Want to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area? You’re not alone. As the Metroplex continues to grow with a strong economy and diverse culture, more and more people are making the move to DFW. It’s an area that has everything from urban excitement to low-key, family-friendly communities where you can put down roots. Of course, with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding your DFW home. In this neighborhood guide, we break down some of the most popular areas of the region and go over what makes each neighborhood unique. We take a look at local schools, amenities, community vibe, and accessibility.
Time to dig a little deeper and explore everything the DFW area has to offer.
Top Neighborhoods in the Dallas Area
Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow is one of the oldest and most established neighborhoods in Dallas. It is also one of the most luxurious, featuring grand houses and tree-lined streets. If you move to Preston Hollow, you’ll have a real sense of community and privacy without being too far from the rest of Dallas.
- Schools: Families in the neighborhood like that Preston Hollow is a quick drive from some of Dallas’s best private schools and that it also provides access to high-performing public schools in Dallas ISD.
- Amenities: Residents love shopping at upscale NorthPark Center and Preston Center, dining at some of Dallas’s finest restaurants, and heading to one of the area’s private country clubs.
- Community Vibe: Peaceful and family-friendly, Preston Hollow has a long history and many long-term residents.
- Accessibility: Preston Hollow is located just off the Dallas North Tollway and Northwest Highway, so it is easy to get to downtown and other Dallas business districts.
Lakewood
Lakewood, as its name might suggest, borders White Rock Lake in Dallas. With a range of housing styles, from cozy Tudors to unassuming mid-century homes, the neighborhood has an easy, outdoorsy vibe and a storied history.
- Schools: The area is known for Lakewood Elementary, but you’ll also find other great public and private schools nearby.
- Amenities: White Rock Lake is a big selling point here, where you can run, bike, and enjoy some water sports. You are also close to the Dallas Arboretum and the neighborhood business district, which is home to eclectic shops and comfortable restaurants.
- Community Vibe: Friendly and close-knit, the community hosts neighborhood events and has a relaxed atmosphere.
- Accessibility: It feels worlds away from downtown but is still only a short drive, so it is a great option for young professionals and families alike.
Uptown / Oak Lawn
If you’re looking to be in the thick of it all, head to Uptown or Oak Lawn. This walkable, urban area attracts young professionals with its easy live-work-play lifestyle.
- Schools: As one of the area’s most urban neighborhoods, Uptown and Oak Lawn tend to attract more singles and couples.
- Amenities: Restaurants, bars, boutiques, and more are all within walking distance. You will find miles of the Katy Trail for runners and bikers, along with easy access to the M-Line Trolley.
- Community Vibe: It is urban and vibrant and is one of the best places to be if you want the “live-work-play” lifestyle.
- Accessibility: This area is known for its walkability, and you can also get to downtown and other major Dallas business districts quickly.
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Top Neighborhoods in the Fort Worth Area
Westover Hills / Rivercrest
For two of the most high-end, classic neighborhoods in Fort Worth, look no further than Westover Hills and Rivercrest. They are both known for stately homes and a classic sense of luxury.
- Schools: You will be close to both highly ranked private schools and strong public schools in Fort Worth ISD.
- Amenities: You can play golf and attend special events at River Crest Country Club, as well as visit world-class art at the Kimbell and Amon Carter museums. Trinity Trails is also nearby, so you have lots of options for walking, running, and biking.
- Community Vibe: Westover Hills and Rivercrest are both quiet and upscale, attracting families who value privacy and tradition.
- Accessibility: Both neighborhoods are tucked a short distance west of downtown, so you have a relaxed residential area that keeps you within minutes of the Fort Worth core.
Tcu-Westcliff
Famous for its namesake Texas Christian University, TCU-Westcliff is a neighborhood that benefits from both lively university energy and the warmth of a classic, family-friendly community.
- Schools: Neighborhood schools like Tanglewood Elementary and Paschal High School are both well-known and have good academic reputations.
- Amenities: You are right next to all of TCU’s buzz, from its big-time college sports to its cultural events. From the neighborhood, it is also easy to get to University Park Village, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Trinity Trails.
- Community Vibe: The community vibe is unique and neighborly, with a special blend of college-town energy and just-like-home comfort.
- Accessibility: Because it is conveniently located and close to major highways, the neighborhood offers a quick trip to downtown, the Stockyards, and the cultural district.
Top Suburban Neighborhoods
Southlake
Southlake is one of the most sought-after suburban communities in the region, known for its planned neighborhoods, top schools, and an unwavering focus on families.
- Schools: It is home to Carroll ISD, one of the best in Texas, and many families move to Southlake just so they can be in the school district.
- Amenities: Southlake Town Square serves as the beating heart of the community, a year-round gathering place for shopping, dining, and public events. The community also has many parks and recreational facilities.
- Community Vibe: It is a safe, well-kept area that puts families first and has a real sense of community.
- Accessibility: You have quick access to major highways, so a trip to downtown Dallas or nearby shopping districts is convenient.
