Dallas has great neighborhoods, each with its own unique style and vibe. Here are tips to find the right one to fit your lifestyle.
If money is no object
Elegant .98 acre estate nestled in the highly desirable Old Preston Hollow neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/SPgVR5AkVg
— Ben Wegmann (@benwegmann) September 17, 2017
Located about 10 miles north of downtown Dallas, you’ll find Preston Hollow, one of Dallas’ most elite neighborhoods and home of some of the city’s most powerful, influential names in business, pro sports and philanthropy — and even a former president and first lady (George W. and Laura Bush). It’s recognizable for its tree-lined streets and massive estates on large lots (sometimes not visible behind high walls). Prices can top $23 million for the most luxurious estates. Two small cities surrounded by Dallas — Highland Park and University Park — universally known as the Park Cities — also offer exclusive million-dollar homes with great curb appeal.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer
Dallas-Fort Worth has long been known as an affordable housing market compared to other large metro areas but over the last three years it’s become more challenging to find anything for less than $250,000 in a decent neighborhood. The median sales price in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington market has risen 33 percent in just three years. Options for the first-time homebuyer include the Casa Linda area of Old East Dallas and a few pockets of Oak Cliff but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything under $300,000. Another option is to consider a suburban city. There are dozens that ring both Dallas and Fort Worth that come with a mixture of affordability and more house for the price, but your tradeoff might just be a lengthy commute.
If you’re a young professional
https://twitter.com/nickjthorn/status/999680390187991040
The options for young professionals in Dallas are nearly limitless, assuming they have a high enough salary to afford these hip locations. You can’t beat trendy Uptown or downtown Dallas for apartments and condos coupled with the walkability and access to great amenities such as Klyde Warren Park, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, the Arts District and easy access to the many offices located in the Central Business District and Uptown. The neighborhood known as the “M streets” includes a mix of newer homes, charming Craftsman-style bungalows, and low-rise condos. The historic bungalows are typically about 1,500 square feet or smaller, perfect for single professionals or DINKs. You’ll enjoy walking to nearby shops and restaurants and have access to public transit.
If you’re an artist or musician
Found our spirit animal in Deep Ellum 🌪 pic.twitter.com/px8yQXYgHF
— Delta Rae (@DeltaRae) July 23, 2017
Deep Ellum, once as a commercial district for immigrants and African- Americans, has had its share of ups and downs through the years. Artists and musicians first moved into the neighborhood in the 1980s, which is known for its nightlife, restaurants, art galleries and eclectic mural art. It’s currently undergoing another renaissance with new development under way, including the Epic, a sizable-mixed use project being developed by KDC. Other apartment developments are also in the works or have recently opened in Deep Ellum although rents are rising. A 500-square-foot studio in a newer apartment will set you back more than $1,100 a month. The Cedars, once a neglected neighborhood just south of downtown, is also under going wide-scale rejuvenation, and artists will want to consider its still-affordable and eclectic mix of properties, which include warehouses, townhomes, residential lofts, apartments and condos.
If your life revolves around your dogs
Here's @charli_thecorg posing with Mutt's Canine Cantina's #DallasBig! Gotta love that smile our signs bring. pic.twitter.com/G2SMRhVJGz
— Diesel Displays (@dieseldisplays) September 12, 2017
Uptown and downtown Dallas are great locations for dog lovers. You’ve got the dog park at Klyde Warren Park and one on Main Street, along with dog friendly establishments such as Mutt’s Canine Cantina. The Knox Street District and Uptown both tie into the Katy Trail — another great location to walk or run with dogs.
If you’re raising a family
Old Lake Highlands, Old East Dallas and Lakewood are all close to White Rock Lake, a great amenity for families that attracts a million visitors a year. Portions of these neighborhoods are still affordable with some good schools while some parts are a bit pricey, with homes going for more than $500,000. Tioga East, in Far North Dallas between Preston Road and Hillcrest Road, is also popular because it’s still in Dallas and close to work centers but within the Richardson Independent School District. Families seek homes here to get their kids into Brentfield Elementary School.
If you’re a major foodie
Look inside new @TrinityGroves breakfast taco place Sugar Skull Cafe http://t.co/px7D9YN61z pic.twitter.com/3nZSs5yNgd
— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) April 24, 2015
You like food? You’ve got options. Lakewood, Knox-Henderson, Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum and Greenville neighborhoods are all good options for foodies but consider up-and-comer Trinity Groves in West Dallas, an infill, developing urban neighborhood in the shadow of the stunning Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge over the Trinity River. Trinity Groves is just a hop-skip from downtown Dallas has been described as an up-and-coming foodie paradise. More apartments, condos and restaurants are on their way.
