Your Guide to Dallas Neighborhoods

Who Is Deep Ellum For?

Residents of Deep Ellum are primarily young adults, with the area’s largest demographic being ages 25-34. That said, there are also plenty of young families with kids in this area.

Affordability

Deep Ellum offers affordable housing with costs 5% lower than the national average. Here, the median purchase price is $183,362, while the median monthly rent is $819.

Crime Rate

Deep Ellum is a safe place to live in Dallas. The area is 56% safer than other Dallas neighborhoods and 40% safer than other cities in Texas.

Things to Do

Check out paintings, mixed media art, photography, and other works from local Dallas artists at Kettle Art Gallery. Listen to live music and get inked by a Dallas tattoo artist during the annual Elm Street Music & Tattoo Festival. Take an improv class or check out Open Mic night at Dallas Comedy Club. Learn how to swing dance, participate in a weekly jam session, or catch up with friends over happy hour at Sons of Hermann Hall. Order Dallas BBQ dishes like a Chopped Brisket Sandwich, Smokehouse Nachos, or Beef Ribs with a side of Fried Okra at Pecan Lodge. Try unique burgers and sandwiches like the Spicy Black Bean Burger when you stop by Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop. Or chow down on a Blue Buffalo specialty pie or create your dream pizza at Serious Pizza.

Why You’ll Love It

Located near Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum is a convenient neighborhood for those working in the city center. This neighborhood offers a variety of housing options ranging from renovated apartments to single-family homes and condos—many of which are decorated with colorful murals and street art. As a cultural hub with a number of music venues, bars, and restaurants situated along Elm St, Deep Ellum is one of the best entertainment districts in Dallas.

Who Is Lakewood For?

Residents of Lakewood skew younger, with the majority among the ages of 25-34. However, over 50% of residents are families with children, which makes this neighborhood very family-friendly.

Affordability

Lakewood offers median home purchase prices around $183,362 and median monthly rent prices around $819. The area’s housing costs are also 5% lower than the national average.

Crime Rate

If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Dallas, Lakewood might be the place for you. This area is 56% safer than other neighborhoods in The Big D and 40% safer than other cities in Texas.

Things to Do

Hike the trails with your furry friend, have a picnic with the family, or go kayaking at White Rock Lake. Attend the annual Food & Wine Festival, or marvel at the beautiful flower collections and gardens at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy live productions and dance performances at Bath House Cultural Center. Strike up a game of tennis with friends at Tokalon Park. Start your day with a Blueberry Crumble Muffin or a Granola Parfait with a Chai Tea Latte from Dream Cafe Lakewood. Enjoy classic Italian entrees like Bruschetta, Linguine Carbonara, and Egg-Plant Parmesan at Andrea’s Italian Restaurant. Or treat yourself to a scoop of Milk & Cookies or an ice cream sandwich at Parlor’s Handcrafted Ice Creams.

Why You’ll Love It

Bordering White Rock Lake’s western shore, Lakewood offers its residents waterfront views and housing options ranging from Tudor cottages to Mediterranean-style houses. While this part of the Dallas metro has no shortage of annual events and outdoor activities, Lakewood residents are close to Northeast Dallas and Lower Greenville, where there are even more fun things to do. Plus, the area has great schools like Lakewood Elementary School and Lakehill Preparatory School.

Who Is Oak Cliff For?

Whether you’re a young adult or a retiree, you can call Oak Cliff home! Though the area’s largest demographic is ages 25-34, this Dallas neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of residents.

Affordability

In Oak Cliff, the cost of housing is 5% lower than the national average. The neighborhood’s median monthly rent is $878, while the median purchase price is $177,324.

Crime Rate

Oak Cliff is 24% safer than other Dallas neighborhoods and 27% safer than other Texas cities, making it a great place to settle down in The Big D.

Things to Do

Feed giraffes, get up close with cockatiels in the interactive aviary, and ride on the T-Rex Express Mini-Train at the Dallas Zoo. Try for a hole-in-one at Stevens Park Golf Course and relax with a bite to eat at The Grill at Stevens Park. Play doubles on the tennis courts, have a cookout with the family, or watch the kids on the playground at Kiest Park. Enjoy a Bacon Cheeseburger or Texas-style Meat Loaf at Norma’s Cafe. Chow down on Mexican entrees like the Spicy Shrimp Burrito or Taco De Camaron with Fried Twinkies for dessert at Maskaras Mexican Grill. Order Crispy Fried Pork & Shrimp Eggrolls, Spicy Pressed Salmon, and Pork Fried Rice from Zen Sushi. Or end your night sipping on Texas craft cider in the tasting room at Bishop Cider.

