Looking to move to Dallas? The city may be known for its Fortune 500 companies, an eponymous 80’s television show, and Mark Cuban’s basketball team, but we think its trendy neighborhoods should be right up there, too. Whether you’re looking for a condo above art galleries, a loft surrounded by great nightlife, or a house with a yard, these are the best places to live in Dallas.
The 5 best neighborhoods in Dallas
- Uptown
- Deep Ellum
- Knox-Henderson
- Lower Greenville
- Bishop Arts District
1. Uptown
Uptown is THE place you want to be in your twenties (or at least for a portion of it). It’s also the OG of cool neighborhoods; since the early ‘90s, it’s been a hub of innovation. The area is one of Dallas’ most walkable and pedestrian friendly—a huge perk in a city that makes owning a car nearly a must. Uptown is full of global eateries, hip lounges, local and high-end shopping boutiques, and outdoor parks.
McKinney Avenue is the heart of the action, with a retro trolley connecting the popular thoroughfare. Stop in for post-work happy hour at Tacos and Tequila or have drinks at The Ginger Man in their outdoor beer garden. The Katy Trail winds its way north along the western edge of Uptown, and offers residents paved trails for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading. The rent in this hood is on the higher end compared to other areas, but the short commute might just be worth the extra money.
2. Deep Ellum
Known in Dallas for its intoxicating nightlife, the Deep Ellum neighborhood has come alive in the past decade with a decidedly artsy feel. Another walkable area near downtown, Deep Ellum boasts ample art galleries and theaters. Eat a delicious brunch at Armoury D.E. then head to Deep Ellum Brewing Co. for local craft beers on their expansive patio.
Deep Ellum hosts a number of street fairs and festivals throughout the year, packing a lively social calendar. The area is ground zero for the music scene, with a large density of live music venues. Notable ones include Trees, The Bomb Factory, and Double Wide. In terms of housing, Deep Ellum is the perfect blend of hip and affordable, offering modern lofts for a reasonable price.
3. Knox-Henderson
Located between Uptown, Lower Greenville Avenue and the town of Highland Park lies the vibrant, but cozy, Knox-Henderson neighborhood in Dallas. Lots of shopping, bars, grocery stores (Sprouts, Trader Joe’s!) and yummy eateries punctuate the neighborhood streets. From farm-to-table restaurants to sports bars and Tex-Mex, the food scene is strong here. In fact, some of the Dallas’s best Tex-Mex can be found in Knox-Henderson ay Velvet Taco.
Give Up on Knox a try, while you’re at it; it’s located on a pedestrian-friendly part of Knox Street filled with local shops and well-known retail stores like Lululemon and Crate & Barrel.
The Katy Trail also winds north along the hood’s western edge, providing residents here with the perfect place to jog, bike, and walk. Overall, Knox-Henderson offers a great location near both Uptown and Downtown, with affordability and culture helping to attract young professionals to it.
4. Lower Greenville
A mix of the upper twenties/early thirties crowd, Lower Greenville is located in East Dallas. It’s named after—you guessed it!—Greenville Ave, and is known for its high density of laid-back bars and diverse nightlife options. Whether it’s cozy bars, live music venues, or an impressive array of restaurant options, this area has long been considered a great choice for going out.
Head to Sundown at Granada at the Grenada Theater for dinner and live music, or post up at Truck Yard and enjoy a food truck dinner, drinks, and a show at the self-proclaimed “Come-As-You-Are Beer Garden and Adult Playground.”
If you’re Irish (or like to pretend to be once a year), you’re in luck. The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association hosts Dallas’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire Southwest. There’s not much you can’t find or do in this neighborhood, which is why it’s landed a spot on our list.
5. Bishop Arts District
Along N. Bishop Ave is where you’ll find quirky, independently-owned boutiques, art galleries, and the Bishop Arts District Alley; along the main drag, W. Davis Street, is where you’ll find an eclectic mix of cocktails bars and hard cider houses, Latin restaurants and Italian kitchens. Colorful alleyways covered in murals bring vibrancy to this quaint shopping and art district, and the Texas Theater and Bishop Arts Theatre Center provide nightly entertainment options. Expect to live in a house with a yard in Bishop Arts District; it’s pretty spacious here.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Dallas is only slightly higher than the national average. Depending on the neighborhood and your lifestyle, living in Dallas can be more affordable than other major metros.
The city has a low unemployment rate and a growing job market, with many opportunities in both corporate and small business sectors. Residents can find employment in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
The weather in Dallas is generally warm and sunny, with hot summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach over 100°F (38°C), while winters are mild with occasional cold conditions.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system covers much of the city and surrounding areas, making it easy to get around without a car. However, the system is not as extensive as some other major cities, and many residents still prefer to drive.
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