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A Dallas Neighborhood Guide, By a Local
Trying to figure out which Dallas neighborhoods are best? The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a wide-selection of neighborhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
As a local, I can give you insider information about Dallas’s neighborhoods to help you figure out which one is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Dallas. Whether you are looking to move to the area or are planning a visit and need to figure out the best areas to stay in Dallas, the city has a lil’ something for everyone.
Want to jump around?
17 Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
Uptown
A lively district perfect for young professionals seeking walkability and city views.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Crescent Court
Uptown Dallas is a 6-minute drive from Downtown. The atmosphere is perfect for those looking for an urban environment. Uptown’s proximity to Downtown makes it a great hub to enjoy life in the city center of Dallas.
McKinney Avenue is a popular location for food and entertainment near Uptown. Here you can find West Village, which is a laid-back shopping center.
Check out Upside West Village if you’re looking for a great view of Downtown. This location offers one of the best views of the Dallas skyline. Upside West Village also offers a great atmosphere with affordable cocktails.
Pros of Uptown
- Urban atmosphere with a vibrant social scene
- A 6-minute drive to Downtown
- One of more pedestrian friendly neighborhoods
- Newer housing options compared to other parts of Downtown
Cons of Uptown
- This neighborhood has a lot of traffic
- Smaller housing with higher costs
Oak Lawn
A diverse neighborhood with a lively nightlife and one of Dallas’ most colorful atmospheres.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Oak Lawn is minutes away from Uptown and north of Downtown. This colorful neighborhood is famous for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere. Oak Lawn is the ideal neighborhood for young professionals seeking an urban lifestyle and a welcoming community.
Due to its location, Oak Lawn is very walkable. Visitors and residents will find plenty of entertainment, nightlife, and dining options. Oak Lawn also has lots of green spaces. Turtle Creek Park has a creek trail that is great for runners.
The Strip on Cedar Springs is a popular entertainment district. Step back in time and experience a retro diner at Lucky’s Cafe. They serve classic southern comfort foods, such as chicken fried steak. Lucky’s is also a popular spot for weekend brunch.
Pros of Oak Lawn
- An 11-minute drive to Downtown
- A welcoming community that embraces inclusivity and diversity
- Great nightlife and live music scene
- 3-minute drive to the Katy Trail
Cons of Oak Lawn
- Noisy neighborhood due to traffic and a lively night scene
- Older housing options compared to some places in Dallas
Dallas Downtown Historic District
A bustling historic downtown neighborhood in the heart of the city popular for landmarks like Reunion Tower.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
The Dallas Downtown Historic District is in the heart of Downtown. Travelers and prospective residents will find many of Dallas’s top attractions here.
Reunion Tower is an observation deck where you can take in great views of the city. Crown Block is a restaurant on top of Reunion Tower. I recommend making reservations for a table, but the best view is actually from the bar.
Another highlight in the Dallas Downtown Historic District is the Farmer’s Market, which consists of The Shed and The Market. The weekly farmer’s market is on Saturday and Sunday in The Shed. The Market, which consists of eateries and unique shops, is open daily.
Pros of Dallas Downtown Historic District
- Central location near the heart of downtown
- Home to many of Dallas’s popular tourist sites
- Large selection of entertainment options nearby
Cons of Dallas Downtown Historic District
- Limited Green Spaces due to development
- Higher crime rates than some other neighborhoods
Bishop Arts District
An artistic neighborhood with vibrant street art, a diverse dining scene, live music, and historic homes.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Bishop Arts Hotel
Bishop Arts District is in North Oak Cliff, which is in the south of Dallas. This unique neighborhood is often called ‘Dallas’s Most Independent Neighborhood’.
Visitors and residents can discover lively streets and independent local shops. Bishop Arts is home to more than 60 independent boutiques, coffee shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Pros of Bishop Arts District
- A distinct historic charm and atmosphere
- Independent boutiques offer a unique shopping experience
- Many locations are within walking distance
Cons of Bishop Arts District
- Noisy due to high density and traffic
- Limited and/or expensive parking
The Arts District
A lively district perfect with great city views and plenty of entertainment options.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hall Arts Hotel Dallas
The Arts District is in the heart of Downtown and is one of the cultural hubs of Dallas. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the galleries, museums, diverse activities, and great skyline views.
The Klyde Warren Park in the Arts District offers a green space that is family friendly. This park is above the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and offers spectacular views of the city. Every weekend you can enjoy the food trucks that line up along the park.
Pros of The Arts District
- An array of museums and galleries
- Within walking distance to many locations
- More options for public transportation
Cons of The Arts District
- Noisy due to high density and traffic
- Limited and/or expensive parking
Dallas Design District
A creative and trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, interior design showrooms, and plenty of dining options.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Virgin Hotels Dallas
The Dallas Design District is another neighborhood in the heart of Dallas. The Design District is famous for its art galleries, interior design showroom, and boutique hotels. Artists and designers will enjoy this vibrant district in the northwest of Downtown.
Foodies will also love the selection of restaurants. The Meddlesome Moth is steps away from the popular Virgin Hotels Dallas. This Gastropub serves American food and offers over 140 different types of beer. It is a popular spot for weekend brunch.
