Your Cedar Hill TX Home Buying Guide
Cedar Hill offers lakeside living and state park access just 20 miles from downtown Dallas. Joe Pool Lake and the 1,826-acre Cedar Hill State Park make this DFW's outdoor recreation capital. Median home price sits at $347,500 with homes selling in 45 days on average. Lake Ridge draws the most buyer interest.
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Is Cedar Hill Right For You?
Cedar Hill isn't for everyone. Here's who thrives here and who should look elsewhere.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want hiking, biking, fishing, and boating without driving hours to find it
- Lake lifestyle seekers who can't afford Rockwall or Lake Ray Hubbard prices but want waterfront access
- Dallas commuters who want to be 20 miles out, not 30-40 like Midlothian or Waxahachie
- Golfers who value Lake Ridge's two championship courses and country club lifestyle
- Value buyers who want more house for their money than closer-in suburbs offer
- New construction seekers - Cedar Hill is mostly established neighborhoods, not builder communities
- School-first families - Cedar Hill ISD has improved but isn't at Mansfield or Southlake levels
- Flood-averse buyers - lakefront properties may require flood insurance; check FEMA maps
- HOA avoiders - Lake Ridge fees run $150+/month for amenity access
- Public transit users - you'll need a car for everything, no DART rail here
Getting Around from Cedar Hill
Closer to Dallas than most South DFW suburbs. Real drive times below.
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas | 20 mi | 25 min | 40-55 min |
| Downtown Fort Worth | 30 mi | 30 min | 45-60 min |
| DFW Airport | 22 mi | 25 min | 40-50 min |
| Midlothian | 12 mi | 15 min | 20-25 min |
| Duncanville | 5 mi | 8 min | 12-15 min |
The Reality
Cedar Hill's location is its secret weapon. You're closer to Dallas than Mansfield, Midlothian, or Waxahachie. US-67 and I-20 provide direct routes downtown without the back-road feel of farther-out suburbs.
The trade-off? You're not getting the new construction and master-planned amenities of newer cities. Cedar Hill is established, which means mature trees and settled neighborhoods, but also older inventory.
Where to Live in Cedar Hill
From lakefront golf communities to established family neighborhoods.
Lake Ridge
Premium3,400-acre master-planned community with two golf courses, lake access, pools, and its own elementary school. The most sought-after address in Cedar Hill.
Stoney Creek
NewerOne of Cedar Hill's newer developments with modern floor plans. Good option for buyers wanting updated homes without Lake Ridge price tags.
Cedar Crest
EstablishedMature neighborhood with established trees and larger lots. Appeals to buyers wanting character over new construction.
Kingswood
ValueEntry-level pricing for Cedar Hill. Good bones, reasonable HOA fees, and solid school access. First-time buyer friendly.
State Park Area
OutdoorProperties near Cedar Hill State Park. Walk or bike to trails, fishing, and camping. Appeals to nature-focused buyers.
Downtown/Historic
CharacterOlder homes near downtown Cedar Hill. Walkable to local shops and restaurants. Smaller lots but real character.
Cedar Hill ISD Schools
The numbers, the standouts, and what parents should know.
What Parents Should Know
Lake Ridge Elementary
Serves the Lake Ridge community specifically. Strong parent involvement and community feel that sets it apart from other campus options.
Cedar Hill ISD has improved significantly in recent years, with strong academic and athletic programs. The district is smaller and more community-focused than nearby Mansfield ISD or DeSoto ISD.
The Honest Take
CHISD is solid and improving, but it's not Mansfield ISD or Southlake Carroll. If schools are your absolute top priority, Cedar Hill may not be your best fit. If you want good schools plus outdoor lifestyle and lake access at a reasonable price, it's a strong choice.
Property Taxes in Cedar Hill TX
What you'll actually pay. Cedar Hill is in Dallas County.
2026 Tax Relief Update
Texas voters approved a $140,000 homestead exemption in November 2025, effective January 1, 2026. On a $347,500 home (Cedar Hill's median), you'll pay taxes on $207,500 after the exemption. Seniors and disabled homeowners get a $200,000 total exemption.
Example: Median-Priced Home
On Cedar Hill's median home ($347,500), annual property taxes come to approximately $4,773/year or $398/month in escrow after the homestead exemption.
Dallas County rates are comparable to Ellis County (Midlothian, Waxahachie). School taxes make up almost half your bill—Cedar Hill ISD's rate is 1.13%, which is lower than some neighboring districts.
