The neighborhood is bisected from southeast to northwest by I-635 and from southwest to northeast by DART Blue Line.

Lake Highlands has hills and valleys, with street elevations that can vary by 50 feet, which offer scenic views of downtown Dallas.

The lake and surrounding park is a popular destination for boaters, rowers, joggers, and bikers, as well as visitors seeking peaceful respite from the city at the 66-acre (267,000 m2) Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located on the lake's eastern shore.

[2][11] The RISD portion of Lake Highlands is served by the following schools:[12] Nestled in the arms of White Rock Creek, Lake Highlands boasts a labyrinth of parks and recreational opportunities, with over 875 acres of parks, 26 miles of trails, disc golf, and several traditional baseball fields, soccer fields, and playgrounds.

Recreational activities on the lake include kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding, available by rental.

The park surrounding the lake features a 9.33 mile trail for hiking, running and bicycling.

Lake Highlands is represented by Councilman Adam McGough on the Dallas City Council.

Lake Highlands' road network was developed according to the street hierarchy school of urban design.

The Red Line connects Lake Highlands to downtown, Uptown, Richardson, and Plano.

The Blue Line connects Lake Highlands to downtown, Uptown, East Dallas, and Garland.

The Orange Line runs to DFW Airport, Irving and Las Colinas, Dallas Love Field, the Medical District, Victory Park, downtown, Uptown, Richardson, and Plano.