Lochwood is a neighborhood in the east Dallas, TX area to the north and east of White Rock Lake and south of Lake Highlands.  The Lochwood neighborhood is also commonly referred to as “Dixon Branch” after the creek that runs through the neighborhood with the same name.  The boundaries of Lochwood are Easton and Lake Highlands to the west, Northwest Highway to the north, Jupiter Road to the east and Garland Road to the south with the exception of the Enclave at Wyrick Estates, a small gated community of newer homes which lies on the south of Northwest Highway.

The residential area of Lochwood is just over one square mile and contains approximately 1,800 homes.

History of Lochwood

Residential development began in Lochwood in the early 1950s and remained steady until the early to mid 1970s.  Lochwood is generally recognized as being founded in 1954 as development prior to that year was limited to a small number of homes on just a few streets.  The first homes were built in Lochwood in 1951 along Wyatt Street and on a few streets to the west of Jupiter Road.  Today, there are some  homes in Lochwood that have been built on lots where the original homes were torn down, but for the most part the vast majority of homes in Lochwood are the original ones built in the mid to late ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Lochwood Homes and Neighborhood

The Lochwood area is well-known for its lush greenbelts, large, mature trees and its close proximity to White Rock Lake, which is the recreational focal point of east Dallas.  The neighborhood itself has many wooded areas, lots of hiking trails and many creeks.  Several homes in Lochwood were built along and have unobstructed views of the greenbelts surrounding the creeks and trails.
The nearby White Rock Lake area offers an array of recreational activities, including a 10 mile jogging and biking trail, a kayak rental facility on the northeast shore, two sailboat clubs, picnic tables and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  Lochwood also has a city park in the neighborhood that has two tennis courts, a basketball court, picnic tables, baseball diamond and a newly-constructed children’s playground.  The lush greenbelts are a favorite among pet owners in the neighborhood, and many of the greenbelts also have wooded trails.  The Lochwood area offers an array of recreational and community activities that are hard to find in many of the Dallas suburbs.   

Lochwood features many different home styles, mostly consisting of one story cottages, ranch-style and mid-century modern homes.  Most homes in the neighborhood have hardwood floors and pier and beam foundations.  Pier and beam foundations have some notable advantages over slab foundations for remodeling options because plumbing and electrical wiring are often much easier to access and relocate in pier and beam homes.

Overview of homes in Lochwood:

• Home Styles – Lochwood has several different subdivision phases, and most homes in the neighborhood are smaller cottage-style homes on pier and beam foundations.  There are also some Mid-Century modern style homes.  Many of the larger homes in the newer subdivisions of Lochwood (such as Lochwood Meadows on the north side of the neighborhood) are ranch-style homes that are a mix of pier and beam and slab foundations.  Some duplexes exist on a few streets in Lochwood, but the neighborhood is predominantly single family detatched homes.
• Floor Plans – Most homes are one-story with 3-4 bedrooms and have at least 2-3 baths, although there is a small number of two bedroom homes in the neighborhood.
• Home Sizes – Homes range between around 1,100 square feet to over 4,000 square feet with the median being around 1,800 square feet.
• Garages – Most homes have two car garages, although some older, smaller homes have one car garages or garage conversions.  Some of the homes with garage conversions, as well as many of the true Mid-Century Modern style homes in the neighborhood, have carports. Most garages are front entry in the older homes and rear-entry in newer homes.
• Lot Sizes – Lot sizes in Lochwood average around .2 acres, although a few homes have lots as large as half an acre.
• Average Age of Homes – The average home in Lochwood was built in the early 1960s.  Residential development began in the early 1950s and peaked in the mid 1960s.  There are a few homes in Lochwood that are newer construction, built on lots where the previous home was torn down.  Generally speaking, Lochwood is not a neighborhood where it’s common to see new homes built where old ones were razed.  For the most part, older homes in Lochwood are often remodeled as opposed to torn down, which has helped preserve the neighborhood’s unique original charm and character. This may change at some point as tear-downs are becoming commonplace in neighborhoods adjacent to Lochwood.
• Building Restrictions – Lochwood is subject to city zoning restrictions that regulate certain aspects of construction such as density, setbacks, etc., but does not lie in an overlay or convervation/historic district.
• Home Sales per Month – Depending on the time of year, it’s common for between 10 and 20 homes to sell in Lochwood each month.

