The Dallas metro area is a great place to live and raise a family. But where is the best neighborhood in Dallas for families?
We’ve put together a list of our favorite neighborhoods in the Dallas area based on factors such as schools, safety, parks and other amenities.
Best Neighborhoods in Dallas for Families
1. Preston Hollow
This affluent neighborhood north of downtown has long been considered one of the most desirable places to live in Dallas. It features large lots, beautiful homes and easy access to major highways. The Preston Hollow Elementary School District serves most of this neighborhood with its 10 elementary schools and three middle schools.
The neighborhood has plenty of parks, including Audelia Park and Northwest Park, which have playgrounds and sports fields for kids to enjoy.
Preston Hollow is also home to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Baylor College of Medicine campus as well as two country clubs (Westwood Country Club & Hillcrest Country Club).
2. Uptown
Uptown is the best neighborhood for families in Dallas. It’s one of the most walkable areas in the city, and it has a great mix of restaurants, shops, and services. There are also several parks nearby where your kids can run around and play.
Uptown is located north of downtown, near Turtle Creek. The area is home to many large apartment buildings, as well as smaller homes built in the 1920s through 1950s. There are some newer high-rises too, but these tend to be more expensive than other options in the area.
Many restaurants and bars are located in Uptown as well — so much so that it’s sometimes called “Little New York.” You’ll find everything from cafes to fine dining here. If you’re looking for family-friendly dining options, try out Cafe Brazil or Mi Cocina Mexican restaurant.
3. Preston Highlands North
The Preston Highlands North neighborhood is a hidden gem in Dallas. Located just north of Preston Road and east of LBJ Freeway, the area has some of the most affordable homes in the city.
The neighborhood is also home to two parks — Piedmont Park and Kiest Park — which are both within walking distance from many of the homes in this area. This makes it easy for families to get outside together.
In addition to its proximity to parks, Preston Highlands North is also close to several schools, including Kiest Elementary School and Murchison Middle School. The neighborhood is also very close to Greenhill Park, which offers great hiking opportunities on the weekends.
4. Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands is a great place to raise a family. There are lots of parks, schools and other amenities that make it a wonderful place to live.
The neighborhood is bordered by the Dallas North Tollway to the north, White Rock Creek to the east, Garland Road to the south and Inwood Road to the west.
It’s got great access to major highways like Highway 75 and Interstate 635, which makes getting around pretty easy.
There are plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment options close by, but Lake Highlands still maintains a small-town feel thanks to its many green spaces and quiet streets.
If you’re looking for an affordable option with great access to everything Dallas has to offer, then Lake Highlands should be at the top of your list!
5. Lakewood
Lakewood is a great neighborhood for families, but it has its own vibe. It’s home to some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and has been around since the early 1900s. You’ll find charming houses with old trees and big yards, as well as new construction. The schools are great, and there are plenty of parks, trails and other amenities for kids.
Lakewood is also close to major highways for easy commutes into downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. Plus, it’s right next door to White Rock Lake Park, which is one of the best places in town for joggers, cyclists and walkers.
6. Old East Dallas
Old East Dallas is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas. It’s also one of the most diverse, with an eclectic mix of food, art and culture. The neighborhood is home to a large Hispanic population, as well as many other ethnicities.
The area is known for its beautiful homes and large lots (many with mature trees), but it also has plenty of family-friendly restaurants and businesses.
Old East Dallas has several parks within walking distance. Most notable is the historic Wilmore Park, which features a playground and green space for picnics or dog walks.
Wonderland Park is another popular park in Old East Dallas. It’s got a playground, tennis courts and picnic areas with tables and grills.
7. Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum, a historic neighborhood that lies just east of downtown Dallas, is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The neighborhood has been the subject of several articles touting its revitalization, including one from The New York Times.
The neighborhood has seen an influx of new restaurateurs and retailers in recent years, as well as an increase in foot traffic from visitors who come to see the many galleries and shops that line Main Street.
Residents here enjoy easy access to Downtown Dallas as well as nearby Uptown and Oak Lawn.
8. Kenwood
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers everything from great schools to a vibrant community, then look no further than Kenwood. Located in the northern part of the city, this is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dallas. This is thanks to its proximity to major roadways and highways, as well as its excellent public transit system.
One of the best things about Kenwood is that it’s home to some amazing schools. The neighborhood is served by two top-rated public schools: Lakewood Elementary School and Gadsden Middle School. These schools have received an ‘A’ rating from the Texas Education Agency, which means they perform better than most public schools in the state.
Kenwood also offers residents plenty of parks and green spaces within walking distance of their homes. In fact, there are more than 10 parks within this neighborhood alone! If you’re looking for a place where you can go outside and enjoy nature while still having access to all the amenities of city life, then Kenwood may be just right for you.
9. Arts District
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that has all the perks of Dallas’ downtown area without the hustle and bustle, Arts District is the place for you.
The Arts District is located just south of Downtown Dallas, along the Trinity River. It’s quickly becoming one of the hottest neighborhoods in town as it transforms into a hub for art, culture and entertainment.
Arts District is also home to some of the best restaurants in Dallas, so you won’t have to go far if you want a tasty meal or drink.
The neighborhood was once an industrial district filled with warehouses and manufacturing plants. Now it’s home to some of Dallas’ most popular restaurants: The Social Club, Bolsa Mercado and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema are just a few examples of the amazing restaurants you’ll find there.
If you’re looking for something more casual, check out any number of local coffee shops or corner stores along Henderson Avenue or Elm Street.
10. Vickery Meadows
The Vickery Meadows neighborhood is one of the most affordable in Dallas. It’s also one of the most diverse, with residents from all over the world. You’ll find families raising children here, along with young professionals who want to be close to downtown.
Vickery Meadows has a strong sense of community, which is one reason many people choose to live here. There are plenty of parks nearby, including Vickery Meadow Park, which offers lots of green space for kids to play and adults to relax. Vickery Meadows also offers easy access to highways leading into downtown Dallas and other parts of the metroplex.
