9 Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
- Preston Hollow
- Bishop Arts District
- Deep Ellum
- Lake Highlands
- Design District
- Uptown
- White Rock
- University Park
- Lakewood
1. Preston Hollow
The best neighborhood in Dallas is Preston Hollow. This prestigious neighborhood in north Dallas offers spacious homes, quiet streets, and low crime. The community has been home to some of the city’s most notable residents, from former president George W. Bush to business mogul Ross Perot and Preston Hollow is widely considered one of the top neighborhoods in Dallas.
Ideally located along Dallas North Tollway and Northwest Highway, downtown Dallas is only a 15-minute drive. But residents also enjoy easy access to shopping, restaurants, parks, and grocery stores in the community, making Preston Hollow an excellent choice if you’re looking for convenience and residential bliss.
2. Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District is a trendy neighborhood in southwest Dallas known for its happening clubs and music venues, eclectic dining choices, and cocktail bars. You’ll find various delicious dining options from vegan po-boys to Texas Barbecue to Mediterranean fare.
The Bishop Arts District is often considered one of Dallas’s trendiest neighborhoods and features popular attractions close by, like the Texas Theater and Kidd Springs Park. It’s a relatively small neighborhood and only comprises about 49 square blocks. But it’s a great area for recent graduates and young professionals looking for nightlife, culture, and entertainment.
3. Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is also one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas. Located just northeast of downtown, Deep Ellum is a bustling entertainment district situated along Route 75 and the I-30 highway. The neighborhood is a hub for creatives with unique street murals, live music venues, and art galleries lining the streets. Residents will also find plenty of cocktail bars, trendy restaurants, and chic boutiques to check out on the weekend as well.
Deep Ellum is a very walkable neighborhood where there is always something to do. You’ll find plenty of notable venues like The Factory in Deep Ellum, a popular concert venue, or the Undermain Theater, which hosts experimental drama in a basement. The neighborhood can get a bit rowdy on weekends, and crime can be an issue, so it’s not the best area for families. But for artists and young professionals looking for a vibrant community full of culture, Deep Ellum is one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas.
4. Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands is a posh residential neighborhood in northeast Dallas, offering quiet streets and scenic beauty. The community is comprised of multiple smaller subdivisions that are all zoned for the Richardson Independent School District. Lake Highlands has a peaceful, suburban ambiance with beautiful homes in various architectural styles, respected schools, and well-maintained blocks.
Residents can easily access outdoor recreation at Harry Moss Park or the White Rock Creek Greenbelt, which features creeks, walking trails, sports complexes, a golf course, and more. There are plenty of great restaurants and shopping venues scattered throughout the neighborhood, plus downtown is easily accessible by the Lyndon Johnson Freeway.
5. Design District
The Design District is a popular industrial enclave just outside downtown, along Stemmons Freeway. The community is well known for its art galleries, diverse culinary options, and bustling gastropubs. The neighborhood sits adjacent to Trammell Crow Park, a lush greenspace on the Trinity River offering sports fields, trails, and breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The neighborhood is also home to popular attractions like the Dallas Contemporary Art Museum and the Echo Lounge, and Music Hall. You’ll also find a mix of eclectic boutiques and popular retailers; plus, downtown Dallas is minutes away for more amenities and conveniences. All of this makes the design district one of the best Dallas neighborhoods to live in.
6. Uptown
On the other side of the Freeway is Uptown Dallas, a bustling neighborhood known for its happening bar scene, a wide range of culinary options, and popular entertainment venues. Situated along Texas 366 and Highway 75, Uptown is right in the heart of the action, with easy access to other parts of the city.
Residents will find plenty of posh hotels, cocktail bars, yoga studios, high end-boutiques, and other establishments lining the streets. You can stop by the Uptown Plaza for upscale retailers or check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science for interactive, multi-media exhibits.
There is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors at Reverchon Park or the Turtle Creek Parkway. So, if you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood with easy access to everything, Uptown Dallas is a smart choice.
7. White Rock
White Rock is another one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas. It is a beautiful suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of northeast Dallas, offering natural beauty and easy access to attractions. The adjacent White Rock Lake Park offers a great way to spend a weekend afternoon with a 1000+ acre reservoir, playgrounds, walking trails, sailing clubs, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
The community is also full of gorgeous homes in a variety of architectural styles ranging from $300,000 to over $1 million. You’ll find plenty of delicious wine bars, eateries, golf courses, and fitness centers nearby. Plus, downtown Dallas is only a 15-minute drive for more action and amenities.
8. University Park
University Park is an affluent community in north Dallas, offering gorgeous neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and a prestigious ambiance. Home to Methodist University, residents can take advantage of several on-campus attractions such as Meadows Museum and Gerald J. Ford Stadium, where the football team plays. It’s also a very safe community with a crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average.
University Park residents have easy access to Northwest Highway, the Dallas North Tollway, and US Highway 75, offering a quick commute to downtown Dallas and convenient travel to the rest of the state. Although primarily a residential area, you’ll still find plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and service businesses, making University Park one of the best places to live in Dallas.
9. Lakewood
Another one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas is Lakewood, a laidback community in the northwest quadrant of the city. Situated on the banks of White Rock Lake Park, Lakewood offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Residents will find a mixture of million-dollar estates and quaint cottages in a variety of sizes and architectural designs.
The neighborhood is also zoned for the Dallas Independent School District, and the local Lakewood Elementary is considered one of the top primary schools in the city. You won’t find as many shops and restaurants in the community, although downtown Dallas and other cultural centers are easily accessible. But if you’re looking for a calm, suburban atmosphere in a big city, Lakewood is one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas.