Frequently Asked Questions

For anyone searching for an apartment in Northeast Dallas, the vibrant Lake Highlands neighborhood near Walnut Street and Plano Road stands out as one of the most convenient and value-driven places to live. It pairs a peaceful, tree-shaded residential setting with quick access to major freeways, shopping, and the wider Metroplex, a balance that is at the heart of what makes Forest Gardens special.

Urban Convenience Paired with a Peaceful Oasis

Forest Gardens Apartments is located at 12203 Plano Road in the 75243 zip code, nestled near the intersection of Walnut and Plano Road in the Lake Highlands area. The community pairs beautifully landscaped grounds and mature trees with an all-bills-paid living experience, giving residents a stress-free place to come home to with the best of Dallas close at hand.

Why Renters Choose Forest Gardens

• All Bills Paid: Every utility bill is included in the rent, meaning no surprise costs on top of rent and simple, predictable monthly budgeting.
• Quick Freeway and DART Access: I-635 (LBJ Freeway), US-75, and the LBJ/Skillman DART Station are all close by, making commuting across the Metroplex a breeze.
• Highly Rated Richardson ISD: The community sits right in the well-regarded Richardson Independent School District.
• Well-Connected to Garland, Richardson, and Plano: Shopping, dining, and entertainment across Northeast Dallas and the northern suburbs are all within easy reach.
• Pet-Friendly with No Pet Rent: Dogs and cats are welcome with no pet fee and no monthly pet rent, plus a courtyard where they can romp and play.

With spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans starting at 625 square feet, walk-in closets, and a sparkling pool, Forest Gardens puts residents right where they want to be: in a peaceful, tree-shaded community close to it all.

Lake Highlands offers a rare blend of established, tree-lined neighborhood character and immediate access to the energy of Dallas. Positioned in Northeast Dallas between White Rock Lake and the northern suburbs, the area pairs a genuine community feel and abundant green space with premier shopping, dining, and quick freeway and rail connectivity.

An Established Neighborhood with Room to Breathe

Lake Highlands is known for its mature trees, established streets, and a strong sense of local identity that sets it apart from the newer development to the north. The area sits within easy reach of White Rock Lake, one of Dallas' most beloved outdoor destinations, and is served by the highly regarded Richardson ISD. For residents of Forest Gardens, this means a quiet, green setting with everything the city offers just minutes away.

What Sets the Area Apart

• Near White Rock Lake: One of Dallas' most beloved outdoor destinations, offering a 9-mile trail loop, kayaking, cycling, and lakeside picnics.
• DART Rail Connectivity: The LBJ/Skillman DART Station nearby connects residents to downtown Dallas and the wider metro without a car.
• Highly Rated Schools: The Richardson Independent School District serves the area and is among the most respected districts in the region.
• Diverse Local Dining: Northeast Dallas is celebrated for its diverse, international dining scene, with local gems throughout the neighborhood.
• Central to the Metroplex: With I-635 and US-75 close by, downtown Dallas, Richardson, Garland, and Plano are all within an easy drive.

Forest Gardens captures the best of this setting, offering a comfortable, landscaped community with stress-free, utility-inclusive living just minutes from everything that makes Northeast Dallas so desirable.

Residents of Forest Gardens are close to an exceptional range of things to do, from lakeside trails and gardens to premier shopping, dining, and the many cultural attractions of Dallas. Whether the day calls for a walk around the lake, a shopping trip, or a night out in the city, there is always something within easy reach.

Outdoor Recreation

• White Rock Lake Park: A beloved Dallas destination with a 9-mile trail loop, kayaking, cycling, and scenic lakeside picnic spots, a short drive away.
• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: A stunning 66-acre garden along White Rock Lake, featuring seasonal displays, trial gardens, and events throughout the year.
• White Rock Creek Trail: A popular paved trail nearby for biking, jogging, and walking, connecting to the broader Dallas trail network.
• Lake Highlands Parks: Neighborhood parks and green space throughout the area offer convenient spots for a quick walk or an afternoon outdoors.

