The Big D or Dallas if you like is a city that’s got it all. A melting pot of arts and culture as well as sport, Dallas has become one of the most attractive places to live in the Lone Star state.

For many people, navigating the internet in search of the perfect real estate can be overwhelming especially when seeking a property that meets a specific need. In this article, we will discuss the Dallas top neighborhoods in 2022 that are ideal to set down family roots. 

These neighborhoods are:

  1. Uptown Dallas
  2. Lakewood
  3. Preston Hollow
  4. M Streets
  5. Highland Park

But why should you believe what we say? VIP Realty has assisted thousands of buyers to achieve their dream homes across Texas. If you need help in your next real estate transaction, our Dallas-savvy agents can help you find a place that suits your lifestyle.

Uptown Dallas

  • Population: 20,627
  • Median Home Value - $559,064
  • Median Household Income: $88,044

For anyone looking for an urban environment, this neighborhood immediately north of downtown Dallas is a great place to call home. With numerous Fortune 500 company headquarters situated only moments away, Dallas professionals looking for a great place to live find Uptown Dallas attractive. As part of its identity, Uptown Dallas has more of an urban vibe which is in stark contrast to communities of similar size and status such as Murphy or Flower Mound.  If you take a stroll down Uptown’s streets, you will discover an array of artworks and murals lining the pavements along with vibrant pops of color, perfect for a selfie or a memorable sightseeing tour.

Uptown Real Estate

Since the late 1800s, Uptown Dallas has been home to businessmen and young professionals whose preferred mode of transportation to downtown at the time was streetcars. In the 1990s, the remodeling of Uptown began in earnest leading to an increase in new constructions including townhouses, mid-rise apartments, and high-rise condos and apartments. Newer constructions follow vernacular-style designs that help keep the area's old-world charm.

Today, the supply of single-family homes is limited, as many properties have been converted into shops, offices, and restaurants. Thanks to the McKinney Avenue streetcars, Uptown nightlife is only a few steps from your front door. With a strong social life and rich history, it's no wonder that real estate in Uptown Dallas is one of the most sought-after in Texas.

Getting Around

If you choose to explore the area, you can get around Uptown in several different ways that don’t involve using your car. Remarkably walkable, Uptown is also bike-friendly as it features numerous bike lanes, bike racks as well as scooter rentals. You can even sample the free M-Line Trolley, a vintage streetcar that labors up and down McKinney Avenue. For business travels or vacationing, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) allows for easy commutes from Uptown to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Great Outdoors

Many outsiders envy the Uptown Dallas outdoor lifestyle that is full of color and excitement. Whether you’re looking for a place to exercise or just enjoy a picnic in the Texas sunshine, the neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces and parks to enjoy. Hike-and-bike trails including the paved and well-manicured Katy Trail wrap around the neighborhood giving residents the opportunity to walk, run, jog or ride bikes. More outdoor fun awaits at the historic Turtle Creek Park and Dragon Park Gardens among others.

Where to Eat

Take a break from exploring and grab a bite to eat at local favorites that offer different smells, sights, and sounds. Foodies will particularly enjoy a meal at TNT Tacos, Homewood, and Tequila Fearings Restaurant on McKinney Avenue. Diners can enjoy sizzling Lone Star staples such as barbecue, steak,  and other favorite cowboy cooking. If you prefer a home-cooked meal, restock the pantry with organic and ethically sourced produce at Whole Foods or Tom Thumb.

Entertainment

When you're ready for a full night on the town, there are plenty of entertainment venues within a short walk or drive of Uptown Dallas homes for sale. For grown-up getaways and adult fun, Uptown Dallas loves a good hotel bar, and Mansion Bar is a favorite spot for many residents. Sample the best cocktails in the city at Parliament and for something a little more casual, the Standard Pour is a mainstay in the neighborhood.

