26 Best Neighborhoods in Dallas, TX 2024
Embrace the full spectrum of Dallas living, where the vibrancy of big city life, the charm of suburban communities, the distinct flair of eclectic neighborhoods, and the luxury of upscale areas are all within reach. Dallas is a city that caters to every preference and lifestyle.
Unsure where to begin your search? Continue with us as we explore the 26 best neighborhoods in Dallas to find your new apartment. With the added insights from local resident Kenzie Elizabeth, you’ll get the inside scoop on the top places to live from someone who knows the city inside out.
1. Lakewood
Live along the shores of White Rock Lake in one of the best Dallas neighborhoods, Lakewood. Greenspace and outdoor recreation abound with attractions like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Beyond the gardens, you'll also find outdoor concerts to gather with neighbors.
On weekends, stroll along with the local boutiques and pick up some housewares for your apartment at Curiosities Boutique. For nightlife, see a live performance at Balcony Cub or grab a beer from a dive bar at Lakewood Landing.
2. Preston Highlands
Head towards North Dallas near Plano for an upwardly mobile way of life. Preston Highlands is popular with families and those looking for a quieter way of life with a suburban feel.
With quality schools and room to grow, Preston Highlands is ideal when you're ready to move on from downtown living but want to keep your Dallas ZIP code.
Shopping is a pastime around Preston Highlands. You’ll find shopping options along State Highway 289 with options like the Preston Royal Shopping Center. After stocking up on a new wardrobe to beat the Dallas heat, enjoy a bite at the local favorite, Neuhaus Cafe.
3. Campbell Green
Discover your new home in Campbell Green for outdoor fun and a family-friendly vibe. Locals gather at the Campbell Green Park for some weekend fun where children flock to the splash pad.
Kids of all ages as well as grown-ups enjoy baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, or strolling the trails.
4. Highland Park
The upscale enclave of Highland Park, Dallas, features small-town sensibilities with oversized homes. With some of the best schools in the state, Highland Park is attractive for families looking to settle down.
But it’s not just about families. The walkable neighborhood is also known as the Rodeo Drive of Dallas with the country's first contained shopping center.
Beyond shopping and its glowing reputation for being a tight-knit, upscale community, Highland Park is full of natural beauty. The leafy area features room to relax and soak up nature at Turtle Creek in Lakeside Park.
5. Uptown Dallas
Uptown Dallas is a lively neighborhood. It’s walkable, fun, and just a stone's throw from Highland Park and Downtown.
Uptown's reputation as a premier live, work, and play community makes it a beacon for 20-something singles along McKinney Avenue. Young professionals are also fond of this Dallas neighborhood for its eclectic vibe where. You’ll find something for everyone there.
Over in the West Village area, locals shop the eclectic boutiques or dine outdoors. Uptown is also home to the award-winning Magnolia Theater. It features five screens and a cocktail bar.
For some fresh air or a reprieve from the bustle, jog along nearby Katy Trail or Cole Park with your pup.
6. Preston Hollow
“Preston Hollow” is often used to describe North Dallas. However, it’s a distinctive neighborhood with upscale dining, vintage boutiques, and shopping centers just five miles from downtown.
Mark Cuban and President and Laura Bush call Preston Hollow home. But don't worry, you can still find your niche away from the limelight in this beautiful Dallas neighborhood.
Shopping enthusiasts browse the latest finds at Preston Center, NorthPark Center, or the nearby Galleria. You can also spend the day outdoors on the 2.5-mile paved trail use at Northaven Trail or take a picnic to Preston Hollow Park. Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal donuts from Top Pot Doughnuts or Maple Doughnut Bar.
7. Lake Highlands
Situated in Northeast Dallas, Lake Highlands is home to an affordable lifestyle. It features quick access to quality schools, city amenities, and park trails.
The main draw is the welcoming reprieve for families looking for a mix of convenience and security. Locals gather around the Flag Pole Hill for a scenic overlook of White Rock Lake.
You'll also find kids rolling down the hill or sledding on those rare Dallas snow days.
8. M Streets
Find the best of both worlds living in M Streets — Vickery Place, where city dwellers who want to settle for the long haul come to stay. This Dallas area is a short stroll to bars, restaurants, and shops along Greenville and Henderson.
Live away from the action on streets lined with pecan trees. There, neighbors greet each other and kids play in the yards.
You can find apartments in M Streets around Greenville and Henderson. The neighborhood is known for its English Tudor-style homes and century-old homes. Parks are also just a short walk away to Katy Trail, Glencoe Park, and more, for weekend jogging, strolling, and soaking up the Dallas sunshine.
9. University Park
Home to Southern Methodist University, University Park is where game days bring out students. Locals participate in "Boulevarding" before football games.
