Trying to choose between Southlake and Flower Mound? You’re not alone. Both suburbs offer strong schools, quality amenities, and easy access to major employers. The difference comes down to lifestyle, price, and the feel you want day to day. In this guide, you’ll see how they compare on cost, commutes, amenities, schools, and taxes so you can make a confident choice. Let’s dive in.
At a glance: size, income, price
Population and income
Flower Mound is the larger community at roughly 80,000 residents, while Southlake is a smaller city with about 31,000 residents. Median household income skews high in both areas, with Flower Mound in the mid to high six figures and Southlake at the Census top-code level of $250,000+. You can review population and income benchmarks in U.S. Census QuickFacts for Flower Mound and for Southlake.
Home prices at a glance
Expect a clear price gap. Market snapshots place Southlake’s typical home values around 1.25 to 1.3 million dollars, while Flower Mound often falls near the 590,000 to 615,000 dollar range. That premium in Southlake reflects smaller scale, higher household incomes, and a luxury-oriented housing stock. Specific neighborhoods can skew higher or lower, so confirm current stats for the area you’re targeting.
Housing styles and neighborhoods
Southlake housing mix
Southlake’s housing leans luxury. You’ll find larger lots, custom builds, and a higher share of gated or HOA communities. Many neighborhoods feature estate-style homes with detailed finishes and outdoor living spaces. Buyers often look in established enclaves and areas like Shady Oaks or Carillon when they want larger lots, refined architecture, and a strong neighborhood presence.
Growth here is measured and focused on quality infill and commercial amenities rather than large new subdivisions. Southlake Town Square continues to evolve with upscale retail, dining, and Class A office additions, reinforcing that compact, high-service core.
Flower Mound housing mix
Flower Mound offers broader price bands and more variety. You’ll see well-kept 1990s subdivisions, ranch-style properties on the west side, and newer master-planned options. Closer to Grapevine Lake, mixed-use districts like Lakeside and the River Walk introduce town-center living with condos, townhomes, and walkable retail. The town also has large master-planned projects in the pipeline, including long-term phases that will add housing and amenities over several years. That mix gives you more choice on budget, floor plan, and neighborhood style.
Commute and airport access
Average commute times
Both suburbs report mean travel times in the mid 20 minutes, and most residents drive. That makes each a practical base for DFW-area employment, though your peak-hour experience will depend on the exact route and timing. See the commute overview in Southlake’s QuickFacts for context.
Getting to DFW Airport
- Southlake sits along SH 114, which provides a short drive to DFW Airport and to employment centers in Grapevine and Las Colinas. Off-peak trips to the airport from many Southlake addresses can be quick, though rush-hour traffic adds time.
- From central Flower Mound, DFW is typically a short drive via major arterials. Exact times vary based on where you live in town and the time of day.
If frequent travel is a priority, test drive times from candidate homes during your typical departure and return windows.
Town centers, parks, and lifestyle
Town centers and dining
Southlake’s civic and retail heart is Town Square, an upscale, walkable district with national brands, dining, and regular events. It serves as a social anchor for many residents and a convenient spot for errands and meetings. See recent Town Square updates and openings covered by Business Wire.
In Flower Mound, the River Walk and Lakeside districts bring restaurants, lakeside views, and walkable retail in a growing, mixed-use format. The tone feels different from Southlake’s boutique center, but these districts are expanding and add options for a village-style lifestyle.
Parks, trails, and the outdoors
If you love the outdoors, both towns deliver. Southlake’s Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve offers more than 700 acres of prairie and woodland with multi-mile trails and educational programming. Explore highlights on the Bob Jones Nature Center page.
Flower Mound’s identity leans heavily on parks and trails, including Heritage Park, Twin Coves Park on Grapevine Lake, and a large community activity center. The town highlights a network of dozens of parks and an extensive trail system that connects neighborhoods. Review the town’s parks and trails overview for a sense of scope and amenities.
