While we may know that Dallas is a prominent city in Texas, what we aren’t familiar with is that it’s the third-most extensive city in the state! Coupled with a thriving economy, thanks to finance, technology, and defense, the city manages to attract millions of people annually! Spread over a massive area, Dallas has numerous neighborhoods you could explore to find one that suits your requirements. Considering you might be spoilt for choice, we’ll share information on the best Dallas neighborhoods, which will make the neighborhood search less overwhelming.
Complete guide to the 11 best Dallas neighborhoods:
1. Uptown
Uptown is a vibrant, in-demand neighborhood but a high-end one. It’s situated in the northern part of downtown, so those who work downtown don’t have problems commuting to their workplaces. You’ll find townhouses, luxury high-rise condos and apartments, and mid-rise apartments in the area. This is the perfect place to make the most of your professional and personal life. The locale is suitable for young professionals, businessmen, and singles. If you are new in Dallas, search for a rental house in this area!
Uptown is dotted with world-class restaurants, upscale boutiques, cafes, trendy lounges, art museums, and tons of parks, all of which are a stone’s throw from residences. The community has a rocking nightlife scene, just in case pubbing or club-hopping is your kind of thing. McKinney Avenue is an activity hub. If you’re hungry, be sure to visit Tacos and Tequila for the food and for drinks, head over to The Ginger Man, and make the most of their outdoor beer garden.
How about a movie? The highlights of Magnolia Theater include five screens featuring Hollywood movies and independent films and a cocktail bar! Wish to experience a slice of nature? Drop by the Katy Trail, comprising walking paths perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. And to shake off the exhaustion from the exercise, drop by the Katy Trail Icehouse and treat yourself to margaritas. For access to more green spaces, visit Cole Park.
Uptown has a ton of pet-friendly, more specifically, dog-friendly places comprising cantinas, patios, and beer gardens. So, what are you waiting for? Take your fur babies along for amazing company. MUTTS Canine Cantina, a bar, restaurant, and dog park, is one of many! Finally, shopaholics can head to Knox Street and West Village and shop to their heart’s content.
In the end, the neighborhood scores high on walkability, so it’s easy to reach places!
2. Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is a neighborhood with an artistic vibe, reflected in art galleries, street murals, concert locales, and theaters galore! The area has a history that goes back to the 20th century, and there’s plenty of architecture to marvel at. Discover reasonably-priced contemporary lofts here as well. Eateries, arts centers, shopping options, bars, clubs aren’t too far away. In other words, the locale is pretty walkable.
The community has a booming nightlife scene. In fact, it nurtures music and has been graced by renowned musicians like Lead Belly, Bill Neely, and Blind Willie Johnson. Explore Trees and the Bomb Factory, to name a few. A ton of cocktail bars, eateries, and brewpubs line the neighborhood. They include BrainDead Brewing, Serious Pizza, and Double Wide. Need more food and drinking options? There’s Toasted Root Burger Company, specializing in gourmet burgers, and Pecan Lodge, which specializes in barbeque. If you’re interested in brunch, have an excellent one at Armoury D.E. Deep Ellum’s dotted with old resale stores, beauty salons, and boutiques should these be of any value to you!
Are you interested in comedy? We believe everybody is, so we hope you’re too! Pop by the Dallas Comedy House and watch a live comedy performance. You could even watch a show at the Undermain Theater. Does getting inked feature in your plans? If so, Elm Street Tattoo is your place! Choose something small but meaningful, and you’ll be glad you did!In a word, the area’s famous for its street fairs and festivals year-round, like the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. With events throughout the year, you can wave boredom goodbye! The Traveling Man, consisting of three sculptures of a robot is a must-see place. It’s the brainchild of Brandon Oldenburg and Brad Oldham, local artists.
3. Knox-Henderson
Knox-Henderson is a lively and quaint neighborhood. A reasonably-priced community, it’s located in the middle of Uptown, Lower Greenville, and Highland Park and is ideal for young professionals. Truly speaking, you’ll find a blend of people from different backgrounds here. A perfect place to find a roommate in Dallas, but before that make sure you are comfortable to live with roommates.
