In 2002, Terry Lantrip purchased a North Texas farmhouse on an acre of land in Lake Dallas, a small city of about 7,000 people on the shores of Lewisville Lake.

Lantrip, a mom-and-pop real-estate investor and the founder of Urban-Retro, initially had no plans for the sprawling property beyond holding it as a real-estate investment.

A contingency from its previous owners limited what he could do to develop the land.

"The family I bought the property from asked that I not take down the house and its trees," Lantrip, 61, told Insider, adding that he felt "stuck."

However, years after the purchase, Lantrip's outlook completely changed.

In 2016, he attended Dallas' annual Earth Day expo. He encountered an array of tiny homes — non-mortgaged houses or cabins that are typically under 600 square feet.

Inspired by their design and affordability, Lantrip had a eureka moment: He could create a community for tiny homes on his Lake Dallas property without tearing down the farmhouse and disrupting the area's vegetation.

Six months later, Lantrip presented the idea to Lake Dallas city officials. They were unmoved.

"The city didn't really understand the concept and was afraid of doing anything, but I knew we needed to make it happen," Lantrip said.

To develop the village, Lantrip spoke with several members of the Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas Tiny House Community, who helped him develop an infrastructure plan.

The project was finally approved after "numerous hearings" with the city.

Lantrip began construction on the property in 2017. He installed new water, sewer, and drainage lines, and built a communal laundry room for his future residents.

The Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village finally opened in 2018 with Lantrip as the property manager.

The site has 13 rentable lots where residents can park their non-RV tiny homes. Twelve of the village's lots are currently occupied, with a new tenant expected to arrive soon. The waitlist for a spot in Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village is nearly a dozen long.

Residents pay around $700 each month for the site and communal facilities, including a laundry room, a fire pit, and a garden.

Tiny homes have become increasingly popular as Americans reconsider the norms of homeownership and community.

The nation's dearth of affordable single-family homes has also made them an attractive alternative to traditional housing. Tiny homes are now being used as solutions for the affordable-housing crisis in several cities, including Chicago; Bridgeton, New Jersey; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lantrip said he considered affordability in the development of his tiny home village because traditional "homeownership is becoming extremely difficult."

"We have people here that feel that a regular home is almost unaffordable at this point," he said. "I want people to have homeownership. These tiny homes are their homes and they have real value."

Lantrip said the tiny homes renters brought to the village ranged in price from about $50,000 to $125,000.

While each resident's home is uniquely built, several were constructed by either Indigo River Tiny Homes or Decathlon Tiny Homes. To be approved for the village, each home must be no wider than 8 ½ feet, up to 40 feet long, and about 13 ½ feet tall.

They also have to be inspected by the National Organization of Alternative Housing or a Texas-certified inspector, Lantrip said.

Among the village's residents are writers, teachers, and healthcare workers, who Lantrip said came from an array of backgrounds. Despite their differences, they all look out for one another.

"Being a small community, residents are able to get to know their neighbors and help each other out when needed," Lantrip said. "There's a lot of socializing."

The social aspect of the village is by design. The complex features a communal garden where many residents grow and share flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

The complex also boasts a free communal laundry room, which helps residents save money.

There's also a fire pit where Lantrip said many residents gathered around most evenings and during holiday celebrations.

"The Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village provides a nice, quiet, and safe environment for people," Lantrip said, adding that the village has given more people access to the American dream of homeownership.

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Terry Lantrip opened the development in 2018, offering lots for lease to owners of mini-houses. Interest in it continues as Dallas faces a housing shortage.

Since Terry Lantrip opened his Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village in 2018, the place has been packed. There are 13 lots in the village and almost all of them are occupied. The people who stay there brought or built their own tiny homes and lease the land from Lantrip for about $700 a month.

Lantrip bought an acre in the city of Lake Dallas (about 45 minutes north of Dallas by car) in 2002, and he wasn’t sure what to do with it at the time. The previous owners had asked him not to tear down a farmhouse on the property or mess with vegetation in the area. This limited his options. But over a decade later, he started to realize his vision for the tiny home village. It was in 2016 that he attended Dallas’ annual Earth Day expo, where he saw a variety of tiny homes. (Tiny homes generally are 500 square feet or less. Some are moveable and others are built on permanent foundations.)