Lakewood

  • Population: 18,187
  • Median Home Value - $608,193
  • Median Household Income: $133,731

For the longest time, Lakewood has claimed to be Dallas’ best-kept secret, and for good reason. Nestled beside the shores of White Rock Lake, Lakewood is a welcoming community located in the eastern part of Dallas. Home to the Lakewood Country Club, the quiet, woody neighborhood is only 10 minutes away from downtown Dallas and 15 minutes from Love Field Airport. A drive around Lakewood will reveal why the neighborhood was recognized by CNN Money as one of the Top Ten Best big-city neighborhoods in America.

Lakewood Real Estate

Thanks to its convenient location, Lakewood is one of the best Dallas suburbs that’s ideal to raise a family. Though proximity to all that Dallas has to offer comes at a price, Lakewood real estate offers buyers homes that are large enough to accommodate a growing family. The generous yards are treed, and you won't resist the urge to host parties in your dream home and be the envy of your friends.

Lakewood homes for sale offer everything from two-bedroom bungalows to vast estates that are ideal for buyers seeking privacy. Extra-wide, covered front porches provide the ideal viewing area to enjoy the large acreage with inviting outdoor living spaces and lush greenery. Lakewood also offers an impressive mix of stately old-Dallas homes and new construction houses. Though the bulk of Lakewood properties is new constructions, the real estate shares an organized appealing style that makes touring the area a pleasant experience.

Local Schools

Are schools important to you? The highly-rated Lakewood Elementary School is one of the big draws for residents with young or growing families. This is because the school provides a solid public school education for the community. Additionally, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each fall during its Fall Home Festival and Tour. Parents could also choose to send their children to the numerous private schools (both secular and religious) scattered throughout the area.

Great Outdoors

With plenty of outdoor fun and recreation facilities, Lakewood is perfect for families of all ages. Excursions to Lakewood are incomplete without water recreation on White Rock Lake. You can hook in different kinds of fish in the lake as you relax or you can go swimming, kayaking or boating. If you appreciate nature and all it has to offer, spend a sunny afternoon outside with the family at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Reflecting the small-town feel this centrally-located locale offers, the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade and Celebration is one of the neighborhood’s annual highlights.

Where to Shop

Shopping is a sport for shopping enthusiasts in Lakewood. Whether you long for luxury brands or a budget-friendly family shopping spree, the Lakewood Shopping Center features major big box stores that will help you furnish your new home. Identified by the art deco spire atop the iconic Lakewood Theater, theater buffs can take in a quality live show.

Preston Hollow

  • Population: 83,392
  • Median Home Value - $1,029,772
  • Median Household Income - $174,230

Preston Hollow is one of Dallas’s most affluent neighborhoods, and it boasts a convenient location 5 miles from downtown. Village-like shopping areas, a myriad of restaurants, a mix of ranch-style homes, and sprawling estates characterize the area. What’s more, the neighborhood is a popular address for high-profile residents including Ross Perot, Mark Cuban, and former President George W. Bush. Buyers considering this neighborhood should expect luxury in all facets of life.

Preston Hollow Real Estate

Because of the early establishment of Preston Hollow, many streets within the neighborhood lack curbs and sidewalks. To make up for this odd quirk, mature oak trees line the streets. Massive land plots and an elegant sprawl characterizes the Preston Hollow real estate that caters to buyers searching for properties as large as 6,000 square feet.

Though the neighborhood features many new constructions and renovations, several grand homes that date back to the 1920s and 1930s are still standing. To cater to a growing demand for more affordable housing, Preston Hollow has expanded its boundaries through the development of apartment buildings. That said, this wealthy neighborhood is a coveted address for the rich and famous and its grand homes help maintain the high standards of living.

Great Outdoors

The design of Preston Hollow maintains a strong sense of unity and a welcoming atmosphere. Neighborhood parks feature playgrounds and athletic fields, biking/jogging trails, and community clubhouses that provide abundant sources of recreation. With miles of trails sure to please every runner, hiker, or cyclist, Northaven Trail offers something for every fitness enthusiast. Besides hiking and biking, the linear park provides a gathering place for numerous community events, fun runs as well as neighborhood parades.

