Did you know that the city of Dallas has 24.9 million annual visitors and 48.9 million visiting the Metro area? It’s no secret that Dallas is a hot spot for travel, but imagine living there.
If you are considering a move to Dallas county, you’ve come to the right place. Dallas offers big city life, community, and a sense of peace and quiet depending on the area you choose.
So, what is the right Dallas neighborhood for you? Keep reading to find out.
The Best Dallas Neighborhoods
If you want to live in the heart of Dallas, there are some top neighborhoods to consider over others. There are ample choices to fit your needs whether you enjoy artsy areas or a lot of greenery.
Uptown
The Uptown district in Dallas offers an urban living experience in the middle of the city. The neighborhood is walkable and offers different boutique shops, art museums, and entertainment venues.
It is also home to the historic McKinney Ave. Trolley. This streetcar line offers free service to the downtown Dallas Arts District area.
If you enjoy nature, take a walk on the Katy Trail that once was a railway line. Enjoy yourself a nice ice cold beer and lunch after your stroll where the trail ends at Katy Trail Ice House.
Uptown is also popular for its social atmosphere during the day and night. If you are a pet owner, you’ll be happy to know Uptown has a lot of dog-friendly venues.
Because of the vibe of Uptown, there are fewer families and schools in the area. Instead, you’ll find a lot of young singles and professionals in their early 30s.
Most residents rent their homes where the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,836. Compared to the year before, this is a 19% rent increase.
If you want to live in this Dallas county area, jump on an apartment you find for rent before the price increases again.
If you are looking for a forever home, expect to pay about $352 per square foot. The median home price is $699,000.
Bishop Arts
Some people moving to Dallas county do so for areas like Bishop Arts District. This spot is located southwest of downtown Dallas and is known as the “hipster hood.”
This neighborhood was originally designed as a warehouse district but has instead become a hot spot for millennials. Bishop Arts maintains a small-town vibe while being in the middle of a big city.
Here you’ll find community events, art galleries, and various eateries.
Unlike Uptown, Bishop Arts is home to more families and singles in their mid-30s. Residents in the area can send their kids to school at John H. Reagan Elementary School, W.E. Greiner Middle School, and W.H. Adamson High School.
Not a lot of homes go on sale in this district in any given year. For example, they are currently only two homes for sale in Bishop Arts District where the median sale price for homes is $517,623.
Oak Lawn
Dallas’ annual pride parade is located in Oak Lawn down Cedar Springs Road. For this reason and more, Oak Lawn is known as the center of the Dallas LGBTQ community.
Oak Lawn has a vibrant nightlife scene that attracts more singles than families. The neighborhood is rich in architecture featuring brownstones and grand old homes for families who do want to live here.
Because of the historic vibe, purchasing a home is more expensive in this area than in others. However, renters can get by with a median rent of $1,205 in North Oak Lawn.
If you have a lot of guests that visit you but you don’t want them to stay in your home, you can impress them with a luxurious hotel stay at either Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek or the Warwick Melrose.
Oak Lawn homes provide an easy commute to and from Love Field, an airport in Dallas that is the hub for Southwest Airlines. It’s also an easy commute to the medical district and downtown Dallas.
The district is most known for being pet-friendly and walkable. You’ll find numerous parks and running trails, most notably along Turtle Creek.
University Park
University Park is one of the more expensive areas of Dallas because it is such a respected area. You might know it as an affluent suburb home to Southern Methodist University.
University Park offers the same upscale vibe as Highland Park but with a younger community and greater schools. You can easily get to downtown Dallas by taking the Dallas North Tollway or the U.S. Highway 75.
At the center of this community, you’ll find Snider Plaza, a popular shopping and entertainment center. It mimics the vibe of a small town while still offering luxury.
Residents in University Park can enjoy exclusive perks like access to Holmes Aquatic Center and Caruth Park with play areas and fishing ponds.
You’ll find some college students living in this area because of its proximity to the university. However, this area mostly appeals to professional families who enjoy a sense of community.
Houses in this area range from $252,000 to $5.4 million which makes the median listing home price $2.2 million.
Preston Hollow
Another one of the best cities in Dallas county is Preston Hollow. It’s located north of University Park on the opposite side of Loop 12.
Former U.S. Presidents, NFL royalty, and business tycoons among other Dallas elite find their place in Preston Hollow. Yes, it is a prestigious neighborhood made up of Southern mansions and 1950s style ranch homes.
Homeowners can enjoy large lots and some of the best local public schools in the DFW area. Even though this is the case, residents tend to take advantage of the closeness to the top private schools in Dallas.
Both luxury shopping malls, North Park Center and Dallas Galleria are nearby. Residents can also enjoy local park access such as Netherland Park and Preston Hollow.
These aren’t your average run-of-the-mill parks. Here you’ll find an array of outdoor amenities such as trails, tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields.
