Dallas combines an appealing cost of living with the energy of a major urban center, making it attractive for renters. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the city is rich in cultural experiences, offering everything from award-winning restaurants to renowned museums and music venues.
Renters enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, access to parks and green spaces, and regular events that showcase the area's deep-rooted traditions and modern creativity. With convenient amenities and plenty of entertainment choices, Dallas stands out as a city where you can truly make the most of every day.
The five best neighborhoods in Dallas, TX for renters are:
- Hickory Creek
- Lake Highlands
- Prestonwood
- Uptown
- Buckner Terrace
1. Hickory Creek
• Average 1‑bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,394/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Hickory Creek: $1,634/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 792 sq ft.
Why Hickory Creek is good for renters
Hickory Creek offers a more budget-friendly set of rental options compared with central Dallas, including both classic apartments and homes for rent. It’s a quieter, mainly residential part of the city that still provides access to major roads and daily conveniences. Renting here often means more space for your money than in more urban neighborhoods.
|
Car-Dependent |
No Transit |
Somewhat Bikeable |
|
49 |
0 |
51 |
|
Hickory Creek has a WalkScore® of 49 out of 100. Most errands will require a car. |
With a TransitScore® at zero, there are no alternatives to personal transportation. |
With a BikeScore® of only 51, commuting to work will most likely be by car. |
Keep in mind
Expect an auto-oriented lifestyle —errands and nightlife require a drive.
2. Lake Highlands
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,394/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Lake Highlands: $1,041/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 685 sq ft.
Why Lake Highlands is good for renters
Lake Highlands blends residential charm with city access, offering a wide range of apartments and communities. You’ll find options from more affordable buildings to larger, amenity-rich complexes. Its location near White Rock Lake and proximity to major freeways makes commuting easy.
|
Car-Dependent |
Some Transit |
Bikeable |
|
58 |
43 |
52 |
|
Lake Highlands has a WalkScore® of 58 out of 100. Some errands will require a car. |
With a TransitScore® of 43, there are limited transit options. |
A BikeScore® of 52 means there are just a few places to ride your bike in this area. |
Keep in mind
While more peaceful than downtown, traffic during peak commute hours can still be a factor.
3. Prestonwood
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,394/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Prestonwood: $1,176/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 716 sq ft.
Why Prestonwood is good for renters
Prestonwood is a spacious, more suburban part of Dallas with housing that tends toward larger floor plans and quieter streets. It’s ideal if you’re looking for residences that feel more like a home than a city apartment.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Some Transit |
Bikeable |
|
66 |
36 |
53 |
|
Prestonwood has a WalkScore® of 66 out of 100. Most errands will require a car. |
With a TransitScore® of 36, there are very limited transit options. |
A BikeScore® of 53 indicates there are a few dedicated places to ride your bike in this area. |
Keep in mind
Public transit options are more limited; most errands are easiest by car.
4. Uptown
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,394/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Uptown: $2,355/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 824 sq ft.
Why Uptown is good for renters
Uptown is one of Dallas’s most high-energy and walkable neighborhoods, packed with restaurants, nightlife, and urban conveniences. Its higher rents reflect the lifestyle of convenience, frequent transit options, and proximity to downtown.
|
Walker’s Paradise |
Good Transit |
Somewhat Bikeable |
|
93 |
58 |
79 |
|
Uptown has a WalkScore® of 93 out of 100. Walking to most places is easy. |
With a TransitScore® of 58, there are good transit options nearby. |
Uptown has a high BikeScore® of 79. There’s a variety of bike lanes and paths throughout the area. |
Keep in mind
Rent is significantly above the Dallas average — expect to pay a premium for location and amenities.
5. Buckner Terrace
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,394/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Buckner Terrace: $946/month
• Average 1-bedroom square footage: 616 sq ft.
Why Buckner Terrace is good for renters
Buckner Terrace offers more affordable rent options than many central Dallas neighborhoods, with apartments and homes in a range of price points. It’s also close to White Rock Lake and other outdoor amenities.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Some Transit |
Bikeable |
|
53 |
40 |
53 |
|
Buckner Terrace has a WalkScore® of 53 out of 100. Most errands will require a car. |
With a TransitScore® of 40, there are only a few transit options. |
With a BikeScore® of 53, you will be able to bike in a few areas. |
Keep in mind
Availability and apartment amenities can vary from block to block.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Dallas has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re exploring short-term leases or hoping to find a long-term home, Apartments.com’s searchable listings and customizable filters help you narrow by price, amenities, and layout. Wherever you’re headed next, options in Dallas are waiting with Apartments.com.
FAQ
Is Dallas a good place to live?
Yes, Dallas is a good place to live if you want a mix of city energy, diverse neighborhoods, and a lower cost of living than many large metros. You’ll find food, arts, parks, sports, and job opportunities across the region.
Is Dallas an expensive place to live?
Compared to the national average, Dallas’s rent and cost of living are around average to slightly higher — renting in central neighborhoods like Uptown tends to be more expensive, while other areas offer more affordable options throughout the city.
What’s the average rent in Dallas?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is approximately $1,394/month, as of the latest Apartments.com Dallas rental market trends.
What salary do you need to live in Dallas?
According to our cost of living insights, a single adult with no dependents should aim for a salary around $74,000 before taxes.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. WalkScore®, TransitScore®, and BikeScore® ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides.
