Dallas - the Big D - has over 200 families moving to DFW every day as it offers a little something for everyone. Neighborhoods like Deep Ellum, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Uptown offer lively bars and DJ-driven clubs while classic neighborhoods like University Park and Highland Park provide more traditional architecture and excellent school systems like Highland Park ISD. Don't forget the short commutes from living and working in neighborhoods close to downtown like Bluffview and Preston Hollow, or the beautiful scenery and lake access of surrounding neighborhoods like Lakewood.
The only question left is which Dallas neighborhood is right for you. Here are some important factors to consider:
DISTANCE TO WORK
Obviously, the fastest commute to work in downtown Dallas is to live in downtown Dallas itself. Central metro prices and atmosphere aren't for everyone though, so here are some other areas with great commuting options in the greater Dallas area.
Residents advise avoiding traffic along the north/south I-75 corridor if possible, and when in doubt to travel down and try a test run at rush hour. For easier commutes, check the DART train system serving the communities of downtown Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch and a few other.
SCHOOL SYSTEMS
Driving distance isn't the only consideration when searching for a home. For those with children young or old, quality education is important. Here are some of the best school districts in the Dallas metro area.
Highland Park Independent School District - Located in University Park & Highland Park just north of Dallas.
Frisco School District - With a philosophy of smaller schools, Frisco ISD provides great schools in suburban Frisco
Carroll Independent School District - Southlake is an upscale town west of downtown Dallas, known for sprawling estates and luxury homes
Coppell Independent School District - Coppell is an affluent community close to DFW airport and with access to multiple freeways.
AMENITIES
Amenities can be the difference between a real neighborhood, and just a few streets you live on. Is there community involvement? What about a grocery store or pharmacy? You'll also want to know if you can walk to things, or if you'll have to drive downtown for any entertainment. Are there parks for kids and walking trails to enjoy outdoors?
Checking the neighborhood Chamber of Commerce or city travel pages is a great way to find specific area amenities, but here's a great overview of the favorite neighborhoods in Dallas.
Uptown - Immediately north of Downtown Dallas, this neighborhood is a great place for anyone looking for an urban environment and is full of townhouses, mid-rise apartments, and a few luxury high-rise condos and apartments
Lakewood - Located next to White Rock Lake this iconic neighborhood is just moments from downtown. It is known for its laid back luxury and impressive homes both old and new.
Preston Hollow - Full of trees, creeks, and hollows just six miles north of downtown Dallas, Preston Hollow continues to glisten with glamorous charm and a tasteful mix of modern and traditional houses.
University Park: Pristine yards, quiet streets, and gorgeous homes are just a couple of the reasons that people flock to this town-within-a-city with exemplary schools and a location close to downtown Dallas.
Some of these wealthiest neighborhoods close to downtown that the DFW area has to offer are preferred by homebuyers like physicians and professionals who work in downtown Dallas with access to major hospitals like Baylor University Medical Center and UT Southwestern. These communities provide an easy commute to Dallas downtown but lack good public schools. The residents have access to a number of top private schools in DFW area.
CRIME RATES
The crime rate across Dallas varies with the suburb. University Park, Southlake, Frisco & Westlake are known for upscale housing and low crime rates. Other areas are also safe havens in North Texas such as these top rated areas:
Bishop Arts District.
Lake Highlands.
In an area growing as fast as Dallas, it's likely that many areas will change as people are rapidly moving and buying up less expensive properties. That said, there are areas with reputations for a higher crime that may warrant some caution. Denser, more urban areas that have consistently reported high crime rates for the area include the following.
Northwest Dallas.
South Dallas.
South Boulevard-Park Row.
Cedar Crest.
Eagle Ford.
Wolf Creek.
Southeast Dallas.
Urbandale-Parkdale.
Of course, the best neighborhood for you may be different from any of these areas listed. With nearly 40 suburbs in the Dallas area, you are sure to find a neighborhood to match your “must-haves” list and narrow down your top choices. Once you have an idea of the Dallas neighborhoods that interest you, it's best to call in a professional. Professional Top Dallas Realtors like Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, REALTOR who can steer you in the right direction. Whether you're looking for the perfect craftsman or a McMansion, these professionals know the area and listing. If you want to learn more about the different Dallas neighborhoods, check out our Dallas Neighborhood Guide!
Contact us for an in-depth analysis of your needs and recommendations along with market reports of various neighborhoods!
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.