Schools and districts
Southlake and Carroll ISD
Southlake is served primarily by Carroll ISD, a key reason many families target addresses within the district boundaries. Recent state accountability cycles show Carroll ISD and its campuses performing at a high level. Local reporting notes all 11 Carroll ISD schools received A grades in recent cycles. You can read more in Community Impact’s coverage.
Flower Mound and multiple districts
Most of Flower Mound is served by Lewisville ISD, with some areas touching Denton ISD, Northwest ISD, or Argyle ISD. District results vary by campus. Recent reporting shows Lewisville ISD with an overall B accountability rating, with both high-performing and lower-performing campuses in the mix. See Community Impact’s summary.
What this means for you: school zones are address-specific in both communities. Always verify attendance boundaries for any home you consider, and check the latest TEA reports for the campuses that serve that address.
Property taxes and cost of ownership
City tax rates and exemptions
City tax rates differ, and your total bill also includes county and school district levies. Southlake’s adopted city property tax rate for FY2025 was reported at 0.3050 per 100 dollars of assessed value, with the FY2026 adopted rate projected at 0.295. Southlake also lists a 20 percent municipal homestead exemption. See details in the city’s adopted budget page.
Flower Mound lists a town rate of 0.387277 per 100 dollars and has taken steps to expand the municipal homestead exemption to 20 percent. Review the town’s My Tax Dollars page for the latest town portion. Because school and county components form a large share of the total bill, compare full tax statements when you evaluate homes.
Practical takeaways
- Southlake’s city rate is lower, but home prices and valuations are typically higher.
- Flower Mound’s city rate is higher, but the wider price range can lower the overall entry cost.
- Always compare full tax bills by address, including school and county lines.
Who each suburb fits best
Consider Southlake if you want
- Proximity to a compact, upscale town center with dining, retail, and professional services.
- A luxury-home environment with larger lots and custom construction.
- Strong public school performance within Carroll ISD boundaries.
- Short, straightforward access to SH 114 and regional employment hubs.
Consider Flower Mound if you want
- More housing options across a wider price spectrum.
- Mixed-use, lake-oriented districts like Lakeside and the River Walk.
- An extensive parks and trail network with easy access to Grapevine Lake.
- Ongoing master-planned growth and a range of home types, from established subdivisions to newer builds.
Quick relocation checklist
- Verify school attendance zones for any property you shortlist.
- Request the most recent, itemized property tax bill and confirm all taxing entities.
- Test-drive your peak-hour commute from the property to your office and DFW Airport.
- Review HOA rules, fees, and amenity access where applicable.
- Identify nearest medical and emergency services based on your exact address.
Choosing between Southlake and Flower Mound comes down to how you want to live. If you value a compact, upscale core and are comfortable paying a premium, Southlake’s blend of luxury homes, strong public school performance, and quick regional access is compelling. If you want more options by price and product type, robust parks and trails, and lake-adjacent living, Flower Mound delivers broad choice without sacrificing convenience.
Ready to zero in on the right neighborhood and home for your goals? Get concierge-level guidance, neighborhood insights, and a clear plan from Denise McCormick (TX).
FAQs
Which suburb is more affordable for buyers?
- Flower Mound typically offers lower median home values than Southlake, often around half to two-thirds of Southlake’s median, creating a lower overall entry point.
How do schools compare between Southlake and Flower Mound?
- Southlake is primarily served by Carroll ISD, which has reported A grades across campuses in recent cycles, while much of Flower Mound is in Lewisville ISD, which has an overall B rating; always verify by address.
Which area is better for frequent DFW travelers?
- Both work well for airport access; Southlake addresses near SH 114 often have shorter off-peak drives, but exact times vary by location and traffic, so test routes from specific homes.
How do city property taxes differ?
- Southlake’s city rate has been around 0.295 to 0.305 per 100 dollars with a 20 percent homestead exemption, while Flower Mound’s city rate is about 0.387277 with a similar exemption; compare total bills, including school and county.
What housing styles and lot sizes can I expect?
- Southlake skews luxury with larger lots, custom homes, and more gated communities; Flower Mound spans older subdivisions, ranch-style homes on larger parcels, and newer mixed-use and master-planned options near the lake.
