Thinking about renting in Dallas? Whether you’re moving to Dallas from another city or just relocating within the DFW metro, there are many affordable neighborhoods for apartment-style living in Dallas offering a variety of fun things to do. Check out these five best places to rent a home in Dallas!
| Deep Ellum | Lake Highlands | Lower Greenville | Oak Cliff | Oak Lawn | |
| Median Rent Price | $1,298 | $1,223 | $1,552 | $1,022 | $1,552 |
| Safer than % of the City | 56% | 41% | 47% | 21% | 38% |
| Renter-Occupied Homes | 49.4% | 74.3% | 64.4% | 46.6% | 69.7% |
| Perfect For | Singles, young professionals, families, retirees | Students, singles, young professionals, families | Singles, young professionals, families | Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees | Singles, young professionals |
Deep Ellum
Hip, eclectic, and marked by street murals, Deep Ellum is a great place for renting in Dallas, with sleek high-rise apartments, converted lofts, and stylish condos. A Dallas neighborhood that’s earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, this area boasts over 20 historically significant buildings to admire. Additionally, Deep Ellum is home to over 30 music venues and a wide variety of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants for residents to explore. Not to mention, you can venture just outside of Deep Ellum for even more fun places to visit, including the Music Hall at Fair Park, African American Museum of Dallas, and Cotton Bowl Stadium just blocks away in Fair Park. Rental prices in this Dallas neighborhood are more affordable than the city’s Main Street District, making it a perfect area for singles and young professionals given the wealth of entertainment options available—from the Dallas Comedy Club to cultural hubs like Deep Ellum Art Co.
Things to Do in Deep Ellum
Hike or run just over five miles while taking in scenic views of the city along the Santa Fe Trail. See an ever-changing collection of paintings, photography, mixed-media art, and more at Kettle Art Gallery. Bring your instrument of choice and join the Campfire Acoustic Jam session every Thursday, sit in for rotating beers during Happy Hour, or dance the night away at Swingin’ at the Sons on Wednesdays at Sons of Hermann Hall. Socialize on the patio or listen to indie artists and bands like Willi Carlisle, Michigander, and Melt at Club Dada. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of Huevos Rancheros, South Austin Migas, or the “World’s Best” Chicken-Fried Steak & Eggs, and watch free live music in Dallas every Thursday through Saturday in the evening over dinner at AllGood Cafe. Order specialty pies like the Philly, Blue Buffalo, or BBQ Chick at Serious Pizza. Sink your teeth into a Chopped Brisket Sandwich, Southern Fried Chicken, Smokehouse Nachos, and other Southern comfort foods at Pecan Lodge. Or split Hector’s Poutine, feast on Mom’s Grilled Cheese, or enjoy the restaurant’s namesake, an Angry Dog, at Angry Dog.
Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands is a sprawling northeast Dallas neighborhood offering a suburban feel that’s well-suited to any lifestyle—making it one of the top Dallas neighborhoods for renters! One of the best places to live in Dallas for families, this area offers close proximity to great schools in the Richardson Independent School District, like Lake Highlands High School. The Dallas College Richland Campus is also located within the neighborhood, affording older students and young adults with opportunities for higher education, as well. Even though residents can appreciate hassle-free commutes to surrounding areas on the DART Light Rail Blue Line from Lake Highlands Station, you don’t have to travel outside of this Dallas neighborhood to find all kinds of things to do! With plenty of green space and local gatherings like Sundays in the Park, Community Movie Nights, and various other holiday events put on by the Lake Highlands Public Improvement District, it’s plain to see why Lake Highlands is a wonderful place to live for all ages!
Things to Do in Lake Highlands
Take a hike down one of the most used trails in North Texas—the White Rock Creek Greenbelt. Sign the kiddos up for a summer camp or youth soccer league, or play a pick-up game with friends at Pro Touch Sports. Join a Book Discussion Group, browse the shelves, or help out with Audelia Road Friends of the Library at Dallas public library, Audelia Road Branch Library. Attend an event like The Creature Teacher, reserve space for your kid’s birthday party, or simply play for a day in an immersive Dallas children’s museum, Play Street Museum Lake Highlands. Start your day right with a Strawberry Belgian Waffle, Tres Leches Pancakes, or Crazymely Crepes at JJ’s Cafe. Try the Red Curry, Baby Corn, or Pad King at a family-run Thai restaurant in Dallas, Tukta Thai. Sample Tex-Mex favorites like Grouper Ranchero, Shrimp Brochette, and Crispy Guacamole Tacos at Mi Cocina. Or order Vietnamese options like the Grilled Pork Sausage Spring Roll, What the Pho, or Beef Stew Noodle at Bistro B.
Lower Greenville
If you’re looking for homes for rent in Dallas in a lively entertainment district, the Lower Greenville neighborhood is the place for you. The namesake central street, Greenville Ave, is lined with shops, eateries, and nightlife spots that provide fun and eclectic things to do in Dallas. Residents can also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Lower Greenville in style at the annual Lower Greenville St. Patrick’s Block Party! Whether you’re looking for townhomes, condos, or apartments in Dallas, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when living in Lower Greenville. If you’re moving with children, your home will also be close to highly-rated schools in the area like Lakewood Elementary School, Lakehill Preparatory School, and Woodrow Wilson High School. Add in the great walkability and close-knit young community, and you’ve got a fun, active, and accessible area with some of the best restaurants and bars in Dallas!