It’s peppered with grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, bars, shopping centers, and restaurants serving delectable cuisines, so living in this area should give you access to many entertainment options, including sports bars aplenty. The food in several eateries is made from locally-grown ingredients. Let’s not forget the famed Tex-Mex food, a blend of American and Texan cuisine, available here. Want to try them out? Your next stop is Velvet Taco! Other noteworthy food options include Porch for good old burgers. Should you crave international cuisines such as Belgium and French, stop by Cafe Toulouse, a bistro. And we can never forget sushi, can we? There’s Tei Tei Robata!
It’s not difficult to guess the kind of nightlife scene the place has! If you have the time, be sure to pop by The Travis and The Old Monk. How about some shopping? Head over to Knox Street, lined with local shops. Retail stores include Crate & Barrel and Lululemon. The Henderson side of the community houses retro boutiques and shops selling Mexican goods that are really Mexican! In the end, Katy Trail’s close by should you want to spend time with nature or be a little adventurous!
4. Bishop Arts District
Bishop Arts District is a neighborhood pulsating with energy and enthusiasm. Earlier a warehouse community, it’s now a sought-after area drawing millennials and exhibits a small-town feel. You’ll find young families here as well.
The center of all action is W. Davis Street, where you’ll find varied cocktail bars and cider houses, Italian and Latin eateries, not to mention shops and nightlife options! Simple cafes and upscale bistros offer a range of cuisines such as Japanese and Cuban, so if you have a craving for global food, find the places you can go to!
As far as places to visit go, there’s the Texas Theater, which has a bar from the Prohibition era and runs both classics and indie films. So, go ahead and watch a movie that catches your interest! For musical and live shows, you can check out Kessler Theater and Bishop Arts Theater Center. Some noteworthy dining options include The Dallas Grilled Co. If you crave something sweet after your meal, visit Dude, Sweet Chocolate, offering hand-made chocolates to relish!
Finally, the area’s lined with art galleries and runs numerous community events like Wine Walks on the first Thursday, monthly! Visit the art galleries in the area should art move you.
5. Lakewood
The neighborhood is situated in the western part of White Rock Lake, so residents get to experience nature and its beauty, with rolling hills and wildlife thrown in for good measure! Amid the beauty of nature, you get to view the gorgeous architecture of the older houses here. You’ll get to see contemporary condos, reasonably priced Craftsman-style homes, and single-family homes, for big or small families. It also has an excellent school system in case you have kids. You will find a lot of options, if you are searching for a room for rent in Dallas here!
Lakewood draws many outdoor enthusiasts who love being in the presence of nature. The area has numerous walking and biking paths they take advantage of during their leisure time. You could go kayaking in case you’re interested because the waters are home to many sailboats and kayaks!
The community runs events throughout the year, like the Fourth of July Parade and the Chicken Coup Tour (held annually). Are you into jazz? Visit the Balcony Club and unwind with some jazz music. Lakewood Theater is home to a bowling alley, Bowlski, and is a notable place for people to catch up with their friends or coworkers. The Lakewood Shopping Center has a bunch of go-to shops and markets loved by residents!
Make sure you drop by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, spread across 70 acres. If you’re lucky enough, you could be a part of the Dallas Blooms festival. While you’re there, try out The Dream Pizza and The Black Truffle at Olivella’s. How about some mouth-watering Mexican food? Drop by Tacos la Banqueta for quesadillas and street tacos! Finally, for some Dream Blend Coffee, you must visit Dream Cafe!
6. Highland Park
Highland Park is a premier neighborhood with massive homes. The schools here are among the finest in Texas make it an ideal community for families. Residents are very close to one another and are there for each other, so you’ll feel welcome and safe here. You’ll discover Colonial-style homes and estates inspired by the Mediterranean architectural style, so be sure to soak up their beauty! Most of the successful landlords have a property to rent out here!
The area has excellent shopping facilities at Highland Park Village, the oldest outdoor mall in America! Expensive and branded items are plentiful at this shopping hub!
