A Guide to Five of the Hottest Neighborhoods in Dallas

Dallas is growing rapidly – Texas transplants are moving here every day and new properties are going up all the time! As the city develops, neighborhoods are constantly changing. We’ve done some research to determine the vibes of five of Dallas’ hottest neighborhoods; it’s up to you to decide which one to call home.

DESIGN DISTRICT 

At first glance, you might see this neighborhood as quiet and low-key. But, inside the huge warehouses and down the dead-end streets lie hidden gems unlocking the bustling city life that is Design District. Here, you’ll stumble upon countless art galleries and collectors, fashion and interior designers, and chic restaurants like theDallas Contemporary,Scout Design Studio,The Charles andTown Hearth. 

Work remotely fromAscension Coffee, or set-up happy hour atEl Bolero orWheelhouse! In fact, a few of our favorite Dallas go-to’s are actually tucked away in the Design District, likeShop Vintage Dallas,Stack’s Sandwich Company andTacoStop. The best way to explore the neighborhood is by following@ddesigndistrict and attending their regular neighborhood events (we recommend Dragon Street’s Third Thursdays Art Walk)!

Once you get acquainted, the Design District’s seems far from quiet and low-key. Yet, since the Design District has somehow stayed a mystery to most, rates for leasing here are found to be very workable! Leased with Smart City, the average 1-bedroom is $1,250 and 2-bedroom is $1,800.

DOWNTOWN 

If you crave a neighborhood that’s rich in history, and an apartment space full of quirks and character, then Downtown Dallas is for you! We would agree that downtown used to feel like a place where people work, not live. That couldn’t be less true today!The Statler is just one outstanding example of what downtown has to offer. On property, you’ll find an apartment complex, a hotel, bowling, multiple restaurants from casual to fancy, a cocktail bar plus rooftop lounge, two pools, and a ballroom for concerts and shows. 

When we first moved to Dallas, Downtown reminded us of “other cities,” other metropolis’, if you will, which might be comforting for some newcomers who are used to high rises and walkability. Yet, it is certainly deserving of being seen as our city’s heart!The Dallas Farmers Market is a weekend staple; there are trendy shops likeForty Five Ten and theFlagship Neiman Marcus; you get to take advantage of two big green spaces with Main Street Garden Park andKlyde Warren Park nearby, both of which regularly host free events that are open to the public. And to share one of our downtown “best kept secrets,” the $13 express lunch special atCity Hall Bistro atThe Adolphus Hotel is unbeatable!

You can be in the center of it all by spending, on average, $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $2,200 for a 2-bedroom. If you need a little convincing, follow@downtown_dallas to see what life in Downtown has to offer!

STATE THOMAS

A charming, low-key, central neighborhood, State Thomas attracts many residents; in fact, it seems like the majority of this neighborhood is made up of housing! You might live here because you like the idea of Uptown and Downtown, but don’t necessarily feel fully satisfied by either. State Thomas is small but mighty, serving needs like a park where you can layout and read, play with your dog, or join in on a game of basketball. Not to mention, plenty of coffee shops to make “your spot,” such asState Street Coffee. We get the impression that people who live in State Thomas are friends with their neighbors — it’s just nice like that. 

There’s a mix of homes, townhomes, low-rises and a few high-rises in State Thomas. You can expect to pay about $1,500 for a 1-bedroom and $2,200 for a 2-bedroom.

BISHOP ARTS

We’ve lovingly nicknamed Bishop Arts “Etsy-ville,” because the vibes are local, handmade and hipster. We’ve heard others refer to Bishop Arts as the Brooklyn of Dallas, which, beyond the similar vibes, might be because it’s similarly located over a bridge. 

If you like wearing a Stetson, eating at “not so typical” restaurants like Salaryman and Macellaio, getting to personally know the business owners you support and feeling invested in shaping your neighborhood, then Bishop Arts is a nice fit for you! It’s a place where you can indulge indried floral arrangements,candles,French goods, andfreshly baked sourdough. You can actually go for a stroll, hear live music atReveler’s Hall andeat a slice of pie. A wild Saturday night might look likeShakespeare in the Bar on the patio at  Wild Detectives, surrounded by Spanish literature and sipping on a glass of tempranillo. Anyways, we think you get the vibe! 

You can score a great deal in Bishop Arts, with a 1-bedroom coming in, on average, at $1,300 and a 2-bedroom at $1,800.

VICTORY PARK 

If you’re drawn to high-energy, luxury and “flashing lights” then Victory Park is where you’ll feel at home. This neighborhood is an impressive one! It boasts attractions like theAmerican Airlines Center,W Hotel,Perot Museum,Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas,Tom Thumb, and a mix of retail and restaurants. A newer asset to the neighborhood is Hatchways, an innovative spin on co-working that combines membership-based workspace with a healthy and energizing cafe (pictured)!

Victory Park is fairly new, so you can expect top amenities and finishes at apartment communities in the neighborhood. On average, 1-bedroom units typically rent for around $1,600 and 2-bedrooms for $2,200.

All photos courtesy of Dallasites101.

Written by Kara Shannon and Lily Kramlich-Taylor of Dallasites101

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