A fast-growing DFW city that's home to state-title-winning football teams
DeSoto is located on the southwest corner of Dallas, highlighted by a mix of wooded areas and a country landscape that keeps much of its former farmland scenery well preserved. "One thing people don't realize about DeSoto is that it has a rolling topography, and there are a lot of mature trees," says Pam Daniel, a Realtor with Ebby Halliday Realtors. "It really is beautiful." DeSoto is one of the oldest settlements in Texas, formed in 1847, just 11 years after the Texas Revolution. It remained primarily a farming area until Dallas grew south in the 1960s when DeSoto became home to numerous commuters. DeSoto is now one of the fastest-growing Texas cities, with a population that has grown 51 percent since 2000. As it was deemed an "All-America City" by the National Civic League in 2016, the city's well-supported community, state-title-winning high school football and natural outdoor abundance make up a big part of life here for the 57,000 people who call DeSoto home.
"While many residents commute to Dallas or Fort Worth, DeSoto has local employers in education, healthcare, retail, and logistics," says Eric Enge, a Broker with Eric Gerard Realty. "Companies like Solar Turbines and the school district itself are among the top employers."
For a quiet life in a family friendly community, consider calling DeSoto home.
Leading the way in energy innovation, Solar Turbines is a key part of DeSoto's economy.
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From golfing at Thorntree Golf Club to racquetball at the DeSoto Recreation Center
"DeSoto has an exception parks and rec system," says Keith Stone, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Best SW. "It's one of the city's defining features." DeSoto residents can explore 22 parks, spanning 494 acres, along with 13 miles of trails. It has three main trail systems, including the Paul S. Dryer Nature Preserve at Windmill Hill. This site is used to observe the local North Texas wildlife and wildflowers winding along the foot trails. The 3.6-mile Roy Orr Trail flows through five urban parks, including Grimes Park. This city park sits on 75 acres and features athletic fields, picnicking areas, and, most notably, the DeSoto BMX Park. Golfers can enjoy the Thorntree Golf Club, a private 18-hole golf course that has hosted multiple Texas State Open and PGA Tour qualifying events. The DeSoto Recreation Center features a racquetball court, indoor track, and multiple other athletic courts for more athletic recreation. The city has commissioned the construction of the Aquatics and Recreation Center at McCowan Park, a 75,000-square-foot, two-story recreational facility with a competitive pool, gym, basketball courts and fitness studios. The construction of the facility is set to be completed early in 2026.
Local golf players in DeSoto enjoy playing at Thorntree Golf Club.
Grimes Park is home to sports activities, such as BMX biking, baseball and soccer. It also features a playground and picnic areas.
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Range of homes in a competitive market
DeSoto allows residents to live in more spread-out areas that are less densely populated than nearby Metroplex cities. While many homes were built after 2000, most were constructed from 1970 to 1999. A few pocket areas of the city towards the outer edges are common for new builds, including the new construction community, Ten Mile Creek Estates. Some neighborhoods sit out in a flatter, country-style set-up, with older ranches on extended land, while other neighborhoods are elevated, sitting on soft hills and backing up to greenbelt areas. Grand, luxury-style properties on multiple acres are common in the well-known gated community of Regents Park. DeSoto's average median home price is $359,000, lower than the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area median price of $399,000, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. "The housing market in DeSoto has been competitive, with home values steadily increasing over the past few years," Enge says.
Westmoreland Estates is one of many subdivisions offering stately homes to DeSoto residents.
Explore DeSoto’s solid brick ranch homes, blending vintage charm with modern comfort.
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Public schools with strong athletics
Students are zoned for the DeSoto Independent School District, which receives a C from Niche. DeSoto High School's football team won Texas state titles in 2016, 2022 and 2023 and is consistently ranked as a top-50 high school football program in the country. Kingdom Collegiate Academies—DeSoto Campus serves kindergarten through 12th grade and earns an A grade from Niche.
Eagle Stadium at DeSoto High School is a local favorite in DeSoto.
Give your child a strong start at Kingdom Collegiate Academies right here in DeSoto.