Life in Lochwood

Lochwood residents have an array of options when it comes to dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation.  

• A recent influx of new restaurants near the neighborhood has given residents even more exciting dining options: GoodFriend restaurant and beer garden and 20 Feet seafood restaurant are located at Peavy and Garland Rd. are very close to Lochwood.  These two new restaurants are very popular with Lochwoodians and offer a unique food options.
• Casa-Linda Plaza, located a short distance away at the intersection of Buckner and Garland Roads, has dozens of restaurants, specialty stores, and other attractions.
• Lochwood is just a short drive to Lakewood, Deep Ellum, Northpark and other shopping, dining and entertainment areas around Dallas.
• Home Depot and J Fuentes auto repair are conveniently located in the Lochwood area.
• Lochwood Library – state of the art public library featuring a computer lab and theater room with a capacity of up to 420 people is located on Lochwood Boulevard near Garland Road. 

 The Lochwood Neighborhood Association

The Lochwood neighborhood is served by a voluntary home owner’s association known as the Lochwood Neighborhood Association.  Membership in the association is 100% voluntary and the modest dues of $60 plus a suggested donation of $120 for the ENP program are paid annually.  In contrast to the many negative perceptions of home owners associations, the Lochwood association exists solely to preserve and maintain the beauty and charm of the neighborhood while fostering a sense of community though several volunteer programs and committees.  The Lochwood N.A. also sponsors crime prevention initiatives in the neighborhood.   The association does not regulate aesthetic issues and does not have the power to levy fines or foreclose on homes since membership is voluntary.  Lochwood serves as an excellent model of how neighborhood associations can serve to improve the lives of residents in the community. 

Some programs and events created and/or supported by the Lochwood Neighborhood Association include:

• Service Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP)– A group of Lochwood volunteers that provide household and transportation assistance to elderly and disabled residents.  If you’re an elderly or disabled resident of Lochwood, you may contact the neighborhood association for information on how you can be matched with a volunteer.  The SNAP program has its own private Facebook group where the needs and requests of elderly and disabled residents are posted which allows volunteers to respond.
• Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP) – Funded by donations from neighborhood residents, this program employs off duty, uniformed Dallas Police officers to patrol the neighborhood in marked police patrol cars.
• Lochwood Parents Group – founded to bring neighborhood parents together for babysitting, group social activities, sharing parenting information, and fun!  
• Annual 4^th of July parade through Lochwood.
• Annual Halloween party for parents and kids where families go trick-or-treating together.
• The Domino Effect – Neighborhood animal rescue and fostering group which was featured in a recent story in the Dallas Morning News.  Neighbors volunteer to foster strays and orphaned animals found in the neighborhood.
• Clean The Green – neighborhood cleanup committee that meets throughout the year to clean trash from the greenbelts and parks.
• Lochwood Private Facebook Group – Lochwood maintains a closed group on Facebook which requires verification of residency to join.  The group has over 1,500 active members who post updates about neighborhood happenings such as garage sales, crime watch issues, community events, social gatherings and other topics of interest to residents. The group also maintains a list of referrals for local tradespeople and neighbors regularly post reviews of local businesses and service providers.
• Ready to be a Ram – A group comprised of parents with children ages from birth to kindergarten, RTBAR educates and involves the parents with future Reilly families by providing social and informational opportunities and events and supporting neighborhood schools.
• Nextdoor.com – Another great social media platform designed specifically to foster communication among neighbors.  Lochwood has over a thousand active members on Nextdoor.com and the residency of all members is verified to protect privacy.

More information about Lochwood and the Lochwood Neighborhood Association may be found at Lochwood.com

Lochwood Schools

The Lochwood area public schools are served entirely by the Dallas Independent School District (DISD).  In addition to the elementary, middle and high schools that lie in the Lochwood attendance zone, DISD also has several specialized magnet programs, and a there are many choices of private schools available close to Lochwood.