As an exclusive neighborhood with beauty and privacy, the homes come at a hefty price. The median listing home price for Preston Hollow homes is $1.7 million.
Lakewood
Along the west side of White Rock Lake, you’ll find the neighborhood of Lakewood. There are older homes in this area with architectural interest and amazing surrounding scenery like rolling hills and even some wildlife.
Lakewood attracts nature lovers who enjoy hiking trails and even like to spend time on the lake in a sailboat or kayak. Lakewood is the perfect place to balance the big city and lake life charm.
The Lakewood Shopping Center has a variety of small shops and markets where you’ll find individuals from the vibrant community. Interesting events like the Fourth of July Parade and the annual Chicken Coop Tour take place in this area.
Lakewood Elementary and Woodrow Wilson High School are exceptional schools in the state with famous alumni.
You can find a lot of historic places like the Lakewood Theater which is now home to a bowling alley where locals like to hang out and enjoy cocktails.
The downside to this area is that it is very expensive and only becoming less affordable. However, homeowners find that the area is worth the cost.
You might have to pay up to a million dollars to snag a home in this Dallas area.
The Best Dallas Suburbs
Some of the best places to move in Dallas county are suburbs close to the big city but far enough to enjoy a slower suburban pace of living. A lot of cities on the north end of the Dallas metroplex offer the best of both worlds.
Housing is more affordable and offers some of the best school districts in the state. If you work in Dallas, commuting during rush hour probably isn’t ideal but you will likely save money.
Addison
A lot of individuals in their 20s and 30s enjoy living in Addison because it is an upscale suburb. They host numerous outdoor festivals including Taste of Addison, Kaboom Town, and Ocktoberfest.
Addison also has several performance venues like the WaterTower Theater, Addison Improv, and Addison Theater Center. Shopping, bars, and businesses are filled along the street in this community.
If you enjoy green space, visit the 19-acre Vitruvian Park. During the holiday season, you’ll find every tree filled with colorful lights.
Most Addison residents rent but there are smaller homes available for buyers. Condos are also available for a premium. The average rent for an apartment in this Dallas suburb is a little over $1,600.
Apartments tend to be smaller so if you have to get rid of some of your stuff to move to Addison, hire junk removal services from Dallas movers for help.
Another great plus of living in Addison is that you can save on money and avoid traffic by commuting to Dallas via the DART Train.
Colleyville
Colleyville is near the popular international DFW Airport. The suburban area has a population of about 25,000 residents, top-rated schools, and a low crime rate.
This neighborhood is perfect for growing families who enjoy a quiet life and want to settle down. In February of this year, the median listing home price in Colleyville was $930,000.
The housing prices are higher than in other surrounding Dallas cities because of a limited housing inventory and prime location. The commute to downtown Dallas is manageable at 30 miles.
Plano
If you take a straight shot up Highway 75 from the middle of Dallas, you’ll find yourself in Plano. This is the city that has contributed to major growth on the north end of the DFW area.
Major corporations like Toyota, Pizza Hut, and Frito-Lay make Plano their hub. For this reason and more, this Dallas suburb offers employment opportunities for everyone.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Plano is the fourth largest city with over 284,000 residents. A lot of Plano residents hold a Bachelor’s degree because of the award-winning schools in the area.
Plano is an ideal place to raise a family thanks to the high standard of living, affordable home prices, low crime rates, and, of course, schools.
Plano home prices are trending up but the median listing price is still under $500,000.
Frisco
You might have heard of Frisco because it is the fastest-growing large city in the nation. Over the past three decades, Frisco has become a mini-metropolis that now has a population of over 200,000.
Frisco is for family-friendly living while also being an area for younger people to enjoy. It has over 1,000 acres of parks and 90 miles of trails for outdoorsy residents.
Frisco is home to professional sports teams and venues such as the Dallas Cowboys. The Star is a 91-acre campus for this NFL team to practice and hold corporate headquarters.
The Star is also a booming area full of hot brunch spots, eateries, and nightlife.
Dallas county property tax is low in this neighborhood and has a high job growth. When it comes to the best places to live in Texas, Frisco is at the very top of the list.
The typical value of homes in this suburb of Dallas is over $640,000.
Flower Mound
Flower Mound, Texas is in the perfect location for easy access to all corners of the DFW area. It sits on the side of Highway I-35 and is only 20 miles from downtown Dallas.
Outdoor enthusiasts find a place in Flower Mound because it is located between Lewisville Lake and Lake Grapevine. Both lakes are popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and wakeboarding.
Flower Mound is truly a mix of young and old people. The older individuals have lived there for decades and consider it a spot for retirement.
If you move to Texas for the ranch houses, you can find them in Flower Mound. Yet, the city also has newly constructed modern townhomes and single-family homes. You’ll find the newer builds on the Riverwalk development.
