The Best Neighborhoods in Dallas - Selected by a Dallas Realtor

Dallas, Texas has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. According to the US Census Bureau, it was the fastest-growing US metro with over 150,000 people moving there last year. With its vibrant culture, booming job market, and beautiful natural surroundings, it's no wonder that people are flocking to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 

We wrote this guide for those considering the Dallas area. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or retirement, we have evaluated the most popular neighborhoods in Dallas (and some smaller communities) to provide you with recommendations. 

• Families should look to the suburbs like Coppell, Las Colinas, and Frisco for affordability and great schools.
• Singles should look to Uptown Dallas and Victory Park to find a great combination of nightlife, amenities, and accessibility.
• White-collar professionals should look to Preston Hollow and Highland Park for luxury living close to downtown.
• Tech workers are flocking to Richardson, Legacy Frisco, and Plano for access to tech campuses and high end amenities.
• Retirees will find established hubs in Turtle Creek and Southlake with great amenities and quieter atmospheres.

DFW is huge, with dozens of huge suburbs. It’s an inside joke in Dallas that people from suburbs like Plano just tell people they’re from Dallas to avoid confusion.

So how do you know which is the best neighborhood in Dallas for you?

We Talked to a Local Dallas Realtor to Help Out-of-Town Movers

To get the inside scoop on Dallas's best neighborhoods, we spoke with Eddie Wiewel, a top-performing realtor in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Eddie’s Dallas real estate listings are residential and commercial which gives him a unique perspective on the metroplex outside of statistics and numbers.

To determine affordability, we looked at property taxes and home values, and for communities with HOA’s, we looked at HOA fees. 

Note: Many Texas property tax lists online aren't accurate - while they may include municipal, county, and school district taxes, they often leave out other taxing entities like hospitals, community colleges, or municipal utility districts.

We combined this data with home value estimates to provide rough comparisons on price and affordability between each neighborhood.

Dallas is a diverse, thriving city that attracts a variety of buyers. We'll introduce you to the best places for buyers in each category, so you can move into the right Dallas neighborhood for you.

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Families

When it comes to finding the best neighborhood for families, we looked at several key factors:

1. Highly rated school districts
2. Proximity to work and activities
3. Family-friendly amenities
4. Safe communities

Some of the top neighborhoods for families in Dallas include:

Coppell

Located just northwest of Dallas, Coppell balances city access with great schools and family-friendly amenities. Eddie’s clients have loved the high-quality school district. “Coppell’s nationally ranked. They have a dual language program where kids can literally go to school and learn multiple languages throughout the day,” Eddie explains.

Coppell is known for its excellent education system. The Coppell Independent School District consistently ranks among the top districts in Texas. The city also boasts over 17 parks and 5 recreational facilities, including the popular Andy Brown Park system, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

Coppell Highlights:

• Nationally ranked Dallas independent school district
• Dual language programs
• Easy access to DFW Airport
• Family-oriented community

Actual property tax rate: 2.029617% 

Average Home Value: $637,039

Las Colinas

Las Colinas is a master-planned community in Irving. It’s located centrally between Dallas and Arlington, with easy access to Fort Worth along US-183.

Las Colinas offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban living. It’s a great place for those wanting natural beauty  “Las Colinas backs up to Lake Carolyn.” Eddie says. "There's greenbelts within the community,” in addition to picturesque canals and gondola rides.

 It's home to the Toyota Music Factory, a large entertainment complex with restaurants, a concert venue, and an alfresco dining area. The community also features multiple golf courses and the Mandalay Canal Walk, perfect for family outings.

Las Colinas Highlights:

• Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD ranking as one of Niche.com's top 10 school districts for Dallas County
• Family-friendly amenities including the Toyota Music Factory and Mandalay Canal Walk
• Beautiful lake views and greenbelts

Actual Property Tax Rate: 2.105795% 

Average Home Value: $628,626

Frisco

Frisco is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We liked it for its affordability (it has the lowest property taxes of most of the cities on our list.) The catch? Frisco’s location is out of the way - those who commute into Dallas should plan for a 25-35 minute commute. 

Eddie describes a strong ‘community vibe’ in Frisco. “People up there will take their golf cart and drive around through their neighborhood," he reports. It’s also rated extremely safe according to sites like City-Data.