This Dallas neighborhood is convenient to the rest of the city from Highway 85 and the Northwest Highway. However, you can still zip downtown without getting on the highway.
The cost of living is cheaper than its affluent neighbors, but with all the amenities you could want. Locals gather at the central Snider Plaza. It features unique shops, restaurants, and spas. You’ll also find the Holmes Aquatic Center to cool off from the summer heat.
10. Bluffview
Bluffview was once a dairy farm pasture turned tranquil neighborhood. It’s now home to musicians like Don Henley. Single-family homes in the area were designed to embrace the countryside feel or blend in with the natural surroundings.
The quiet, upscale community also offers apartment living for those looking for convenience and quiet. You're still within a short drive to North Park Center shopping mall and the North Dallas Tollway to connect to the rest of the city.
11. Oak Lawn
The vibrant neighborhood of Oak Lawn is known as the epicenter of the LGBGTQ+ scene in Dallas. Nightlife includes a mix of DJ, country western dancing, drag shows, karaoke, and more.
The neighborhood is also home to the annual Dallas Pride event, Halloween Block Party, and Purple Party weekend, where locals dance all night.
Meet up with friends at Cedar Spring Taphouse for a pint or Station 4 for a thriving nightlife scene. For some two-stepping, head over to the Round-Up Saloon. It features multiple bars, a game room, and a dance floor.
12. Kessler Park/North Oak Cliff
Urban pioneers brought new revitalization to the Kessler Park/North Oak Cliff neighborhood several decades ago. You'll find 1920s-era homes and a mix of diverse neighbors waiting to welcome you.
The area has a reputation for being tight-knit. Locals want to settle in for the long haul. This Dallas enclave is also close enough to what the city has to offer, but with a suburban lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.
13. Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica
Over in East Dallas, Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica is teeming with historic homes and tree-lined streets. The area is protected as a conservation district and features 1920s Tudor cottages. It's no wonder the area is embraced for its quiet lifestyle, quality public schools, and block parties around every corner.
Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica is ideal if you love city living, but don't want to see or hear it. You're just minutes from the city without the bustle of urban living. You’ll also be near Tenison Park Golf Course.
14. Downtown Dallas
New investments are rapidly transforming Downtown Dallas into a hotspot of mixed-use developments. Live, work, and play without leaving your Downtown Dallas neighborhood. Shops, bars, and restaurants are just a short walk from your doorstep.
Over in Klyde Warren Park, food trucks and green space abound in downtown's urban jungle. Although the neighborhood has no official grocery store, restaurants are top-notch.
A reimagined Dallas Farmers’ Market attracts locals looking for fresh produce and treats. Downtown Dallas is also full of attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium. There’s also an arts district with museums and performing arts centers.
15. Deep Ellum
Live in the heart of Dallas' entertainment district is Deep Ellum. Vibrant street murals, indie and blues music venues, brewpubs, and galleries welcome visitors.
Deep Ellum is also the place to live if you love all things quirky. You’ll find experimental venues like the Undermain Theatre.
Deep Ellum's walkable sidewalks make it an inspiring place to stroll on weekends. Gritty backdrops dot the buildings. An eclectic mix of locals make up this melting pot neighborhood where creativity is revered.
16. Richardson
Home to the University of Texas at Dallas, Richarson offers cultural diversity with a college hometown feel. The area is also more diverse than many areas of Dallas. There are ethnic eateries, shopping, and entertainment.
Spend a lazy weekend at Cottonwood Park. There, you can feed the ducks or take in a seasonal art festival.
Car enthusiasts never get enough of the North Texas Automotive Museum. It features classic cars and interactive exhibits.
On hot summer days, go ice skating at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter. Outdoor recreation is also never far. Options like Crowley Park and Prairie Creek Park are full of scenic landscapes.
17. Old East Dallas
History meets urban eclectic in Old East Dallas. You'll see a mix of early 20th-century homes along Swiss Avenue and street murals and craft breweries in the Deep Ellum District. You can spend part of your weekend exploring the Aldredge House museum with period furnishings before heading over to a hip eatery and a show at the Bomb Factory.
Old East Dallas is ideal for young professionals and creatives looking to live in the heart of a hip neighborhood. If that’s not your scene, you can choose to live near Swiss Avenue for a quieter pace.
18. Bachman-Northwest Highway
The neighborhood around Bachman-Northwest Highway is ideal for hopping in your car to get to Downtown Dallas, work, or just about anywhere you need to go. Bachman Station offers local transport, serving the DARTGreen and Orange Lines. Depending on where you need to go, you can avoid battling the traffic and enjoy a book or podcast instead.
