Living in Southlake, Texas

The short answer: Southlake is a suburb in northern Tarrant County, near Grapevine, Keller and DFW Airport, with its own Town Square and its own city government. It is often on the shortlist for buyers who are shopping by school district and lifestyle. It is also a long way from central Fort Worth, so the drive and the full monthly cost deserve as much attention as the house.

Southlake at a glance

These are the facts I could confirm from published sources.

  • According to the Texas State Historical Association, Southlake is at the intersection of State Highway 114 and Farm Road 1709, in northern Tarrant and southern Denton counties, and borders Grapevine, Keller and DFW Airport. TSHA describes it as seventeen miles north of Fort Worth.

  • TSHA lists Southlake's population as 21,519 in 2000 and 31,265 in 2020.

  • The City of Southlake website references its Town Square and says a new Town Hall is under construction.

  • The city says it is celebrating its 70th anniversary (1956 to 2026).

How Southlake compares with living in Fort Worth

Southlake is its own city, not part of Fort Worth, and it is separate from the city of Keller even though the two share a border. Each has its own government, services and rates.

Because it spans a small part of Denton County as well as Tarrant County, county-level details can differ for specific addresses. Always confirm the county and taxing jurisdictions for the exact property.

My take: Southlake tends to come up when buyers start with a school or lifestyle wish list. I would run the full monthly cost and the real drive alongside that list, because that is where a great-on-paper choice can stop working.

Who Southlake tends to fit

  • Buyers who want an established suburb near Grapevine, Keller and DFW Airport.

  • People who like the idea of a Town Square close to home.

  • Buyers who are comfortable with a longer drive to central Fort Worth.

Who might want to keep looking

  • Anyone who works in central Fort Worth and wants a short commute. Compare Keller, north Fort Worth or closer-in neighborhoods.

  • Buyers who have not compared current listings across areas. I have not published price figures here because they change quickly, so look at live listings before you decide.

  • Anyone who wants urban, walkable living. Look at Near Southside or the River District.

What to check before you buy in Southlake

  • School zoning. Verify the district and assigned schools for the exact address with the district itself, not from a listing.

  • County and taxing districts. Southlake spans two counties, so confirm the county and every taxing jurisdiction for the specific property.

  • The drive. TSHA describes Southlake as about seventeen miles north of Fort Worth. Test the drive to where you actually go at your real hours.

  • The full monthly cost. Property taxes, HOA dues, insurance and any special district fees add up. The cost of living page covers the framework.

  • Insurance. Get a quote for the specific address before you go under contract.

Nearby places to compare

Compare Southlake with Keller, Grapevine, Flower Mound and North Richland Hills. If you are weighing the bigger picture, read Fort Worth vs. Dallas.

Southlake FAQ

Is Southlake part of Fort Worth?

No. Southlake is its own city in northern Tarrant and southern Denton counties, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

How far is Southlake from Fort Worth?

TSHA describes Southlake as seventeen miles north of Fort Worth. Actual drive time depends on your route and the hour, so test it.

What cities border Southlake?

According to TSHA, Southlake borders Grapevine, Keller and DFW Airport.

Is Southlake a good place to live?

That depends on your budget, commute, school priorities and the home itself. Drive it and compare it with a couple of other options.

Want to compare Southlake with other options?

Let's go drive around. We can look at Southlake, Keller and Grapevine back to back so the differences are easy to see. Tell me what you are looking for and we will figure out whether Southlake belongs on your list. If you are still early in the process, the Fort Worth relocation guide is a good starting point.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association, City of Southlake. Confirm school zoning, taxes, HOA terms and insurance for any specific address.