Living in Dallas
Let's break down the neighborhoods.
Top neighborhoods in Dallas
Uptown
Patios, the McKinney Avenue trolley and nonstop brunch.
Best for: Young professionals who want to walk to bars, gyms and work
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease2
- Quiet2
Getting around: Next to downtown and the Arts District; free M-Line trolley; quick access to the Dallas North Tollway and Woodall Rodgers.
Local favorites: Klyde Warren Park · Katy Trail · West Village shops
Uptown is Dallas's most walkable social hub, packed with high-rise and mid-rise apartments. The Katy Trail runs right through it, and the McKinney Avenue trolley connects restaurants and bars. Expect busy weekends and paid or tight parking.
Photo: Aceplace, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Deep Ellum
Live music, murals and late nights.
Best for: Night owls, musicians and renters who want an artsy edge
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease2
- Quiet1
Getting around: Just east of downtown off I-30/I-45; DART Green Line at Deep Ellum Station.
Local favorites: Pecan Lodge · Deep Ellum Brewing Company · The Factory in Deep Ellum (music venue)
Deep Ellum is Dallas's historic entertainment district, known for live music venues and street art. Converted lofts and new apartments sit right above the action. It's loud on weekends, which is exactly the point for many renters.
Photo: Dutch788, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bishop Arts
Indie boutiques and cafes in historic Oak Cliff.
Best for: Renters who love local shops and a small-town feel near downtown
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown via the Houston Street Viaduct; Dallas Streetcar connects to Union Station.
Local favorites: Emporium Pies · Lockhart Smokehouse · Kessler Theater (nearby)
The Bishop Arts District is a walkable cluster of independent restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques in North Oak Cliff. Newer apartments line the edges of the district. It feels creative and neighborly, with downtown just across the river.
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lower Greenville
Neon signs, patios and a neighborhood bar crawl.
Best for: Social renters who want nightlife with a residential feel
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown via Central Expressway (US-75); Mockingbird DART Station nearby.
Local favorites: Trader Joe's on Greenville Ave · Truck Yard · Granada Theater
Lower Greenville mixes a lively strip of restaurants and bars with quiet side streets of duplexes and small complexes. The Granada Theater anchors the music scene. It's close to SMU and Central Expressway, so commutes are easy.
Photo: Richard H, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Design District
Galleries, showrooms and sleek new apartments.
Best for: Design lovers and professionals working near downtown or Love Field
Novara take
- Walkability3
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease4
- Quiet3
Getting around: Off I-35E (Stemmons) between downtown and Love Field; Market Center DART Station nearby.
Local favorites: Trinity Groves (nearby) · Ascension Coffee (Design District) · Trinity Skyline Trail
The Dallas Design District has turned from warehouses into a hub of galleries, showrooms and new apartments. It's calmer than Uptown at night, but restaurants are steadily filling in. Highway access to downtown, the Medical District and Love Field is a big plus.
Photo: IcedCowboyCoffee, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lakewood
Big trees, the lake and a classic neighborhood feel.
Best for: Families, outdoorsy renters and anyone who wants space and quiet
Novara take
- Walkability3
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease4
- Quiet5
Getting around: About 15 minutes to downtown via Gaston Ave or Garland Rd.
Local favorites: White Rock Lake · Dallas Arboretum · Lakewood Theater (landmark)
Lakewood is a leafy East Dallas neighborhood next to White Rock Lake, with its trails and sunset views. Rentals are mostly houses, duplexes and smaller complexes. It's quieter and more residential, with a local shopping center and the iconic Lakewood Theater sign.
Photo: John Margolies, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ratings are the Novara team's own take, out of 5. Spots and details can change, so ask your locator for the latest.
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