part of a rapidly growing city with modern amenities, an active sports culture, and a wealth of family-friendly activities. Its newer schools, developments, and focus on recreation make it a great choice for those looking for a more contemporary suburban lifestyle.
Both Lakewood and Frisco offer excellent schools, top-tier amenities, and vibrant communities. The best choice for your family will depend on whether you prefer the established, nature-filled vibe of Lakewood or the fast-paced, modern allure of Frisco.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Lakewood real estate!
About us: Lakewood New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Lakewood, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in Lakewood and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.
As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.
Whether you are a first time buyer in Lakewood looking to buy a home in Fields or whether you are relocating to Lakewood from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Lakewood. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new construction home in Lakewood? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Fields community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
