8 Best Neighborhoods in Dallas, TX 2022

Dallas is one of the major cities in Texas, nestled in the northern part of the state. The Big D draws in residents from all around and keeps them there with a good mix of Southern charm and urban amenities.

With a thriving business sector, tons of small businesses, and a diverse population, Dallas residents enjoy all the things that make city living great. Additionally, the perks of living in a warm city with lots of entertainment options shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you’re ready to join the ranks of Dallas residents, we’ve got you covered. This guide will break down some of the best neighborhoods in Dallas to help you get started on your apartment search.

As Dallas is one of the largest cities in the nation, it’s no surprise that there are a ton of distinct neighborhoods within the city’s borders. This variety gives Dallas its unique character, but it also makes it challenging to find the right neighborhood to settle down in.

To help you narrow down your list of options, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the best neighborhoods in Dallas. Let’s dive in!

1. Deep Ellum

• Population: 2,621
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,824
• Median Household Income: $53,659
• Walk Score: 76
• Transit Score: 74
• Bike Score: 80

Deep Ellum has a fascinating history with some significant downturns but is currently experiencing an upswing. More residents move in each year, transforming the area into more of a residential neighborhood than ever. Previously, Deep Ellum’s thriving nightlife scene gave it a solid reputation for a place to have fun but not a place to call home.

If you love live music, Deep Ellum’s music venues offer everything from blues to indie rock. On nights when you prefer less of a show, the neighborhood’s breweries, bars, and restaurants are excellent places to hang out and have some late-night fun.

The neighborhood’s wide walkways, tree-lined streets, and distinctly urban feel are a great match for residents who want a little bit of everything. However, some residents have expressed concern about the Deep Ellum’s crime rate, but the good news is that crime has gone down in recent years.

2. Bishop Arts District

• Population: 3,247
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: 1,600
• Median Household Income: $46,213
• Walk Score: 89
• Transit Score: 51
• Bike Score: 60

Aptly named, Bishop Arts District is home to some of Dallas’ most eclectic residents. The so-called “most independent neighborhood in Dallas’ Bishop Arts District certainly has a rich economy boosted by a high density of small businesses and boutiques.

In addition to shops, Bishop Arts District is also home to plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes. These establishments line the neighborhood’s walkable streets, so a quick shopping trip can easily turn into spending a day out on the town.

Residents in this neighborhood benefit from a wide variety of eateries just a hop and skip away. So whether you’re craving sushi or house-brewed cider, there will be something to suit your palate.

There are several art galleries within this small neighborhood, many of which showcase the work of local artists. In short, the fast-growing Bishop Arts District is great for artists, art-lovers, foodies, and anyone who wants to live in a bustling neighborhood.

3. Uptown

• Population: 20,627
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,515
• Median Household Income: $88,044
• Walk Score: 89
• Transit Score: 51
• Bike Score: 60

Uptown Dallas is one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Residents enjoy the neighborhood’s wealth of entertainment options, from bars and restaurants to theaters.

Plenty of art installations and murals line Uptown’s streets and add vibrant pops of color that make for Instagrammable backdrops or a worthwhile sightseeing tour through the Uptown neighborhood.

If you choose to take that tour, there are several ways to get around in Uptown without relying on your car. The neighborhood is impressively walkable and well-stocked with bike lanes (more to be marked in the future), bike racks, and scooter rentals.

As another neat mode of transportation, Uptown Dallas is served by the McKinney Avenue Trolley. In short, Uptown Dallas is the place to be if you enjoy outdoor urban adventures.

Beyond ways to get around, Uptown’s proximity to amenities, like Downtown Dallas Katy Trail and Highland Park, makes it one of the more attractive destinations for young professionals.

4. University Park

• Population: 25,278
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,095
• Median Household Income: $247,716
• Walk Score: 61
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 59

University Park earned its name as the home of Southern Methodist University campuses, although the university is mostly contained to the eastern end of the neighborhood.

That said, the demographic breakdown of University park is easy to guess. College students, professors, and young families reside in this picturesque neighborhood. While locals favor SMU football games, there are plenty of other ways to stay entertained in University Park.