Pros of Dallas Design District
- 8-minute drive from Downtown
- A creative hub for artists and designers
Cons of Dallas Design District
- Limited residential options
- Less options in the school district
- Lack of grocery stores
Trinity Groves
Check out eclectic eateries and experience a great view of Downtown Dallas from the Ronald Kirk footbridge.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Omni Dallas Hotel
Trinity Groves is a 15-acre entertainment district in West Dallas. This popular neighborhood is a short drive away from the heart of downtown. Visitors and locals will find unique art installations, murals, and scenic views.
ArtPark is a colorful outdoor hangout in Trinity Groves that is both dog and kid-friendly. This space is popular for its rotating art from local art communities. You can grab a bite at one of the adjoining eateries. The Network Bar is a nearby eatery that is great for networking events.
The Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge is a short walk from Trinity Groves. This bridge offers some of the most stunning views of the Dallas skyline.
Pros of Trinity Groves
- Enjoy the skyline from the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge
- 7-minute drive to Downtown
Cons of Trinity Groves
- Flood risk due to proximity to the Trinity River
- Limited residential options
- Higher crime rates than some other neighborhoods
Knox-Henderson
A trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, diverse eateries, and an array of high-end stores.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown
Knox-Henderson is near both Uptown and Downtown Dallas. Knox is to the west and Henderson Avenue is near the east. The diverse architecture of this neighborhood makes it a popular spot for both residents and travelers. You will see modern condominiums, historical homes and architecture that reflect Classic Dallas.
Taverna in Knox-Henderson is a hot spot for those who enjoy Italian food. Afterwards, you can visit The Katy Trail. The trail is an old railroad the city converted into a 3.5-mile walking trail. It is at the west edge of Knox-Henderson. The Katy Trail is a popular spot for jogging, biking, and walking dogs.
Pros of Knox-Henderson
- Diverse number of eateries and entertainment spots
- Many locations are within walking distance
- 8-minute drive to Downtown Dallas
- 4-minute drive to the Katy Trail
Cons of Knox-Henderson
- Noise pollution due to traffic
- Limited Green Spaces
Deep Ellum
A historic entertainment district with a rich history, unique street art, quirky shops, and an abundance of live music venues in East Dallas.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Kimpton – Pittman Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Deep Ellum is in the East Dallas area. This neighborhood has a rich history. The district was once the main hub for blues and jazz music in Dallas. Deep Ellum is still a music hub and is home to over 30 live music venues.
The neighborhood is a great place to walk around to enjoy the local shops and vibrant street art. You can’t go wrong checking out independent local stores like Deep Vellum Books.
Pros of Deep Ellum
- 7 minutes from Downtown Dallas
- One of more pedestrian friendly neighborhoods
- A large selection of live music venues, events, and nightlife
Cons of Deep Ellum
- Noisy due to high traffic
- Very developed with limited green spaces
Highland Park
An affluent neighborhood with tree-lined streets, luxurious homes, and immaculate architecture.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Highland Park ISD | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Beeman Hotel
Highland Park is one of the most affluent and expensive neighborhoods in the city. This neighborhood has beautiful homes with immaculate architecture. The tree lined streets offer a mix of both historic and contemporary homes.
Highland Park has a higher cost of living and is known as being one of the wealthiest areas in the US. It is a popular neighborhood for families looking for one of the best school districts and very low crime.
The neighborhood’s Highland Park Village is a luxury shopping center with upscale boutiques and high-end restaurants. Here you will find luxury stores like Channel, Dior, Cartier, and more.
Pros of Highland Park
- Top-Rated Schools in the Highland Park ISD
- Prime residential area near Downtown
- Large, immaculate homes
Cons of Highland Park
- A very high cost of living (one of the most expensive in the US)
- Primarily residential with limited dining options
University Park
An upscale residential neighborhood with an abundance of green spaces and cultural amenities.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Highland Park ISD | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hilton Dallas-Park Cities
University Park is north of Highland Park. Together these two neighborhoods are Park Cities. Similarly to Highland Park, University Park is one of the more pricier neighborhoods. It is also one of the wealthiest areas in the US.
Southern Methodist University (SMU), which is well-known for its campus, is in University Park. This campus is home to McFarlin Auditorium, a popular spot for concerts and lectures.
Meadows Museum, which is often referred to as “Prado on the Prairie”, is another popular destination on the SMU campus. This museum is home to Spanish art from the 15th century and beyond.
Pros of University Park
- Top-Rated Schools in Highland Park ISD
- Prime residential area near Downtown
- Large, immaculate homes
Cons of University Park
- A very high cost of living (one of the most expensive in the US)
- Primarily residential with limited dining options
Lower Greenville
A dynamic neighborhood full of diverse cuisines, arts, and walkable tree-lined streets.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lower Greenville is northeast of Downtown. Its lively tree-lined streets offer historic charm and many patio dining experiences. It is one of the more walkable neighborhoods and is known for being very dog-friendly.
