Where Do Young Professionals Live in Dallas?

By Graci Woodworth, Storage.com

Dallas has long catered to the busy lifestyles of young professionals. Maybe it’s the mild temperatures year-round, or maybe it’s the remarkable can’t-be-found-anywhere-else atmosphere. Thousands of corporate headquarters anchored in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area doesn’t hurt matters, either—with several Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, and other prominent companies like Match.com, Chili’s, and FedEx Office. Whatever the draw, it’s easy to see why so many people are sipping the kool-aid with this list of the 3 best neighborhoods in Dallas for young professionals below.

UPTOWN

Dallas neighborhood
Photo by Bonita de Boer

Decades of urban renewal have transformed this well-known Dallas neighborhood into one of the area’s most desirable places to live for young professionals. Known for its on-the-go population, Uptown’s got something for every hour of the day.

Quick Facts:

  • Population: 19,979
  • Employment Rate: 96.9%
  • Median Rent: $1,621
  • Median Home Price: $370,443
  • Average Commute: 20 minutes

Housing

This neighborhood is divided into pockets of sub-neighborhoods, each further distinguishing the whelm of characteristics that make Uptown so noteworthy. You can find a variety of hi-rise apartments and modern pads within the mix of trendy commercial spaces, or settle into a purely residential (and likely tree-lined) block heavily ridden with townhouses and condos.

Landmarks

Uptown residents are spoiled with proximity to Katy Trail, a 3.5 mile pedestrian path that sweeps throughout the heart of Dallas. Not only a scenic route for bikers and joggers, this path makes Uptown one of the most walkable areas in the city. Home to a slew of businesses and shops, including the Headquarters of Dean Foods, this neighborhood is a prime location for work, play, and everything in between.

Entertainment

There’s no shortage of places to go and people to see for Uptown’s lively residents. Jump start your morning at Nick & Sam’s Grill where brunchaholics swear by the Captain Crunch french toast, chill out with a brew in the beer garden at Katy Trail Ice House, or hop around the West Village to browse through one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. With arguably the best nightlife in the city, this swanky neighborhood attracts Dallas residents near and far for a memorable night out on the town.

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OAK LAWN

Turtle Creek in Oak Lawn
Photo by Bonita de Boer

Set just north of downtown Dallas, many young professionals set their sights on Oak Lawn, Uptown’s budget-friendly cousin. The up-beat atmosphere of this low-crime neighborhood continually lures in fresh graduates looking to make their mark.

Quick Facts:

  • Population: 30,826
  • Employment Rate: 93.5%
  • Median Rent: $1,129
  • Median Home Price: $264,316
  • Average Commute: 21 minutes

Housing

In step with its vibrant culture, much of Oak Lawn is thriving with newly developed hi-rises, apartments, and condos. But make no mistake, the area also holds historic streets with quieter developments, and of course, the ever-stunning condos and estates along Turtle Creek. As one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, the crime rate here is 60% lower than Dallas as a whole.

Landmarks

Oak Lawn is just a short distance from the rolling lawns of Lee Park, where visitors can attend seasonal tastings and mixer events, or simply stroll the fragrant gardens. Just minutes from the heart of Dallas, Oak Lawn gives its residents a taste of tight-knit community living without losing the big-city feel.

Entertainment

Best known as the Dallas mecca for LGBT establishments, Oak Lawn boasts a diverse culture that is unlike any other neighborhood in the city. As the annual host location for the Dallas Pride Parade, the area is always pulsing with contagious energy. If you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned burger and milkshake, Hunky’s is a local favorite. Up for a yoga class and and post-workout fuel? Head on over to Cosmic Cafe, a popular hang-out fueled by meditation and Indian-inspired cuisine.

DEEP ELLUM

Deep Ellum Dallas
Photo by Allen Sheffield

On a roaring rise from its history of unpredictable highs and lows, Deep Ellum is now a magnet for young professionals in their mid-twenties and thirties. Deep Ellum has fostered a long-time reputation as a Dallas hub for fine arts, and some would even say music is the first language in this funky neighborhood.

Quick Facts:

  • Population: 2,555
  • Employment Rate: 92.7%
  • Median Rent: $925
  • Median Home Price: $203,288
  • Average Commute: 24 minutes

Housing

The living spaces in Deep Ellum consist mostly of contemporary lofts, condos, and unique single-family homes (and one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Dallas). Here, most dwellers are just a short walk from everything they need, from Rudolph’s Market and Sausage Factory (the area’s local butcher) to fresh, organic produce at the farmer’s market.

Landmarks

You’ll know you’ve reached the bounds of this trendy community upon sight of the colorful murals and street art that decorate the buildings. Deep Ellum also neighbors Fair Park, which holds the famous State Fair of Texas (with one of the highest attendance rates in the country) among numerous annual events.

Entertainment

Chocked completely full of buzzing establishments, Deep Ellum residents simply have no time for boredom. Whether it’s catching a performance at the notable Undermain Theater, jamming out to a live band on the patio at Club Dada, or celebrating the three-day Deep Ellum Arts Festival (featuring 100 original bands), the scene around here is top-notch. Foodies can get their chance to chow down on beef ribs at Pecan Lodge (said to be one of the best BBQ joints in the world), while beer enthusiasts celebrate all that is the Deep Ellum IPA (which was rated a flashy 91% on beer advocate) at Deep Ellum Brewing Company.

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Notice any young professionals hot spots that we missed? Tell us in the comments!

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All Quick Facts were provided by areavibes.com and dmagazine.com.

All images have either been provided by a listed organization or are licensed under the Creative Commons.