That’s around the time he started thinking about creating a tiny village on his property, and he could do it while still abiding by the previous owners’ wishes. In 2018, the Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village opened. Since then, nearly every lot has been occupied and there’s always a waiting list for the next one available.

Lantrip is a real estate investor and the founder of the real estate company Urban-Retro. He owns other properties but this is his only tiny village. With inflation and interest rates on the rise, Lantrip told the Observer, “trying to provide affordable housing is extremely challenging these days.

“Tiny homes provide a way for the residents to purchase their own homes, and to have a sense of homeownership,” he said.

He doesn’t plan to open another tiny village just yet. He said he has too many other projects he’s pursuing. Creating more communities like this could help put a dent in the affordable housing crisis, he said, but the concept is a hard sell.

“There are no cities that are receptive to having the tiny home village in their community that I know of." – Terry Lantrip, Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village

tweet this “There are no cities that are receptive to having the tiny home village in their community that I know of,” he said. “It's a sad situation because tiny homes are a good solution, easy solutions to help with the affordable housing crisis that we're having.”

He said Lake Dallas deserves some credit for being open to his village. Others haven’t been, he said, because people think more affordable communities like this will end up being trashy.

“Most people, when they think of tiny homes, they think of, you know, a mobile home park or an RV park. And those have bad connotations, even though there are really nice RV parks, and nice mobile home parks,” Lantrip said. “I think people are concerned that it might become something trashy or undesirable. But our village is very nice. We have professionals that live there. People who work in the teaching field, medical field, insurance. They're highly educated.”

The city of Dallas has considered tiny homes to help house the homeless. Lantrip said tiny homes for the homeless and his community often get lumped together, but they’re different. For one thing, the homeowners in his village spend between $75,000 and $125,000 to build their houses. Communities of tiny homes for the homeless, which are found in other parts of the country, generally consist of small sheds and have shared spaces such as communal bathrooms and kitchens.

According to NPR, there’s a range of quality in tiny homes for the homeless. Some are more like cabins with just a cot and a heater. Others are miniature houses with kitchens and bathrooms.

Lantrip thinks there are likely better ways to house the homeless than to buy or build each person a $75,000–$125,000 home, but homelessness is not his area of expertise.

Dallas is also considering something called micro apartments. In January, Dallas’ City Plan Commission unanimously approved a 72-unit apartment development at 4615 Willow St. that will have homes ranging from 350 to 800 square feet, according to The Dallas Morning News. The developers say they want to charge at or below the average rent for the area, which is about $1,349–$1,984 a month, according to rent.com. The project has yet to be approved by the City Council.

After Lake Dallas approved his project, Lantrip figured the place would get its 15 minutes of fame. About five years later, the project is still getting publicity. It was recently featured in a story by Business Insider.

Asked why he thinks interest in his project has lasted so long, Lantrip attributed it to the growing housing affordability crisis.

“I think it's a matter of homes now are so expensive, that the affordability factor is out of the reach of many, many people,” Lantrip said. “So we're going to have to try to figure out how we're going to house people in the future. Actually, we need to figure it out now because we've got people that are needing a place to live, and so we've got to figure out something that people can afford.”

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Take a break from the triple-digit dog days of August and get out on one of the area’s lakes for a cooldown and all kinds of summer fun. Check out our list of eight of the best bodies of water around Dallas-Fort Worth and learn where you can launch your boat, rent a kayak or paddleboard, book a sunset cruise, fish, and picnic and play on the beach. For maps, hours, admission fees, access and camping information and other details, visit the website for each lake. It’s also smart to check water levels before heading out. If you’re planning a visit to a state or county park facility, reservations are highly recommended.

WHITE ROCK LAKE

8300 Garland Road

Dallas, TX 75218

Once a creek where buffalo roamed, the area today includes a 1,015-acre lake, 9-mile hike-and-bike trail, bird-watching area and wetlands site. No swimming is allowed in the lake, but visitors can fish, take their four-legged friends to the dog park or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Dallas Paddle Co. (dallaspaddle.com). Sailboat cruises are offered by the Spirit of Dallas (thespiritofdallas.com). Picnic areas, piers and boat ramps allow visitors to hang out, get out on the water and enjoy this urban oasis. White Rock Lake even has its own ghostly legend: the Lady of the Lake.

