Where Should Young Professionals Live in Dallas? 10 Best Neighborhoods for Your 20s

Young professionals in Dallas tend to cluster in Uptown (walkable, upscale), Oak Lawn (nightlife and diversity), and Deep Ellum (artsy, edgy). But your ideal neighborhood depends on your top priorities, whether it’s commute, cost, social energy, or all three.

Our latest guide ranks the best neighborhoods in Dallas for young adults in 2025, complete with up-to-date rent data, vibes, commutes, and lifestyle tags so you can find your perfect match.

Best Neighborhoods in Dallas for Young Professionals

• Best overall: Uptown – Polished, central, and packed with amenities and job access*
• Best for social scene: Oak Lawn – Rooftop lounges, LGBTQ-friendly nightlife, and inclusive energy
• Best for creatives: Deep Ellum – Street art, live music, and coworking vibes
• Most residential and quiet: Lake Highlands – *Leafy, green, and peaceful with short commutes
• Best for remote workers: Old East Dallas – Cafés, charm, and neighborhood spirit
• Most commute-friendly: Vickery – Easy access to DART, US‑75, and major job hubs
• Most walkable: Henderson – Easy access to bars, brunch, and local shopping
• Best hidden gem: Redbird – Revitalizing, affordable, and full of potential
• Most affordable: Highland Hills – Budget-friendly rent and improving amenities
• Best for affluent renters: Preston Hollow – Leafy, quiet, and close to employers

Best Neighborhoods in Dallas, TX, for Young Professionals

If you’re searching for the best neighborhoods in Dallas to kickstart your career and social life, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 of the top spots for young professionals to live, work, and connect in 2025.

Uptown

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,378
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,587
• Median home price: $629,900
• Crime score: B

Uptown is Dallas’ premier live-work-play neighborhood, offering high walkability, abundant coworking spaces, and a strong nightlife scene. It’s filled with polished midrise apartments, fitness studios, upscale restaurants, and professional networking events, all centered around McKinney Avenue, the Katy Trail, and West Village. Its proximity to major employers in law, finance, tech, and healthcare makes it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for career-oriented young professionals.

While rent in Uptown is among the highest in the city, the quality of life and central accessibility justify the premium. Safety has improved significantly with visible security measures, active neighborhood associations, and consistent patrol presence. Local sentiment echoes this: Residents report feeling secure even during late-evening outings.

Things to Do in Uptown

• Brunch at Bread Winners or Si Tapas
• Jog or bike the Katy Trail
• Hop the free McKinney Avenue Trolley downtown
• Sip cocktails at rooftop bars like The Henry or Del Frisco’s Grille
• Shop or catch live music at West Village

Check out our listings in Uptown.

Oak Lawn

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,560
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $4,027
• Median home price: $525,000
• Crime score: C

Oak Lawn is one of Dallas’ most popular and inclusive neighborhoods, known for its strong LGBTQ+ community, walkability, and central location. Just north of Downtown and bordering Uptown, Oak Lawn offers an ideal mix of social buzz and residential calm. Cedar Springs Road is the heart of the action, lined with coffee shops, clubs, brunch spots, and cocktail lounges that come alive every weekend.

Young professionals are drawn to Oak Lawn for its welcoming vibe, quick commutes, and access to nightlife that doesn’t require a car. While rents are on the higher end, they’re often more affordable than Uptown. Crime scores are average for central Dallas, but many streets benefit from neighborhood watch groups, high foot traffic, and improved lighting. It’s a top pick for renters who want to work hard by day and unwind socially by night.

Things to Do in Oak Lawn

• Dance the night away on Cedar Springs Road
• Join a yoga class at Class Studios
• Picnic at Turtle Creek Park
• Sip espresso at Union or La La Land Kind Café
• Browse LGBTQ+ bookstores or community markets

Check out our listings in Oak Lawn.

Deep Ellum

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,756
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,563
• Median home price: $396,000
• Crime score: B

Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ most renowned neighborhoods with a growing arts scene, live music venues, and a historic industrial vibe. Located just east of Downtown, it’s a magnet for young professionals in creative fields, startups, or remote work who want character and culture outside the typical corporate mold.

