Overview
Nestled in Denton County, Lantana and Double Oak are two suburban enclaves that might not shout from the rooftops like their bigger neighbors (looking at you, Flower Mound), but they’ve got serious appeal for anyone chasing that blend of peace, privacy, and proximity to DFW. Lantana—a master-planned community birthed in the early 2000s—has ballooned to around 12,000 residents, boasting meticulously manicured streets, neighborhood pools, and shiny new subdivisions. Real estate typically hovers in the mid-$400k to $700k range, with some luxe properties well above that mark. Folks are definitely moving in, lured by the “all-in-one” vibe of a planned community.
Double Oak, with a population around 3,000, feels older, more established—think large 1-acre lots, custom homes, and a slower turnover. Home prices often land in the $600k-and-up territory, but you’re getting space, tree-lined yards, and minimal commercial sprawl. People are drawn here for that laid-back “living in the country—but not really” vibe. Bottom line? Both are growing, but each with a distinctly different flavor.
Cost of Living
If you’ve ever hopped on Zillow for these areas, you’ll see Lantana leaning a bit more uniform in pricing—thanks to the master-planned layout. Monthly HOA dues can sneak up on you, because Lantana’s known for its robust amenities (multiple pools, walking trails, golf course, etc.). Property taxes can be heftier than you’d expect, given the fresh infrastructure and local MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes that come with building a community basically from scratch. Groceries, gas, and day-to-day spending hover around the North Texas average—nothing too shocking, but you will want to budget for those HOA fees.
Over in Double Oak, you can expect fewer ongoing fees (like big HOAs), but the price of admission is typically higher on the front end. Homes often sit on at least an acre, which means bigger yards (and possibly bigger yard-care costs). Property taxes vary, but keep in mind that Double Oak has a small-town approach to governance—less commercial development, fewer subdivisions, so your tax rate might differ from next-door Flower Mound or Highland Village. Overall, if you’re craving a brand-new home with community perks, Lantana’s your jam (just remember the extra fees). If you want elbow room and are good with a larger lump sum up front, Double Oak might suit you better.
Job Market
Neither Lantana nor Double Oak is some booming corporate hub—that’s not why people move here. They move here to escape the daily grind in exchange for a calmer setting. Still, you’re within a stone’s throw of major employment corridors. Lantana is a quick drive to the I-35W corridor (Denton or Fort Worth) and about 15-20 minutes from the core of Flower Mound or Highland Village, where you’ll find corporate offices, retail, and some medical job opportunities.
Double Oak is similarly positioned near FM 407 and FM 1171, with easy access to the DFW job sprawl—whether that’s the office parks of Las Colinas, the distribution centers along I-35, or the countless corporate HQs scattered around Frisco and Plano. Remote work is also huge around here, so you’ll find plenty of folks building out that fancy home office and logging into Zoom from their private acreage. If you’re in tech, finance, healthcare, or any white-collar gig, both areas serve as a suburban launching pad—just be ready to carve out a commute or lean on that home-office bandwidth.
Entertainment
Lantana: A Master-Planned Playground
- Community Amenities
Lantana was built with the “one-stop suburb” model in mind. You’ve got access to multiple pools, tennis courts, and even a community golf course. Weekend workouts at the fitness center, followed by a dip in the pool, can be part of your normal routine if you’re feeling sporty. - Local Eats & Shopping
Most of the immediate area is residential, but nearby shopping centers off FM 407 or in neighboring Highland Village house your usual suspects—Kroger, Target, Starbucks. For a decent meal, you can swing by a couple of chain-style restaurants or explore Highland Village for more variety. You won’t find a huge nightlife scene in Lantana itself (unless you count the golf club’s 19th hole), so be prepared to drive 15-20 minutes for anything beyond a quiet dinner. - Community Events
Given Lantana’s big on that planned community vibe, you’ll see holiday cookouts, pool parties, and even fun runs that bring neighbors together. It’s the sort of place where you’ll actually get to know the folks down the street, especially if you have kids in the local schools.
Double Oak: Rural Charm with a Side of Convenience
- Large Yards & Personal Oases
If your idea of entertainment is a backyard cookout, stargazing without a thousand streetlights in your face, and letting the kids (or dogs) roam free, Double Oak delivers. With one-acre (or larger) lots, you can add a pool, a workshop, or even a mini orchard—go wild. That’s your nightlife: a private bonfire under the Texas sky. - Local Highlights
Double Oak itself doesn’t have a sprawling commercial corridor, but you’re minutes away from Flower Mound or Lewisville, which are loaded with big-box stores, restaurants, and local gems. For a more quaint vibe, you can head to Bartonville Town Center—just down the road—for coffee shops, wine bars, and boutique shopping. Need a bigger city fix? Head east to Grapevine Mills Mall or up to Denton’s square for weekend explorations. - Recreation & Outdoor Fun
The area around Double Oak is surrounded by equestrian centers, small ranches, and trail systems. If you’re the type that loves to horse ride or hike, you’ll appreciate the less congested roads and pastoral scenery. Just watch out for the occasional farm animal crossing when you’re cruising at night.