Nearby, the Dallas Arboretum (dallasarboretum.org) offers spectacular views of the lake and photo ops galore. Arboretum guests must reserve tickets for a specific date and time before their visit.

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LEWISVILLE LAKE

5 Lake Park Road

Lewisville, TX 75057

One of the largest in North Texas, this 29,592-acre lake includes 233 miles of shoreline and borders multiple cities — Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Lake Dallas and The Colony, to name a few. Around the expansive lake are beaches, campgrounds, golf courses, hike-and-bike trails and parks. The area is bustling with activities such as Little Elm Park’s sand beach and volleyball court, plus there are weekly paddleboard classes and rentals offered by DFW Surf (dfwsurf.com).

Visitors can also enjoy the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, a lush 2,000-acre wildlife management area featuring bottomland forests, prairies and wetlands. There are hiking trails as well as opportunities for bird-watching, camping, canoeing, fishing and kayaking.

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

North of Forney, this 22,745-acre lake straddles Dallas, Kaufman, Collin and Rockwall counties. There is no camping at the lake, but visitors can spend the day boating and fishing, as well as enjoying the beaches, hike-and-bike trails and parks.

One fun option is taking a cruise on the lake. Sail With Scott (sailwithscott.com) offers sunset and moonlight catamaran cruises, and DFW Boat Ride (dfwboatride.com) offers sunset, starlight and family cruises.

RAY ROBERTS LAKE

For those looking for a day trip, this 29,350-acre reservoir north of Denton is about an hour’s drive from Dallas. Running from the Ray Roberts dam to Lewisville Lake, the 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor features 10 miles of hike-and-bike trails as well as 12 miles of horseback riding trails.

Within Ray Roberts Lake State Park, there are two main camping and recreation areas, Isle Du Bois and Johnson Branch, with hundreds of campsites to choose from. Online reservations are highly recommended for day passes and campsite use. Visitors to the lake can also rent kayaks and pontoon boats from the Lake Ray Roberts Marina (rayrobertsmarina.com) and Lone Star Lodge and Marina (lonestar-lodge.com).

GRAPEVINE LAKE

The 8,000-acre lake with 60 miles of shoreline is a go-to spot for swimming, skiing, windsurfing, fishing and more. With more than 40 miles of trails and opportunities to hike, bike, boat, camp and fish, visitors can plan day or weekend getaways.

The WhoaZone (whoa.zone) in Meadowmere Park is a floating playground with slides, trampolines and inflatable obstacle courses open for family fun daily through Labor Day. Additionally, DFW Surf (dfwsurf.com) offers rentals and weekly paddleboard classes, including stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. Camping reservations should be made in advance.

Charter boats offer another opportunity to get out on the water with Island Bound Adventures (islandboundadventures.com) at Scott’s Landing Marina as well as Black Watch Sailing (blackwatchsailing.com), which sails the largest wooden-mast boat on the lake, and Sam’s Dock (samsdock.com) at Silver Lake Marina.

JOE POOL LAKE

This 7,500-acre lake borders Cedar Hill State Park, Lynn Creek Park and Loyd Park, among others. Visitors can boat, camp, fish, kayak and swim.

A popular attraction at Cedar Hill State Park, in addition to picnic areas, campsites and boat ramps, is the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center.

Loyd Park is big on camping with 221 campsites, but it also has eight cabins, two yurts for a glamping experience and an 18-room lodge. Canoes and kayaks for the paddling trail are available for rent.

And Lynn Creek Park has 100-plus picnic shelters, a swimming beach and the Lynn Creek Marina (lynncreekmarina.com), which offers boat rentals and sunset cruises. Online reservations are highly recommended for day passes and campsite use. Outdoor pavilions can be rented in advance.

BURGER’S LAKE

On the west side of Fort Worth, Burger’s Lake is a 30-acre park featuring a 1-acre spring-fed swimming lake with two sandy beaches, over 300 picnic tables, charcoal grills, six diving boards, a 20-foot slide and a 25-foot trapeze. No alcohol is permitted. Admission is $15 per person.

LAVON LAKE

This 21,400-acre lake in southeastern Collin County with 121 miles of shoreline is noted for its blue catfish, sunfish and crappie fishing. Boating, camping, hike-and-bike trails and swimming are among other fun things to do.

