Preston Hollow represents a fundamentally different luxury proposition than the Park Cities: expansive estate living with proximity to Dallas's elite private schools rather than reliance on public education. And while it offers significantly more space and privacy, it’s still only 5–10 minutes from the Park Cities, making it one of the most centrally located luxury neighborhoods in all of Dallas. From Preston Hollow, you can be at NorthPark Center, Love Field, downtown Dallas, Uptown, or the tollway in minutes — a major advantage for families balancing school, work, and social commitments. This is where CEOs, professional athletes, and multi-generational wealth choose to raise children away from the density and visibility of more urban neighborhoods.
After decades working this market, we can tell you that Preston Hollow buyers are making a deliberate choice—space, privacy, and educational customization matter more than walkability or neighborhood pools.
The Private School Corridor Advantage
Preston Hollow's greatest asset is its position at the geographic center of Dallas's most selective private schools.
Elite institutions within the neighborhood:
- St. Mark's School of Texas (all-boys)
- Hockaday School (all-girls)
- Ursuline Academy of Dallas (all-girls)
- Episcopal School of Dallas (coed)
- Preston Hollow Presbyterian School
These aren't just good schools—they're pipelines to elite universities with average acceptance rates around 20% (compared to 82% for Texas private schools generally). The selectivity confirms the academic intensity and peer group quality that draws families here.
The 2025 advantage:
Episcopal School of Dallas completed its lower-school expansion, creating more spots at one of the most competitive schools in the region. Families who've been waitlisted now have increased opportunities.
Estate Living: The Half-Acre Standard
Preston Hollow's defining characteristic is space. The average lot size exceeds half an acre, with many original-section properties offering full-acre or multi-acre estates.
What this means for families:
- Real backyards: Swimming pools, sports courts, playhouses, and zip lines aren't luxuries—they're the norm
- Privacy: Gates, mature trees, and lot setbacks create true seclusion
- Customization: Room to build the exact amenities your family needs
- Multi-generational hosting: Space for extended family visits and guest accommodations
Median home price in Preston Hollow reached approximately $2.2 million in early 2025, but luxury estates in the original sections routinely transact between $5-15 million. The range reflects significant variation in lot size, home condition, and specific location within the expansive neighborhood.
How Preston Hollow Compares to Midway Hollow, Bluffview & Devonshire
Preston Hollow vs. Midway Hollow
Although adjacent, these neighborhoods attract different buyer profiles.
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Preston Hollow offers estate lots (½–1+ acre), large-scale homes, gates, mature trees, and true seclusion.
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Midway Hollow, by contrast, features smaller lots, newer construction under $2M, and a more transitional feel. It’s popular for first-time luxury buyers or those wanting new construction without Preston Hollow’s estate-level pricing.
If Preston Hollow is “old Dallas” luxury, Midway Hollow is modern, approachable, and evolving.
Preston Hollow vs. Bluffview
Bluffview is one of the most architecturally unique neighborhoods in Dallas, defined by its rolling terrain, creeks, and irregular lots.
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Bluffview feels tucked away and natural, offering dramatic topography.
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Preston Hollow is flatter, grander, and more traditional estate living, with wider streets and more consistent lot sizes.
Both attract luxury buyers, but Bluffview appeals to those who want character and a more organic aesthetic, while Preston Hollow draws those prioritizing scale, privacy, and proximity to the Private School Corridor.
Preston Hollow vs. Devonshire
Devonshire (often affectionately referred to as “Devon-shire” by locals) has become one of Dallas’s most in-demand walkable luxury pockets.
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Devonshire offers charming, tree-lined streets, smaller lots, and instant access to Lovers Lane retail, Inwood Village, and top restaurants.
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Preston Hollow offers significantly more space, far larger lots, and a quieter, estate-style environment.
Buyers who prioritize walkability choose Devonshire; buyers who want scale and privacy choose Preston Hollow.
Safety Profile: The Quiet Security of Established Wealth
Preston Hollow is classified as "Very Safe" with crime rates well below Dallas averages:
- Violent crime: 2.5 per 1,000 residents
- Property crime: 4.7 per 1,000 residents
These figures are maintained through neighborhood watch programs, private security patrols, and the natural deterrent of established, occupied estates with sophisticated alarm systems.
Family Amenities: Thoughtful but Not Overprogrammed
Preston Hollow's approach to children's activities reflects its private-school orientation—families here tend to prioritize individual lessons, club sports, and curated experiences over neighborhood programming.
Key resources:
- Preston Hollow Park: Playground, softball field, tennis courts, and open space for weekend family use
- Northaven Trail: A 4.6-mile trail perfect for family bike rides, connecting Preston Hollow to White Rock Lake
- Bookmarks (at NorthPark Center): A children's-only library with daily programs, computers, and check-out services
- Down to Play: Indoor soft-play facility (3,500 sq ft) ideal for Texas summer heat
Real Estate Considerations: What Buyers Should Evaluate
Critical factors:
- School commute: Verify drive times to your specific private school
- Lot orientation: Primarily North and South exposure, privacy from neighbors, and yard usability vary dramatically
- Home age and condition: There’s a nice mix of homes here—from new construction to properties built in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as older original homes from the 1950s and 1960s that are often candidates for teardown.
- Street prestige: Certain streets (Strait Lane, Deloache) command premium pricing
- Future development: A $650 million mixed-use development is planned for the southwest corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane in Preston Hollow, Dallas, featuring a 28-story hotel and condo tower, a 24-story apartment tower, two office buildings, and restaurants. There are only a few high-rises, but there’s nothing quite like this development—so they’re trying to create that here.
Who Chooses Preston Hollow?
Preston Hollow works best for families who:
- Prioritize private education and want minimal commute to elite schools
- Value privacy and space over walkability and neighborhood density
- Can afford estate-level pricing ($2M+ entry point, $5M+ for true luxury)
- Prefer low-key luxury with more space than you have in the Park Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Preston Hollow
Is Preston Hollow actually a single neighborhood?
No—it's a large area encompassing multiple subdivisions and sections. Location within Preston Hollow matters significantly for pricing and lifestyle.
What public school options exist in Preston Hollow?
Preston Hollow falls within Dallas ISD, which offers choice-based enrollment. Some families use Hillcrest High School's IB program. However, most Preston Hollow families choose private education.
Are there newer homes in Preston Hollow?
Yes, absolutely. There are homes from the 1950s to the 1980s; however, about half of the homes have been built since 2000 or more recently.
How does Preston Hollow compare to the Park Cities?
Larger lots, more privacy, private-school focus, and generally lower price per square foot. The Park Cities offer walkability, HPISD access, and tighter community feel.
Is Preston Hollow family-friendly for young children?
Yes, but differently than master-planned suburbs. You'll have space for home-based activities but fewer neighborhood playmates within walking distance.
Navigate Preston Hollow's Complex Market With Local Expertise
Preston Hollow's size and variety make it challenging to evaluate without deep local knowledge. We've represented dozens of families in this market and understand which streets, sections, and properties deliver the best value for specific family needs.
Let's discuss whether Preston Hollow aligns with your goals:
📱 Brandon: (214) 206-7778
📧 [email protected]
📱 Tiffany: (972) 979-0978
📧 [email protected]
