Nestled in the heart of Southlake, TX, Cross Timber Hills is a neighborhood steeped in heritage and local charm. For decades, its tree-lined streets and inviting community spirit have made it more than just a collection of homes; it’s a living chapter in the evolving story of North Texas. As you stroll through the neighborhood—perhaps down Cross Timber Drive or past the welcoming green of Timber Knoll Park—you can almost feel the echoes of history beneath your feet.
The Origins: Roots in the Cross Timbers
The name “Cross Timber Hills” isn’t just poetic—it’s a nod to the unique ecology that shaped North Texas. The Cross Timbers region stretches from Oklahoma through Texas, once serving as a natural barrier to early settlers because of its dense forests of post oaks and blackjack oaks. This area, considered “the forest that thwarted expansion,” was a prominent feature on the early maps of explorers like Stephen F. Austin.
As communities like Southlake began to flourish in the mid-20th century, the rolling hills and wooded terrain made Cross Timber Hills an attractive site for residential development. First platted in the 1970s, the neighborhood has always embraced its woodland legacy, with many original trees preserved and integrated into its design.
How Cross Timber Hills Got Its Name
Naming the neighborhood was a reflection of both its landscape and its community vision. The developers wanted to preserve a sense of native identity and honor the rugged, beautiful hills that define the region. Thus, “Cross Timber Hills” was chosen—a simple, elegant tribute to the enduring post oaks and gently rolling land that have watched generations come and go.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1970s: Founding and First Homes
Cross Timber Hills started taking shape as Southlake shifted from rural farmland to vibrant suburb. Early residents recall dirt roads and wide fields where homes now stand.
- 1980s: Growth and Community Spirit
As new families joined the neighborhood, community building was key. The Cross Timber Hills Homeowners Association (CTHHA) formed, organizing block parties, neighborhood watches, and the first holiday light contests that are still a highlight each December.
- 1990s: Schools and Parks
The opening of Old Union Elementary just a short mile away made the neighborhood especially appealing to young families. Timber Knoll Park was established along Timber Knoll Drive, preserving open spaces and offering playgrounds and walking trails for residents.
- 2000s-Present: Modernization with Heritage
While many homes have been renovated to reflect modern tastes, the neighborhood’s commitment to green space and local character has remained. Recent updates to community signage pay homage to the area’s oak trees, and annual events like Founders Day bring together long-time residents and newcomers alike.
Notable Landmarks and Places
- Timber Knoll Park
At the heart of the neighborhood, this shaded park boasts playground equipment, picnic tables, and walking paths. It serves as the unofficial “living room” of the community, where families gather and neighborhood events unfold.
- Cross Timber Drive & Oak Tree Lane
These main streets epitomize the neighborhood’s charm: mature oaks arch overhead, and a stroll here offers glimpses of both original 1970s ranch-style homes and tastefully updated properties.
- Original Farmstead Remnants
At the eastern corner of Cross Timber Road, a handful of stone fence posts hint at the area’s agricultural past. Local lore holds that these stones marked the boundary of a cattle route used before Southlake incorporated in 1956.
- Old Union Elementary
Just outside the neighborhood, this school has been an anchor for generations, serving as both an educational resource and a gathering place for local families.
Evolution Over the Decades
Cross Timber Hills has always been a neighborhood in motion. In the early days, children played in creeks, explored woods, and watched the city grow up around them. As Southlake has matured, the neighborhood has balanced change with preservation.
- Home Styles: While many original homes remain, residents have elegantly updated facades and interiors, blending timeless Texas brickwork with new amenities.
- Community Traditions: Annual picnics, a spring yard sale, and the famous December holiday light display keep neighborhood ties strong.
- Conservation and Green Space: The CTHHA remains devoted to tree preservation, even partnering with the city to plant new oaks in park spaces and along the main boulevards.
What Makes Cross Timber Hills Special
Ask a resident what makes Cross Timber Hills special, and you’ll hear a common theme: it’s a place where history, nature, and neighborliness intertwine. Whether it’s a quiet walk under the oaks, a gathering at Timber Knoll Park, or simply the sense that every street has a story, living here means being part of something lasting and uniquely Texan.
If you’re new to Southlake or looking for a place where heritage runs deep, Cross Timber Hills welcomes you with open arms—and the shade of the Cross Timbers themselves.