Lavon Lake features 19 boat ramps, five beaches, over 200 camping sites, six areas for large group picnics and a park that’s accessible for those with disabilities plus other lakeside parks. Marinas are in Collin Park, which also features a campground, and East Fork Park, which offers equestrian sites and horseback riding trails. Trinity Trail, a 9-mile equestrian and hiking trail, is also nearby.

Compiled by Norma Cavazos, from staff reports

A tiny home village in northern Texas offers renters the opportunity to bring their own homes to a plot of land for just $700 a month.

The monthly plot rent at the Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village includes utilities like water and sewage, as well as shared amenities such as a laundry room, garden and fire pit.

The Village currently features 13 rentable lots for people to park their tiny homes - non-mortgaged houses or cabins under 600sq feet.

The living community was created after real estate developer Terry Lantrip bought a farmhouse on the Village's acre of land in Lake Dallas in 2002 as an investment.

Lantrip told Insider that he felt stuck about what to do with the land because he had agreed with the previous owners to not take down the house and its trees.

The Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village in Texas offers spots for tiny homes for $700 a month

The monthly payment includes utilities like water and sewage, as well as shared amenities such as a fire pit (pictured)

The living community also features a laundry room at no additional cost

The living community was created after real estate developer Terry Lantrip bought a farmhouse on the Village's acre of land in Lake Dallas as an investment

That was until he went to Dallas' annual Earth Day expo in 2016 and learned about tiny homes, which would allow him to utilize the land without tearing down the farmhouse.

The city of Lake Dallas did not approve his proposal at first, but eventually allowed it to go on after various hearings and an infrastructure plan.

After installing new water, sewer and drainage lines, and building other amenities, Lantrip opened the Village up to renters in 2018.

The tiny homes in the Village rage in price from $50,000 to $125,000 and must be measure 8.5 feet wide, up to 40 feet long, and about 13.5 feet tall.

Moreover, a maximum of two adults and two children are allowed in each Tiny House. An additional fee would apply for each additional resident.

The living community's rules say that cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic cigarettes are not allowed. All drugs are also banned except medically prescribed marijuana - and 'only with the approval of the Community Management.'

Twelve of the 13 plots in the Village are currently occupied, with a new tenant expected to arrive soon.

The city of Lake Dallas did not approve his proposal at first, but eventually allowed it to go on after various hearings and an infrastructure plan

The tiny homes in the Village rage in price from $50,000 to $125,000 and must be measure 8.5 feet wide, up to 40 feet long, and about 13.5 feet tall

The Village's residents have created a tight community that includes writers, teachers and healthcare workers. One of the tiny home's kitchens is pictured above

A maximum of two adults and two children are allowed in each Tiny House (one is pictured above)

Twelve of the 13 plots in the Village are currently occupied, with a new tenant expected to arrive soon. One of the tiny home's restrooms is pictured

The Village's residents have created a tight community that includes writers, teachers and healthcare workers, according to Lantrip, who said his tenants share flowers and vegetables from their communal garden.

Those who want to try the Village have to get on a wait list, which is currently nearly a dozen names long.

Tiny homes have become a popular living alternative for many over the last years.

'We have people here that feel that a regular home is almost unaffordable at this point," Lantrip told Insider. 'I want people to have homeownership. These tiny homes are their homes and they have real value.'

The homes measure about 400 sq ft or less and are often built on wheels so they can be towed from one location to another. Their mobile status means owners can evade some planning laws, as their homes are viewed in the same category as caravans.

As mortgage rates and rents sky-rocket, Americans are increasingly turning to creative ways to get on the property ladder.

On TikTok, the so-called 'tiny home' movement has exploded in popularity with hundreds of users purporting the values of their mortgage-free lifestyles.

Dallas, known for its bustling cityscape and vibrant urban culture, is also home to a surprising array of wildlife. Nestled within the heart of Texas, this dynamic city offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural wonders.

From picturesque parks and nature reserves to winding river systems and lush green spaces, Dallas provides a haven for a diverse range of wildlife species.

In this article, we will delve into the rich tapestry of wildlife that thrives in and around Dallas, showcasing the remarkable biodiversity that coexists alongside the city’s concrete jungles.

