Your Comprehensive Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Dallas

Welcome to Dallas, where skyscrapers shimmer under that big Texas sky and taco trucks share corners with high-end boutiques. Whether you're a student chasing big dreams or someone who just loves good BBQ and better weather, Dallas has a spot with your name on it. As per reports, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city is approximately $2,039 per month. But here’s the deal: picking the right neighborhood can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best neighborhoods in Dallas, from student-friendly transit-smart hubs to luxe locales packed with killer coffee and a whole lot of personality. Let’s find your perfect corner of the city.

10 Best Neighborhoods in Dallas TX

So, where should you plant your roots in the Big D? Here are the 7 best areas to live in Dallas that bring a little bit of that signature Texas charm:  [Note that the crime rates have been expressed in terms of the number of crimes reported per 1000 residents in each neighborhood.]

1. Uptown

Average Rent: $800-$2,700
Crime Rate: 45/1,000 residents

Topping off the list with this walkable region, which firmly believes that all work and no play can make the mind dull. The streets of this locale are maintained regularly and include several free options for public transit. 
There are also various retail outlets, restaurants such as Mercat Bistro and The Rustic, and cultural spots such as the Sixth Floor Museum, Reunion Tower, and Klyde Warren Park. The universities and schools in the region include Dallas College, Dallas Baptist University, and UT Dallas, with convenient options for student housing in Uptown.

2. Lower Greenville

Average Rent: $700-$2,700
Crime Rate: 50/1,000 residents

If you seek a neighborhood with ample recreational spaces and cultural centers, Lower Greenville is a worthy option to consider. From gorgeous boutiques like The Porch and Goodwins to trendy bistros like Sundown at Granada and Terilli’s, you’ll find everything in here, including excellent options for student housing in Lower Greenville.
What’s more, students consider this area to be one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas, thanks to its proximity to key educational institutions. These include the University of North Texas (UNT), the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), and private institutions like Southern Methodist University (SMU).

3. Lakewood

Average Rent: $700-$2,700
Crime Rate: 35/1,000 residents

Next up on the list is this region that’s a beautiful blend of natural beauty, residential charm, and easy accessibility to the rest of the city. Notably, Lakewood is to the west of the White Rock Lake, which is a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities. 
As for the educational institutions in the area, students can find a number of reputed colleges and universities, including Southern Methodist University and Sam Houston State University, making student housing in Lakewood a convenient and attractive option.

4. Preston Hollow 

Average Rent: $700-$2,700
Crime Rate: 34/1,000 residents

If you’re searching for the best place to live in Dallas Texas, Preston Hollow is another option you can count on. It has scenic streets such as the Meadowood Road and Ravine Drive, and offers convenient access to regions such as Downtown Dallas and the Fort Worth Airport area. Moreover, there are cultural attractions such as the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and Caruth Park, and dining spots such as Jose, a Mexican Restaurant, and Dough, a pizzeria. For students, this neighborhood shines even brighter—student housing in Preston Hollow is highly sought after thanks to its proximity to top schools like Dallas Baptist University, SMU, and UT Dallas.

5. East Dallas

Average Rent: $700-$2,500
Crime Rate: 40/1,000 residents

This diverse neighborhood within Dallas is marked by its historically significant localities, such as Munger Place and Swiss Avenue, and modern developments such as the West Village and the I-635 East Project. What’s more, it includes Deep Ellum, a district popular for its arts and entertainment activities. Students also consider it to be one of the best areas to live Dallas, thanks to its proximity to significant universities, such as the University of Dallas, UTD, and Dallas Baptist University, and the growing availability of student housing in East Dallas.

6. Far North Dallas

Average Rent: $700-$2,500
Crime Rate: 41/1,000 residents

Far North Dallas is a suburb of Dallas TX that’s located to the north of the Lyndon B. Johnson freeway. Apart from this, the region offers efficient connectivity to major freeways, including the I-75 and I-35, which makes it easy for residents to commute to other parts of the city, including downtown. It is also considered favorable for students owing to the range of social infrastructure in the region, which supports the demand for student housing in Far North Dallas. These include schools such as North Dallas High School and Dallas ISD, and parks like Vitruvian Park and Mary Heads Carter Park.

7. Highland Park

Average Rent: $700-$1,300
Crime Rate: 24/1,000 residents

Up next is a neighborhood that’s largely regarded as more of a residential enclave. What makes Highland Park one of the best areas of Dallas is its well-maintained parks, such as Abbott Park, Davis Park, and Conner Park, which provide plenty of green spaces and opportunities for relaxation. Speaking of educational opportunities, Highland Park is situated close to the University of Dallas, UT Dallas, and SMU, making student housing in Highland Park a convenient option for those attending.

8. Lake Highlands

Average Rent: $700-$1,300
Crime Rate: 41/1,000 residents

Regarded as arguably the best area in Dallas to live, Lake Highlands is known for its proximity to the White Rock Lake and the rolling hills that create a picturesque environment. Also, the Richardson Independent School District within Lake Highlands houses a number of prominent schools, including Forest Meadow Middle School and Lake Highlands High School. The other educational amenities offered include SMU, UTD, and Richland College, all of which contribute to the growing demand for student housing in Lake Highlands.

9. Addison

Average Rent: $750-$2,500
Crime Rate: 78/1,000 residents

Here’s another bustling suburb located in northern Dallas, known for its mix of commercial, residential, and green spaces, making it a great option for someone searching for the best area to live in Dallas Texas, especially if you’re on the lookout for convenient student housing in Addison. What’s more, the region has a high bike score and walk score, which suggests that it’s easy to commute by bicycle or get around on foot. As for educational facilities near the neighborhood, there are many notable institutions, including Texas Christian University, UTD, Dallas Baptist University, and SMU.

10. Richardson

Average Rent: $700-$2,500
Crime Rate: 22/1,000 residents

Wrapping it all up with this thriving suburb in TX that offers efficient accessibility to the city via highways such as US-75 and the President George Bush Turnpike: Richardson. As for educational opportunities, the region has several universities located nearby, including UT Dallas, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and the University of Dallas, making it a popular choice for student housing in Richardson. 

Safe Student Housing in Dallas

Dallas is a mosaic of many communities, each offering a unique lifestyle. Be it the business buzz of Uptown, the artistic soul of East Dallas, or the academic access of Lower Greenville, our blog has covered everything you ought to know about the best neighborhoods in Dallas.

For students, the right neighborhood can help you strike the perfect balance between focused study and social exploration. That’s where amber steps in, offering verified, affordable, and student-friendly housing in Dallas and nearby Richardson, tailored to your university schedule and lifestyle. From fully furnished apartments to quiet suburban retreats, amber ensures a smooth and stress-free housing experience, with flexible leases and personal support every step of the way. Here are some top student housing options in and around Dallas:

1. Chatham Court and Reflections, Dallas – A spacious community with easy access to city life.
2. Estates Of Richardson, Richardson – A peaceful, student-preferred option offering modern amenities.
3. Rancho Palisades, Dallas – Offers upscale living in North Dallas with resort-style features.
4. The Pradera, Richardson – A modern, secure residence perfect for students looking for comfort.
5. Homes Of Prairie Springs, Richardson – A budget-friendly student housing community with green surroundings.