Frisco is known as "Sports City U.S.A." due to its numerous professional sports venues, including The Star (The Dallas Cowboys world headquarters), Toyota Stadium (home of FC Dallas), and Dr Pepper Ballpark (home of the Frisco RoughRiders). The city also boasts family-friendly attractions like the National Videogame Museum and KidZania USA.

Frisco Highlights:

• Excellent schools in Frisco ISD
• Numerous parks and recreational facilities
• Growing tech and business hub
• Family-oriented master-planned communities

Resi Report Note: Frisco's website should be a model for property tax transparency

Collin County Actual Property Tax Rate: 1.690268-1.920268%

Denton County Actual Property Tax Rate: 1.64919-1.84919%

Average Home Value: $687,690

Best Dallas Neighborhood for Singles

Dallas offers a vibrant lifestyle for singles, with plenty of nightlife, dining, and cultural experiences. 

We focused on areas that are accessible for single-income salaries. Downtown Dallas isn’t cheap. That said, some neighborhoods offer relatively cheap housing and access to the heart of downtown Dallas.

Uptown Dallas and Victory Park

“Victory Park, the Victory Avenue area, and uptown Dallas have always been happening,” says Eddie. Affordability is also important - Eddie has found condos and condo-style apartment living for his clients in the 350-450k range.

Uptown Dallas is known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene. McKinney Avenue, a common bar-hop scene littered with restaurants, is a short drive away. Singles also have easy access to the West Village, which offers upscale shopping and dining options. The area is also home to Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre urban green space that hosts regular events and food trucks.

Victory Park, adjacent to downtown, is anchored by the American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars. The neighborhood features high-rise living options and a growing number of restaurants and entertainment venues.

Uptown Dallas and Victory Park Highlights:

• Vibrant nightlife and dining scene
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Easy access to downtown Dallas
• Mix of high-rise apartments and townhomes
• Proximity to Katy Trail for outdoor activities

Actual Property Tax Rate: 2.23503%

Average Home Price: $508,410

Lower Greenville

Lower Greenville has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. It's always been a popular area, but the recent revitalization efforts have really turned it into a hotspot for young professionals. The mix of historic charm and modern amenities is truly unique.

Lower Greenville is renowned for its eclectic mix of dining options and entertainment venues. Greenville Avenue is dotted with trendy restaurants, craft beer bars, and local boutiques. The area seamlessly blends its historic roots with contemporary developments, creating a vibrant and diverse neighborhood atmosphere.

The Granada Theater, a converted 1940s movie house, serves as a cultural landmark, hosting live music performances and events. The nearby Tietze Park offers residents a serene green space for recreation and community gatherings.

Lower Greenville Highlights:

• Diverse dining scene featuring local favorites and new culinary hotspots
• Lots of activities like the Historic Granada Theater for live entertainment
• Walkable streets with a mix of vintage and modern architecture
• Proximity to the Santa Fe Trail for biking and jogging
• Annual events like the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Lower Greenville Fall Festival

Actual Tax Rate: 2.23503% 

Average Home Price: $576,309

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for White Collar Professionals

We focused on neighborhoods friendly to those in finance, banking, and consulting which tend to cluster around downtown Dallas and the immediate surroundings. All of the following neighborhoods are within easy reach of Dallas's major business districts and Love Field Airport, a major hub for Southwest.

Preston Hollow

Preston Hollow is an affluent neighborhood known for its large lots and estate homes. It's home to many of Dallas's business and political elite, including former President George W. Bush. The area offers a serene, park-like setting with mature trees and winding streets, while still providing easy access to downtown Dallas.

“Preston Hollow - definitely not the cheapest … but it’s great,” Eddie remarks. "And it’s fantastic for access for those who fly out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.” 

“The normal thing I see is that [white collar workers] travel a lot," Eddie explains while noting Preston Hollow's convenient location. "One consultant I helped said, ‘get me between the airports and I’m good’”

Preston Hollow Highlights:

• Luxury homes with large lots
• Proximity to top private schools
• Easy access to downtown Dallas
• Quiet, upscale neighborhood

Actual Tax Rate: 2.23503% 

Average Home Price: $685,364

Highland Park

Highland Park contains some of the most expensive real estate in the city. While the tax rates are favorable, high property values don’t make this as affordable as it seems. Known for its luxury homes and excellent schools, Highland Park is a popular choice for high-level executives and professionals.

