Lake Cliff - Dallas, TX

The history of Lake Cliff stretches back to the early part of the 1900s. During this time, the site housed the largest amusement park in Texas, complete with carnivals, dance halls and live theater. The amusement park eventually closed down, and construction of the neighborhood itself began in the 1920s. While Lake Cliff and other surrounding Oak Cliff were among the most prominent through the 1950s, the area declined over following decades. However, recent years have seen strong efforts to revive the region and preserve its heritage.

Though Oak Cliff does not house many museums, proximity to Downtown Dallas gives residents the chance to enjoy fixtures such as the Dallas Museum of Art and the historic Sixth Floor Museum. Artists also enjoy access to the Bishop Arts District. Events such as the Oak Cliff Earth Day celebration take place in the area throughout the year.

While it may have a lot of personality, Lake Cliff's small size means that dining options within its limits are not that ample. However, its proximity to the rest of Oak Cliff as well as Downtown Dallas makes for numerous dining opportunities within a 10-minute drive. Options for foodies abound in the Bishop Arts District, and many hotels downtown make for upscale dining opportunities. Likewise, those seeking nightlife options need only search nearby neighborhoods to find everything from rocking dive bars to trendy nightclubs. While most people may not think of Dallas as a great place to find delicious vegan eats, Spiral Diner & Bakery proves that the city has much more on the menu that barbecue and steak. The sketti and meatballs comes topped with delicious cashew parmesan cheese and flavorful pesto, while the classic burger - which comes with the diner's choice of a soy patty, cashew-quinoa patty or portobello patty - comes served up with a heaping helping of delicious fresh veggies. Diners recommend leaving room for dessert. The i-scream ice cream alternative tastes even better than the real thing. Jonathon's Oak Cliff serves up breakfast and brunch favorites throughout the day. Diners can sample delicious dishes such as the Danger Dogs - pancake-battered sausages with a side of spicy mustard - and eggs Benedict with a heaping side of potatoes. One of this spot's key feature, the Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar, draws in patrons for the spot's weekend brunch. Just a little ways down the road from Lake Cliff, foodies can find Tillman's Roadhouse, the perfect spot to stop in for some Texas style flavor. This spot's casual atmosphere features live music and delicious gourmet eats such as duck nachos with Oaxacan cheese and a jalapeno slaw. Another local favorite, the venison Frito pie comes topped with savory venison chili, scallions, sour cream and white cheddar. Patrons in search of live music can head to the Kessler Theater in the nearby Bishop Arts District to see great acts ranging from local up-and-comers to national headliners. For casual spots to hang out, the 303 Grill, located in a renovated home, provides a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from big city life. Ten Bells Tavern provides beer lovers with a variety of drinks to sample, and Barbara's Pavillion gives karaoke lovers a chance to belt out their favorite tunes.

Most residents get around by car, though residents also have access to public transportation options in the form of the DART bus and rail system. Those in need of a ride can call for a taxi from a local cab company or arrange a ride through Uber.

Drivers in Lake Cliff have easy access to major roadways including I-35, which makes travel into downtown and to other major Dallas suburbs an easy task.

Find some free public parking around Lake Cliff Park. The neighborhood tends to be somewhat more walkable than other Dallas suburbs, though travel by car or public transportation tends to be a necessity for running most major errands. A lack of bike lanes means cyclists should use caution while riding on the road.

Lake Cliff Park sits at the center of the Lake Cliff neighborhood and provides its residents with 3 acres of beautiful scenery to relax and enjoy nature under the Dallas skyline, free of charge. Patrons enjoy access to the lake, as well as features such as a fragrant rose garden and plenty of shade trees. A playground makes for a safe and fun spot for kids to get out and enjoy the park. However, visitors should remember to keep their furry family members on leash while visiting. While not extensive, trails and paths around the park allow an opportunity to get some exercise. Lake Cliff Park also serves as the home to prominent festivals, including the North Oak Cliff Music Festival. Those who enjoy spending time outside find plenty to do at this spot.

The cost of living in Lake Cliff tends to be about the same as living in most other Dallas area neighborhoods. For $5, travelers purchase day passes that get them throughout the Metroplex on the DART bus and rail system. More frequent travelers purchase monthly and weekly passes to save on travel. For a one-bedroom residence, renters generally pay a median cost of about $580 per month. As for the price of a night out on the town, bar patrons typically pay around $4 for a pint of their favorite brew. Gas prices in Oak Cliff average about the same as in the rest of Dallas, so they come in around 11 percent below the national average.

A largely residential neighborhood, Lake Cliff does not provide its residents with many shopping options. However, proximity to both the downtown area and the Bishop Arts District make for plenty of places nearby to purchase everything from the basics to high-end items from designer brands.

The Bishop Arts District houses numerous specialty shops and smaller boutiques. At The Wild Detectives, a taste for great literature meets a taste for incredible food, coffee and wine. This indie bookseller features author readings and other events along with an impressive array of books, including many by local authors.

Dr Cops Pop Up Shop believes in bringing art into everyday life and does so with a sampling of jewelry items, accessories and home decor pieces produced by local artists. The shop also regularly features workshops for artists.

Plenty of basic grocery stores serve the Lake Cliff area, including Albertsons. While it does not have its own farmers market, proximity to Downtown Dallas makes it easy to visit the famous Dallas Farmers Market, which opens year round and features tons of fresh produce, dairy, meats and an array of handcrafted items from local vendors.