Where to Eat

Thanks to a diverse cuisine that caters to every taste and budget, Preston Hollow is becoming the go-to spot in Dallas for family-friendly eateries and restaurants. For sophisticated American cuisine, locals and visitors alike hit up the award-winning Mercury restaurant. For authentic Neapolitan-style pies, foodies gather at Dough and for those craving Asian cuisines, Royal China is the ideal destination.

Where to Shop

Preston Hollow has a great shopping scene where shopping enthusiasts can indulge in some of the best retail therapy in Dallas. The neighborhood has no shortage of shopping options as it’s flanked by three of Dallas's prime shopping centers—NorthPark Mall to the east, Preston Center in the south, and the Galleria to the north. For those seeking a unique experience, a trip to The Toy Maven offers a treasure trove of playthings that big boxes lack.

Local Schools

If schools are important to you, a diverse selection of educational institutions serves Preston Hollow. Some of the assigned schools for this community include:

  • McCulloch Intermediate School
  • Highland Park High School
  • Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
  • School of the Talented and Gifted
  • School of Science and Engineering

M Streets

  • Population - 34,572
  • Median Home Value - $617,420
  • Median Household Income - $75,322

Previously known as Greenland Hills, M Streets adopted its current name thanks to the many M-named streets in the area including Monticello and McCommas. Also referred to as Lower Greenville, M Streets boasts a convenient location near downtown and White Rock Lake. Bordered by Greenville Avenue, residents enjoy quick access to the shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. M Streets is ideal for a younger crowd that desires to live in a classic area whilst not having to sacrifice the convenience of a city.

M Streets Real Estate

Originally developed in the early 1920s, many homes in M Streets are somewhat historic. Many of the homes feature older touches such as old glass windows and stonework. Tudor-style homes dominate the architectural scene with several colonial and ranch-style homes scattered throughout the area. A large number of new construction homes have since been built between 2000 and today.

M Streets real estate mainly comprises studios, one-two-three-and four-bedroom homes as well as small apartment buildings. A mix of owners and renters occupy most of the neighborhood. The mix of classic and modern style homes, coupled with the affordable home prices, offers something to suit every budget.

Additionally, the restrictions of the Greenland Hills and Vickery Place conservation districts ensure that the Craftsman and Tudor-style homes are well preserved. With that in mind, M Streets has an unmatched architectural continuity that is highly desirable for residents looking for an old-world charm.

Getting Around

M Streets offers wonderful walkability—grocery stores, restaurants, parks, walking trails, and schools are all within a 10-minutes walk. For daily commutes, proximity to Central Expressway allows residents easy commutes, thus an attractive option for those who work in the city proper. Additionally, Downtown offices, White Rock Lake, and The Arboretum are only a short drive away.

Great Outdoors

When you choose to buy or rent in M Streets, the variety of places to go and things to do will simply blow you away. Outdoor aficionados appreciate Glencoe Park which sits in the northwest part of the neighborhood. Park amenities include basketball, soccer, and tennis fields perfect for anyone looking to stay fit outdoors. For households with kids, easy access to playgrounds, daycare centers as well as parks is one of the main reasons many families choose to move to M Streets.

Art & Culture

Whether you're a visual art connoisseur or theater buff, the thriving art and culture scene in M Streets offers tons to discover. Located in the heart of the Dallas Art District, cultural attractions are aplenty including the Dallas Opera House, the Museum of Biblical Art, and the well-known Lakewood Theater. What's more, the USA Film Festival holds film screenings year-round in the area.