If you’re looking for places to see, head over to Turtle Creek and immerse yourself in nature. There’s also Lakeside Park with huge granite bears that draw people. This would be the perfect place to plan a picnic with your loved ones! Interested in tennis? Visit the Fairfax Park Tennis Courts and watch a game of tennis even if you don’t feel like playing one. We’re sure no one can resist movies and we’re sure that includes you. Head over to the Highland Park Village Theater for a morning show!
Since we (many of us, actually) live to eat, be sure to try out some of the Spinach Parmesan Quiche at Bird Bakery and the famed Carrot Cake Cupcake. We like the sound of them! Don’t you? Want to taste some Spanish cuisine? Cafe Madrid, known for its paella, is your place. For seafood, yet another favorite, Abacus is where you should book a table. For fast food, drop by Chelsea Corner. Last but not least, drop by Honor Bar and savor some wines and cocktails on the outdoor patio! In summary, it is amongst the safest neighborhoods in Dallas for families as the community scores high on walkability, so reaching places is a cakewalk!
7. Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow is an extraordinary neighborhood that offers its residents extravagant dining options, shopping centers, and vintage boutiques all in one place! Compulsive shoppers will have a ball here with numerous options available, such as NorthPark Center, Preston Center, and the Galleria. You’ll be captivated by the homes here that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. You’ll also find many new and refurbished buildings. The area doesn’t only cater to the high-end crowd, so low-cost housing is also available here. Since the area was set up in the early 20th century, there seem to be no sidewalks! Nonetheless, the community more than makes up for it with its beautiful oak trees and private schools that Dallas is extremely proud of.
Wondering where you can unwind? Start with Northern Park, a 2.5-mile walking path, and spend some quality time admiring nature. Have a picnic with family or friends at Preston Hollow Park or Netherland Park. Participate in outdoor activities such as baseball, soccer, and tennis at either of these places! By the way, how do you feel about bungee jumping? Scared? Excited? Head over to Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park, for bungee jumping, sky coasters, and an activity that involves falling into a net from 130 feet!
Let’s talk about food. Do you crave sweets? Visit Top Pot Doughnuts or Maple Doughnut Bar for hand-made sweet, baked goods. For delectable Tex-Mex food such as Chalupa Platters and Mexican Street Tacos, drop by Fernando’s. Need more options? Try out Mediterranean cuisine at Suze or head over to Bugatti Ristorante for lip-smacking Italian cuisine.
In a word, former President George W. Bush, his wife Laura Bush, and American entrepreneur Mark Cuban have homes in the neighborhood!
8. M Streets
M Streets is a charming neighborhood where people look for homes and find it difficult to move. Everything you need from eateries to bars to shops is at arm’s reach. You just need to head over to Greenville and Henderson and access all the entertainment options! A tranquil neighborhood dotted with pecan trees, this is excellent for families and couples. You’ll see many English Tudor- style houses and those that are at least 100 years old! That apart, ranch and colonial-style homes dot the community as well. The locale has a fantastic school system should you be interested.
M Streets has a ton of parks like Katy Trail and Glencoe Park. At Glencoe, you can walk, jog, and savor the beauty of nature. Or play softball or frisbee with your friends! White Rock Lake has lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, so see if some of them interest you. Relax by taking a dip in the pool at Tietze Park. Live concerts or watching movies from rooftops? Granada Theater’s your place!
And there’s food again! Are you tired of reading about food? We sure aren’t tired of talking about it! Henry’s Majestic serves tasty American food if you’re in the mood. For tacos with a range of flavors from across the world, there’s Velvet Taco! Finally, for Cajun specialty dishes, head over to Dodie’s!
9. University Park
University Park is a young neighborhood housing Southern Methodist University and is reasonably priced. It serves the staff and students of the university well. There is a high chance to find your perfect roommate here! At the same time, the area’s also perfect for families who have offices in the city but would like to live in a place away from its chaos. There are good schools here too.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of perks that come with living in the area, such as the Snider Plaza that provides its residents with a plethora of eateries, shops, and spas! While you’re there, be sure to visit the Holmes Aquatic Center if you know how to swim or love doing so. The Meadow Museum houses 19th-century ink drawings, Hispanic-Islamic sculptures, and modern paintings. So, whether art interests you or not, it might be a good idea to spend some time amid creative beauty! Want to know more about George W. Bush and his years as a president? Drop by the George W. Bush Presidential Center and pick up as much information as you can. If fishing interests you, there’s a fishing pond in Caruth Park where you can try it out!
