There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Perhaps the most well-known part of Northaven Park is its southeast section, aptly known as the Disney Streets. There, midcentury modern and traditional-style homes line streets with names like Snow White Drive, Cinderella Lane, Pinocchio Drive, and Wonderland Trail.
The neighborhood certainly worked its magic on real estate agent Libby Hamer, who moved there in 2020 from nearby Midway Hollow.
"My husband and I have had our eye on Northaven Park since our daughter, Brooke, was born. Once our second child, Caleb, was born, we couldn't wait to move to the neighborhood. We fell in love with the green space: the parks, the playgrounds, the trail, and the creek."
Hamer also praises the area's convenient location, which offers easy access to private schools, I-635, and the Tollway. "You can get to almost anywhere in Dallas, and even Frisco and Plano, within 25 minutes," she says.
The voluntary neighborhood association, Northaven Park Neighborhood Association, hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year that bring people of all interests and backgrounds together.
"Yes, many neighborhoods have happy, smiling neighbors walking about, but the people here are so engaging," Hamer says. "A quick hello can turn into neighbors standing on the greenbelt by the creek chatting for an hour. It's a neighborhood that people keep coming back to. I've met so many people who grew up in the neighborhood, went to Harry C. Withers Elementary School (the public elementary located in the center of the neighborhood), and came back here either to raise their own families or as empty nesters."
Hamer offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Northaven Park. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
In addition to popular Dallas chains Village Burger Bar and Meso Maya, Hamer recommends Republic Texas Tavern, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, Ziziki's, Ku Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, Franki's Pizza & Pasta, Ginger Thai Cuisine, and Cindi's NY Deli & Restaurant.
Where to play
The neighborhood's namesake, Northaven Park, obviously makes the list for outdoorsy fun. "Northaven Park is always bustling with activity," Hamer says. "It offers two tennis courts, a basketball court, two softball fields, sports fields (used for lacrosse and soccer practices), and a huge, shady area by Joe's Creek on the west side of the park that has a playground and picnic tables. Residents love to feed the turtles and fish in the creek."
Other recreation options include the Semones Family YMCA, the Northaven Trail, and We Rock the Spectrum indoor playground.
Galleria Dallas is nearby for more shopping and dining, as are the shops and restaurants at Preston Road and Forest Lane and Preston Road and Royal Lane.
Where to live
Northaven Park is known for large, beautiful lots — the average lot size in the neighborhood is just over a third of an acre. These generous lots offer plenty of privacy and spacious backyards that are perfect for children, dogs, pools, and entertaining.
"You'll find many ranch-style homes that were built in the 1960s and early '70s that average 2,500 to 3,000 square feet with three to four bedrooms," Hamer says. "However, we're also seeing a lot of new-builds and extensive renovations around the neighborhood."
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Libby Hamer lives, works, and plays in Northaven Park. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email lhamer@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-875-6506.
