Here’s a dirty little Park Cities secret: everyone’s ditching the Bubble (and even Preston Hollow) for The Peninsula, that hot little ‘hood bordering White Rock Lake off Buckner south of Loop 12. Check out this listing by Janice Parson at 9217 Peninsula Drive — on the market for $675,000. The price includes a not-yet built house at 2700 square feet (once completed) with a mid-century modern flair on an 82 by 160 foot lot, blueprints included. Empty-nester heaven over here. Janice also has a doll house that leases for $1650 a month, about half of what my son pays in NYC. So no duh — this area is scenic, fairly safe (save for “gunshots” overhead in the Bath House on occasion), pastoral, has jogging trails, sailing, and hot with buyers because it’s affordable.
It’s also got some history. Over her 100 year lifeline, White Rock Lake has gone from being a city water source, to a popular sporting destination, to a perennial party scene for teenagers and even weddings. The park department and advocacy minded — like restauranteur Jeannie Terelli — have all pitched in to clean up the lake and park, which has helped maintain and raise the values of the properties.
Because who wouldn’t want to live within walking distance of this gorgeous body of water? Life in The Peninsula is like a year-round vacation spot. People who buy here brag all the time that it’s like having a vacation house at the lake —but it’s only 10 minutes from downtown Dallas.
HISTORY: The Peninsula was established in 1927 as second and vacation homes built originally as charming lake cottages for folks who lived in “faraway” Dallas.
Population: 280 homes
Zip Code: 75218
Home styles: Cottages, ranches, a few newer Mediterranean’s, and a growing influx of newly built mid century-modern homes. Look for houses by Cliff Welch, Gary Cunningham, Jerry Stark and Case Study Homes’ Doug Hildinger. It’s hopping: Chase Corker, an architect who does a lot of homes in Forest Hills and East Dallas, owns a number of properties in the neighborhood and is building a new home for a client.
Average home price: $275,000 to $350,000 for a small cottage; $700,000-plus nets you a larger interior home with a lake view. Be prepared to pay more for a home with a front or backyard views of the lake or park. Cash buyers, not too much wiggle room here.
Average home size: 800 square feet to 4,500 square feet. Most houses are in the 1,400- to 2,000-square-foot range.
Lot value: Prices vary; a 50-by-130 can sell for $200,000 to $250,000 depending on lake proximity. See why builders love it?
Average lot size: 60-by-135, though some are 60-by-200. There are also some half-acre lots that owners have stitched together.
What They Won’t Tell You: People love what restaurateur Jeannie Terilli and musician/poet Erykah Badu have known for years—life in The Peninsula is like living in a perpetual vacation zone. You get cottages, architecturally significant, or eclectic nestled on the banks of White Rock Lake. There’s sailing, running, sports, even horseback riding!
The Dirt – Who Lives There: Agents say there is a quiet influx of Park Cities and Lakewood empty-nesters happening, but the area still has plenty of families. The strong neighborhood association tamps down crime, and many residents work out of their homes, watching each other’s properties. Kind of elegant crunch: an organic gas station with an organic taco restaurant called The Green Spot opened on the corner of Buckner and Northcliff — they even recycle grease!. There is also a huge Farmers Market for organic veggies at least once a month. Wholesome Foods Bakery, which started in Lake Highlands, a yummy gluten-free baker, just opened up in the same center: amazing breads and desserts. Thriving. Jena Johnson and Pauline O’Hare’s Good 2Go Taco just opened at Peavy and Garland Road.
Scuttlebut: Like a selective pre-school, getting into the neighborhood can be tough. Agents maintain lists of interested buyers, but people generally stay put. This is one place where you might benefit by knocking on doors and asking, “are you interested in selling your home?” Just don’t be surprised when folks say, um, not really.
Would I Live There? In a heartbeat. In fact, several of my friends already have ditched Parkie Life for The Peninsula.
candyevans 