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Texas-style eats and cultural attractions just outside of the city
Numerous authentic Texas-style taco spots are common and primarily clustered around the intersection of Hampton Road and E Belt Line Road. The Grow DeSoto Market Place is one of the main shopping and eating areas and was started by the city to support smaller local DeSoto businesses. It used to be a former ACE Hardware building and is now a 26,000-square-foot space housing a variety of eateries, from homestyle comfort food to Texas barbecue, plus retail spaces and offices. Interstate 35E has even more big-box varieties like Home Depot, fitness centers and national dining chains. While there's a small selection of big-time entertainment inside DeSoto's city limits, cultural attractions are only a short drive away. The Dallas Zoo is 12 miles north of the city, and the highly popular Bishops Art District is 12 miles directly south of DeSoto. It's home to trendy shopping, eclectic dining and the highly frequented Kessler Theater for live shows and performances.
Find local goods and fresh ideas at Grow DeSoto Marketplace in the heart of DeSoto.
Locals enjoy art, culture, and great eats in the trendy Bishop Arts, just minutes from DeSoto.
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Annual food-based events and holiday celebrations
DeSoto residents enjoy a yearly lineup of community events, with one of the favorites being the annual Crawfish Festival at Grimes Park. Locals try out selections of crawfish food, listen to live blues and funk music, shop at vendors and participate in festive games. DeSoto joins three other southwest DFW communities each year, Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Lancaster, for the Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration to celebrate African American history, culture and entertainment.
Near Interstate 35 and Texas Highway 67
Convenient highway access is a big draw to DeSoto. The city's eastern edge sits directly along Interstate 35 E, and the west side sits next to Texas Highway 67. These highways take locals directly into Dallas, less than 20 miles away. Interstate 20 also runs just north. The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about 30 miles north of the city, and the nearest hospital, Crescent Regional Hospital, is just 3 miles away in nearby Lancaster.
DeSoto weather and crime
DeSoto experiences a typical North Texas climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city is considered a high-risk location for tornados.
According to the DeSoto Police Department, the violent crime rate in December 2023 was 123 incidents per 100,000 people, on par with the state average and slightly higher than the national average. Over that same span, the property crime rate was 181 incidents per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the national average and lower than the state's rate.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Antonio Bonner
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Meleah Bell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in DeSoto, TX sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in DeSoto, TX over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 236 Evelyn St, a wonderfully maintained home that offers comfort, convenience, and a spacious outdoor retreat. This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence blends thoughtful updates with the charm of an established neighborhood, delivering a move-in-ready experience ideal for everyday living. The kitchen features new flooring, updated finishes, and sleek granite countertops, creating a
Immaculate and barely lived in Bloomfield Home! This single story Primrose floor plan home sits on a generous 80' by 125' deep oversized corner lot located in Phase I of Homestead at Daniel Farms behind Thorntree Country Club and less than 10 minutes from Methodist Charlton Hospital and moments from The Southern Gateway which is a free non-toll express lane. There are 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths,
Discover this stunning new construction by Lillian Homes in DeSoto’s sought-after Ten Mile Creek Estates! The Seguin floor plan is a thoughtfully designed, single-story home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a private study, and a 2-car garage—all wrapped in beautiful curb appeal. Step inside to an impressive 24-foot foyer that sets the tone for elegant living. The open-concept layout includes
Don’t miss this deal! Priced just over $100 per sq ft, this spacious home offers incredible value. It needs a bit of TLC—mainly easy updates any handy person can tackle, such as interior paint and new vinyl flooring in the bathrooms. The wood-look tile flooring throughout most of the home is in great condition. Looking for room to spread out? This property features 4 bedrooms and 3 living areas.
