Vickery - Dallas, TX Area Guide

In 1873, the Houston and Central Railway was built to run through Vickery. By 1900 homes began to appear. Just before World War I, a man named John E Vickery created a layout of the area, which received a post office by 1912. By 1941, the population was about 1,000. Over the years, the community grew economically and became very tightly knit.

Once a primarily refugee population, today the area houses a melting pot of cultures. A highly populated neighborhood, the area continues to grow due to new developments.

Art continues to transform the Vickery neighborhood. The run-down houses have been turned into colorful shelters for single mothers and labs for artists and architects. Locals also adore the Dallas Museum of Art, where exhibitions change throughout the year.

Restaurants in the Vickery neighborhood enjoy a wide range of restaurants, many boasting typical down-home Texas fare.

Known for the sleek yet cozy environment and lovely culinary presentations, Gemma Restaurant serves delectable foods that burst with flavor. The grass-fed beef and roasted baby artichokes come highly recommended. Customers say there is always room for dessert here, as the sinful morsels of crepes and chocolate caramel pine nut tarts melt in your mouth. Worth every penny, this elegant eatery caters to special occasions such as anniversaries.

Locals swoon over The Porch, a restaurant with Southern and traditional American style comfort food. Start your meal with the renowned house smoked sliders. Praised for its short rib stroganoff and wood grilled salmon, this establishment also makes a variety of signature cocktails. Its most popular adult drinks include the refreshing cucumber rickey and strawberry crush. Regulars say that the experience cannot be complete without the gooey butter cake or salted caramel and chocolate bread pudding.

The after-dark scene in Vickery attracts the younger crowd looking for cheap drinks and a casual atmosphere. For lively entertainment, locals frequent Granada Theater on Greenville Avenue. Known for stellar line ups, the venue serves food and drinks. Covered in artistic murals, the facility accommodates about 700 people. With a top-notch sound system and affordable tickets, the venue usually sells out every show. Also a popular social spot with the locals, Truck Yard provides customers with a fun, eclectic experience. Filled with a variety of food trucks, drinks and music, it also gets rave review for its cheesesteaks. Radiating a hipster vibe, Truck Yard attracts all age groups.

While many residents choose to use their own vehicles to get around, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) accommodates many riders. Whether you need to run personal errands or want to attend a baseball game, DART transports thousands of residents daily. With various types of transportation, the system offers buses, a rail, a train and a trolley. It costs riders $5 for an all-day unlimited pass. With weekly and monthly passes also available, DART even offers residents an on-call service.

People have the option of cab services, including Uber and Lyft. However, sometimes this turns out to be a pricier option versus public transportation. For those driving their own vehicles, parking structures lie along Commerce and Elm Street. Parking meters lie between Elm and Main Street. The neighborhood is walkable, and depending on the destination, many individuals do commute via foot. The neighborhood accommodates bikers and provides many trails for riders. In the spirit of going green, the public transportation system allows citizens to utilize Biketrans, public transit with the health benefits of cycling.

Major highways are easily accessible from this neighborhood including I-635, I-30 and I-45.

Filled with parks and recreational activities, residents living in the Vickery neighborhood do not get bored. Klyde Warren Park provides 5.2 acres of urban green space. The park hosts a variety of events including yoga, book signings, concerts and films. Every week the park houses Food Truck Friday, where different vendors serve up delicious eats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both kid and dog friendly, the park is free of charge.

Belo Garden, 1.7 acres of lush land, holds hundreds of plants of flowers that create an escape from city life. Located on Main Street, this park has some great walking and biking trails. For an exclusive dog park, locals love Bark Park. The park features dog drinking bowls, a fenced area, a pet waste station and shaded areas. The park does not require an admission fee and is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

Every year the Dallas Park and Recreation Center holds summer camps, allowing kids to partake in a number of activities. Fees vary based on the activities.

Living in Vickery costs approximately 121 percent more than the Dallas average and 104 percent more than the national average. It costs about $1.75 for a resident to commute to the city center via public transportation. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment is around $633 a month.

A beer at a local pub costs anywhere between $3 and $5, depending on whether you order a domestic or hand-crafted beer. However, keep in mind that most bars and restaurants do run excellent happy hour specials. For example, The Libertine Bar runs happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Gas prices run about 3 percent lower than the national average.

For an exclusive shopping experience, locals frequent University Park Village. With an array of stores that include designer brand items, the mall also houses a nice variety of restaurants and entertainment. While the stores often host excellent sales, the outdoor-style mall embraces its sophisticated aura.

A local gem, Bodacious Boutique carries fashionable plus-size women's clothing, including tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories and swimsuits. Created to assist women who have trouble finding clothing that fits right, Bodacious Boutique also features great deals to first-time customers. Another beloved shop, y&i clothing boutique carries trendy-chic women's clothing. Located on Mckinney Avenue, the boutique prides itself on superior customer service.

For basic grocery needs, locals frequent Grocery Clearance Center, a discount grocery store that carries brand-name products, and Fiesta Mart on Abrams Road. Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Dallas Farmers Market opens on Pearl Parkway. Locals can purchase locally grown, fresh produce and products here.