Elementary School (Grades K-5th) – Martha T. Reilly Elementary School – Located at 11230 Lippitt Ave. Dallas, TX 75218 (972) 749-7800

Martha T. Reilly Elementary is located at 11230 Lippitt, which is centrally located in Lochwood and walking distance for many children that live on the east side of the neighborhood.

Reilly recently earned the highest rating from the Texas Education Agency and was one of only a small number of elementary schools in DISD to receive the maximum number of distinctions (Reading, Math, Science, Student Progress, Gap, Post Secondary) in 2014.  Reilly also has a two-way dual language program.  Reilly has a very active group of parents that support the school and students.

• Reilly Elementary Website
• Reilly Elementary on Greatschools.org
• Reilly Elementary on Schooldigger.com
• Reilly Elementary PTA Facebook Page
• Reilly Elementary Facebook Page
• Reilly Elementary List of Extracurricular Clubs and Programs

Middle School (Grades 6th-8th) – Robert T. Hill Middle School – 505 Easton Rd. Dallas, TX 75218 (972) 502-5700

Robert T. Hill Middle School is located on Easton Rd. in Old Lake Highlands.  Hill has a STEM academy that includes classes on science and technology, automation and robotics, computer science, and flight and space. Robert T. Hill Middle School is located a short distance west of Lochwood at 505 Easton Road and is walking distance from some areas of Lochwood.

• Hill Middle School Website
• Hill Middle School on Greatschools.org
• Hill Middle School on Schooldigger
• Hill Middle School Faceboook Page
• Hill Middle School PTA Facebook Group

High School (Grades 9th-12th) – Bryan Adams High School – 2101 Millmar Dr. Dallas, TX 75228 (972) 502-4900

Bryan Adams has 20 advanced placement courses and also has a collegiate academy in partnership with Eastfield College which allows students the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours or an associates degree by the time they graduate high school, and this program is tuition-free.  Adams also has several athletic programs in sports such as baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, football, track, swimming, and cross country.

• Adams High School Website
• Adams High School on Greatschools.org
• Adams High School on Schooldigger
• Adams High School Facebook Page
• Adams High School Program Directory

DISCLAIMER: It is the home buyer’s responsibility to verify all school attendance zones with DISD prior to purchasing  a home as they are subject to change.  All school boundary zones listed here were current as of the date of publication of this article and author assumes no liability for errors.  Please visit DISD’s School Finder Tool to view an interactive map of school attendance zones and to look up the assigned school attendance zone by address.

Lochwood Real Estate Market Data and Charts

The Lochwood real estate market is as unique as Lochwood itself.  Because of the uniqueness and location of the neighborhood and its homes, home buyers and sellers should educate themselves on the local real estate market conditions for Lochwood before buying or selling.

Median Sales Price (12 Month Moving Average)

The median sales price of homes in Lochwood has been very close to the median price of homes in Dallas for the last few years, but homes in Lochwood are still more affordable compared to many other areas of east Dallas.  Lochwood’s relative affordability, along with its many recreational amenities, proximity to White Rock Lake and lush greenbelts have attracted many home buyers to the neighborhood for many years.

Median Sales Price by Number of Bedrooms (12 Month Moving Average)

The vast majority of homes in Lochwood have three or four bedrooms, but there are also a handful of two bedroom homes and even a few with five bedrooms.

Median Price per Square Foot (12 Month Moving Average)

The median price per square foot of homes in Lochwood is very comparable to the price per foot in the City of Dallas, but remains affordable compared to other areas of East Dallas.

Average Days on Market (Monthly)

In recent years, homes in Lochwood have sold very quickly on average.  They often sell much quicker than homes in other parts of Dallas due to the highly desirable location and affordability of homes in the neighborhood relative to other areas of East Dallas.

Percentage of Original List Price Received (12 Month Moving Average)

Months Supply of Home Inventory (12 Month Moving Average)

The supply of homes in Lochwood is one of the main drivers of the rise in prices over the last few years.  A “normal” housing market is considered by many economists to have a six to eight month supply of homes.  Lochwood has been well below this level for the last few years.

Homes for Sale (Monthly)

New Listings (Monthly)

Pending Sales (Monthly)

Closed Sales (Monthly)

* All data provided by NTREIS and charts powered by 10K Research.  Deemed reliable but not 100% accurate.