Common Wildlife in Dallas

Dallas is home to a variety of fascinating wild animals. While each individual may have their own preferences, here are some of the most interesting wildlife species you can encounter in and around Dallas:

White-tailed deer are abundant in Dallas and its surrounding areas. These graceful creatures can often be spotted in parks, nature reserves, and even suburban neighborhoods. They are known for their elegant appearance and the impressive antlers sported by the males during mating season.

Bobcats are elusive and stealthy creatures that inhabit the forests and wooded areas of Dallas. Despite their shy nature, lucky observers may catch a glimpse of these beautiful felines. They have distinct tufted ears, short tails, and a unique spotted pattern on their fur.

Coyotes are adaptable and resilient animals that have successfully adapted to urban environments, including Dallas. These intelligent canids are known for their distinctive howls and yips, which can often be heard during the nighttime. Spotting a coyote on the outskirts of the city or near green spaces is not uncommon.

Raccoons are famous for their mischievous and clever behavior. These nocturnal mammals are highly adaptable and can be found in both urban and natural habitats across Dallas. They are iconic for their masked faces and ringed tails.

Great Blue Herons are majestic wading birds that can be seen in and around Dallas, particularly near bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. These tall and elegant birds have long legs, long necks, and distinctive blue-gray plumage. They are skilled hunters that patiently stalk their prey before striking with lightning-fast precision.

The pileated woodpecker is one of the largest woodpecker species in North America and can be found in wooded areas of Dallas. With their striking red crests, black bodies, and powerful beaks, they are a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

While they have become rarer in recent years due to habitat loss, Texas Horned Lizards, also known as “horny toads,” can still be found in some areas around Dallas. These unique reptiles are famous for their spiky appearance and their ability to shoot blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism.

Beyond the natural habitats of Dallas, there are specialized areas where dogs can roam freely. Check out these top recommendations.

Spots for Dallas Wild Animals Spotting

At the heart of Dallas lies the Great Trinity Forest, an expansive green oasis that spans over 6,000 acres. As one of the largest urban hardwood forests in the United States, this remarkable ecosystem provides a vital habitat for a plethora of wildlife.

From white-tailed deer and bobcats to coyotes and raccoons, the forest is teeming with mammals. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, including the striking pileated woodpecker and the majestic bald eagle.

The Great Trinity Forest offers numerous trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers seeking an immersive wildlife experience.

Located just east of downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake offers a picturesque setting for wildlife enthusiasts. This urban oasis is a magnet for a wide range of bird species, including great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, and snowy egrets.

Birdwatchers can also catch glimpses of migratory birds during their seasonal journeys. In addition to avian life, White Rock Lake is home to diverse aquatic species such as turtles, fish, and amphibians, further adding to its ecological significance.

Situated southwest of downtown Dallas, the Cedar Ridge Preserve is a nature lover’s paradise. This 600-acre nature reserve boasts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous reptiles, mammals, and over 200 species of birds.

Visitors can embark on scenic hiking trails that wind through the preserve, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Cedar Ridge Preserve serves as a vital corridor for wildlife, allowing various species to thrive amidst the urban sprawl.

Nestled in the northeastern part of Dallas, Bob Woodruff Park is an urban gem with an abundance of wildlife. This expansive park encompasses forests, wetlands, and a picturesque lake, providing a habitat for a range of species.

Visitors can encounter turtles basking in the sun, white-tailed deer grazing in the meadows, and a variety of waterfowl congregating near the lake’s edge. Bob Woodruff Park is an excellent destination for nature walks, picnics, and observing the wonders of the local wildlife.

Dallas is just a small glimpse into the vast array of creatures that call Texas home. Dive deeper into the diverse species found throughout the state here.

Conclusion

While Dallas is famous for its thriving urban environment, it is also home to diverse and captivating wildlife. From the sprawling Great Trinity Forest to the tranquil shores of White Rock Lake, the city offers a myriad of opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural world.

No matter if you are a seasoned nature enthusiast or simply seeking a respite from city life, Dallas provides a remarkable blend of urban amenities and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers. So, don’t forget to pack your binoculars and embark on a captivating journey through the wild side of Dallas!