Lake Ridge HOA Note
Lake Ridge HOA fees ($150+/month) are separate from property taxes. When budgeting for a Lake Ridge home, add both to your monthly calculations.
| Taxing Entity | Rate |
|---|---|
| Cedar Hill ISD | 1.1279% |
| City of Cedar Hill | 0.6364% |
| Dallas County | 0.2155% |
| Parkland Hospital | 0.2120% |
| Dallas College | 0.1066% |
| Total | 2.2984% |
*Source: Dallas County Tax Office, 2025. Rates per $100 valuation.
State Park Living in Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake aren't just nearby attractions. They're why people move here. Few DFW suburbs offer this level of outdoor access within city limits.
- 1,826-acre state park with 10+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
- Joe Pool Lake for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterfront picnics
- Hill country terrain (unusual for DFW) with elevation changes and scenic views
- Two golf courses in Lake Ridge with country club amenities
How We Help Cedar Hill Buyers
We know which Lake Ridge sections have the best lake views and which properties may need flood insurance.
We Know the Neighborhoods
Lake Ridge isn't the same as Kingswood. Cedar Crest isn't Stoney Creek. We'll match you to the right area based on your priorities, not just what's listed this week.
We Check FEMA Maps
Lakefront properties are beautiful. Some require flood insurance. We verify this before you tour, not after you've fallen in love with a house.
We Factor HOA Costs
That Lake Ridge home looks affordable until you add $150+/month in HOA fees. We help you see the full picture before you make an offer.
Buying New Construction in Cedar Hill?
Cedar Hill has several active builders with new homes from the $165,000s (townhomes) to $500,000+. The sales agent at the model home works for the builder, not you.
- Negotiate builder incentives and closing cost credits
- Get upgrades at builder cost, not marked-up design center prices
- Review contract terms that protect you, not just the builder
- Get independent inspections before closing
Cedar Hill Buyer FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most from buyers.
What is the housing market like in Cedar Hill TX?
The price drop creates opportunity. Sellers are more flexible than they were a year ago, and there's less competition among buyers than in new construction markets like Midlothian.
Source: Redfin, December 2025
What are the best neighborhoods in Cedar Hill TX?
Your best choice depends on priorities: Lake Ridge for amenities and lifestyle, Stoney Creek for newer homes, Cedar Crest for character, or Kingswood for value.
How are the schools in Cedar Hill TX?
CHISD is solid and improving, but it's not at Mansfield ISD's level. If schools are your #1 priority, evaluate carefully. If you want good schools plus lake lifestyle at a reasonable price, Cedar Hill is a strong compromise.
Source: Texas Education Agency, 2024-25
Is Cedar Hill TX a good place to live?
Schools are solid but NOT elite (B-rated). Housing stock is older with fewer new construction options. If outdoor lifestyle and Dallas proximity matter more than brand-new homes, Cedar Hill delivers value that's hard to beat.
Who is the best realtor in Cedar Hill TX?
Key questions to ask any realtor: How many Cedar Hill transactions have you closed? Do you know the neighborhoods? Will you represent only me? Learn more about Silvia or call her at (972) 827-7334.
What county is Cedar Hill TX in?
Dallas County services include Parkland Hospital and Dallas College. Your vehicle registration and property tax protests are handled through Dallas County offices, not Ellis County like our other service areas.
How far is Cedar Hill from Dallas?
Cedar Hill's location is one of its strongest features. You get outdoor lifestyle and lake access without the long commute of farther-out suburbs.
What are property taxes in Cedar Hill TX?
Your tax bill includes five entities: Cedar Hill ISD (1.13%), City of Cedar Hill (0.64%), Parkland Hospital (0.21%), Dallas County (0.22%), and Dallas College (0.11%). School taxes make up nearly half your total bill.
Lake Ridge buyers: Remember to add HOA fees ($150+/month) on top of property taxes when budgeting.
Source: Dallas County Tax Office, 2025
What is Cedar Hill State Park?
Few DFW suburbs have a state park within city limits. If outdoor recreation matters to you, Cedar Hill delivers access that other suburbs can't match.
What if I need to sell my current home first?
Still have questions? Talk to Silvia — no pressure, just answers.
Silvia Poulin
Licensed Texas REALTOR® · BK Real Estate
Find Your Home in Cedar Hill
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