Located 32 miles from Dallas in Denton County, Little Elm is a lakeside city that’s gained some attention in the past few decades. This once-quiet farm town began growing swiftly as the Dallas-Fort Worth area expanded. People noticed Little Elm's future structural possibilities and all it had to offer. The city’s population has grown from nearly 26,000 in 2010 to more than 58,000 in 2023. “It’s expanding like crazy,” says Amy Herzog, a Realtor with Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates. While one might not expect to find a lake-encompassed city with a shoreside “beach” resting in the middle of the DFW Metroplex, that’s what makes Little Elm stand out. With over 66 miles of shoreline, residents here enjoy a less-bustling waterside lifestyle that’s family-focused and brimming with new development. Little Elm is considered a bedroom community with just two entities employing more than 200 workers: the Little Elm Independent School District and the Town of Little Elm. “A lot of people in Little Elm are working from home as well. We’re seeing a lot of that,” Herzog says.
Where blue waters meet green landscapes, Little Elm offers a haven.
Little Elm
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Outdoor adventure along Lake Lewisville
“The Town of Little Elm has 66 miles of shoreline, six incredible parks, and an intrinsic trail system that snakes its way through Little Elm,” says Sarah Nolting, the Tourism and Communication Supervisor of Little Elm. “We pride ourselves on maintaining beautiful green spaces that residents and visitors alike can enjoy.” Flowing within the entire city, Lake Lewisville is the heart of all outdoor adventure and recreation. The lake connects to numerous parks and camping areas and provides multiple opportunities for water and shoreline activities. There are five different marinas, such as Cottonwood Creek Marina, with boating docks and boat rental stations for afternoons spent tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding. One of the biggest recreational attractions on the shores is Little Elm Beach at Little Elm Park, with space for swimming, sanded beach areas for laying out in the sun and a full sand volleyball court. “All the kids hang out there,” Herzog says. “They are making it really fun there.” The park also offers scenic trails for hikers and joggers, a large amphitheater for concerts and performances and multiple playgrounds. Beard Park, accessed by Eldorado Parkway, is another popular lakeshore park that blends its natural surroundings into its amenities. Nature-inspired playscapes, wide-open green spaces and a large, covered pavilion for parties and gatherings can be found on-site. Numerous hiking trails connect with Beard Park, including the Lakefront Trail, which provides a setting for active outings. Farther offshore, the Cove at The Lakefront Little Elm gives locals access to water slides in a 42,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility that has a sliding roof to keep in balance with the year-round elements.
Nestled in nature's embrace, Little Elm is a sanctuary for the soul.
Little Elm, where time pauses to savor the sweetness of lakeside moments.
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Social events to match the seasons
“The people of Little Elm are always smiling and willing to help,” Nolting says. “The community loves to be involved in all that is happening including events.” Locals take part in the Lakefront Concert Series each summer, with free live music performances at Little Elm Park’s outdoor amphitheater. There’s also an annual Juneteenth event there, with family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks and a speaker series to help celebrate and educate the community on African-American heritage. The popular Big Easy event during Mardi Gras brings residents together for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil and 5k and 10k races. Other seasonal events throughout the year include Trick-or-Treat at the Lawn, the Little Elm Annual Christmas Parade, and the July Jubilee, a Fourth of July celebration featuring two simultaneous fireworks shows.
The performers at Autumn Fest play multiple genres from rock to country.
Life in Little Elm unfolds like a picturesque tale against the lake's backdrop.
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Little Elm’s lakeside restaurants
Lakeside restaurants are a way of life in Little Elm, offering cuisine variety from seafood to burgers to brunch, with a side of waterfront views. The newest hot spot on Main Street, Tinman Social, combines menu offerings with fun activities like arcade games, bowling and bocce. Little Elm has multiple outdoor shopping centers for everyday essentials. Little Elm Towne Crossing, located on Eldorado Parkway, is one of the main locations for shopping and has smaller eateries as well, similar to the Eldorado Crossings shopping center further down the parkway. Eldorado Parkway is also the central hub for the city’s dining options, with various restaurants scattered throughout. Numerous Tex-Mex joints can be found here, along with places for Texas barbecue and authentic Mexican street tacos.
