Cedar Crest - Dallas, TX

Once a separate city, Dallas incorporated Oak Cliff in 1903. Because of this, the area has a cultural identity all its own, a factor that comes into play in Cedar Crest in particular. A suburban developer established the neighborhood in the 1920s, and since then, it has attracted numerous people in search of an affordable suburb near downtown. Apart from the continual addition of new businesses and the growth of the downtown area, Cedar Crest remains largely unchanged.

Though the neighborhood has no museums, visitors find plenty in the downtown area nearby, including the historic Sixth Floor Museum dedicated to the Kennedy assassination and the various art museums of the arts district. The Oak Cliff arts scene caters largely to musicians and visual artists. Various festivals take place in Oak Cliff as well, including the Oak Cliff Music Festival, Oak Cliff Jazz Festival and an annual Mardi Gras celebration.

Cedar Crest has mostly fast-food spots and casual eateries, many of which feature Southern cuisine, comfort food and good old-fashioned Texas barbecue. The northernmost part of the neighborhood contains several bars and pubs for nighttime entertainment. However, locals venture into the downtown area of the city for more varied options.

Ten Eleven Grill promises its patrons an experience just as incredible as the food. The celebratory atmosphere, which regularly features live music, becomes even merrier with an array of simple but tasty eats, such as a traditional burger with all the fixings or a platter of golden-friend, garlic-seasoned shrimp served up with hot, crispy fries and hushpuppies.

At the Baby Back Shak, diners can sample an array of barbecued and grilled meats seasoned with the restaurant's signature rub. Tender beef brisket, ribs, Cornish hen and even bourdain sausage, along with flavorful sides such as cole slaw, baked beans and potato salad. Patrons can dine in or buy the meat by the pound.

For trendy, American-style food, The Cedars Social has a broad range of options. The truffle mac and cheese puts a gourmet spin on a comfort-food favorite, while the Cedars Social burger comes with toppings including Vermont cheddar and caramelized onions on a brioche bun or toasted English muffin. Diners find plenty of great mixed drinks on the menu as well.

For live music, locals head to Gilley's Dallas, a premiere event spot for everything from class reunions to rocking concerts featuring local and regional acts, largely with a country focus. Many locals also head just a little north of the Cedar Crest neighborhood when in search of a night out on the town, as the Fair Park area hosts some of Dallas's hottest nightclubs. Bars and pubs, such as Poor David's Pub and the Absinthe Lounge, provide a nightlife option for those seeking a more casual atmosphere.

Though most people travel by car, public transportation is provided by the DART bus and rail systems. Locals in need of a ride can also call a taxi or else arrange for a ride through Uber.

The Cedar Crest area does not provide public parking, though ample parking exists around area businesses. From this neighborhood, residents have access to major roadways, including I-45, I-20 and US 77.

Though slightly more walkable than other Dallas neighborhoods, Cedar Crest does not cater to pedestrians. Likewise, a lack of bike lanes can make road conditions unsafe for cyclists.

Beckley-Saner Park and Robert Oren Park, both free to visit, serve as the two primary parks of the Cedar Crest area. Though they do not have many amenities, the parks do house a recreation center that regularly features special events and workshops for the community. Spray grounds and play areas make the parks kid-friendly, though four-legged family members must stay leashed while visiting. Locals in search of exercise options can venture a bit outside the neighborhood to nearby Kiest Park, which features more walking areas.

The cost of living in the Cedar Crest area tends to be about the same as in other Dallas neighborhoods, at slightly below the national average. Travel via the DART system costs $5 for a daily pass, with monthly and weekly pass options available for frequent travelers looking to save. Renters expect to pay around $698 on average for a one-bedroom apartment. Meanwhile, for $4 you can grab a favorite domestic brew at the local bars. Gas prices in the Cedar Crest area tend to be around the same price as in other areas of Dallas at about 12 percent below the national average.

While shoppers find stores scattered throughout the area, the nearest major shopping center is located across the highway at Wynnewood Village. However, for high-end shopping opportunities, take a trip to Downtown Dallas and spots such as NorthPark Center.

Boutiques and specialty shops of all kinds sell wares throughout Cedar Crest. Head to The House of MacGregor to visit a classic milliner that offers men's and women's hats for elegant occasions. Fedoras, bohos, berets and caps are part of the shop's lineup. The boutique also creates custom hats for locals searching for a one-of-a-kind item to complement their wardrobe.

Bishop Street Market has an eclectic combination of home decor items, fashionable accessories, candles and bath products. Additionally, this shop has an extensive selection of greeting cards for every occasion. That makes it the perfect place to stop in for a gift.

Walmart, Save-A-Lot, Albertsons and Food-Rite represent just a few of the grocery options available to residents of Cedar Crest. Locals in search of farm fresh produce can drive over to the Dallas Farmers Market in the downtown area.