Your Expert Guide
Knox-Henderson: How the Katy Trail and its local gems dazzled this resident

Agent Melissa Frantz-Ellerman.
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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When Melissa Frantz-Ellerman moved to the Knox-Henderson area in 2020, it didn't take her long to fall in love with this Dallas neighborhood. Coming from a 26-year real estate career in Atlanta, she now sings the praises of Knox-Henderson to her friends, family, and clients at Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty.
"I love the sense of community in this area, the small-town feel in the middle of a large metro area," Frantz-Ellerman says. "Plus there's the Katy Trail, lots of local restaurants and shops, and it's adjacent to Highland Park."
Frantz-Ellerman describes this energetic area as welcoming, manicured, and safe — so safe, in fact, that she says she plans on helping her son, who recently graduated from SMU, and his friends find homes in Knox-Henderson.
Frantz-Ellerman offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Knox-Henderson. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
Distinct dining is at the core of Knox Street's vivacious culture, posting an extremely elevated collection of revered restaurants and cocktail bars, each bringing individuality and an unparalleled experience.
A multitude of cuisines is abundant, including classic French fare at Le Bilboquet and Toulouse, modern culinary creations at Grange Hall, exceptional American fusion at RH Dallas' rooftop restaurant and in Georgie by Curtis Stone, masterfully crafted Italian cuisine at Taverna, and a taste of modern Latin America at Doce Mesas.
Order freshly baked pastries and hand-crafted lattes to-go at Village Baking Company or enjoy a leisurely al fresco dinner, all just steps from your home.
Upcoming openings include Pizzana, a pizzeria from the founders of Sprinkles Cupcakes that's slated to open in April 2023. But perhaps the most exciting venture will be coming from Duro Hospitality (known for The Charles and Sister), which will open in the iconic Highland Park Pharmacy space early next year.
The Katy Trail Ice House, which sits right along the Katy Trail, is not to be missed. Considered by many to be the best patio in Dallas, this spot is an Austin-style beer garden with tree-shaded tables and 50 beers on tap. "Did I mention it's very dog-friendly, too?" Frantz-Ellerman says. "It is a spot everyone must experience."
Where to play
Dallas' most walkable shopping and dining district is located between prestigious Highland Park and Henderson Avenue, less than three miles from downtown, offering a premier destination for locals and guests to explore and experience along the iconic Katy Trail. A curated collection of the trendiest names in men's and women's apparel, interior design, and wellness are anchored by bespoke local boutiques and restaurants that have continued to welcome generations of patrons.
Whether shopping contemporary styles at Vince, Lululemon, and dozens more, or seeking interior design inspiration at Restoration Hardware, Serena and Lily, and Crate and Barrel, a vast selection of unique lifestyle brands and businesses are around every corner.
From luxe gifts at Grange Hall to Dallas' most acclaimed fitness studios and personal care destinations, a refreshing sense of place and the warmest of welcomes can be discovered when strolling down tree-lined streets boasting a thoughtful mixture of preserved historic facades, innovative architecture, and charming courtyards.
“I love the ease and encouragement of a healthy lifestyle here," Frantz-Ellerman says. "It’s so easy to just hop on the Katy Trail for a quick run or a long bike ride. My husband and I take long rides on the weekend, shorter ones during the week (with my dog strapped in my basket), and walk to our weekly Wednesday night reservation at our first date spot, Taverna. In a large city like Dallas, access to the Katy Trail, shopping, restaurants, and the overall charm of the Knox Street area is a special gift and one of the most alluring qualities of Knox-Henderson. So pair that with your home being right in the middle of it, and life is good!"
Where to live
This area has an eclectic mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and apartment/condo buildings, making it an ideal spot for every stage in life. Frantz-Ellerman lives with her husband, who builds custom homes in the Park Cities, in a home just steps from the Katy Trail.
One of Dallas’ most ambitious Knox Street projects is on its way, says Frantz-Ellerman. Austin billionaire Michael Dell’s family investment firm, along with Trammell Crow and The Retail Connection, are partnering to offer a mixed-use development that will feature an Auberge Resorts Collection Hotel and Residences, restaurants, retail, luxury rental building, a boutique office building, and a new park space.
This project will bring a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel and residential experience to one of Dallas' most beloved live-work-play destinations. The centrally located park integrates with the Katy Trail while serving as a meeting place and respite for those enjoying the trail and the Knox Street neighborhood.
The new development will preserve and enhance the authentic character of Knox Street, amplify and expand upon its connection to the Katy Trail, and strategically add new and exciting uses and experiences to solidify the neighborhood as one of the most recognizable shopping, dining, and residential districts in the country.
Whether you're an SMU grad like Frantz-Ellerman's son, just building your foundation in Dallas, or an out-of-towner looking for the perfect spot to start the next chapter, Knox-Henderson has something for everyone, and Frantz-Ellerman has the passion, experience, and bespoke service to get you there. In this past year alone, she has sold several off-market homes in Knox-Henderson, and the ones that were on-market received an average of 11 offers and sold 22 percent above list price.
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Melissa Frantz-Ellerman lives, works, and plays in Knox-Henderson. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email mfrantz@briggsfreeman.com, or call 404-791-3686.