Rent prices are more moderate than in Uptown or Oak Lawn, but the neighborhood still delivers high energy with less polish. You’ll find loft apartments, renovated warehouses, and walkable streets covered in murals. While nightlife and foot traffic are major perks, the area can get loud, and parking is limited—but for extroverts and artists, that’s part of the draw.

Things to Do in Deep Ellum

• Catch a show at The Factory or Trees
• Explore street art and murals on Elm and Main streets
• Sip coffee at Merit Coffee Co. or Fiction Coffee before coworking at Common Desk
• Bar-hop along Commerce Street or enjoy late-night bites at Serious Pizza

Check out our listings in Deep Ellum.

Lake Highlands

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,079
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,497
• Median home price: $413,900
• Crime score: A

Lake Highlands is a favorite among young professionals looking for peace, space, and short commutes without leaving Dallas. Located in northeastern Dallas, this neighborhood blends a suburban feel with access to Downtown via the DART Blue Line and nearby highways.

The area has highly rated schools and green spaces like White Rock Trail. While the nightlife is more relaxed, coffee shops and parks offer the right setting for casual connections and weekend resets.

Things to Do in Lake Highlands

• Jog or bike the White Rock Trail
• Explore Lake Highlands Town Center for shops and dining
• Brunch at RM 12:20 Bistro or White Rock Coffee
• Picnic or unwind at Flag Pole Hill Park

Check out our listings in Lake Highlands.

Old East Dallas

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,230
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,429
• Median home price: $580,000
• Crime score: C

Old East Dallas offers the charm of historic homes and walkable blocks, with a new wave of young renters and coffee-shop coworking culture. Located just northeast of Downtown, it's ideal for creatives, freelancers, and professionals who want a neighborhood that feels like a community.

Expect a blend of Victorian homes, midcentury apartments, and restored duplexes. Rent is more manageable than Uptown, and the neighborhood stays lively with art markets, boutique fitness studios, and new brunch spots popping up regularly.

Things to Do in Old East Dallas

• Grab espresso at Fiction Coffee or La La Land Kind Café
• Enjoy tacos and mezcal at Las Almas Rotas
• Catch live music at Three Links or The Free Man
• Wander through Exall Park or Jubilee Park

Check out our listings in Old East Dallas.

Vickery

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,105
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,530
• Median home price: $249,000
• Crime score: C

Vickery is one of Dallas’ most diverse and transit-friendly neighborhoods, known for its affordability and central location. It’s a smart pick for young professionals who rely on public transit or want fast access to U.S. Route 75, Interstate 635, and major job hubs.

The area is undergoing revitalization, with updated apartment communities and growing interest from renters priced out of trendier zones. While nightlife is limited, the DART Red and Orange lines offer a quick trip to bars, offices, and shopping hubs like NorthPark Center.

Things to Do in Vickery

• Ride the DART to Mockingbird Station or Downtown
• Dine on international eats along Walnut Hill Lane
• Grocery shop at Fiesta Mart
• Access medical or tech campuses via Skillman Street

Check out our listings in Vickery.

Henderson

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,614
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,355
• Median home price: $582,000
• Crime score: B

Henderson (often grouped as Knox-Henderson) is one of Dallas’ most walkable enclaves. Young professionals are drawn to its pedestrian-friendly layout, which packs restaurants, vintage boutiques, coffee shops, and lively bars into a small, social strip just northeast of Uptown.

Expect sleek midrises, luxury rentals, and the occasional historic home. Renters here appreciate being close to both Uptown and Lower Greenville without the party noise or sky-high prices of Downtown. It’s especially popular among foodies, influencers, and hospitality workers.

Things to Do in Henderson

• Happy hour at Tequila Mockingbird or The Skellig
• Grab doughnuts and coffee at Village Baking Co.
• Shop vintage threads at Buffalo Exchange
• Spend a Saturday hopping bars along Henderson Avenue

Check out our listings in Henderson.

Redbird

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,085
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,386
• Median home price: $282,450
• Crime score: D+

Redbird is one of Dallas’ best-kept secrets for renters seeking affordability, peace, and potential. While the neighborhood has faced disinvestment in the past, it’s seeing renewed interest thanks to revitalization projects like the Reimagine RedBird initiative and its growing healthcare presence.