While we’re on the subject of fishing, you could try Bubba’s, a retro-style diner, for their delicious catfish buttered corn. We’ve already started salivating! Avocado Fries and Genovese Pizza? Sounds different and you should always try different! Drop by Penne Pomodoro. As far as desserts go, cupcakes of varied flavors and frozen hot chocolate are available at Sprinkles!
In summary, you have easy access to the Northwest Highway and U.S. Highway 75 here, so head over to Downtown whenever you run out of things to do here!
10. Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas is a neighborhood with new constructions cropping up now and then, so you’ll get to see a ton of mixed-use places. Imagine living and working in the same locale. How cool would that be? Well, Downtown can give you that! Entertainment isn’t too far away from work or home. In other words, bars, restaurants, and shops are a stone’s throw away.
The community doesn’t have a proper grocery store, but if you can afford take-out or have no qualms about eating out, you’ll be wondering which restaurant you should step into, whether upscale or regular! A range of eateries from cafes to bars and lounges to fine dining restaurants pepper the locale. The nightlife scene is amazing if you find it a great way to mingle and meet people.
Downtown has a lot of boutiques too, so whatever may be your budget, you’ll find something here for yourself and your loved ones! Klyde Warren Park gives you the best of food and nature, so make sure you explore the place! A new and creative Dallas Farmer’s Market sells freshly-produced items and other goods for anyone who cares to visit! Other worthwhile places to visit include the Dallas World Aquarium, the Meyerson Symphony Center, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, with exhibits that expose you to a blend of arts, culture, and education!
Finally, the locale is highly walkable, so get as much exercise as you can by reaching places on foot!
11. Richardson
Richardson exhibits a college hometown vibe and a range of cultures! Houses the University of Texas at Dallas and is lined with numerous shopping centers, recreational options, and traditional eateries. The locale is ideal for families and is economical. It also has a decent school system. Sometimes referred to as the “Telecom Corridor,” the area houses top-notch tech companies such as Verizon Business and Nortel. Anyone looking to change jobs can head to this locale and you’re sure to find something worthwhile!
Some of the food found here is unique. For instance, if you’re keen to try Olive Cheese Burgers and Avocado Burgers, you must head over to Olive Burger and turn the wish into a reality! For fish and seafood options, you can drop by Fish N’ Tails Oyster Bar. And drinks? The Fifth!
In terms of must-visit places, check out Cottonwood Park and maybe even participate in a seasonal art festival there. If you’re into vintage cars, you could explore the North Texas Automotive Museum. You may come across other interesting exhibits too. Do you skate? Dr. Pepper StarCenter is where you should be! Keen on go-karting? Pop by K1 Speed and see how good or terrible you are at it! You can also take your friends or coworkers along for a game of golf at the Canyon Creek Country Club. Movies become more fun with endless supplies of popcorn and chili cheese dogs! So, make sure you visit the Alamo Drafthouse to catch a new movie!
Nature always welcomes, never disappoints, so spend time in the lap of nature at Crowley Park and Prairie Creek Park, both of which are picturesque places. Let’s not forget the 417-acre Breckinridge Park, perfect for walks.
To conclude, Richardson is counted as one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, which is one of its many upsides!
Conclusion
So, do you think you’re ready to hop on a plane to Dallas and find a home there? We sure hope so! Go ahead and find out more about each of these best neighborhoods in Dallas, if you feel the need to. An even better option would be to take a little vacation and explore the actual communities listed here. Stroll the areas, talk to residents if they’re willing to, and check the safety of the neighborhoods and the amenities available. Walk into the listed places, eat or drink something, and watch those around you. See how you feel about the overall experience and take a call. All the best!