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking to live in a Dallas neighborhood close to the heart of the city, look no further than Oak Cliff. Not only are work commutes easy with access to I-30, but the neighborhood offers good walkability with blocks of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. For hoping to raise a family in Oak Cliff, the area offers a large selection of public schools, including South Oak Cliff High School and John F. Peeler Elementary School, as well as a variety of housing options from affordable condos and apartments to spacious Tudors and Craftsman-style ranches.

Who Is Oak Lawn For?

Young adults between the ages of 25-34 are the overwhelming majority in Oak Lawn. In fact, the area’s median age is 36.9, and most of the residents are unmarried with no children.

Affordability

Oak Lawn’s housing costs are 29% higher than the national average. Here, the median purchase price is $233,466, while the median monthly rent price is $1,277.

Crime Rate

Dallas residents who want a safe neighborhood should check out Oak Lawn. This neighborhood is 41% safer than other Dallas neighborhoods and 33% safer than other Texas cities.

Things to Do

Gaze at the stars in the Expanding Universe Hall and catch a 3D Film at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Show your support for the LGBTQ community each June at Dallas Pride. Have a picnic with friends, play a game of sand volleyball, or walk the dogs at Reverchon Park. Attend a drag show, sip on delicious drinks, and dance the night away at Station 4. Order Empanadas, a bowl of Sopa Los Andes, or Pollo Caracas at Zaguan Latin Cafe & Bakery. Opt for healthy dishes like Kale & Quinoa Salade, White Bean Soupe, or Chicken la Madeleine at la Madeleine. Try Vietnamese and Thai dishes like Grilled Chicken Satay or Stir-fried Glass Noodles at Malai Kitchen. Or head to Nick & Sam’s for a steak-and-seafood fine dining experience in Dallas.

Why You’ll Love It

Known for its LGBTQ-friendly nightlife and close proximity to Downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn is a popular spot for singles and young professionals looking for homes close to the action. This neighborhood is highly walkable and offers everything from green spaces and trails to restaurants, bars, dance clubs, and community events. Another reason why young adults flock to this Dallas area is for its upscale condos, modern apartments, and spacious townhouses.

Who Is Preston Hollow For?

Residents of Preston Hollow tend to be older. The largest demographic is the 35-44 age group, with nearly 60% of residents being married and 52% being families with children.

Affordability

Preston Hollow is a more affluent area of Dallas, with housing costs 31% higher than the national average. The median home purchase price is $271,338, and median monthly rent is $901.

Crime Rate

If you want a safe neighborhood in Dallas, Preston Hollow is a great spot. The neighborhood is 32% safer than other Dallas neighborhoods and 30% safer than other cities in Texas.

Things to Do

Shop the latest trends at retailers like Jos A. Bank, Ruti, or Kendra Scott at The Plaza at Preston Center. Get your heart pumping at the fitness center, swim laps in the pool, or watch the kids go down the slides at Walnut Hill Recreation Center. Listen to world-class musicians perform during the Blue Candlelight Music Series. Enroll your little ones in tap or ballet classes at Preston Hollow Dance. Get your fix of Asian cuisine at Royal China with dishes like Lu-Rou Mian, Fried Rice, or Crispy Duck. Grab a cup of Original Chicken Tortilla Soup, or a Tuna Salad Sandwich or Lox Bagel from neuhaus cafe. Order Veal Piccata, Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, or Ravioli Primavera at Bugatti Ristorante. Or devour The Old Fashioned Cheeseburger, The Turkey Burger, or The California Chicken w/ Avocado & Cheese at Gazeebo Burger.

Why You’ll Love It

Preston Hollow is a top DFW neighborhood for families in particular. Not only can families find large, luxurious housing options like Mid-Century Modern ranches and spacious estates, but they’ll have access to top-rated schools like St. Mark’s School of Texas and John J. Pershing Elementary School as well. Fun fact about this Dallas neighborhood—famous entrepreneur Mark Cuban and former President George W. Bush have both called Preston Hollow home!

Best Restaurants

• Bishop Arts District
• Knox-Henderson
• Trinity Groves

Best Nightlife & Entertainment

• Bishop Arts District
• Deep Ellum
• Lower Greenville