Little Elm restaurants, like Los Jalapenos, infuse local flavors with Texan flair.
Tinman Social in Little Elm offers a cozy retreat, blending food and community.
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Newer houses in planned developments
A major residential draw to the city is that almost all neighborhoods have some access point or view of Lake Lewisville. Many properties here are relatively recent, and there’s plenty of new construction taking place. Little Elm neighborhoods are also less densely populated, allowing residents more spatial opportunities. Master-planned communities make up a large portion of Little Elm. Most notable of these is the Union Park development, which started construction in 2015 and features resort-style amenities. Similarly, Valencia on the Lake, built in 2018, is another development with advanced offerings such as sports courts, a community center, a splash pad area and a luxury community pool. Overall, the median home price in Little Elm is $430,000, higher than the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area median price of $399,000, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. “There’s a lot of first-time homebuyers,” Herzog says.
Little Elm rowhomes are also an option for those looking to move to Little Elm.
Larger single-family homes are available in Little Elm.
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Students attend the Little Elm Independent School District
Students here are served by the Little Elm Independent School District, which earns a B grade from Niche. The district enrolls 8,300 students and is known for having a high-initiative approach to visual arts education. It was one of 68 Texas school districts that received the 2023 District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association, which is a leading advocate for visual arts in the state.
Hackberry Elementary School in Little Elm has a strong focus on academic achievement.
Little Elm boasts schools that nurture young minds with care and excellence like Walker Middle.
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A driver’s city with one central highway
“Little Elm has pretty easy access to everything,” Herzog says. While U.S. Route 380 runs directly east-to-west through Little Elm, it’s the only main highway in and out of the city. With an increased area population, the highway can get packed during high-traffic points, causing increased commute times for residents headed into Dallas or Fort Worth. For traveling just outside the city, however, Route 380 provides a convenient connection to nearby cities like Frisco. Future city plans are in the works to widen the highway from four to six lanes, improving traffic times and accessibility. Downtown Dallas is 32 miles from Little Elm, while Downtown Fort Worth is 47 miles away. There is no public transportation in Little Elm. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is 23 miles away, while Dallas Love Field is a 29-mile drive. The city’s hospital is Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospital – Aubrey.
Little Elm crime and weather
According to the Little Elm Police Department, the city had a violent crime rate in December 2023 of 117 offenses per 100,000 residents, lower than both the state and national averages. Over that same span, there was a property crime rate of 38 offenses per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than both the state and national averages.
Although Little Elm is surrounded by water, its infrastructure and elevation reduces the area's flood risk to a minor level. However, as is typical for North Texas, the city is at a high risk of severe heat. Little Elm experiences around 118 days of temperatures above 90 degrees.
Trang Dang-Le is the CEO and Co-Owner of ERA Empower Realty in Plano, TX, with over 16 years of experience in the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth luxury real estate market. Known for her deep commitment to helping families and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, Trang specializes in working with affluent buyers, sellers, and investors who seek more than just a property—they seek a home or investment that aligns with their vision of success and lifestyle. Trang’s personal journey, from arriving in the U.S. as a refugee to becoming a successful business leader, fuels her drive to serve others. She understands what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up, and that same dedication is at the heart of her real estate practice. Whether you’re searching for a luxury home in Prosper or a premier investment opportunity, Trang’s goal is to deliver a personalized, seamless experience that exceeds expectations. As someone who thrives on building connections, Trang bridges local opportunities with global networks, offering her clients exclusive access to high-end properties and investment prospects. Her extensive experience and strategic insight make her a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals seeking to make informed, meaningful investments. Outside of real estate, Trang is deeply involved in her community. She currently serves as the Director for the Multi-Ethnic Economic Development Center and is the Founder and Chair of YouLead Global Youth Leadership. Her past leadership roles include President of the Asian Real Estate Association of America DFW Chapter and Chairwoman for the Collin County Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Trang is passionate about building lifelong relationships with her clients. If you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell, or invest in luxury real estate, she would love the opportunity to help you achieve your goals. Reach out today to explore how she can assist with your next move—whether it’s finding the perfect home or making a strategic investment. When she’s not working with clients, Trang enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new cultures, and continuously seeking ways to enrich her community and the lives of those around her.
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