Nightlife & Beyond
- Let’s be honest: neither Lantana nor Double Oak is a nightlife mecca. You won’t find bustling clubs or a row of bars open until 2 a.m. This is suburban life, folks. If you want live music or a more robust bar scene, you’ll be driving to Denton, Roanoke, or even Fort Worth.
- However, for family-friendly events, outdoor fun, and the occasional community festival, both Lantana and Double Oak hold their own. It’s a quieter brand of entertainment—one that revolves around neighbors, yard parties, local dining, and the freedom to enjoy your own space.
Education
Both Lantana and Double Oak generally feed into some part of the Denton or Lewisville Independent School Districts, depending on exact neighborhood boundaries. Lantana, specifically, is typically zoned to Denton ISD schools like Harpool Middle School and Guyer High, both of which get solid marks for academics and extracurriculars—especially in football, because Texas, obviously. If you have younger kiddos, the on-site elementary schools within Lantana are a huge convenience; you can practically walk them to class if you’re close enough.
Double Oak is a bit more patchwork. A chunk of the town falls under the Lewisville ISD umbrella, and certain areas might feed into top-rated campuses in Flower Mound. That might mean Flowermound High or Marcus High—both known for strong sports, band programs, and advanced placement courses. Always double-check the zoning map, though, because lines can be weird around here.
For higher ed, you’re not far from University of North Texas or Texas Woman’s University in Denton, or a sprawl of community colleges (like North Central Texas College) dotted around the region. You’ve also got the entire DFW area’s educational landscape within driving distance (UT Dallas, SMU, TCU, etc.). If you want your kids at a private or charter school, check out the numerous offerings in Flower Mound, Denton, or even Argyle—some families find those smaller specialized environments worth the commute.
The Vibes
Lantana: If you’re cool with a Master Planned Community concept—HOAs, manicured lawns, a consistent aesthetic—Lantana is your jam. You’ll have neighbors who share local pool parties and trick-or-treat routes, plus well-maintained sidewalks for your morning jog. There’s a built-in social network via the community events. But keep in mind, that means you’re playing by the HOA rulebook (no crazy paint colors, folks), and you might not get that sense of raw, rural freedom.
Double Oak: This is for those who want more space, fewer restrictions, and don’t mind a slightly older home or a bit of a puzzle piecing together new renovations. You might have a bigger yard for gardening, a boat, or a small ranch scene—some people even keep horses. If you’ve got an independent streak and want to do your own thing, Double Oak welcomes you. The trade-off? You won’t have an on-site community pool or a golf course out your door (though you can always pay for membership somewhere else).
Who’s a Better Fit?
- If you’re a younger family looking for instant community integration, Lantana’s ready-made neighborhood vibe might be perfect.
- If you’re more established, or just crave the idea of space and personal freedom, Double Oak might be calling your name.
- Either way, you’re in that sweet Denton County pocket: close to major highways, new shopping centers, and big-city job opportunities—without living in the middle of the urban sprawl.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re eyeing the slick, suburban convenience of Lantana or the spacious, more old-school charm of Double Oak, you’ll find that both spots offer a breath of fresh air away from the DFW chaos. Lantana’s all about that master-planned life, with shared amenities and a bustling community scene. Double Oak’s the opposite vibe—slower pace, bigger lots, less oversight. We’ve covered cost of living, job markets, entertainment, schools, and that intangible “feel” that separates these two Denton County gems. Ultimately, it’s about figuring out which lifestyle jives with your approach: do you want the ready-made neighborhood or the wide-open slice of land? Either way, you’re looking at a solid place to plant roots and soak up some serious North Texas sunshine.
FAQs
- Is Double Oak really more expensive than Lantana?
In many cases, yes. Double Oak’s large lots and custom homes often carry higher price tags. But you don’t have the recurring HOA fees Lantana typically has. - Which city has better public schools?
Both feed into strong districts (Denton ISD for most Lantana areas, Lewisville ISD for Double Oak). It’s more about specific zoning, so check addresses carefully. - Are Lantana’s property taxes higher?
They can be, primarily due to the Municipal Utility District (MUD) and the higher overall valuations in a newer, upscale community. - Do I need a car in either place?
Yes. North Texas public transit is minimal in these suburbs. Almost everyone drives, unless you’re working from home and living that cozy suburban dream. - Can you keep horses or farm animals in Double Oak?
In some parts, yeah. It’s more rural-minded than Lantana. Always check local ordinances, but you’re more likely to see mini-homesteads in Double Oak. - Is Lantana big on community events?
Definitely. That’s part of the master-planned charm—pool parties, holiday events, neighborhood clubs. It’s a tight-knit vibe if you want to get involved. - What’s the commute like to Dallas or Fort Worth?
It varies, but expect 30–45 minutes on a good day, depending on traffic and exact location. That’s suburban life, folks. Strap in.
