Moving to North Texas: Flower Mound, TX vs Highland Village, TX in 2026

Buyers looking at the northern Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex often narrow their search to two adjacent Denton County suburbs. Flower Mound, TX and Highland Village, TX share a border, sit just north of Grapevine, TX, and feed into the same regional infrastructure.

Both towns offer direct access to Lewisville Lake and Grapevine Lake, along with straightforward commutes to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Deciding between the two comes down to differences in housing inventory, property tax structures, and how you prefer to spend your weekends.

Comparing the Housing Markets and Prices

The median home price in Flower Mound sits around $620,000 as of mid-2026, while Highland Village properties typically close near the $600,000 mark. Both markets consist primarily of single-family homes, but their development patterns look quite different from the ground.

Flower Mound covers a much larger geographic footprint and offers a wider variety of housing types. Buyers can find master-planned acreage in communities like Bridlewood or opt for denser, mixed-use living at Lakeside DFW.

Highland Village is landlocked and fully built out, which limits the total number of homes for sale at any given time. The residential layout here leans toward established subdivisions, with many properties positioned to take advantage of Lewisville Lake access.

How Property Taxes Compare

Homeowners in both municipalities pay property taxes to Denton County and the Lewisville Independent School District. The total combined rate you pay depends on the specific town and whether the home sits in a Municipal Utility District or Public Improvement District.

The Town of Flower Mound offers a 20% local homestead exemption, which lowers the taxable value of a primary residence. This brings the town's combined tax rate down to between 1.69% and 1.78% for most resident homeowners.

Highland Village does not currently offer the same level of local homestead exemption. The combined tax rate for Highland Village properties sits closer to 1.80%, resulting in a slightly higher annual tax bill on homes of equal assessed value.

Drive Times to Major Employment Hubs

Daily commutes from this part of Denton County rely on a network of tollways and interstate highways. Because Highland Village sits just north of Flower Mound, residents driving south toward Dallas or the airport generally add about five to ten minutes to their trip.

Traffic patterns on FM 2499 and Interstate 35E dictate travel times during the morning and evening rushes. Buyers should test these routes during peak hours before making an offer on a home.

Typical drive times from the center of these towns to major Dallas-Fort Worth destinations look like this:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: 15 to 25 minutes during off-peak hours via FM 2499, stretching to 45 minutes during rush hour.

• Legacy West (Plano): 25 to 45 minutes heading east on the Sam Rayburn Tollway (Highway 121).

• Downtown Dallas: 35 to 50 minutes traveling south on I-35E, depending on the specific neighborhood departure point.

Public School Assignments in Lewisville ISD

The Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) serves the vast majority of residential addresses in both towns. The district boundaries weave across municipal lines, meaning your town name does not dictate your high school assignment.

Most students living in Highland Village are zoned to attend Edward S. Marcus High School. The feeder pattern includes several middle schools that sit near the border, including Briarhill Middle School.

Flower Mound students are split between Flower Mound High School and Marcus High School. Buyers should verify the specific attendance zone for any individual property using the LISD address lookup tool, as neighborhood boundaries can shift.

Parks, Lakes, and Trail Systems

Highland Village borders the southern shores of Lewisville Lake, giving residents direct access to water recreation. The town maintains Pilot Knoll Park, which features a public boat ramp, camping sites, and day-use picnic areas.

Flower Mound focuses its outdoor amenities on an extensive municipal trail network. The town maintains over 60 miles of paved and unpaved paths, including dedicated equestrian trails, spread across roughly 1,000 acres of parkland.

Flower Mound also operates the Community Activity Center, an indoor recreation facility with pools and fitness equipment. The southern edge of the town touches Grapevine Lake, providing additional hiking opportunities at spots like Murrell Park.

Local Retail and Dining Developments

The Shops at Highland Village serves as the primary outdoor retail destination for both communities. This open-air center includes national retailers, local boutiques, and a variety of sit-down restaurants.

Flower Mound offers several distinct commercial nodes, most notably the River Walk at Central Park. This development features a central waterway lined with restaurants, medical offices, and a chapel.

On the southern end of Flower Mound, Lakeside DFW provides another concentrated retail and dining hub. The mixed-use layout places coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance of the surrounding townhomes and apartments.

Making Your Relocation Decision

Highland Village provides an established, smaller-town feel with immediate access to Lewisville Lake. The limited housing inventory means buyers looking here may need to wait for the right property to hit the market.

Flower Mound offers a broader range of neighborhood styles, from dense mixed-use areas to larger acreage lots. The town's 20% homestead exemption and extensive trail system draw buyers who prioritize outdoor space and lower effective tax rates.

Both towns provide a straightforward commute to DFW Airport and feed into the same school district. Reviewing your daily drive and touring the distinct commercial areas will help clarify which location fits your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has lower property taxes, Flower Mound, TX or Highland Village, TX?

Flower Mound generally offers lower effective property taxes for resident homeowners. The town provides a 20% local homestead exemption, which drops the combined tax rate below the 1.80% average seen in Highland Village.

Is Highland Village or Flower Mound better for commuting to DFW Airport?

Flower Mound is geographically closer to the airport, sitting directly north of Grapevine. Residents in southern Flower Mound can reach the terminals in about 15 minutes, while Highland Village drivers will need an extra five to ten minutes to travel down FM 2499.

Do Flower Mound and Highland Village share the same school district?

Yes, both municipalities are primarily served by the Lewisville Independent School District. Depending on the specific street address, students in either town might attend Marcus High School.