Rebel Webster calls her
neighborhood "a study in contrasts that don't contradict. It's old, but
it's new," she says. "It's nature, but it's people."
Almost 1,200 homes make up Northwood Hills. Its construction was a
risky project when it began 50 years ago: situating luxury residences
(then priced at $40,000 to $200,000) in a just-developing northern area
of Dallas.
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Lots were one-quarter to one-half acre; the houses, in varied styles
including Cape Cod, Santa Fe and 1950s modern, were positioned on
broad, rolling streets.
In the half-century since, the
concept has been maintained. A few teardowns are in process, but most
of the houses are original. And so are a few of the homeowners.
REX C. CURRY/Special
Stewart and Marion Mitchell moved to Northwood Hills in 1959, when just
103 houses had been completed. They've written a personal history of
Northwood Hills.
Stewart and Marion Mitchell moved to Northwood Hills in 1959, when just
103 houses had been completed. They've written a personal history of
Northwood Hills that its homewoners association has compiled into a
booklet given to new residents.
"The appeal of Northwood
Hills is timeless," Mr. Mitchell says. "Natural beauty and good people
– that's what gives life meaning."
Their neighbors, he
notes, come from many states and countries. The beauty derives from a
closeness to nature that persists even as the city and its wide, busy
streets – such as Belt Line Road and Coit Road – have grown around what
was originally a parcel bounded by two-lane country roads. The builders
did not flatten the site or clear-cut trees. Houses are set back far
enough that expansive front lawns present a serene, parklike
appearance.
Some homes back an arm of White Rock Creek, and unusual birds and small wild animals are frequently sighted.
Linda West moved here 10 years ago. "We wanted a large lot with mature
landscaping," she says, "and we loved the character of Northwood Hills.
My son says, 'Mom, it's nature!' and I know just what he means."
Membership in the homeowners association is voluntary; more than half
of residents are members. Association funds pay for private security
patrols and many community activities. Last summer it held its 15th
annual July 4 celebration, with a parade, games and contests. New this
year was the "Melons for Medians" sale – residents buying watermelon
slices to fund care of landscaping and large, old trees.
Ms. Webster, association president, says, "Everybody 'gets it': This is
a very special place we can protect and preserve while welcoming new
families to share it with us."
NORTHWOOD HILLS AT A GLANCE
History: In 1955, George Drewery sold 450 acres of old family land for a development of distinctive homes.
2007 home sales*: $201,000 to $1.275 million
Shopping: Galleria, Valley View Center
Schools: Richardson ISD
2007 crime**: No murders, no rapes, no aggravated assaults, 1 robbery, 41 residential burglaries, 14 thefts and no vehicle thefts
More information:
www.northwoodhills.org
*Reported sales prices of homes listed through MLS
**Dallas Police reporting area 1011 and parts of 1010, 1012, 1015, 1016
SOURCES: Northwood Hills Homeowners Association; Judy Switzer, Keller
Williams Realty; Diane Benjamin, Re/Max Realtors
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