Top 5 Neighborhoods in Dallas Where a New Fence Adds the Most Value

After several years installing fences throughout Dallas, I’ve noticed clear patterns in which neighborhoods see the biggest return when homeowners invest in new fencing. This isn’t based on fancy market research – it’s what I’ve seen firsthand talking with customers and realtors after completing hundreds of projects across the city.

1. Lakewood

Lakewood homeowners are particular about maintaining their property values, and for good reason. The mix of historic homes and newer renovations in this area means the right fence can make a real difference when it’s time to sell.

What works in Lakewood:

• 6-foot cedar privacy fences with a cap rail for backyard spaces
• Decorative iron fencing for front yards, especially on homes closer to White Rock Lake
• Board-on-board construction for corner lots (looks good from both sides)

Just last month, we replaced an old chain-link fence with cedar privacy fencing for a family on Westlake Avenue. Their realtor stopped by during the installation and mentioned that this upgrade alone would help justify their asking price, which was significantly higher than comparable listings nearby.

The trick in Lakewood is balancing privacy with the neighborhood’s friendly vibe. Too tall or imposing, and it feels unwelcoming. Too short or flimsy, and you lose the security aspect buyers are looking for.

2. Preston Hollow

Preston Hollow homeowners typically want something substantial that doesn’t scream “look at me.” Security is important here, but it needs to blend seamlessly with the property.

Preston Hollow preferences:

• Taller privacy fencing (7-8 feet) set back from the street
• Iron and stone combinations for front entrances
• Automated gates (becoming almost standard in certain sections)
• Stained rather than painted wood (usually in darker cedar tones)

One Preston Hollow customer called us after a storm damaged about half their fence. Rather than patch it, they replaced the entire perimeter with 8-foot cedar. When they sold two years later, their agent told us multiple buyers commented on the fence as a selling point – not something we hear about just any fence.

The mistake I see in Preston Hollow is people going too ornate. Simple, solid construction with quality materials outperforms flashy designs every time in this neighborhood.

3. Oak Cliff

Oak Cliff might be my favorite area to work in because there’s so much variety. Especially in Bishop Arts and the Kessler neighborhoods, the right fence can dramatically change a property’s curb appeal.

Oak Cliff standouts:

• Horizontal cedar fences for renovated properties
• Traditional vertical picket fences for historic homes
• Mixed materials – wood with metal accents
• Front yard decorative fencing (this neighborhood is more social)

We put in a horizontal slat cedar fence for a couple who bought a fixer-upper near Bishop Arts. When they sold the house 18 months later, they got substantially more than they paid, and the listing specifically mentioned the “custom modern fencing.”

The challenge in Oak Cliff is honoring the character of these older homes while giving people the modern security they want. It’s a balance, but when done right, it really pays off.

4. Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands is family central, and that drives fencing decisions. With all the young families moving into this neighborhood, secure outdoor spaces for kids and pets are top priority.

Lake Highlands needs:

• 6-foot privacy fences with secure gates
• Double gates for lawn equipment access
• Sturdy construction that can handle backyard ball games
• Gates with two-sided locks for pool areas

A customer near Lake Highlands Elementary called us after their fence blew down in a spring storm. With three kids under 10 and a dog, they needed something fast and sturdy. We installed a basic cedar privacy fence with reinforced posts. Nothing fancy – just solid construction. When their neighbors listed their similar house six months later, it sat on the market for weeks. The difference? Our customer’s house had a secure, functional backyard ready for family life.

What I’ve learned in Lake Highlands is that function beats form. These homeowners want something that works well and will last through years of kids and dogs running into it.

5. M Streets/Greenland Hills

The Tudor-style homes in M Streets need fencing that complements their distinctive architecture. The wrong fence here can actually hurt value, while the right one makes the whole property pop.

M Streets winners:

• Front yard accent fencing (low, decorative)
• Traditional wooden picket fences in heritage colors
• Wrought iron with simple designs
• Side yard gates with Tudor-inspired details

We replaced a neglected chain-link fence for an older home on McCommas last fall. The owners chose a simple wooden picket fence painted to match their trim, with a slightly arched gate that echoed their front door. Nothing elaborate, but thoughtfully designed. Their next-door neighbor listed a very similar house a month later for considerably more than recent comparables, and their realtor told us our client’s fence upgrade was part of what made the whole street look more desirable.

In M Streets, the key is subtlety. The fence should look like it’s always been there, not something added on as an afterthought.

What I’ve Learned About Fence Value in Dallas

After all these years installing fences across Dallas, here’s what actually matters for resale value:

1. Posts matter most: You can use mid-grade pickets, but never skimp on posts and concrete. A sagging fence screams “deferred maintenance” to buyers.
2. Gates get noticed: People use gates daily, so wobbly, misaligned gates make a terrible impression. Good hardware costs more but makes a huge difference.
3. Match the neighborhood: The most expensive fence isn’t always the best investment. A $20K iron fence might be perfect in Preston Hollow but would be overkill in other areas.
4. Permits aren’t optional: Nothing kills a home sale faster than unpermitted work. We’ve fixed plenty of DIY fences that caused headaches during home inspections.

If you’re thinking about selling in the next couple years, don’t overlook your fence. Unlike flashy kitchen upgrades that come down to personal taste, a good fence appeals to almost every buyer. It’s one of the few improvements that nearly always pays for itself at resale.

Feel free to give us a call, we are the best dallas fence company, if you want to talk through options for your specific street. Chances are, we’ve worked in your neighborhood before and can show you what’s worked well for others nearby.