Moving to Dallas? Known for its delicious Texas barbecue, incredible music scene, high affordability, and a wide variety of things to do, D-Town is a fun, vibrant place to live in the South. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Dallas!
Deep Ellum
Photo via @deepellum
- Home Price: $183,362 median purchase price; $819 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Dallas neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
As the live music capital of North Texas, Deep Ellum is a fun, vibrant Dallas neighborhood perfect for anyone who loves the performing arts. From hip blues venues to low-key comedy clubs, live entertainment is a staple of Deep Ellum—but it isn’t the only thing to do there. People living in this artsy Dallas neighborhood can spend their days perusing unique cocktail bars and delicious soul food restaurants, touring eclectic art galleries, or attending local annual events like The Deep Ellum Arts Festival. Founded in the late 19th century, Deep Ellum is also home to some of the oldest buildings in Dallas, like The Continental Gin Building. Today, historic commercial buildings are interspersed with modern apartments and condos, many of which feature the same kind of colorful murals that can be found throughout more established parts of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Deep Ellum
Buy season tickets to enjoy classical concerts, theater, and other live performances at the Undermain Theatre. Put on your cowboy boots for all-day Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday and live country music concerts almost every night at Adair’s Saloon—a Deep Ellum staple since 1963. Marvel at paintings, prints, and other art from local emerging artists at Kettle Art Gallery. Perform during the Jam Session open mic night every Wednesday, or watch other acts while you sip on one of the 16 beers on tap and over 40 craft cans at Three Links. Do date night in an upscale, yet unpretentious, setting with American farm-focused table eats like Mushroom Paella, Rabbit Linguini, or Blackened Redfish from Elm & Good. Have unique sandwiches like The Cuban or the Vietnamese-inspired Veggie BUNme at Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop. Chow down on gourmet tacos with options including Pinchi Pollo and Carne Asada—or experience other handcrafted Mexican-fusion cuisine from the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a prix fixe option—at Revolver Taco Lounge. Share a Fried Chicken Bucket to go or grab a BNB Bowl for lunch in the dining room at Brick & Bones, which serves up some of the best fried chicken in the DFW metro area. Or dig in to mouthwatering bar fare like the chili cheese dog that shares the bar’s name or the Duke’s Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich at Angry Dog.
Lake Highlands
Photo via @newleafcustomhomesdallas
- Home Price:$69,620 median purchase price; $811 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Dallas neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
A large neighborhood on the northeastern edge of Dallas, Lake Highlands is a laid-back, friendly place to live in the DFW metro. This Dallas neighborhood is bordered to the southwest by the scenic White Rock Creek Trail and its surrounding green space, as well as other local public parks like Harry S Moss Park. While Lake Highlands is located near the edge of Dallas, you will always find things to do—the neighborhood boasts a variety of unique shops and restaurants, from American brewpubs to authentic Ethiopian eateries. Plus, the neighborhood is bisected by I-635, so its slightly removed location doesn’t mean that it’s disconnected from the rest of the DFW metro. In fact, a major benefit of Lake Highlands being near city limits is that it feeds into the esteemed Richardson Independent School District, making the neighborhood ideal for families with school-aged children. This school district includes great institutions like Skyview Elementary School and Lake Highlands High School, among others. Meanwhile, parents with older children, or individuals looking to seek a degree themselves, will appreciate having Dallas College’s Richland Campus close to home.
Things to Do in Lake Highlands
Bring your kids to the pool during hot summer months or play doubles on the tennis court with friends at Lake Highlands North Park. Go rock-climbing indoors, take a yoga class, or enroll your kids in summer programs at Summit. Take the whole family for an evening at the rink or attend Adult Night on the first and third Wednesday of every month at Westlake Skate Center. Sit out on the patio, enjoy mural art, and sip on house brews like Patterns Within Patterns IPA or The Almond Brothers Porter at Vector Brewing. Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including Ca Kho To Hot Pot, a pork patty Cha Vien sandwich, and much more at Bistro B. Enjoy delicious Beef Tibs, Kitfo, and other authentic Ethiopian staples at the Abeba Grocery Ethiopian Kitchen & Cafe. Try one of the daily specials, like Chicken Karahi, Seekh Kabob, and other Pakistani plates from Cafe Laziz. Or sample French-inspired entrees like Croque Tartine Parisienne, Neydi’s Crepes, or Blueberry Blintz’s at RM 12:20 Bistro.
Oak Lawn
Photo via @brianchesmandallas
- Home Price: $233,466 median purchase price; $1,277 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Dallas neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Oak Lawn is a vibrant neighborhood encompassing the Uptown Dallas area, known for being home to much of the city’s LGBTQ community. People from all walks of life feel welcome living in Oak Lawn, where events like Dallas Pride and LGBTQ-friendly nightlife venues provide an inclusive environment for everyone. Oak Lawn is also a great, affordable Dallas neighborhood for commuting young professionals, since the neighborhood is bordered on three sides by major roadways and is just north of Downtown Dallas, where many job opportunities await. Though close to urban amenities, Oak Lawn also offers residents a number of excellent public parks to enjoy, including Turtle Creek Park, Reverchon Park, and Turtle Creek Parkway Park. These green spaces, nestled between the neighborhood’s lively lounges and unique eateries, give Oak Lawn an eclectic aesthetic. Furthering this unique look, real estate in this Dallas neighborhood ranges from modern apartments to historical townhomes.