Things to Do in Lower Greenville
Marvel at the decorated ceiling as you enjoy Country and indie music acts, or watch a Free Rooftop Movie at the Granada Theater. Play on the courts and fields, walk the trails, or head out for a picnic at Glencoe Park. Catch a movie at Angelika Film Center, shop around popular retail businesses, or laugh along to live shows at Hyena’s Comedy Club at Mockingbird Station Shopping Center. Sit back and enjoy live jazz, blues, and R&B music seven days a week at The Balcony Club. Try Vietnamese dishes like Day Boat Scallops, Malfatti, or Shaking Beef at Mot Hai Ba. Start with some Karaage followed by the Tonkotsu or Spicy Miso at Dallas ramen restaurant Wabi House. Chow down the Hot Diggity Dog, Cheesesteak, or Loaded Nachos while jamming out to live music at Texas Truck Yard. Or appreciate the traditional Irish pub experience and order the Fish and Chips, Ploughman’s Lunch, or Monk Burger at The Old Monk.
Oak Cliff
A hub for arts and culture and outdoor recreation in D-Town, Oak Cliff is a great place to rent in Dallas! The Bishop Arts District—a major draw for the neighborhood—provides residents with more than 50 indie shops and restaurants ranging from low-key eateries to fine dining. Residents can also enjoy a variety of fun local events, like the Oak Cliff Film Festival and the Oak Cliff Farmers Market. Of course, that’s not the only reason why people love living in Oak Cliff—this popular Dallas neighborhood has plenty of green space, as well, including local parks like the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. This area is also known for the large number of Dallas Independent School District schools located within its borders, like John F. Peeler Elementary School, L.V. Stockard Middle School, and South Oak Cliff High School. And with the Dallas College Mountain View Campus also located in Oak Cliff, many college-aged kids call this area home, too!
Things to Do in Oak Cliff
Play a round of sand volleyball, go for a family walk, or have a cookout with friends at Kiest Park. Tee off on an 18-hole golf course in Dallas with scenic greens at Stevens Park Golf Course. Take a day trip to see gorillas, giraffes, and other animals in exhibits like Picnic Ridge and Wilds of Africa Plaza at the Dallas Zoo. See keynote speakers, live music and theatre, and other performances that celebrate diversity at Bishop Arts Theatre Center. Savor authentic Mexican food in Dallas like Enchiladas en Salsa Verde, Taco Maskaras, or Camarones a la Diabla at Maskaras Mexican Grill. Munch on classic American diner fare from Patty Melts to Chicken Fried Steak and Pork Chops at Norma’s Cafe. Order Steak Frites, Buffalo Mac, or the Oddfellows Cheeseburger at Oddfellows. Or get plant-based cuisine like Parmesan Cauliflower Wings, the Big Chick’em Plate, or The Italian Stallion at Vegan Food House.
Oak Lawn
Singles and young professionals moving to Dallas will love the active, vibrant culture of Oak Lawn. The neighborhood is known for its great nightlife and for being one of the most LGBT+ friendly neighborhoods in Dallas—it’s even home to an annual Dallas Pride celebration! Dotting the neighborhood are bars and entertainment venues ranging from dance clubs with recurring drag shows to chill cocktail bars. Oak Lawn residents can also attend the annual Dallas Halloween Block Party, complete with a Halloween Costume Runway right out on the street. Besides the lively Dallas restaurants, bars, and events, there’s an abundance of outdoor recreation too, with hiking and biking trails running throughout the Oak Lawn neighborhood as well as green spaces like Reverchon Park. Even in the more urban spots of this D-Town area, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly streets, as this is the third-most walkable neighborhood in Dallas.
Things to Do in Oak Lawn
Stroll through manicured park grounds and admire Arlington Hall, or attend a Movie in Turtle Creek Park gathering at Turtle Creek Park. Shop for second-hand clothing and home decor, or donate your own gently-used goods at Genesis Benefit Thrift Store, which sends all proceeds to Genesis Women’s Shelter. Catch a drag show in Dallas from well-established local performers or see blossoming new talent on Rising Star nights at The Rose Room. See massive dinosaur fossils, browse geological artifacts in the Gems and Minerals Hall, or learn about planets and galaxies at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Enjoy an upscale meal of Spinalis Steak Frites, Chilean Sea Bass, and Lobster Tail for date night at Al Biernat’s. Experience a modern twist on Thai cuisine when you order Bangkok Street Rice, Whole Fried Branzino, or Lemongrass Mussels from Malai Kitchen. Try unique Japanese entrees like Sasami Yaki, Kinoko Usuzukuri, or Pork Belly at Uchi. Or treat yourself to a slice of Carrot Cake, Oreo Cake, or Dulce Leche Cake for dessert at San Martin Bakery & Restaurant.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
