Although it might not seem like the most obvious choice, living in Dallas has a lot to offer for young professionals looking to begin their careers.
According to D Magazine, the city and its surrounding areas rank high in affordability, job availability and access to fun. The city’s most popular metro areas also offer “a more relatable atmosphere” for young people, looking to live near their peers.
Where to live in Dallas as a young professional is ultimately up to you, but finding an apartment in a neighborhood full of young adults is a breeze. You only need to know where to look, and we can help with that. Here are some of the best Dallas neighborhoods for young adults.
Uptown
Perhaps one of the most popular places in the city is Uptown. Located on the edge of the North Central Expressway, just north of downtown, living here makes commuting to work a breeze. Nestled within one of Dallas’ most energetic areas, Uptown is teeming with numerous nightlife and dining options.
In this extremely walkable neighborhood, residents often spend their weekends out and about, frequenting local cafes and browsing boutiques. For those wanting a more active outdoor experience, spend time on the Katy Trail, a pedestrian and bike path that’s just one section of what used to be the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad.
As one of Dallas’ older neighborhoods, you can find some pretty unique architecture throughout Uptown, as well.
Las Colinas
Source: Rent. / Allura
Located on the northwest side of Dallas, technically in Irving, Las Colinas is a favorite of many young adults who want to live in a neighborhood that’s more affordable. Like Uptown, Las Colinas is extremely walkable, and residents often stroll or bike along Campion Trail.
The neighborhood is close to the airport and has easy access to several major highways, including the John W. Carpenter Freeway, which takes residents directly into Downtown Dallas.
Young adults who enjoy art can admire the iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas public sculpture, while the botanically inclined will appreciate the Las Colinas Flower Clock. This Dallas neighborhood is often considered one of the trendiest spots in the metro area, which is why many young adults choose to live and work here.
Lower Greenville
Source: Rent. / Vue Greenville
The historic home for Dallas’ jazz scene, Lower Greenville thrives alongside some of the most talked-about eateries and drinking spots. There’s so much to do, see, eat and drink that young adults living here won’t ever run out of places to be after the workday is over. For a special night out, check out the Granada Theater, a cool 1940s art deco building, used today as a music venue.
Located near Uptown, just a bit closer to downtown Dallas, this neighborhood combines the fun of a rooftop bar with cute bungalows and a small-town feel.
Right nearby is where you’ll also find M Streets, a popular destination for young adults thanks to its thriving nightlife. With even more places to eat and fun hangouts, it offers plenty to do, as well as quiet, residential streets lined with trees.
Knox-Henderson
Source: Rent. / Nove at Knox
With Southern Methodist University just up the road, Knox-Henderson is another great place for young adults to live. The neighborhood attracts an eclectic mix of people — everyone from college students to established professionals.
Although it’s one of the smaller Dallas neighborhoods, Knox-Henderson is a hot destination thanks to its lively nightlife. The commute to Downtown Dallas from the area is relatively simple, as well. Residents don’t even have to hop on the freeway.
Young fashionistas will also love Knox-Henderson, as it’s known for its diverse shopping. On the Knox side, you’ll find the designers and more mainstream shops, but the Henderson side has everything from retro boutiques to shops selling authentic imports from Mexico.
Deep Ellum
This neighborhood began as a pure entertainment district. You’d find clubs and bars and a thriving nightlife with people pooling in the streets. Today, Deep Ellum is a Downtown Dallas staple with vibrant street murals, art galleries and concert venues.
Full of brewpubs, cocktail bars and restaurants, Deep Ellum is still a bustling place, so prepare for all the activity if you decide to make this neighborhood your home. The action is also what draws so many young adults to the area. That, and its proximity to the downtown area.
Living in Deep Ellum means a chance to experience the lengthy history of the place. This area is as old as the city of Dallas itself, and as a result, has a lot of early 20th-century architecture to enjoy.
Downtown Dallas
Lastly, you can’t leave out the actual urban ideal of downtown when talking about where the young people in Dallas live. Downtown Dallas is more than just the bustling business district. You’ll know you’re there once you spy Reunion Tower, one of the city’s best-known landmarks. This building has a ball-shaped observation deck on top, with amazing views. You’ll also find the original Neiman Marcus store here if you’re a big department store shopper.
For those interested in hitting happy hour after work with a short commute home, living in Downtown Dallas could end up being a perfect choice. There’s plenty of Tex-Mex, fun pubs and casual restaurants to keep your belly full.
The number of mixed-use developments popping up in this area is quickly transforming downtown into a true live-work-play neighborhood.
Find great places to live in Dallas as a young professional
It’s easy to see that living in Dallas as a young professional means having a lot of options. Selecting the right neighborhood means finding a place with a convenient location, a nice apartment and the right amount of places to go out and have fun.
Wherever you living in Dallas, you’ll find a thriving community of people who are mostly friendly and engaging. Get started exploring your options for renting an apartment or buying a home today!
