Splurge vs. Steal: Live Large in Forest Hills

One of the great neighborhoods of East Dallas is Forest Hills, a hidden gem bordering the east side of White Rock Lake, walking distance to the arboretum and a ten-minute drive from downtown.

Our Splurge vs. Steal is located here, to houses in this elegant, quiet, tree-shaded community. Which one is your favorite? 

Splurge: Acre Corner Lot in Forest Hills with 3,225-Square-Foot Contemporary Home

The 1961 contemporary at 8379 San Benito Way is an unusual find, sitting on an acre corner lot across from a greenbelt. Mature trees provide shade and a rare opportunity to turn backyard into an oasis of your choosing, or leave untouched to enjoy a slice of serenity in the city. This home has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, one half bath, three living areas, two dining areas, and 3,225 square feet, built in 1964

This renovated contemporary offers a flexible and functional floorplan. The living areas flow to a modern eat-in kitchen with Sub-Zero refrigerator and high-end appliances. An interior courtyard allows for natural light throughout. 

This home was listed Sept. 15 by April Cope with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage — Lakewood/NE Dallas for $1.05 million, reduced to $999,900.

Steal: Modest Ranch with Fabulous Backyard

Our steal, located at 8450 San Leandro Dr., is modest in size for Forest Hills with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, and 1,880 square feet on one story, built in 1951. But that’s part of the appeal: you can live in a high-end neighborhood without the big price tag.

This remodeled ranch-style home offers almost 400 square feet of screened porch and a 150 square foot detached studio or office. In the back, you’ll also find a storage shed, pond, mature trees, and privacy fence. The home has two fireplaces, one gas and one wood burning, as well as an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. 

This home was listed April 22 by Randy Hayes with Hayes Rebate Realty Group for $470,000, reduced to $450,000.