Rents are some of the lowest in the city, and commute times to Downtown are still manageable. Young professionals working in education, healthcare, or the nonprofit sector may find Redbird a rare chance to rent affordably without heading into the suburbs.

Things to Do in Redbird

• Grab soul food at Sweet Georgia Brown
• Shop or work remotely from Red Bird Mall
• Practice yoga or walk the trails at Glendale Park
• Make a splash at Bahama Beach Waterpark

Check out our listings in Redbird.

Highland Hills

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,112
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,294
• Median home price: $245,000
• Crime score: C

If you’re on a tight budget or just looking to reduce expenses without moving too far from the city center of Dallas, Highland Hills deserves a closer look. This quiet, residential neighborhood in southern Dallas offers some of the lowest rent prices among city neighborhoods and remains relatively stable in terms of safety and cost of living in the Dallas metro.

The area is served by several bus routes and is close to the University of North Texas at Dallas. Though nightlife is minimal, renters here value space, affordability, and access to local parks.

Things to Do in Highland Hills

• Grab lunch at Rudy’s Chicken or local taquerias
• Stroll or bike along the Five Mile Creek Trail
• Shop at Wheatland Towne Crossing
• Enjoy local programs at the Highland Hills Library

Check out our listings in Highland Hills.

Preston Hollow

• Average rent for an apartment (any number of bedrooms): $2,854
• Median home price: $1.4 million
• Crime score: A

Preston Hollow is an established, tree-lined neighborhood favored by affluent professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives. Located in northern Dallas, it offers peace and polish without sacrificing access to jobs in the Medical District, Downtown Dallas, or Galleria.

You’ll find a mix of luxury rentals, gated condos, and multimillion-dollar estates. Despite its prestige, one-bedroom rents remain reasonable compared to areas like Uptown. If you value privacy, proximity to top schools and parks, and a quiet postwork routine, Preston Hollow delivers.

Things to Do in Preston Hollow

• Shop upscale at Preston Royal Village or NorthPark Center
• Enjoy nature at the Northaven Trail or Preston Hollow Park
• Sip espresso at Drip Coffee or try Mexican cuisine at José
• Catch a local concert or event at Jesuit Dallas Theater

Check out our listings in Preston Hollow.

Final Thoughts

Dallas is packed with neighborhoods that offer career access, social energy, and walkable amenities for young professionals. Whether you're into the buzz of Uptown or the quieter charm of Lake Highlands, there’s a spot in the city that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to find your perfect match? Take the personalized Apartment List quiz and discover Dallas neighborhoods that align with your goals and your budget. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas’ Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

Where do most young professionals live in Dallas?

Most young professionals live in Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Deep Ellum for their walkability, nightlife, and convenient access to public transportation. Other top picks include Henderson, Preston Hollow, Old East Dallas, and Lake Highlands for their balance of comfort, cost, and job access.

Is Dallas a good city for young professionals?

Yes, Dallas is a strong choice for young professionals thanks to its growing job market, modern apartments, and busy social hubs. Major employers in tech, healthcare, and finance give renters solid career momentum.

Is Dallas a good place to live in your 20s?

Dallas is a great place to live in your 20s, offering affordable rent, diverse neighborhoods, and no state income tax. Whether you're into rooftops and coworking spaces or parks and quiet cafés, there's a Dallas neighborhood that fits your vibe.

What’s the average rent for a one-bedroom in Dallas?

Trying to figure out how much an apartment costs? As of July 2025, the average one-bedroom rent in Dallas is $1,540 per month, with prices ranging from under $1,300 in Highland Hills to over $2,800 in Preston Hollow. Two-bedroom apartments average $2,233 citywide.

What’s the safest neighborhood in Dallas for young professionals?

Lake Highlands ranks among the safest Dallas neighborhoods, with a tight-knit neighborhood and crime scores in the A range. Preston Hollow also offers enhanced safety with security features and active neighborhood groups.

Which Dallas neighborhood is best for creatives?

Deep Ellum is the top pick for creatives, with a lively arts scene, live music venues, and coworking spaces. It combines affordability with edge, attracting artists, musicians, and freelancers alike.

Can you live car-free in Dallas as a young professional?

Yes, but only in certain neighborhoods like Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Henderson, which offer walkability and DART access. Most of Dallas still requires a car for errands or commutes, so transit-friendly zones are key.