Shopping & Entertainment

When considering your weekend plans, treat yourself to some retail therapy a short distance away at Greenville Avenue, a popular spot for shopping and hanging out. Whether you're looking to save money, shop local, or restock your pantry, Central Market offers the perfect place for all three. What’s more, M Streets is central to great entertainment options. To the delight of music lovers, artsy live music is on the menu at Granada Theater. The lively bar scene includes hot spots such as Truck Yard, Atwater Alley, and Trinity Hall Irish Pub.

Local Schools

Do you have children or plan to have them? You’ll be glad to know that the local schools offer a great reason to move to M Streets. Some of the assigned schools for this community include:

  • Geneva Heights Elementary School
  • J.L. Long Middle School, Mockingbird Elementary School
  • Woodrow Wilson High School
  • Lakewood Montessori School
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

Highland Park

  • Population - 9,168
  • Median Home Value - $1,508,900
  • Median Household Income - $211,136

Located approximately three miles north of downtown Dallas is the town of Highland Park. This city within a city is considered one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the country. Because of its self-contained vibe, the area is popularly referred to as ‘the bubble’. Residents are proud of their higher-income neighborhood where personalities are as warm as the climate and homes are equally beautiful.

Highland Park Real Estate

Highland Park was named for its premier location overlooking downtown Dallas. Encompassing 2.2 square miles, Highland Park real estate is one of the most desirable in the country. The original town plan developed by renowned landscape architect Wilbur David Cook (also designed Beverly Hills, California), is accentuated by the lush, colorful gardens, tree-lined streets, and landscaped public parks.

Highland Park homes for sale include grand mansions that feature popular upgrades like elevators, multiple fireplaces, saltwater pools, and 3+ car garages. Square footages of these homes can top 10,000 square feet, with home prices of both historical and contemporary homes fetching above $1M. That said, 77% of the housing inventory in the area comprises detached, single-family homes, and the majority (82.4%) are owner-occupied.

Great Outdoors

As one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Dallas, Highland Park is the place to be for those looking for a coveted address in Dallas. One of the most appealing aspects of living in this exclusive neighborhood is the beautiful parks and recreational centers. On weekends, outdoor aficionados flock to Lakeside Park, Fairfax Park, and Jester Park. What’s more, the area’s most beautiful waterway, Turtle Creek, runs throughout this quaint community. Enjoy the manicured outdoor spaces, complete with fountains, swan ponds, walking paths, and tennis courts.

Where to Eat

When you’re in the mood to eat out or just want to grab a quick bite to eat, Highland Park features plenty of restaurants to choose from, including Italian cafes, and Tex-Mex restaurants. The town is dotted with countless other fine dining options including the iconic Al Biernat's which is a Highland Park staple.

Shopping & Entertainment

Enjoy a shop-till-you-drop experience at long-established and high-end Highland Park Village, the first shopping mall in the country. Other nearby shopping options include Snider Plaza, Galleria Dallas, and NorthPark Center. For those seeking entertainment beyond the community, Highland Park's central location, allows residents to easily access the many entertainment venues in nearby Downtown, Uptown, and Knox-Henderson.

Family-Friendly

Keep the family busy year-round with a host of entertainment and cultural attractions such as the annual tree lighting that brings the community alive. The local schools are another great reason to call Highland Park home. The exemplary Highland Park Independent School District serves the area with outstanding public schools. Some of the schools assigned to this community include:

  • Bradfield Elementary School
  • Armstrong Elementary School
  • Highland Park Middle School
  • Highland Park High School

Proximity to top-performing health facilities such as UT Southwestern, Medical City Dallas, and Parkland is a plus as it enhances the lifestyle of residents.

Final Thoughts

With its many luxury amenities and prime location, Dallas provides a great place to call home for those who wish to move to Texas. It doesn’t stop there. In a progressive economic climate, living in a no-income-tax state has increased the appeal of Dallas to young professionals hoping to increase their savings for retirement or that needed vacation. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like help navigating the exciting Dallas real estate market.

Posted by Richard Soto on
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