Over the last couple of years, the Dallas area has experienced remarkable growth. And for a good reason. Generally, Dallas is blessed with excellent weather, has a strong presence in many industries, has a talented population, and is one of the best cities for desirable jobs.
As a Dallas Foundation Repair Company (check out our homepage!), we often visit many different neighborhoods in our great city. We figured this would be a great opportunity to write about the different neighborhoods our wonderful city has to offer.
If you are wondering where to live in Dallas, here are 14 neighborhoods to get you started.
1. Knox-Henderson
Knox-Henderson is situated between Highland Park, Lower Greenville, and Uptown. The neighborhood is filled with shops, bars, and eateries that radiate out in all directions.
If you’re hungry, eat French and Belgium style food at Café Toulouse, sushi at Tei Tei Robata, and burgers at The Porch.
Several bars and clubs provide the nightlife scene. The Old Monk and The Travis are popular nightlife destinations.
If shopping is what you’re after, this area of Dallas offers a variety of places to empty your wallet. On the Henderson side, there’s everything from retro fashions at Vintage Martini to French antiques at The Whimsey Shoppe. On the Knox side, you’ll find designer boutiques like Forty-Five Ten and Kate Spade.
2. Highland Park
Highland Park is located south of University Park. One of the best features of this neighborhood is its accessibility to attractive parks, complete with fountains, tennis courts, walking paths and ponds.
It’s also a great spot to dine, shop or stroll.
Highland Park is also home to the Highland Park Village – the oldest outdoor mall in the US. Some of the retailers you’ll find there include Christian Louboutin, Ralph Lauren, Harry Winston and Gucci.
3. Greenville Avenue
Greenville Avenue is more upscale and modern than the more bohemian Lower Greenville. The lengthy strip of road that comprises the Dallas neighborhood traverses a broad cross-section of nightclubs, restaurants, residences and retail establishments.
Mockingbird Lane divides the area in half. Attractions to the south are referred to as being on Lower Greenville, while others are referred to as being on Upper Greenville.
Lower Greenville is popularly known for its festive bar scene. Upper Greenville, on the other hand, is known for its urban yuppie crowd.
4. Downtown
Downtown Dallas is full of activities, from museums to live performances. Downtown is home to the Dallas Museum of Art, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
There are many dining options. From delicious Latin-inspired fare at San Salvaje and gourmet southwestern cuisine at Fearing’s to sizzling steaks at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille and sophisticated Asian food at Tei An.
For the latest fashions, downtown offers many shopping options. It all boils down to your taste and budget. Some of the stores include Wild Bill’s Western Store, Kettledrum Allie Boutique, and TenOverSix.
5. Deep Ellum
Long the heart of the Dallas music scene, Deep Ellum entertainment district is better known for its nightlife than as a place to call home. It was once a center for jazz and blues artists in the 1920’s.
Today, it’s an eclectic enclave boasting one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, delectable eateries and a thriving nightlife.
A haven for foodies, Deep Ellum features an ever-growing lineup of chef-driven restaurants, casual mom-and-pop eateries, cafes and gastro pubs. You can enjoy northern Chinese street food at Monkey King Noodle Co., artisanal pizzas at II Cane Rosso and mouthwatering barbeque at Pecan Lodge.
Evidently, culture and creativity make up Deep Ellum’s core. A variety of performing arts venues include Undermain Theatre and Dallas Comedy House.
6. Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Art District is one of Dallas’ most charming neighborhoods. Its located minutes south of downtown. It’s filled with an eclectic mix of trendy eateries, art galleries, shops and performance venues.
Besides shopping and nightlife, Bishop Arts District plays host to numerous family-friendly events, wine walks, and street fairs. Entertainment is provided by the Bishop Arts Theater and Kessler Theatre. Both of these performing arts centers put on live shows and musical productions.
This neighborhood also happens to be one of Dallas’ hottest dining destinations. You can enjoy authentic Cuban sandwiches at C. Señor, imaginative Japanese cuisine at ZEN Sushi and rustic Italian cooking at Lucia.
7. Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands is a neighborhood constituting most of Northeast Dallas, Texas. It’s most popular Dallas neighborhood among young couples and families. The majority of homes here were built in the 70’s and 80’s.
The neighborhood is popularly known for its massive oak and pecan trees, as well as large, rolling hills – a rarity in the prairie area of Dallas.
8. Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow is a neighborhood located five miles from downtown. It’s located in north Dallas inside the LBJ/I-35 loop. It’s one of Big D’s most affluent neighborhoods. Preston Hollow features a mix of village-like shopping centers, ranch-style homes, and sprawling estates.
Aside from its myriad of shops and restaurants, Preston Hollow is also home to high-profile residents such as former George W. Bush, Ross Perot, and Mark Cuban.
The neighborhood is also a shopper’s paradise. It’s flanked by three of Dallas’ prime shopping centers: Galleria to the north, Northpark Mall to the east and Preston Center at the south.
Foodies will also love Preston Hollow. There is something for just about every budget and taste.
9. Lakewood
The neighborhood of Lakewood, Texas is located west of White Rock Lake and encompasses the east side of the greater Lakewood area. It’s home to both impressive estates and charming cottages.
Its laid-back atmosphere and tons of beautiful green spaces and parks make it an idyllic place for families and professionals alike. Head on over to Lakewood if you’re looking for a great neighborhood to spend the afternoon in.
If you love the outdoors, Lakewood has you covered. It has one of Dallas’ best attractions – the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Residents also have access to good school districts.
For dining, Lakewood has all types of restaurants to satisfy any craving. To taste some fried chicken, head over to the Dixie House. For cookies and petit fours, go to Casa Linda Bakery. And if you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, try out Matt’s Rancho Martinez.
10. Uptown
Uptown is located in the middle of several affluent surrounding neighborhoods. These include Downtown to the south, Deep Ellum to the east, Highland Park to the north, and Oak Lawn to the west.
During the last decade, the place has undergone a major makeover, which has transformed the area into a bustling live-work-play environment. This up-and-coming Dallas neighborhood has a plethora of dining and shopping venues, sparkling office towers and new contemporary residences make Uptown Dallas a top destination.
Offices, boutiques, restaurants, and bars are all a few minutes away. The public transit to and from the nightlife is also very accessible. These features and more make Uptown one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dallas.
11. Dallas Design District
Dallas Design District offers enviable proximity to downtown Dallas. It’s also within easy access to north and south points. This Dallas neighborhood is famous for its beautiful nightlife scene, state-of-the-art design studios, and edgy art galleries.
After the sun goes down, the area plays host to a number of activities, from wine tastings to gallery events. For something unique, check out the retro bowling lanes at Bowlounge.
The Dallas Design District also offers a tantalizing edible landscape. Residents can find everything from artisan burgers at Rodeo Goat to exotic Asian fare at Pakpao Thai.
12. Fair Park
Fair Park is a 277-acre recreational and educational complex. It’s home to a variety of cultural exhibits including the Civic Garden, the Dallas Aquarium, and the Starplex Amphitheatre.
Fair Park is home to the State Fair of Texas and the world’s largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings. With more than 1,200 activities every year, this makes Fair Park one of the best Dallas neighborhoods, that certainly has something for everyone.
There are many places of interest, including landscaped grounds, performance stages, exhibitions, and museums.
13. North Dallas
Home to many of Dallas’ wealthiest people, this area features both sprawling estates and row after row of ranch-style homes. It’s located north of downtown Dallas and west of North Central Expressway.
This neighborhood offers everything from chic shopping centers to trendy restaurants. For the ultimate high-end retail shopping experience, hit NorthPark Center. The center’s art collection features major works by Frank Stella and Andy Warhol.
North Dallas is also a foodie haven. The choice of restaurants is fantastic. Enjoy terrific modern American fare at Suze or go for the fragrant kabobs and masalas at India Palace. Or, why not try a sumptuous Latin-inspired specialty over at La Duni.
14. North Oak Cliff
North Oak Cliff is located directly southwest of downtown. It’s fast becoming one of Dallas’ most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike. North Oak Cliff is bedecked with historic architecture, lush landscapes, and rolling hills.
When it comes to nightlife, this neighborhood really excels. Residents can get inexpensive booze at The Tradewinds Social Club. Get more suds and grubs at Ten Bells Tavern. And enjoy homemade brews and live music at Small Brewpub.
We hope this guide to the best neighborhoods in Dallas brought to you by our team at Granite Foundation can help you decide which area in Dallas is best for you. Take a pick from the abovementioned 14 best neighborhoods in Dallas if you’re planning on moving here.