Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024

Dallas, the 9th largest U.S. city and the third largest in Texas, has a population of 1,288,457. It’s 30 miles east of Fort Worth, 240 miles north-northwest of Houston, and 300 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. As part of the largest southern U.S. metropolitan area, Dallas is the largest inland metropolis without a navigable link to the sea.

If you are planning to be part of a mix of different neighborhoods, moving to Texas, especially Dallas, is the right option for you. While some places are safer than others, it’s good to check crime statistics for specific areas. Living costs in Dallas are average, but they can vary by neighborhood. The city has cool things to do and is working to make it even better with improvements. 

To find the right place, think about your budget, what you like, and where you need to be close to, like work or school. MovingWaldo listed the top 7 best neighborhoods in Dallas with the best quality of life in 2024, so you can figure out where you’d feel most comfortable.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Dallas City, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Dallas Police Department in 2022. This map shows the data for crimes such as assault offenses, homicides, robberies, and sex offenses. The data came from the division to which the neighborhood belongs. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median property buying cost for November 2023 and Zillow’s median 1-bed apartment rent for December 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods in Dallas

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1. Plano

1. Plano - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 703
  • Population: 288,253
  • Crimes: 2.43 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $1,530
  • Median property buying cost: $513,216

Plano’s strategic location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex ensures convenient access to jobs and various services, making it an ideal home for someone who is starting to raise their family. Family bonding in Plano is effortless with family-friendly amenities like The Crayola Experience in Texas, which provides 60,000 square feet of creative and interactive play. Families typically spend three to four hours exploring the 22 interactive attractions. Outdoor activities are easily accessible for locals because Plano has 142 parks. Remarkably, 80% of residents can reach a park within a 10-minute walk.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $513,216, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,530 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 2.43 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Plano, TX

2. Frisco

2. Frisco - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 703
  • Population: 210,719
  • Crimes: 3.34 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median apartment rent: $1,615
  • Median property buying cost: $674,917

In 2018, Frisco, Texas, earned the top spot on Money Magazine’s “50 Best Places to Live in America” list, thanks to factors such as outstanding public schools and public-private partnerships fostering high-level sports, art, and technology initiatives. The city offers a family-friendly environment, highlighted by attractions like the Sci-Tech Discovery Center for hands-on exhibits, Frisco Commons Park with playgrounds, and a fishing pond.

While it is located 27 miles from downtown Dallas, it offers an ideal blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Boasting a well-connected road network, residents enjoy easy commuting, while proximity to major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International and Love Field, caters to locals who travel frequently.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $674,917, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,615 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 3.34 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Frisco, TX

3. Preston Hollow

3. Preston Hollow - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 896
  • Population: 61,007
  • Crimes: 18.32 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $1,650
  • Median property buying cost: $997,846

Preston Hollow, known for its prestigious lifestyle and diverse real estate, including homes once owned by a former U.S. president, offers a luxurious yet accessible living experience. Locals appreciate its proximity to top private schools and nearby shopping areas like Preston-Royal, Preston Center, and NorthPark Center.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the popular Northhaven Trail or enjoy amenities at Preston Hollow Park. Preston Hollow provides convenience with sophisticated restaurants, a grocery store, beauty services, and fitness options—all within walking distance, making it an exceptional and desirable community.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $997,846, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,650 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 18.32 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Preston Hollow, TX

4. University Park

4. University Park - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 703
  • Population: 24,849
  • Crimes: 28.29 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $2,045
  • Median property buying cost: $2,149,500

University Park, a predominantly residential community home to almost 25,000 locals, offers quiet, tree-lined streets, a well-maintained public park, and numerous churches that families can enjoy. The city’s convenient location, just five miles north of downtown Dallas, ensures easy access to cultural, recreational, shopping, and business activities. 

With over 7,000 homes, University Park has a highly educated population, and its school district consistently ranks among the state’s best in testing. The city emphasizes prompt services, maintaining a secure residential atmosphere through a hometown policing approach, resulting in low crime rates. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $2,149,500, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $2,045 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 28.29 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

University Park, TX

5. Lancaster

5. Lancaster - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 1727
  • Population: 40,728
  • Crimes: 42.40 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $1,005
  • Median property buying cost: $299,900

Founded in 1852, Lancaster has a community-oriented atmosphere; they have events this year, such as a family Valentine’s Day dance, camp fun activities like Spring Break Camp, music even like A Black History Night for all ages, and a Black History Program for senior citizens. Along with these, locals receive free community notifications to get informed about natural gas leaks, severe weather alerts, or other incidents with broad public impact.

With its convenient location, Lancaster provides a great living experience for those seeking a balance between history and modern amenities. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $299,900, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,005 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 42.40 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Lancaster, TX

6. Duncanville

6. Duncanville - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 1727
  • Population: 39,797
  • Crimes: 43.39 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $1,160
  • Median property buying cost: $299,996

Living in Duncanville provides a quiet suburban atmosphere, appealing to families and young professionals. It stands out as a unique place to live, offering a blend of community charm and convenient amenities. The city is known for its love of basketball. 

The Duncanville Parks and Recreation Department offers various amenities and programs, emphasizing the community’s commitment to heritage and spirit. It hosts statewide youth hoops tournaments and has the Duncanville Fieldhouse for sports events. Overall, it’s a good, safe city with proximity to urban areas without downtown chaos. 

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $299,996, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,160 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 43.39 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Duncanville, TX

7. Addison

7. Addison - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Dallas with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of offenses: 703
  • Population: 17,012
  • Crimes: 41.32 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bedroom apartment rent: $1,462
  • Median property buying cost: $560,000

Addison, Texas, is known for its diverse entertainment and offers an energetic living experience with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, and cultural events. Despite its size, Addison hosts numerous festivals and outdoor activities, fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, locals can explore historic warbirds at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, attend shows at the Water Tower Theatre, and partake in October fireworks celebrations, making it a delightful community for those seeking a lively and culturally rich environment.

Far from ordinary and centrally located for dining, events, and theater in North Texas, Addison is recognized as the restaurant capital of the U.S. and offers a haven for food enthusiasts. When it comes to housing options, as of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $560,000, and the median 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,462 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 41.32 crimes per 1,000 people.

Dallas Police Department (2022), Rockethomes (Nov 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & CityData (2021)

Addison, TX

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Conclusion:

Dallas is a city with a high concentration of walkability, parks, schools, shopping and restaurants, and nightlife & entertainment. The 7 neighborhoods have an excellent quality of life for their residents. If you’re a sports fan and also looking to start a family, then Dallas could well be your next home. It’s known for its cultural activities, including opera, ballet, and musicals. If you’re looking for a safe and affordable neighborhood where total comfort is actualized and everywhere is lively, this is an ideal list.

Are you moving soon? Find out the best Dallas movers!

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Timberbrook
  2. Canyon Creek South
  3. Preston Highlands
  4. Bishop Arts District
  5. Deep Ellum
  6. Prestonwood
  7. Arapaho
  8. Uptown

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering safety, affordability, and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places may have changed from last year’s lists due to fluctuations in criteria used in our methodology. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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