Northwest Dallas - Dallas, TX

As with many areas on the outskirts of Dallas, the northwest neighborhood had a largely agricultural focus from the time settlers began to make their home on the land in the 1800s. The largest shift in the area occurred with the establishment of Love Field airport in the early 20th century, which vastly increased traffic to and from northwest Dallas. While Love Field diminished with the construction of nearby DFW Airport in the 1970s, the area remains a hotspot for commercial activity and industry.

Lovers of history and aviation regularly head to the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field to explore the numerous exhibits onsite. While the area does not have much of an art scene, proximity to Dallas makes it easy to visit galleries, see live theater and visit craft fairs. The hotels in and around Love Field often host festivals and special events throughout the year.

From friendly neighborhood diners to fine four-star establishments, the northwest Dallas area has it all. Various styles of cuisine from around the world highlight this diversity, which means foodies always have plenty of new fare to sample. Limited nightlife options mean most residents head to the local bar or pub for a drink on an evening out or else head to Dallas proper to enjoy the rocking nightlife scene in the big city. When in search of a great restaurant, diners often find a quick drive down Northwest Highway turns up plenty of great finds for good eats.

For a fine dining experience and some of the finest Italian fare in north Texas, diners head to Bugatti Ristorante. This traditional spot features a menu with items ranging from classic fettucini alfredo served up with juicy chicken or fresh shrimp to grilled lamb chops doused in a rich Madeira wine sauce. Though diners find it hard to turn down the classic tiramisu, the Bugatti snowball tempts many looking for a unique end to their meals. Those in the mood to indulge in the spicier side of life can find incredible and affordable Tex-Mex at Casa Navarro. Tons of lunch and dinner specials along with an extensive breakfast menu make for great eats all day long. The fresh guacamole makes the perfect starter for a meal of tender brisket tacos or spicy, savory chile rellenos.

Northwest Dallas residents head to Koryo Kalbi Korean BBQ as much for the experience as for the authentic Asian eats. The trained chefs cook Korean barbecue dishes such as saeng kalbi and saeng deungsim right at the table. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, diners who aren't in the mood for barbecue can choose one of the restaurant's tasty lunch boxes with chicken, grilled mackerel, grilled eel and much more.

For live country music, locals head to Cowboys Dance Hall where they can put their best boot scootin' line dancing moves to the test. Music lovers also find Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill the perfect spot to listen to great local and regional acts while downing a beer and bar grub. Locals enjoy grabbing a drink at casual spots such as The Wild Turkey, and the more sport inclined appreciate Humperdinks for being the perfect spot to catch the big game on a flat-screen TV.

Residents of the northwest Dallas area find cars a necessity for the completion of most errands. From the Inwood/Love Field Station location those in need of transport can find access to the DART rail system, which provides service throughout Dallas and to many Dallas suburbs including Denton and Plano. The DART also connects to the Trinity Railway Express for access to Fort Worth. Those in need of a ride tend to contact a taxi company or arrange a ride through the Uber service if necessary. Those with a car find fewer public parking options than in other parts of the city of Dallas, though ample parking around Love Field caters to those using the airport and surrounding facilities.

The neighborhood connects directly to Northwest Highway, which offers drivers easy access to most of the DFW Metroplex. Low walkability and a lack of bike lanes mean that pedestrians and cyclists tend to use caution when out and about in the neighborhood.

Residents of the northwest Dallas area have access to Grauwyler Park as well as Bachman Lake Park, which they can visit for free year-round. The 205-acre lake provides outdoor activities ranging from boating to fishing, while amenities at the park include benches, fountains and restrooms for the comfort of patrons. A lack of playground equipment means that parents may need to bring along their own toys to keep kids entertained. Likewise, furry friends often visit the park with their families, but should remain leashed.

While few festivals or events take place at the park, neighboring Grauwyler Park includes a rec center where some events take place throughout the year. Those in search of a good exercise spot enjoy three miles of trails around Bachman Lake Park with scenic lake views.

The cost of living for residents of northwest Dallas tends averages about the same as or a little lower than that of other Dallas area neighborhoods. Via the DART rail system, travelers can reach Downtown Dallas or other area stops for $5, with monthly and weekly passes available for regular travelers. A one-bedroom residence has a median cost of around $975 a month. For a night out on the town, bar patrons tend to pay about $4 for a pint of their favorite domestic brew. Gas prices in the area tend to be on par with those throughout the rest of Dallas at about 13 percent below the national average.

Perhaps the largest and best known of the shopping centers in the northwest Dallas area, Inwood Village Shopping Center has a range of shops, including many high-end retailers. Smaller specialty shops and boutiques appear in this and other shopping centers as well as other retail locations throughout the neighborhood, including the area around Love Field. Milk & Honey Boutique has plenty of contemporary clothing items, shoes and accessories for women. The shop focuses on everything fresh and new, with items changed out on a weekly basis for the most exciting and inviting atmosphere possible. At mine. boutique shoppers find adorable, feminine clothing items, apparel, home décor, art and much more from big name designer brands. When it comes time for everyday shopping, the northwest Dallas area has a lot to offer. Tom Thumb, Albertsons and HEB represent just a few of the mainstream grocery options for shoppers. From the northwest Dallas neighborhood, buyers seeking farm fresh produce, dairy, meats and other handcrafted items can pay a visit to the Dallas Farmers Market, which opens year-round.