Redbird - Dallas, TX

Most of the Redbird neighborhood was built up around the same time as the Red Bird Mall. Once a lively shopping center, the renamed Southwest Center Mall has since deteriorated a bit and experienced a bankruptcy in the late 2000s. Some businesses have returned to the mall and surrounding areas. There are no local museums.

When you feel festive, visit the annual holiday events put on at Southwest Center Mall. Although downsized due to financial issues, the mall always puts on an effort to keep up the holiday spirit in the community with decorations, special visitors and seasonal activities.

When you want a bite to eat, you find plenty of restaurants in and around the Southwest Center Mall, especially along Camp Wisdom Road. To experience a local favorite, head to the cafeteria-style South Dallas Cafe. Despite the humble atmosphere, the home-cooked Southern soul food never fails to impress. With creative, heavy sides like cabbage casserole with crawfish and shrimp and mashed sweet potatoes topped with nuts and marshmallows, you almost won't need the main dishes. Make sure to save room for daily home-baked desserts that taste just like Grandma's. To experience the eclectic nightlife in Redbird, you have to head towards the Mall at night where you can choose from a number of clubs and lounges, including Coaches Corner Club. Easily the most popular nightclub in the area, Rumors Bar and Grill features nightly themes and a mixed crowd of young people and older married couples. Rumors hosts all kind of fun events. Make sure to go on Fridays for their Old Skool Takeover nights where you can enjoy '80s and '90s music while chowing down at the buffet. You need food in you to handle the heavy pours in the drink specials provided by the skilled bartenders. For a truly unique dining experience, go to Delta Charlie's Bar and Grill. While the food may be tasty, the impressive part about your dining experience is the scenic private plane ride that is included in date-night packages. If you are looking for a one of a kind night out, Delta Charlie's delivers it all right alongside the tarmac with excellent service.

Most residents in Redbird prefer to drive to get around, made easier by the clear access to the neighborhood on I-20 and Highway 67. Park easily in the many free public spots available at the mall and by residential buildings. When you need a ride, you can easily call a taxi or grab a rideshare through Uber. Hailing a cab is possible, though only easy if you are already in the mall area.

While conveniently located near highways for car traffic, Redbird has limited public transportation. Only a few bus lines exist in the area, and few buses come by during the evenings. Locals must rely on the extensions of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system if they want to make use of the bus system to get into the bigger city. Few people cycle in the area, since the lack of bike lanes and high traffic makes it unsafe. While some residents do walk here, the lack of sidewalks and large distances between residences and commercial areas make it somewhat difficult.

To truly escape from the commercial parts of the neighborhood, pop over to Boulder Park. You would never guess that you are inside the city when you enter the middle of the woody reserve. With miles of trails designed for bikes and pedestrians, you can run and jog in peace. Feel free to bring your dog, as Boulder Park has ideal natural landscapes for dogs to play. Many residents like to bring their children to play soccer or run around in some of the open fields here. Residents relish the peace they find in this totally natural, yet well-maintained park that is free for regular recreational use.

At a cost of living nearly 5 percent lower than the Dallas average, Redbird offer plenty of affordable housing options. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $609.93 a month to rent, and you can buy a beer for around $6. Gas similarly comes at a bargain with prices that are about 15 percent lower than the national average. Bus fares into the center of Dallas begin around $5 per trip.

Like the neighborhood's restaurants, most stores in Redbird concentrate around Southwest Center Mall. Not only can you find major department stores and chains like Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory, but also plenty of small local shops selling goods at low prices.

At African Imports USA, you can find one-of-a-kind African art, products and clothing alongside collectibles aimed at the African-American community. With a wide selection of clothing and accessories created by African and African-American designers, this store provides a great opportunity support the community. Some items are exclusive and also low-priced, so you won't break the bank.

Perhaps the most interesting store to visit in Redbird, Bent Tree Bonsai offers a wide selection of expertly cared for Bonsai trees. Not only does the owner Ray Hernandez, know his stuff, but he also clearly loves what he does. Run out of Hernandez's home nursery extension, Bent Tree is one of the only places in Dallas where you can find these plants and easily one of the most knowledgeable. Hours are irregular, so make sure to make an appointment to visit.

For grocery needs, residents shop at the local Fiesta Mart, Terry’s Supermarket, and Dalia Foodmart. You can also visit Cox Farm Market just a few blocks away from Redbird for local produce and goods.