Head out to one of the neighborhood’s interesting shops and restaurants in Snider Plaza. If the weather is warm, the Holmes Aquatic Center is a great resident-only local pool with poolside lounging and fun for the whole family.

Beyond the many ways to have fun in University Park, the neighborhood’s easy access to major roadways, including the Northwest Highway and Highway 85, attracts many professionals working in Downtown Dallas looking for an easy commute.

One of the neighborhood’s only downsides is that it can be challenging to find parking, especially if you’re looking to spend some time shopping.

5. White Rock

• Population: 1,827
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $122,109
• Median Household Income: $68,516
• Walk Score: 16
• Transit Score: 17
• Bike Score: 34

The neighborhood's crown jewel is easily its popular lake-park combo: White Rock Lake. White Rock is among the Dallas parks that experience the most traffic throughout the year. Residents and tourists alike take advantage of the park’s gorgeous views, sparkling lake, arboretum, dog park, and trails.

Living in the White Rock neighborhood will enable you to access the park easily and stay within a 5-mile radius of Dallas’ downtown city center. It’s a great location for commuters, but not everyone needs to commute as the White Rock neighborhood is home to many small businesses.

Some community highlights include a record shop filled with vibrant records, a skate shop for the gnarliest of shredders, and a brightly-lit welcoming bookshop for the bookworm in us all.

White Rock would best suit those who want to step away from the bustle of the city and into a slower-paced, low-key residential community.

6. Lakewood

• Population: 18,187
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,385
• Median Household Income: $87,462
• Walk Score: 19
• Transit Score: 12
• Bike Score: 52

Lakewood is a neighborhood located in the eastern portion of Dallas, bordering White Rock Lake’s west end. This Dallas neighborhood features an impressive mix of stately old-Dallas homes and smaller homes.

Most residents of Lakewood frequent the lush greenery of White Rock Lake. Families in the neighborhood can spend time browsing the many plants housed in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. They’re drawn to the impressive children’s programming offered by the arboretum.

The neighborhood’s highly rated elementary school is a big plus, making this neighborhood an excellent option for families looking for a school and plenty of outdoor space for their young children.

7. Lake Highlands

• Population: 77,001
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,892
• Median Household Income: $56,190
• Walk Score: 44
• Transit Score: 42
• Bike Score: 46

Lake Highlands is known as one of the cheaper Dallas neighborhoods, so it’s a great match for residents who are looking to save on rent by finding an affordable housing option. Fortunately, there’s tons to do in the area, so you don’t sacrifice fun for cost.

The unusually hilly terrain of Lake Highland sets it apart from the other mostly flat terrain typical of Dallas. However, the neighborhood is home to plenty of bikers, skaters, walkers, and joggers, so the hills don’t pose too much of an obstacle.

The neighborhood is also relatively diverse, with residents occupying a solid mix of owner-occupied homes and rentals, the latter in the majority.

8. Preston Hollow

• Population: 3,261
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,410
• Median Household Income: $104,204
• Walk Score: 28
• Transit Score: 23
• Bike Score: 44

Preston Hollow is no stranger to the rich and famous. Famed politicians, billionaires, athletes, and even former presidents have called the place home. So, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood is a wealthy area.

Homes in the neighborhood’s “estate area” are characterized by massive land plots and elegant sprawl. However, that’s only a portion of the neighborhood. While Preston Hollow retains its high cost of living compared to the rest of Dallas, those renting in the neighborhood aren’t all housed in mansions.

In recent years, the neighborhood has expanded its boundaries and number of residents through the development of apartment buildings. That said, most of Preston Hollow consists of owner-occupied homes, so landing an apartment in the neighborhood will take some time and dedication.

However, if you choose to reside in this North Dallas neighborhood, expect everything to have a little touch of luxury, including its restaurants and boutiques.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of what you are looking for in a Dallas neighborhood, you can rest assured that there’s a good match for you in one of the city’s unique neighborhoods — from Lakewood to Deep Ellum.

If you’re ready to get started on your Dallas apartment hunt, take our quiz today!