You'll find a mix of older housing units, smaller apartment buildings, and new complexes where your rent money stretches further. Some apartments come with community cook-outs and playground spaces, making it an ideal area to move with a family.
19. Vickery
The Vickery neighborhood of Dallas is conveniently located adjacent to the North Park Center for shopping and dining. Often referred to as North Park Mall, the upscale shopping mall features 235 retailers, restaurants, department stores, and nearby entertainment options. Beyond shopping, locals enjoy green space at Fair Oaks Park. Hit the baseball or football field, fire up the grill for a picnic, take the kids to the playground or join a soccer game.
Most apartment complexes around Vickery are located between the mall and park, keeping you central for work, life, and play.
20. Bryan Place
The Bryan Place neighborhood is a smaller enclave of the Old East Dallas area. It's conveniently located near the Arts District in Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, and State Thomas neighborhoods. Although there aren't many dining options within the limits of Bryan Place, it's a stone's throw from local favorites like Dahlia Bar & Bistro, Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory, and XOXO Dining Room.
Bryan Place is also close to Baylor University Medical Center and Dallas Theological Seminary, welcoming students and staff looking for convenient access to campus. You'll find modern apartment complexes with updated amenities and pools to cool off during the hot Dallas summers.
21. Caruth Hills and Homeplace
Caruth Hills and Homeplace is situated south of North Park Center and west of the Bryan Place area. You're just minutes from hundreds of shopping and dining options, perfect for a weekend of fun or a career in retail. Highway 75, Northwest Hwy, and the Central Expressway are practically at your doorstep, making commuting into the rest of Dallas easier. Look for apartments and townhouses near the highways for the fastest commuting options, or near the mall to take advantage of the urban amenities.
22. Casa Linda
The Casa Linda neighborhood in Dallas offers affordable living with quick access to I-30 and DART bus lines. The community brushes up against White Rock Lake, and many apartment complexes come with waterside views. Grab breakfast from Hypnotic Donuts & Biscuits or head over to Winfrey Point for dazzling views. Further north, you'll find White Rock Lake Dog Park to take your favorite furry friend.
Casa Linda offers a mix of older apartment complexes and modern buildings with updated amenities. Options along the lakefront or greenspace will come at a premium, but the views and tranquility may be worth the trade-off.
23. Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park, Dallas is situated near I30, Tennis Park Golf Course, and the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Fair Park is within reach, which hosts the Texas State Fair, an event that draws thousands each fall. The park's Cotton Bowl Stadium is a landmark for college football and blockbuster concerts. On weekends, learn more about the history of Dallas and civil rights at the African American Museum or touch the stingrays at the Children's Aquarium.
To reduce time in Dallas traffic, you can rent an apartment near the highway. Older and more modest apartment complexes are available, as well as modern and updated units.
24. Redbird
Dallas' Redbird community makes up a group of neighborhoods near south Oak Cliff. You'll find areas like Wynnewood Hills and Glen Oaks, which hosts middle to upper-class homes and apartment buildings. Redbird is ideal for a quieter, more suburban lifestyle that's still close to the urban amenities of Dallas.
Look for private homes or apartments in mid-rise complexes. Three-bedroom homes are also easily accessible and often more affordable in the Redbird neighborhood.
25. West Hollow
West Hollow, Dallas is close to shopping and dining, offering a more suburban setting. It provides quick access to interstate 635 and nearby neighborhoods for additional convenience. Locals aren't far from Northwest Dallas and Preston Hollow.
Price points for apartments are affordable, especially in older communities without significant updates and renovations. Modern mid-rises are also available, perfect for those seeking out spacious floor plans and updated kitchens or common areas.
26. Lane Park
Lane Park is a neighborhood near North Park Center where apartment complexes are plentiful and there are tons of shopping and dining options. It's an ideal place to call home if you work in retail or want to be near amenities without living in an urban epicenter. The neighborhood is also an ideal option if you work at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital or want quick access to Fair Oaks Park and Vickery Meadow.
Look for a mix of townhouses and modern apartment complex steps away from retail or dining. It's easy to find updated units with new kitchens, balconies, and on-site amenities like grills and play areas.
Final Thoughts
With so many neighborhoods to choose from in the city of Dallas, you can find a new place to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Ready to pack up and head to the Big D? Learn about the average rent in Dallas. Then, find your next Dallas apartment and the perfect neighborhood with Apartment List. Just get started with the quiz above.
You can also learn more about:
Texas:
Houston:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Houston
- Cost of Living in Houston
- Average Rent in Houston & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Houston
Austin:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Austin
- Cost of Living in Austin
- Average Rent in Austin & Rental Price Trends
- Best Neighborhoods in Austin
San Antonio:
Share this Article
Explore properties in Dallas, TX
