With warm weather and affordable real estate, Dallas is a city full of opportunities and a great place to raise a family. Whether you’re relocating to Dallas or simply moving across town, you’ll need to find a neighborhood that suits your needs. Check out our list of the five best neighborhoods in Dallas for families!
Bishop Arts District
Photo via @thebespokerealtor
- Home Price: $88,861 median purchase price; $766 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Dallas neighborhoods
Known for being a unique area and “Dallas’ most independent neighborhood,” The Bishop Arts District boasts a wide range of things to do in Dallas. This historic district sits inside the larger Oak Cliff neighborhood and embodies the area’s charm in its tree-lined streets and architectural variety, with Tudor and Craftsman-style bungalows and ranches. This neighborhood near Downtown Dallas provides an entertaining environment with over 60 boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, theaters, and art galleries to check out—many of which are independently owned. Schools in and around Bishop Arts District, such as the Bishop Arts STEAM Academy, W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy, and W.H. Adamson High School, provide great opportunities for students to grow into lifelong learners.
Things to Do in Bishop Arts District
Catch the latest film releases and eat fresh popcorn at historic The Texas Theatre. Feed apples to an African elephant during a Backstage Safari tour or schedule an Animal Adventures Outreach program at the Dallas Zoo. Join an arts community that strives to cultivate diverse talent with programs like Storytime at Bedtime or PatioLive! at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center. Hit a home run, golf with friends, or enjoy a day by the pool with the family at Kidd Springs Recreation Center. Taste “hipster-approved” grilled cheese sandwiches, like the Cubanesque and the Dude, at Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. Sample innovative sushi like the Xalapa Roll or the Volcano Roll at contemporary Japanese-American cuisine restaurant Zen Sushi. Experience the mouth-watering Tonarelli with Gorgonzola Dolce and other dishes featuring handmade pasta at Lucia. Or try Mexican food with Veracruz and Tex-Mex influences at Veracruz Cafe, where you can try the sizzling Arracheritas Fajitas, Enchiladas Huastecas, or a Shrimp Taco Plate.
Deep Ellum
Photo via @thecrosbydallastx
- Home Price: $183,362 median purchase price; $819 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Dallas neighborhoods
Just east of Downtown Dallas, you’ll find trendy sleek condos and newly-renovated apartments and lofts centered around Elm Street, which runs through the heart of Deep Ellum. This Dallas neighborhood is a hub for performing arts, entertainment, and more. Every night of the week presents an opportunity to experience the happenings of this family-friendly neighborhood, with an ongoing events calendar of music concerts, trivia nights, open mic sessions, and more. Residents of Deep Ellum can send their children to nearby schools like Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School, Alex W. Spence Talented/Gifted Academy, and Booker T. Washington High School.
Things to Do in Deep Ellum
Marvel at the talent of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as they perform classical music at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Take the kids to participate in the Daily Butterfly Release and learn about the benefits of pollination at the Texas Discovery Gardens. Try to spot seahorses in the Shore Zone, feed stingrays at Stingray Bay, or check out the other animal exhibits at the Children’s Aquarium Dallas. Embrace a classic aesthetic for your family while shopping timeless vintage staples at Nylo Wool. Relax and enjoy Southern comfort food like The “Hot Mess” with a side of Mac N’ Cheese or Fried Okra at the Pecan Lodge smokehouse. Start your Taco Tuesday with Birria de Cabrito, Pinchi Pollo, or Al Pastor Tacos at Revolver Taco Lounge. Slurp Rich Tonkotsu, Oni Reaper, or the Signature Miso Ramen at Oni Ramen—and take a risk by spicing it up with five levels of heat. Or bite into an outrageously delicious Triple Burger with a side of Rocket Fries at Sky Rocket Burger.
Lake Highlands
Photo via @cocotosscottgrouprealestate
- Home Price: $69,620 median purchase price; $811 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Dallas neighborhoods
Lake Highlands gets its name from its position perched on higher elevation over White Rock Lake, and boasts a number of parks, recreation areas, and nature spots. This location is perfect for those who want to settle down near the suburbs of Dallas and desire a bit of old-town charm in a more laid-back area. Lake Highlands features one and two-story Ranch-style homes and cottages—many of which were built in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s—along with newer builds. Families eager to live in Lake Highlands can find quality education for their kids with area schools like Akin Elementary, Forest Meadow Junior High School, Lake Highlands High School, and Dallas College Richland Campus!
