Dallas, TX, has a huge range of neighborhoods, from the academically excellent Lakewood with Lakewood Elementary to the cost-efficient Oak Cliff. There are countless choices, so be prepared to prioritize and sometimes compromise to get the key factors when you’re buying a house in any of the vibrant and exciting Dallas neighborhoods.
Do You Have Children?
Parents often put their children first and relocating is no exception to that rule. If you have children that will be moving with you, there are a number of considerations that enter the equation.
What are the schools like?
If your children are school-aged, look at Dallas schools. The Dallas Public Schools District (Dallas ISD) governs 239 public schools for you to choose from.
Dallas ISD is home to six of the 10 best public high schools in North Texas, according to a recent report from a Texas-based non-profit that researched and ranked 211 public high schools from nine area counties.
When you consider state test scores, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, graduation rates, and reviews from students and parents, Dallas ISD high schools that rank the highest include:
School for the Talented and Gifted (#1)
Trinidad Garza Early College High School at Mountain View (#2)
School of Science and Engineering (#3)
Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr. Early College High School (#5)
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School (#6)
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (#7)
Are there parks in the area?
To let your kids stretch their legs and get a little closer to nature, check out the Dallas parks. Dallas is home to one of the largest municipal park systems in the country, boasting more than 406 parks on 21,000 acres of parkland. Family-friendly locations that are worth considering include:
KLYDE WARREN PARK: This 5.2-acre linear park is considered one of Dallas' premier community gathering spots, boasting everything from a butterfly garden to special areas allocated for kids, for dogs and for playing games
DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN: Set along the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre oasis boasts endless seasonal flowers and plant displays as well as an 8-acre, interactive children's garden featuring everything from cascading waterfalls to a treetop canopy walk and a two-story treehouse.
WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK: This urban oasis truly offers something for everyone. Visitors will find everything from lush forests and a variety of wildlife (it's an Audubon Society-designated bird watching area) to over 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park and a cultural center.
https://www.dallasparks.org/35/Parks-Trails
What other kid-friendly activities are available?
For kids that love to read, the Dallas Public Library has 29 branches all over the city of Dallas. The Dallas Zoo is 3 miles south of downtown Dallas, Texas for animal lovers. Children who prefer something more active can take advantage of the 9 Dallas YMCA facilities available. If you need more information on the many kid-friendly activities Dallas neighborhoods have to offer, Dallas Parent Magazine offers extensive information on local recreation.
Do You Have Dogs?
If you have a four-legged family member you’re bringing along, you are in luck. The city has four off-leash dog parks located throughout the city. Bark Park Central in the heart of Deep Ellum, a 1.2-acre, off leash dog park. is a great option to check out. This park is in great walking distance to the neighborhood’s dining options, so you can grab a quick bite to eat at a pet-friendly restaurant after walking in the park. You’ll find MUTTS CANINE CANTINA in the Uptown, a dog-friendly restaurant and dog park where visitors can enjoy dinner and drinks with their pups on the beer garden patio. . Dallas is considered a dog-friendly city so there are several Dallas neighborhoods that will welcome your pooch.
What Are Your Transportation Needs?
DART is the Dallas public transit authority, offering train lines, buses and streetcars for the heart of the city. If you lack transportation, you may want to search for a neighborhood closer to the center of Dallas like Deep Ellum and Oak Lawn. If you are going to work at one of the hospitals in the Medical District in Dallas like UT Southwestern or Parkland, DART provides easy access to these medical facilities also. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail line connects downtown Dallas with downtown Fort Worth.
What Can You Afford?
Price is often a key determinant when it comes to choosing the best neighborhood in Dallas. Neighborhoods with the lowest cost of living, based on affordable housing and the consumer price index, include:
Wilmer
Cockrell Hill
Feris
Pelican Bay
Briar
Check Neighborhood Crime Statistics
The safety of you and your family is one of the most important things to consider when deciding on the best Dallas neighborhood for your move. Based on current crime rates, the safest Dallas neighborhoods are:
Lower Greenville
Bent Tree
If you want a deeper look into area criminal activity, the Dallas Crime Watch programs can offer more detailed information. The state of Texas also maintains a comprehensive sex offender registry that you can search by address to find known offenders in all Dallas neighborhoods.
Consider Personal Preferences
It’s also important to consider your preferred activities and the unique aspects of your lifestyle. Dallas is a diverse city and each neighborhood has its own amenities to offer. If you have a love for the outdoors, Oak Lawn ranks highest in the city for access to the Katy Trail, parks & other activities. If you’re looking for a little piece of history, Dallas offers several historic neighborhoods such as:
Munger Place
Oak Cliff
Kessler Park
Casa Linda Estates
Whatever your personal preferences are, you’re certain to find Dallas neighborhoods that share your passions.
Narrow Down Your List of Dallas Neighborhoods
Determining the best Dallas neighborhoods is a personal process because you need to find the area that works best for you. You can get help by working with a top Dallas relocation REALTOR. Once you’ve figured out your priorities, you should have a decent shortlist to work with. We will help you identify your favorite neighborhood that either has, or is near, all the things that bring you convenience and satisfaction. Finding the best Dallas neighborhood isn’t difficult once you break the process down and work your way through your options with the help of your REALTOR.
About us:
If you are interested in moving to our great city of Dallas and need help finding a home, I would appreciate the opportunity to help you. I have lived in Dallas metro area for over 16 years. Since many of my clients are relocation buyers, I have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, I can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