Like other areas in Texas, the housing prices are trending up in Flower Mound. The median Flower Mound listing price for homes is less than $600,000.
Highland Village
Highland Village is part of Flower Mound technically but has its own community with a population of almost 17,000. It differs from Flower Mound as it is home to older individuals because of the price of living in the area.
This safe neighborhood has park access, schools, and retail centers all on a 20-mile paved trail network known as Inland Trail. You’ll also find shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and close access to Dallas.
A lot of residents come here to build their forever homes in a quieter part of Dallas, but you can also buy an already built home on the market. The housing market here is very competitive compared to other areas.
The average price currently for a home in Highland Village is $534,000. They only stay on the market for about 15 days because of the popularity of the area.
Roanoke
Moving to Texas for the dining experience is common, especially in Roanoke.
In fact, Roanoke is known as the Unique Dining Capital of Texas because of the variety of eateries. Within only six square miles, you’ll find 60 amazing restaurants.
Even if you aren’t a foodie, Roanoke might still be the place for you. The city is home to outdoor festivals like Fishing in the Park, Evenings on Oak Street Concert Series, and Roanoke EggAPalooza.
You can even enjoy a weekend Farmer’s Market that runs seven months out of the year.
A lot of families and single parents move here for the affordable and various housing options suited near award-winning school districts. You can find everything from luxury residences to historic homes.
There are a lot more homes for sale this year in Roanoke so now is the time to jump on the market!
McKinney
McKinney was founded in 1839, stood tall, and is now a historic area.
The city’s 200,000 residents enjoy historic landmarks, farm-to-table cuisine, and boutique shopping. The downtown square is perfect for local cafe visits and seasonal festivals.
McKinney is charming because of its Gothic Revival Victorians and late-19th century architecture. Even craftsman bungalows are found in the area along with more modern builds.
This Dallas suburb is perfect for those who want an active lifestyle because of its various parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and vineyards. It has a strong appeal for those in their 30s with or without families.
Middle-tier homes in the area are worth a little over $500,000.
Southlake
Southlake, Texas has a high ranking for schools and a low number of property and violent crimes. The population of Southlake is a little over 30,000.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to Grapevine Lake and the Bob Jones Nature Center.
If you’d rather do your cardio by walking around and shopping, Southlake Town Square is the place to be. It’s home to more than 130 restaurants and over 260 retail vendors.
There are generally a lot of homes available in this area for around $600,000 on average.
Keller
Keller is one of the more affordable suburbs on our list with a median home value of around $350,000.
Almost 50,000 people live in this area which is why it is easier to find a house for purchase. You’ll be able to choose from more than 400 home communities.
Keller is west of Southlake and has plenty of things to do. For example, browsing the farmer’s market and visiting the Moviehouse & Eatery are common for entertainment purposes.
Parkland is also available to the public but offers more than just open fields. You’ll find areas dedicated to sports fields and dog parks for your furry friends.
Grapevine
We’ve boasted about the fun things to do at Grapevine Lake so the city was bound to show up on our list at some point. But, this suburb offers much more than a lake for outdoor events.
Grapevine is a great suburb with a low mean travel time to work because of the area and access to certain roads. Historic Main Street might not be how you get to work, but it is a great place to go for dinner and shopping.
During different seasons, you’ll likely find new activities to do on Main Street alone.
Near Main Street, Great Wolf Lodge is a great hotel experience to attend with your family. From various camp activities to an indoor water park, there is fun for everyone!
Right across the street is the Gaylord Texan Resort on Grapevine Lake. This is the best place to be during the holiday season to enjoy a giant Christmas tree and an all-ice experience you don’t want to miss.
In the summer, this hotel offers free firework shows on Fridays that guests can enjoy along with those on the lake in close proximity.
You can be near all of these fun things by owning a house in Grapevine. The median home value in the area is a little under $300,000.
Allen
The city of Allen is historic and only 20 miles north of downtown Dallas. This suburb has a lot of natatoriums, recreation centers, parks, and the renowned Allen Community Ice Rink. Aspiring Olympians can train right in this city!
If your child prefers football, this is also the city to be in! In 2012, Allen High School opened the Eagle Stadium which cost $60 million. That’s how much they care about the sport.
The schools are highly rated which attracts a lot of young families in their 30s. Residents can also enjoy affordable retail therapy at Allen Premium Outlets.
You can find a good amount of homes for sale in Allen, Texas with a median listing price of $485,000.
Moving to Dallas County? Let Us Help You!
Dallas county is the place to be because it offers a community lifestyle, nightlife, family-friendly neighborhoods, and much more!
There’s truly something for everyone whether you choose to live in a Dallas neighborhood or suburb. While some areas are more expensive than others, the quality of life makes it well worth the price.
If you are planning a move, let us be involved to make the process easier! Read our reviews to see how we can help and contact us today for a free moving quote.