This brand-new, modern-style home located in a peaceful DeSoto community. This beautiful residence features a bright, open-concept layout with abundant natural light and contemporary finishes throughout. The spacious kitchen offers sleek cabinetry, an island, stainless steel appliances, and opens seamlessly to the living and dining area perfect for entertaining.The primary bedroom is
Beautifully Maintained One-Story with Pool in Meadow Brook Estates. Step inside this charming and exceptionally cared-for one-story home, perfectly blending comfort, flexibility, and style. Just off the main living area, a cozy den offers endless possibilities — ideal for a quiet home office, a fun media room, or even a conversion into a second primary suite. The open-concept living and dining
This home is a gorgeous two-story home that has a remodeled kitchen with granite countertops with a nice kitchen island. It has an eat-in kitchen. Large living room with a fireplace downstairs. The downstairs dining room can be used as a study. There is also a built-in study desk upstairs. Wood flooring downstairs in living areas and carpet in the bedrooms. Your downstairs primary retreat has a
Welcome to 704 Ashbrook Drive! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers comfort and convenience in an attractive neighborhood. the home includes a 2-car attached garage and fenced backyard—ideal for both family living and private outdoor time. Inside, you’ll find an open living area anchored by a brick fireplace, a functional kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, and electric range, and
We offer a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere at the newest and most FUN apartment complex in Desoto, where our engaging and attentive staff ensure your satisfaction. Enjoy your spacious apartment conveniently located next to the Desoto Parks system, library, civic center, walking trails, and expansive gym facilities with regular group sessions. Our newly installed access system adds convenience,
DeSoto, one of the first settlements in North Texas, has emerged from life as a rural farming community into a desirable suburb 16 miles southwest of downtown Dallas. Its peaceful, tree-lined streets, friendly residents and a diverse housing stock help make it an in-demand area for homeowners. "Desoto has a wonderful range of properties," says Pam Daniel, a Realtor with Ebby Halliday. "From smaller starter homes to million-dollar homes on acreage. There's something for everyone."
As Daniel mentions, buyers have a wide choice in DeSoto, from Traditional and ranch-style houses built from the 1950s through the 1990s to newly constructed Contemporary-style homes. Home sizes range from 1,100 to 6,000 square feet, and prices span from around $225,000 for a smaller three to four-bed to $1 million for a larger home with up to six bedrooms and one or more acres of land.
DeSoto-area youngsters attend schools in the DeSoto Independent School District, including Woodridge Elementary for kindergarten through fifth grade and DeSoto West Middle for grades six through eight. Older students spend ninth through 12th grades at DeSoto High School, winners of the 2022 UIL-6A Division II state football championship.
For some fresh air after a long day hitting the books, take the kids to one of DeSoto's lovely city parks, including 24-acre Zeiger Park, where they can stretch their legs on the playground, the lighted walking trail, basketball courts or softball fields. "One thing that people don't realize about DeSoto is that it has a beautiful rolling topography," Daniel says. "And there are a lot of mature trees. It really is beautiful." If you're a BMX enthusiast, grab your bike and head to Grimes Park, which features a covered 60,000-square-foot lighted track, the country's first-of-its-kind Bicycle Motocross racing facility. BMX racing isn't Grimes Park's only claim to fame. Along with its extensive baseball and soccer complexes, the park is also the site of DeSoto's annual Crawfish Festival, where visitors can enjoy live music, vendors, games and, of course, tasty crawfish. If you're more of a golf-cart rider than a BMX racer, DeSoto's Thorntree Golf Club, with its 18-hole public course, might be just your speed.
No Texas town is complete without favorite local places for tasty Tex-Mex or blissful barbecue, and DeSoto is no exception. Check out Acapulco's on East Belt Line Road for simple classics like sizzling beef fajitas with rice and refried beans, or head to nearby Ray's Bar-B-Q for tender sliced or chopped brisket and a side of scrumptious mac n' cheese. "DeSoto has a good variety of eating establishments," Daniel says. "And there's a lot of new places coming in, too." For a home-cooked meal, stop into one of DeSoto's many grocery stores, including Walmart Neighborhood Market, Tom Thumb, and in keeping with DeSoto's agricultural history, the locally-owned Farmer's Delight farm market, where you can find a bountiful assortment of fresh, seasonal produce and other tempting products like honey and fruit preserves.
With green fairways, homegrown produce and plentiful home-buying options, DeSoto is still the perfect spot for folks to settle and make a home.
Property Mix - Square Feet
DeSoto Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
54,564
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$79,610
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$94,609
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.8%
College Graduates
29.7%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.8%
% Population in Labor Force
71.8%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
37/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
