Shores

The town of Garland, Texas, has come a long way since the mid-1800s, when the city was first established. Back then, those early arrivals could expect torturous living conditions that earned the area the name of “Hardscrabble.” But there was plentiful water in the area, and that fact made life just a little bit easier for settlers because it meant there was water for livestock, crops and humans alike. Fast-forward 100 years, and the city of Dallas contracted the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam on the East Fork of the Trinity River, thus creating Lake Ray Hubbard. Today, the southwestern shores of Lake Ray Hubbard are home to an enclave of magnificent zero-lot-line houses that comprise the aptly-named neighborhood of Shores. Remnants of “Hardscrabble” – or the hardscrabble lifestyle that gave the area its macabre nickname – are hard to find now in this upscale Dallas suburb. In addition to gorgeous homes, you’ll also find outstanding schools and top-notch amenities. Of course, all of those qualities tend to drive development, which is exactly what has happened in recent years in Garland. “That whole area has exploded from a growth perspective,” says Realtor Eric Torres. “It’s growing so fast. And it’s such a great community for families. So much of the area is basically land-locked, so if you’re looking for that lakeside lifestyle, it’s the perfect spot.”

The median price of real estate in Shores hovers around $470,000, and buyers can expect to pay about $187 per square foot. A Tudor-inspired three-bedroom/two-bathroom home can sell for around $317,000, while a sprawling six-bedroom/four-bathroom Queen Anne-style home can list for up to $610,000. “It’s really a good price range for a lot of buyers,” says Torres. “You see first-time homebuyers, people looking to buy a bigger home, even people who want to downsize. They can all find something there.”

Parents can rest assured that their young scholars will be in good hands in the Garland Independent School District, which earns an A- overall on Niche.com. Children can attend George Washington Carver Elementary, Lyles Middle and Sachse High School. In addition to a rigorous academic program, students at Sachse can look forward to participating in their choice of 17 different athletic teams and joining any of 40 after-school groups.

Amenities abound in this residential neighborhood, and as might be expected, many of them center on Lake Ray Hubbard. Of course, there’s always fishing or boating on the lake, but there are opportunities for recreation shore-side, too. Wildflower enthusiasts will love the scene at Hayes Park, where the bluebonnets explode into an ocean of color in the spring months, and visitors can take advantage of the walking trail that encircles the park. Both Wynn Joyce Park and John Paul Jones Park offer lakeside relaxation, as well as opportunities to cast a line from the shore. The nearby Duck Creek Trail is a 7.2-mile paved trail that winds its way through the Duck Park Greenbelt and is perfect for hiking, jogging or biking, and there are picnic areas at different points along the trail.

Walmart Neighborhood Market is in the neighborhood, so grocery shopping is a breeze for residents, and Walmart Super Center is only 3 miles away, so getting all those home necessities is just as easy. For those times when you just can’t face cooking for yourself, Shores has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger. Check out No Doubt BBQ for some of the best smoked brisket, ribs and chicken around, not to mention sides and desserts. Or take your tastebuds south of the border at The Patron Tacos and Tortas for authentic Mexican cuisine made with the freshest of ingredients. And because of the neighborhood’s proximity to Interstate 30, you’re just a 20-minute drive from all that Dallas has to offer for restaurants, shops and other amenities.

If you’re looking for that lakeside lifestyle with fantastic homes and equally fantastic schools, you can stop looking. Shores in Garland checks both boxes. Throw in the fact that it also offers a wide range of amenities and easy access to the interstate, and it might just be your perfect spot.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Mike Healey

Video By

Drew Webster