Your Guide to Dallas Neighborhoods

Finding the right Dallas neighborhood to put down roots can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! Here we offer a comprehensive neighborhood guide to ease your house hunt and help you find the place that’s right for you.

Oak Cliff

As one of the city’s most established neighborhoods, it’s only natural that Oak Cliff would have a flavor all its own. Once an independent city nestled along the Trinity River south of Downtown, Oak Cliff has grown into one of the most sought-after Dallas neighborhoods, due in part to its recent revival. Easy access to the hip and trendy Bishop Arts District is a big draw and comes jam-packed with mom-and-pop shops and dives that appeal to hipsters and growing families alike. A mix of historic homes and contemporary new builds make up this district.

Downtown Dallas

At the center of it all is the Downtown Dallas neighborhood. It’s a mecca of arts and entertainment, with condos and full-service high-rises that allow you to live, work, and play without ever needing a car. Klyde Warren Park is the highlight, offering food trucks, walkable green space, and a collection of upscale restaurants nearby. Keep an eye out for the mythological Pegasus in the skyline, which has become a mascot of sorts.

McKinney Avenue

Young professionals and empty nesters flock to Uptown’s McKinney Avenue for its incredible shopping and proximity to Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile paved trail that runs from the SMU campus to Victory Park. This central Dallas neighborhood offers a nice mix of established townhomes on mature, tree-lined streets, plus contemporary condos, single-family homes, and rentals along nearby Knox Street. It’s great for commuters, with its easy access to many corporate offices. You’ll have everything you need right out your door.

Greenville Avenue

Greenville Avenue is another central Dallas neighborhood to consider, with its tight-knit community and down-home flair. Its proximity to the heart of the city doesn’t hurt either. Residents regularly enjoy parades and block parties, plus the best bars in town. Lower Greenville is contributing to the area’s renaissance, while high walkability keeps people coming back for more.

East Dallas

Looking for a budget-friendly Dallas neighborhood? Then East Dallas is for you. This area has a great mix of older and newer homes that are perfect for families, plus Downtown attractions are minutes away. East Dallas homeowners love the area for its laid-back lifestyle and closeness to White Rock Lake. Homes around the lake are pricey, but there are still great deals to be had. The lake is popular amongst runners, bikers, and rowers who are usually sailing, paddle-boating, or just enjoying an afternoon on the water.

Oak Lawn

Watering holes and clubs define vibrant Oak Lawn, which remains the epicenter of Dallas’ gay community. Here, the annual pride parade takes center stage along Cedar Springs Road. Expect an array of duplexes met by luxurious estates along Turtle Creek. With its central location, this Dallas neighborhood is an awesome place to live.

Victory Park

This master-planned community is a hub for sporting events and concerts at the American Airlines Center. And its residential aspect is finally taking shaping with a collection of luxury lofts and apartment buildings. This evolving Dallas neighborhood is home to The Perot Museum, House of Blues, and many salons, spas, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place for those who want it all.

North Dallas

If the peaceful serenity of a countryside estate is for you, head North. Preston Hollow is where the city’s most famous residents live. In this North Dallas neighborhood, ranch homes rest in harmony with massive estates. The area has some of the most prestigious private schools in the city. Another perk: the town is just minutes from NorthPark Center, the largest mall in Dallas.

Park Cities

For the most distinguished real estate in town, look to the Park Cities. This area includes two of the wealthiest Dallas neighborhoods, Highland Park and University Park. These suburbs are nestled just a few miles north of downtown while offering picturesque parks and excellent public schools.

Deep Ellum

On the flipside, Deep Ellum offers a unique mix of urban nightlife. This former warehouse district retains a gritty edge and is a hotspot for live music and bars. Vibrant street murals, art galleries, and brewpubs dot the funky downtown retreat. Industrial-style lofts and condos dominate the housing market in this Dallas neighborhood. To the east, near Fair Park, an enclave known as Expo Park is starting to take off with a crop of housing options.

West Dallas

To get to West Dallas, you’ll cross over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge near the Dealey Plaza historic district. This area is best known for Trinity Groves, a foodie’s paradise where a Restaurant Incubator Program encourages innovative cuisine. In terms of local real estate, older townhouses and single-family residences are interspersed with new developments in this West Dallas neighborhood.

Arts District

A cultural hub in the heart of Downtown, the Arts District has posh penthouses that overlook the iconic Dallas skyline. People admire this Dallas neighborhood for its quick access to the arts, including the Meyerson Symphony Center, Winspear Opera House, and Dallas Museum of Art.

What’s your perfect Dallas neighborhood?

Even seasoned Dallasites might have trouble deciding on the right Dallas neighborhood to settle down in. The Orchard team can walk you through your options for neighborhoods, home prices, and more.

And if you’re looking to sell your current Dallas home and buy your next dream home, the Orchard Move First service can help. Instead of waiting for your current house to sell before you can buy your new one, Orchard gives you the flexibility to shop without your home sale delaying your timeline. We’ll help you land your dream home with a competitive, non-contingent offer and then sell your current home for top dollar in 120 days or less.