Things to Do in Lake Highlands
Bike in the shaded trails along White Rock Creek at Harry S. Moss Park. See plays, sign the kids up for acting classes, or rent event space at the Dallas Children’s Theatre. Attend the virtual Children’s Storytime from home, join a book club, or let your inner-geek shine during monthly Geek Central: Dungeons & Dragons meetups at the Audelia Road Branch Library, part of the Dallas Public Library system. Fly kites with the kids at Flag Pole Hill Park or play with the family pup off-leash at nearby White Rock Lake Dog Park. Schedule a date night and order the Tagliatelle or the Vegan Portabello Steak at Cedar & Vine. Order The Reuben or a Shepherd’s Pie and indulge in a Guinness Stout at Lochland’s Irish Pub. Satisfy your sweet tooth with unique treats—like a King Cake Haute Chocolate Bomb, Red Velvet Brownies, or S’mores Cookies—at Haute Sweets Patisserie. Or sit outside on the shaded outdoor patio while you eat a Holy Guacamole Burger and a side of Cheese Fries at Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha.
Lakewood
Photo via @kylepbrinkley
- Home Price: $183,362 median purchase price; $819 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Dallas neighborhoods
Lakewood is located directly west of White Rock Lake, less than 30 minutes from the heart of Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum. This laid-back area is mostly residential, but still offers plenty of things to do, with opportunities for outdoor recreation on the Lakewood Trails and plenty of shopping and restaurants at the Lakewood Shopping Center. Homes here range from modern condos to four-bedroom single-family homes and affordable Craftsman-style houses, making the area a great place for families of all sizes and lifestyles. Parents can send their kids to great Lakewood schools like Lakehill Preparatory School and Lakewood Elementary School.
Things to Do in Lakewood
Shop trendy outfits for your little one at a local shop selling fun, modern clothes for kids: The Little Things. Attend the Cool Thursdays Concert Series in spring and fall, or view the 66 acres of beautiful plant life at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Go on a walk, have a picnic with your family, or play doubles on the tennis court at Lakewood Park. Take advantage of living near the lake by learning how to row or watch a rowing championship at White Rock Rowing. Grab an Espresso Cortado and pick up a new coffee blend at White Rock Coffee Express. Enjoy a fresh stack of Cloud Cakes or a house-made Popover while sipping a Dream Blend Coffee at Dream Cafe. Try a delicious slice of The Dream Pizza, Black Truffle Pizza, or a classic Margherita Pizza at Olivella’s Pizza & Wine. Or dig into traditional street tacos, quesadillas, and tortas at Tacos la Banqueta.
Preston Hollow
Photo via @candysdirt
- Home Price: $271,338 median purchase price; $901 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of Dallas neighborhoods
About 15 to 20 minutes away from both Dallas Love Field Airport and Downtown Dallas sits Preston Hollow. One of the more affordable neighborhoods in the DFW metro area, Preston Hollow offers relatively low monthly rental rates and home purchase prices when compared to other neighborhoods or nearby suburbs, like University Park. Residents can choose from a variety of housing styles, from Mid-Century Modern and ranch-style homes to large estates. Along with a myriad of restaurants and shops, the neighborhood is well-known for having been home to high-profile residents such as Mark Cuban, Ross Perot, and former President George W. Bush. Preston Hollow is also home to some of the best private schools in Dallas, such as St. Mark’s School of Texas and Ursuline Academy of Dallas, or Dallas ISD schools like Preston Hollow Elementary.
Things to Do in Preston Hollow
Take your little ones to their first jazz, ballet, or tap class at Preston Hollow Dance. Start your green-thumb journey by picking up plants and learning gardening techniques at North Haven Gardens. Bring your little ones to pick out toys, books, and dress-up clothes at The Toy Maven. Watch world-class pianists perform beautiful music up close through the Blue Candlelight Music Series. Get your fill of Tex-Mex like Pollo Asado, Mexican Street Tacos, and a Cha Cha chalupa platter at Fernando’s. Enjoy date night and order Cast Iron Roasted King Salmon, Crispy Sesame Lovash, and Sticky Toffee Pudding at upscale Mediterranean restaurant Suze. Venture to Bugatti Ristorante for old-world Italian fare and feast on Tortellini Alla Panna, Old World Gnocchi, and Chicken Parmigiana. Or devour a mouth-watering Portabella Stack at Woodlands American Grill.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
