A Guide to the Best Dallas Neighborhoods

The bustling Northern Texas city of Dallas is best known for its great weather, top-notch schools, stable economy, abundance of entertainment and outdoor recreation opportunities, and so much more. And the best Dallas neighborhoods? They enable you to experience all that the city has to offer, with added perks like safety, tranquility, and desirable amenities.

What makes Dallas stand out? For starters, the Dallas area gains thousands of jobs a year, so people who are looking for work will not find it hard to find a job in the region. In fact, several Fortune 500 companies, such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and CBRE Group, have chosen to headquarter their operations in Dallas.

The state of Texas is also well known for its professional sports teams, and you can root for several teams right there in Dallas. One of the best teams in the area is the Dallas Cowboys, which plays in the National Football League and has a large fan base all over the country. 

And despite its large size, Dallas still has plenty of open green spaces and parks to enjoy — especially in the most desirable Dallas neighborhoods. 

Dallas at a Glance

• More than 1.3 million people make up the population of Dallas.
• Students and families are a large portion of the demographic in Dallas.
• With an average home value of around $312,100, the home prices in Dallas are a little bit pricer than other cities like Houston and the state overall. However, it’s much more affordable to live in Dallas than other major cities like NYC and San Francisco.
• With an average monthly rent of around $1,575 for a one-bedroom apartment, the rent in Dallas is similar to those of cities like Houston and Fort Worth and much more affordable than other major cities across the country.
• Some of the biggest draws to Dallas include affordability, a great sports scene, top-notch schools, outdoor recreation, dining, and plenty of entertainment.

12 Best Dallas Neighborhoods

When looking through a map of Dallas neighborhoods, take note of these top communities that have a lot to offer. Whether you prefer a laid-back, tranquil scene or more of a lively atmosphere, there’s a Dallas neighborhood with your name on it.

Prestonwood gives Dallas residents an affordable option with a strong school district, perfect for young families
(Source: https://www.dmagazine.com)

1. Prestonwood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Median home sale price: $358,000
• Great for: Young families, schools, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping

Prestonwood is a great location for people in Dallas who want to enjoy the lifestyle they want without having to sacrifice their convenient commute or great schools.

In Prestonwood, schools are zoned for the Richardson School District. Some of the local schools that are included in this area are Westwood Junior High, Bowie Elementary School, and Richardson High School. The strong school district is one of the most desirable perks for families.

The Clubs of Prestonwood are located on Preston Road and feature amenities such as pools, restaurants, and a golf course. The Village on the Parkway is the closest major shopping center to Prestonwood, which is anchored by Addison Airport and features gyms and grocery stores.

2. Lower Greenville

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Median home sale price: $757,800
• Great for: Young families, young professionals, local events, community engagement, bars, restaurants

The Lower Greenville neighborhood is a bustling area that features several bars, restaurants, and retail establishments that are most ideal for young professionals, including Sundown at Granada, which offers food, beer, and live music. The area's central portion is bordered by Belmont and Ross streets, and it’s known as the "Lowest Greenville."

Lower Greenville is known for hosting the largest St. Patrick's Day festival and parade in the Southwest. Over 150,000 people attend the festivities, which start with a parade and conclude with a block party. Throughout the day, establishments on the street host special events and music.

Lakewood’s quiet streets may disguise the lively culture here. It’s one of the most expensive areas of Dallas, accented by the city’s oldest shopping district, the Lakewood Shopping Center.
Source: (https://www.compass.com/neighborhood-guides)

6. Lakewood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Median home sale price: $1.1M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, entertainment, local events

This area of Lakewood, which is bordered by White Rock Lake and northeast of downtown, offers a variety of waterfront luxury living with homes built primarily during the 20s and 30s. Despite its quiet streets, this area has plenty of attractions for its residents and is even considered to be one of the richest neighborhoods in Dallas. One of these is the historic downtown of the city's oldest shopping district, known as the Lakewood Shopping Center. 

The people of Lakewood have a strong sense of community. They gather regularly for block parties, fun runs, and an annual Fourth of July parade, which is a great way to engage with neighbors and build strong relationships.

7. Old Lake Highlands

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $517,500
• Great for: Families, commuters, outdoor recreation, tranquility

Old Lake Highlands is a community of single-family detached homes and cottages located in East Dallas. It’s bordered by White Rock Lake and just south of Lake Highlands.

Old Lake Highlands residents enjoy walking the distance to White Rock Lake, and there are also lots of jogging paths and bike paths around the lake's perimeter. Some of the neighborhood's parks, such as Norbuck Park and Bel-Aire Park, are located on the northwest and east sides of the neighborhood.

NorthPark Center and Downtown Dallas are around 10 miles away. And residents of Old Lake Highlands can easily access the Central Expressway and the LBJ Freeway through Northwest Highway.

8. Wilshire Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $760,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, diverse home styles, staying active, dining

East Dallas' Wilshire Heights neighborhood is characterized by its beautiful countryside setting and deep-set, tree-lined streets. While the White Rock Lake neighborhoods enjoy their boulevards, Wilshire Heights enjoys the many tree-lined streets near Alderson Street and Mercedes Avenue.

The diverse population of Wilshire Heights helps maintain a sense of community in East Dallas. There are lots of home styles popular in this neighborhood, such as Tudor, Craftsman, two-story, and classic ranch homes.

And the residents of Wilshire Heights enjoy an active local atmosphere with facilities that can help keep them moving and engaged, such as the Tietze Aquatic Center, picnic areas, and basketball courts. Some of the best restaurants beloved by all Dallas residents — like Velvet Taco — can be found in this neighborhood. 

Lochwood combines the best of many worlds: Shopping, family-friendly homes, and natural spaces.
(Source: https://www.lochwood.com)

9. Lochwood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Median home sale price: $510,000
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, top-notch dining

East Dallas' Lochwood is a place of beauty that is located northeast of White Rock Lake and south of Lake Highland. It is well known for its fabulous local outdoor recreation and wooded areas and creeks that create a tranquil environment. Dixon Branch, for example, features numerous hiking trails.

The area's vibrant community spirit draws in families with young children, and they can stay active and check out recreational facilities in the community such as a baseball diamond, two tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, and picnic tables.

Recently, there have been additions of new restaurants in the area, which have provided residents with more exciting choices. Two popular newer restaurants are GoodFriend Beer Garden and 20 Feet Seafood Joint.