The town is home to SMU's George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Dallas Country Club. Highland Park Village, one of the oldest shopping centers in the US, offers high-end retail and dining options.

Highland Park Highlights:

• Top-rated Highland Park ISD schools
• Upscale shopping at Highland Park Village
• Beautiful parks and green spaces
• Close proximity to downtown Dallas

Actual Tax Rate: 1.608545% 

Average Home Price: $1,906,296

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Entrepreneurs and Tech Workers

Dallas is home to a growing tech scene and numerous corporate headquarters. If you're moving to the area to work in tech or start your own business, these neighborhoods are worth considering.

Richardson

Richardson is known as the Telecom Corridor due to its high concentration of technology companies. “Richardson is absolutely huge for the tech draw,” Eddie says. "With some of the companies that are out there, whether it be Samsung [in nearby Plano], or Nokia which is in Coppell.” Even famous game companies like iD software, creator of the famous DOOM videogame, are headquartered in Richardson.

Richardson also happens to be one of the most affordable cities on our list. Home values and property tax rates are very affordable compared to more luxurious cities like Plano and Frisco. 

Richardson Highlights:

• Home to the Telecom Corridor
• Proximity to major tech employers
• Mix of housing options from apartments to single-family homes
• Great schools in Richardson ISD

Actual Tax Rate: 1.869363 - 2.249296% 

Average Home Price: $458,787

Legacy Frisco / Plano

The Legacy area in Frisco has become a major hub for tech companies and startups.

Legacy West, a 255-acre mixed-use development, is the heart of this area. It's home to corporate campuses for companies like Toyota North America, FedEx Office, and PepsiCo. The development also features a vibrant urban core with high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Legacy Frisco Highlights:

• Home to corporate campuses for Toyota, and JP Morgan Chase
• Upscale shopping and dining at Legacy West
• New construction homes and luxury apartments
• Easy access to major highways

Collin County Actual Property Tax Rate: 1.690268-1.920268%

Denton County Actual Property Tax Rate: 1.64919-1.84919%

Average Home Price: $699,401

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Retirees

For those looking to enjoy their golden years in Dallas, we looked at properties that had great access to activities and healthcare within a short drive.

Turtle Creek

Eddie shares, "Turtle Creek. It's a little bit quieter. It's more tame. You've got a nice topography there with the greenery. It's not as ‘city’ feeling. It kind of hides amidst the city."

Turtle Creek is known for its beautiful parks and upscale high-rise condominiums. The area is centered around Turtle Creek, a small river lined with walking trails and green spaces. It's close to the arts district and design district, making it perfect for culture-loving retirees.

Turtle Creek Highlights:

• Beautiful parks and green spaces
• Upscale condos and townhomes
• Close to arts and culture in downtown Dallas
• Quieter atmosphere while still being close to urban amenities

Actual Tax Rate: 2.23503% 

Average Home Price: $394,628

Southlake

Southlake is an affluent suburb known for its excellent quality of life. The city's crown jewel is Southlake Town Square, a 130-acre mixed-use development designed to look like a small American town. It offers upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a walkable setting.

Southlake is only a 30-minute drive from Dallas, but that distance can help. Eddie reflected on this point when discussing a previous client who moved to Southlake. 

“One of my clients, an executive banker in Dallas said ‘I'm ready to move away’ [but] still be accessible,” Eddie says. “He wanted to be able to walk outside in the morning as a retiree and not necessarily feel or hear the hustle and bustle.” Southlake was his optimal choice.

Southlake Highlights:

• Great community and activities - with many events held around the walkable Southlake Town Square.
• Access to high-quality healthcare facilities - Methodist Hospital in Southlake and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in nearby Grapevine
• Favorable property tax rates from strong fiduciary stewardship by the city.
• Safe neighborhoods from a strong relationship with the local police department. 

Actual Tax Rate: 1.50367% 

Average Home Price: $1,248,670

Welcome to Dallas!

Dallas's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree looking for an active community. With its strong job market, excellent schools, and beautiful natural surroundings, it's no wonder that Dallas continues to attract new residents from all walks of life.

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