Things to Do in Oak Lawn
Admire abstract geometric paintings and prints in the permanent collection, or check out temporary exhibits at the unique Museum of Geometric and MADI Art. Dance to hot DJ sets, attend a drag show, or grab cocktails with friends at “Dallas’ Ultimate LGBTQ+ Dance Club”: Station 4. Jam out to rock and blues music, have classic Southern comfort food for dinner, or host a private event at House of Blues Dallas. Wake up with dishes like Egg and Cheese Cachapa, the Zaguan Brunch special, or other breakfast food with a Latin twist at Zaguan Latin Cafe & Bakery. Split a Cheese Board to start, then order bistro offerings like Panko-Crusted Veal or Grilled Filet Mignon from State & Allen. Sample delicious Japanese bites like Ebi shrimp tempura, Hama Chili, and more from Uchi. Enjoy hookah and drinks, like a Gimlet or Paloma cocktail, or get a group together for “Thirsty Thursday” Ladies Night at Tate’s. Or get a table at Nick & Sam’s to enjoy a fine dining experience with delicious entrees like Prime Aged Rib Eye, Scottish Smoked Salmon, or Roasted Portobello.
West End
Photo via @555rossaveapts
- Home Price: $111,150 median purchase price; $1,265 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Dallas neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
As part of Downtown Dallas, West End is a highly-walkable historic Dallas neighborhood with something to offer for every lifestyle. With tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and sleek apartments throughout, West End has a stately yet modern appeal. From historic sites and public parks to recurring neighborhood events like the Annual West End 5K and The West End Association Outdoor Market, West End has a variety of things to do. Singles and young professionals will appreciate the neighborhood’s laid-back sports bars, casual cocktail lounges, and proximity to downtown’s Main Street District and Arts District. West End also attracts college students and young professionals working in higher education, thanks to the presence of Dallas College’s El Centro Campus.
Things to Do in West End
Test your perception as you go through exhibits like Clone Table, Tilted Room, and The Vortex Tunnel at the Dallas Museum of Illusions. Telecommute from the outdoor workspace, relax on the swinging benches, or check out temporary art exhibits at West End Square Park. Reflect on American history at local heritage site, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Get up close to ocean animals from around the world, learn about conservation efforts, or attend talks by experts at the nearby Dallas World Aquarium. Have an elevated, Southern-inspired brunch of Pancake Pot Pie, Shrimp & Grits, or Huevos Asados served all day at Ellen’s. Fill up on American homestyle eats like a Steak Sandwich or Bacon Cheeseburger from locally-beloved hole-in-the-wall Record Grill. Sip on $8 cocktails like a Moscow Mule or Dark and Stormy during Happy Hour—Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.—at 3Eleven Kitchen & Cocktails.
Winnetka Heights
Photo via @jake_smith_tx
- Home Price: $88,861 median purchase price; $766 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Dallas neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
As the second-largest historic district in Dallas, Winnetka Heights is a charming, quiet neighborhood conveniently located just five miles southwest of downtown. Real estate in the neighborhood mostly consists of Colonial and Craftsman properties with plenty of green space between. Like the neighboring Bishop Arts District, Winnetka Heights has an artsy vibe with multiple galleries and performing arts venues in and around the neighborhood. However, Winnetka Heights has a more suburban, close-knit vibe, with monthly neighborhood “Happy Hours” and other events offering plenty of opportunities for residents to connect. Another way this Dallas neighborhood invests in its residents is through local initiatives like Walkable Winnetka, a sidewalk replacement program designed to make the neighborhood a more pedestrian-friendly place to live.
Things to Do in Winnetka Heights
Spend a morning with a good book and a Latte, Americano, or Flash Brew at Wayward Coffee Co. Connect with local artists, listen to live music, or make use of the creative coworking space at Arts Mission Oak Cliff. Shop used movies, music, and books, including out-of-print works by local writers, at Lucky Dog Books. Get tickets to see indie acts like Shinyribs, watch live comedy, or attend special events at The Kessler. Satisfy your Mexican food cravings with an authentic Carne Burrito, Milenio Torta, or Tostadas from La Hechizera Tortas Jefferson. Try the Four Meat Pizza, the Pesto Pizza, or one of the gastropub offerings, like Roasted Pork Tenderloin, at Nova. Get a taste of Ireland without leaving Dallas when you have plates like Bangers & Mash, Uncle Jack’s Shepherd’s Pie, or Howth Beer-Battered Fish & Chips at Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub. Or have a dinner of savory Salvadorian bites like Gallina Tamales, Pupusas Revueltas, or Sandwich Campina at La Campina Salvadorena.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