Shopping and Dining

• NorthPark Center: One of the country's premier shopping destinations, with more than 230 stores, dining, and a museum-quality art collection, a short drive southwest.
• The Shops at Park Lane: A nearby retail and entertainment center with brand-name stores, restaurants, and a bowling alley.
• Lake Highlands Town Center: A local hub for shopping, dining, and community events close to home.
• Local International Dining: Northeast Dallas is known for its outstanding and diverse restaurant scene, with authentic global cuisine throughout the area.

Culture and Downtown Dallas

With downtown Dallas a short drive or DART ride away, residents of Forest Gardens can easily reach the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas World Aquarium, the Arts District, and the seasonal State Fair of Texas at Fair Park, making the community an ideal home base for exploring the Metroplex.

A key advantage of living at Forest Gardens is its access to major employers and colleges throughout Dallas and the surrounding suburbs. The community's position near I-635, US-75, and the LBJ/Skillman DART Station makes reaching key employment and education centers straightforward.

Major Employers and Institutions Nearby

• Dallas College Richland Campus: A large community college campus close to the community, offering education and employment opportunities.
• The Telecom Corridor (Richardson): Richardson's technology corridor, home to Texas Instruments and numerous corporate employers, is a short drive north.
• Medical City Dallas and Area Hospitals: Major healthcare systems and hospitals serving Northeast Dallas provide a substantial base of employment nearby.
• University of Texas at Dallas: A major public research university in nearby Richardson, easily accessible via US-75.
• Downtown Dallas and the LBJ Corridor: The central business district and the office hubs along I-635 are home to numerous corporate headquarters, all within a short drive.

Connected in Every Direction

Forest Gardens offers quick access to I-635 (LBJ Freeway), US-75 (North Central Expressway), and the LBJ/Skillman DART Station, connecting residents to employers and destinations across the Metroplex whether or not they drive. Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport are both within a reasonable drive, making regional and national travel simple.

Forest Gardens pairs comfortable, well-equipped apartment interiors with a welcoming set of community amenities built around one standout benefit: all bills paid. Set on beautifully landscaped grounds in Northeast Dallas, the community delivers comfort, style, and genuine peace of mind.

Community Amenities

• All Utility Bills Paid: Every utility bill is included in the rent, the community's signature benefit, removing the worry of extra expenses on top of rent.
• Sparkling Swimming Pool: A refreshing pool offers a relaxing, vacation-like retreat through the warm Texas seasons.
• Pet-Friendly Courtyard: A dedicated courtyard gives furry residents a place to romp and play, with dogs and cats welcome and no pet fee or monthly pet rent.
• Covered Parking and Carports: Covered parking and carports keep vehicles cool in summer and frost-free in winter.
• Beautifully Landscaped Grounds: Lush lawns, mature trees, and walking areas between buildings create a peaceful, green setting throughout the community.
• Clothes Care Center and Night Patrol: An on-site laundry facility makes laundry day a breeze, and night patrol adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
• Spanish-Speaking On-Site Staff: A friendly, responsive, Spanish-speaking management and maintenance team, consistently praised by residents, is always ready to help.

In-Home Apartment Features

• Open Layouts with Walk-In Closets: One, two, and three-bedroom floor plans from 625 square feet feature open, airy layouts and spacious walk-in closets.
• Well-Equipped Kitchens: Each home includes a dishwasher and refrigerator, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze.
• Air Conditioning and Ceiling Fans: Air conditioning and ceiling fans keep every home comfortable through the hottest Texas days.
• Two-Inch Window Blinds: Two-inch blinds let residents control natural light and set the perfect ambiance throughout the day.
• Washer and Dryer Connections (Select Units): Full-size washer and dryer connections in select homes add practical everyday convenience.
• Wood-Style Floors and Built-In Shelves (Select Units): Wood-style flooring and built-in shelving in select homes add a touch of style and function.

With comfortable interiors, an all-bills-paid lifestyle, and a peaceful, landscaped setting close to everything Northeast Dallas offers, Forest Gardens invites residents to indulge in life's simple pleasures.

Schedule a tour at Forest Gardens today and redefine your way of living in Northeast Dallas.