Greenville Avenue is a high-energy street in Lower Greenville. This neighborhood has a variety of food options. Quarter Acre is great for those who are looking for a unique dining experience. This neighborhood restaurant serves New Zealand cuisine by chef Toby Archibald.
Lower Greenville is also known for its annual St. Patrick’s Day festival. This block party has been a Lower Greenville tradition for over 30 years. There are usually over 100,000 attendees, and it is the largest of its kind in Dallas.
Pros of Lower Greenville
- A diverse mix of housing
- Many locations are within walking distance
- A wide-selection of patio dining
Cons of Lower Greenville
- Heavy traffic due to its proximity to 75
- Less extensive green spaces than surrounding neighborhoods
Preston Hollow
An upscale neighborhood in northeast Dallas with large estates, luxurious living, and lush tree-lined streets.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hilton Dallas-Park Cities
Preston Hollow is another affluent neighborhood north of Downtown Dallas. University Park sits south of this neighborhood. The community is known for its upscale houses, green landscapes, and great schools.
Preston Hollow offers luxury shopping, country clubs, and a tranquil suburban vibe. The Northaven Trail is a popular spot for hikers and bikers. This 8.2-mile trail runs through several north Dallas neighborhoods.
NorthPark Center, also called NorthPark, is a 6-minute drive from Preston Hollow. This luxury shopping mall has over 200 stores and is the 20th largest shopping mall in the US.
Pros of Preston Hollow
- An 11-minute drive to Downtown Dallas
- Prime residential area near Downtown
- Home to several parks and green spaces
Cons of Preston Hollow
- Largely residential and not as lively as some other neighborhoods
- Limited public transit
Southlake
Offers top-rated schools and a family-friendly environment with a large number of green spaces.
📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | School Districts: Carroll Independent School District (CISD) | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Southlake
Southlake is a community between Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. Southlake’s proximity to the DFW airport makes it a great location for travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts and families will also enjoy Southlake’s luscious green spaces.
Green spaces near Southlake include Bicentennial Park, Sparger Park, Bear Creek Park, and Bob Jones Park. Bicentennial Park is a great option for families since it offers many great amenities for children.
Southlake is also near Grapevine Lake. Visitors can rent paddle boards or take wake surfing lessons. The lake has a floating obstacle course that is fun for the whole family.
Pros of Southlake
- Top-rated public schools
- A safe, family-friendly environment
- Good proximity to the DFW airport
- Close to Grapevine Lake
Cons of Southlake
- Noise pollution from the airport
- Limited public transit
Lakewood
Lakewood is a charming, community-oriented neighborhood with plenty of green spaces.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Dallas Independent School District | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Drey Hotel
Lakewood is in the northern part of East Dallas. This established neighborhood is a popular choice for residents seeking a suburban feel close to Downtown.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Lakewood’s green spaces. White Rock Lake is a great place to take a boat ride, hike, or enjoy a picnic. The reservoir also has a dog park.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is on White Rock Lake. The gardens span 66 acres. There are events and concerts year round. Visitors can stop at A Tasteful Place to grab a drink and take in the views of both downtown and White Rock Lake.
Pros of Lakewood
- Various parks and green spaces
- Laid-back, community-oriented neighborhood
- Close proximity to White Rock Lake and Downtown
- Some of the better school options in the DISD
Cons of Lakewood
- Walkability score is low
- Limited public transit
Lake Highlands
A suburban oasis with diverse dining, shopping at Town Center, and scenic trails by White Rock Lake.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Richardson ISD | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Drey Hotel
Lake Highlands is a suburban neighborhood in northeast Dallas. Similarly to Lakewood, this community is popular for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Compared to Lakewood, Lake Highlands is a newer neighborhood.
Lake Highlands is also close to White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. White Rock Creek Greenbelt is a popular scenic trail for cyclists and runners. This trail consists of 17.1 miles. Some portions of the trail are on White Rock Lake.
Pros of Lake Highlands
- Various parks and green spaces
- Laid-back, community-oriented neighborhood
- Close proximity to White Rock Lake
Cons of Lake Highlands
- Walkability score is low
- Limited public transit
- Largely residential and not as vibrant as some other neighborhoods
Far North Dallas
A suburban neighborhood with larger residential space, a variety of school districts, and many ethnic cuisines.
📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Richardson ISD, Plano ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Westin Galleria Dallas
Far North Dallas offers larger residential areas that are close to Downtown. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with bigger homes and yards. Families will also enjoy the wider range of school districts.
The Galleria in Far North Dallas is a great spot for shopping and entertainment. This mall offers a mix of luxury and affordable shopping, from Gucci to H&M. The Galleria is also home to North Texas’s only American Girl Boutique. The ice rink is a popular spot for families and is open year round.
Pros of Far North Dallas
- Various parks and green spaces
- Variety of housing options
- Top-rated schools
- Diverse food options
Cons of Far North Dallas
- Walkability score is low
- Limited public transit
👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Dallas
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Dallas has a diverse selection of neighborhoods catering to different preferences and lifestyles. From city views to family friendly green spaces, Dallas has a lil’ something for both future residents and visitors. Which neighborhood stands out the most to you? Let me know in the comments!
