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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Angie Thor,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in DeSoto, TX sell after 72 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 $369,900, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the beautifully established Mantlebrook Farms with NO HOA, this 3-bedroom 2 bathroom house is calling YOU! Home sweet home is exactly how you will feel walking into this warm and cozy space. This house has great bones and so many one-of-a-kind unique custom features throughout. Vaulted ceilings with wood beams running across, two beautiful welcoming fireplaces, built-in China
Don't miss this beautiful, one owner home in Ten Mile Creek Estates! This lovely home offers two large living spaces and two dining spaces for entertaining friends and family. The open floor plan and natural light in this home is amazing! The sunny dining room has a wonderful tray ceiling and crown molding. Central living room is spacious, complete with crown molding and a nice brick fireplace.
Move In Ready Dream Home with Over $50K in Upgrades A Rare Find in DeSoto!Welcome to 909 Aspen Drive, where pride of ownership truly shines! This stunning, move in ready home has been beautifully updated inside and out offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and efficiency. Step inside to discover fresh interior paint, abundant natural light, and modern finishes
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
Enjoy this pristine 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the sought-after Candle Meadow community, where attention to detail is second to none. Professionally cleaned daily, the home shines with pride of ownership and meticulous care rarely found on the market. Ideal for relocation buyers or anyone seeking a truly turnkey experience.Spanning over 3,000 sq ft, this light-filled two-story layout
This is an amazing opportunity for an investor looking for a duplex or even someone looking to live on one side and rent out the other. The possibilities are endless! Priced to sell, this duplex has already had all the major updates...roof, new water heater, foundation repaired between 2020-2021. Both sides are 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and an open concept kitchen, living and dining area. 1202
Apply NOW and Take Advantage of our MOVE-IN SPECIAL!1 MONTH FREE! For 2-Bedroom Units.6 WEEKS FREE! For 3-bedrooms Units.2 WEEKS FREE! For Studio Units.Schedule a tour now and see your new home!Newly built in 2021 with meticulous design and exclusive amenities, The Beacon on Westmoreland Apartments sets the standard for luxury living in DeSoto, Texas! Our studio,
Wonderful 2-story 4-2.5-2 in DeSoto for rent! This property features 2 living areas, an office, and an upstairs game room. Arched doorways, gleaming wood flooring, high ceilings and tons of windows throughout. Front entry leads to the formal combo area. Light & bright living room includes a WBFP. The kitchen has an island and comes equipped with a built-in microwave, dishwasher, disposal, 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
Above the national average
$71,702
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
65.1%
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®®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
44/ 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.
