Uptown Dallas – A Pedestrian-Friendly, Lively Neighborhood

Article updated September 2020.

Uptown Dallas is an energetic, upscale area with plenty of opportunities for entertainment whether you’re looking for a laid-back night out on the town or a true cultural experience.

Sitting directly north of Downtown Dallas, the neighborhood has gone through a major makeover during the last decade which has transformed the area into a vibrant live-work-play environment. New contemporary residences, sparkling office towers, and a plethora of shopping and dining venues make Uptown Dallas a top destination for Dallasites in search of a vibrant place to call home.

Location

Uptown Dallas is located in the middle of several affluent neighborhoods including Highland Park to the north, Cochran Heights and Deep Ellum to the east, Downtown to the south, and both Oak Lawn and Stemmons Corridor to the west, making it easy to get out and explore everything that Dallas has to offer.

Who Lives Here?

Its proximity to downtown makes Uptown Dallas a top choice for young white-collar professionals. High-rise, luxury apartments, and lofts are common for the area, with fewer options available for those seeking single-family housing.

Neighborhood demographics show a larger portion of unmarried, high-income individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority of those who live in the Uptown Dallas area work in the Downtown area, as Uptown Dallas apartments provide easy access to the corporate hub of the city.

Why Move Here?

A vibrant cultural scene, entertainment, jobs, tree-lined streets, and a varied housing landscape – Uptown has it all. Plus, as a resident here, you enjoy easy access to great outdoor recreational facilities. Katy Trail – a favorite of runners in the area – is right nearby as well as Cole Park. Featuring a dog park, tennis courts, and attractive landscaping, this spot is an urban green oasis, just perfect for those who want a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Entertainment and Retail

Local attractions include Landmark’s Magnolia Theater, which has been voted the best in Dallas and showcases five screens, plus a renowned cocktail bar catering to the urban sophisticate. Live theaters, art galleries, museums, and much more add to the cultural landscape of the area.

Those who love wining and dining, as well as fantastic shopping opportunities, will easily find plenty of places to fall in love with in Uptown Dallas. From antique stores to high-end boutiques featuring the latest and greatest fashions, there is a wealth of opportunities in this exclusive neighborhood. McKinney Avenue in particular is a favorite shopping destination, with everything from major retailers to hip and trendy boutiques to explore.

Another Uptown hotspot for shopping and dining is West Village or “Uptown’s Downtown”, providing Dallasites with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and personal care retailers to choose from during their free-time jaunts.

For an evening out, diners can expect to choose from atmospheric bistros, lively cultural hotspots featuring cultural fare from around the world, and laid-back taverns and pubs – and that’s just scratching the surface. In addition to Dallas classics, including restaurants run by celebrity chefs, Uptown Dallas gives residents access to a host of up-and-coming options that will have foodies itching for more.

Education

The Uptown Dallas area is served by the Dallas Independent School District, with secondary students served by North Dallas High School. There are also numerous private school options in the area. On the whole, schools in the area tend to be well recommended, and there are multiple elementary school and pre-school options available for younger children.

Transportation

While those with a car will have no problem navigating the Uptown Dallas area, there are also plenty of other transportation options available. These include the DART bus system and the easily accessible stations of the DART rail service, from which passengers can travel throughout the Dallas area from its southernmost neighborhoods up to the city of Denton in the north. Access to the Trinity Railway through the DART line also makes it easy to reach neighboring Fort Worth.

Other transportation options include the M-Line trolley which links Uptown to the thriving downtown Arts District, as well as pedicabs, and the Efrog environmentally-friendly shuttle service that operates throughout the main portion of downtown and into the uptown area.

Walkability

Uptown is one of the neighborhoods where you can actually walk places. Residents enjoy getting around on foot, whether they’re going to work, shopping, or heading to the restaurants on McKinney. Moreover, with the Katy Trail running through Uptown, those who love to bike can easily get anywhere around the neighborhood without the need to drive.

Living in Uptown Dallas

The Uptown Dallas area tends to be one of the more expensive areas to live in the DFW Metroplex. Residents can expect to pay more for an evening out as well as to go shopping in the neighborhood, though lower-priced options abound in some neighboring areas. Despite the higher cost compared to other Dallas neighborhoods, prices, on the whole, do tend to be lower than in similar metropolitan hubs of other major U.S. cities.

Is Uptown Dallas a Safe Place to Live?

The Uptown Dallas area has a dedicated public safety program including cameras, monitored 24 hours a day by the local police department. This has led to declining crime rates in the area over the past decade.

Locals generally confirm what studies say: “Uptown isn’t devoid of crime but the bulk of it is stuff like car theft or stolen wheels. There are a few cases of carjackings but they are rare. You will find the place is heavily patrolled. Now with that said, I wouldn’t take anything for granted and always keep a high situation awareness.” (via City-Data).

Real Estate and Housing Options

The Uptown Dallas area boasts a solid mix of high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings, with the majority of residential spaces being apartment homes. Styles tend to be upscale and contemporary, with some “themed” options available such as Mediterranean villas or uber-chic condos.

What You Can Rent in the Neighborhood

Prices for Uptown Dallas apartments range around $1,901 on average, though rents for ultra-luxurious, multi-bedroom units may amount to $8,500 a month, according to data from Yardi Matrix.

Glass House by Windsor

The pinnacle of cosmopolitan living, Glass House by Windsor is a luxury apartment community that truly deserves its reputation. Perhaps its most striking feature is the sparkling infinity pool at the edge of the roof, overlooking the city. Breathtaking sky views, aluminum hardware, and hardwood floors characterize the interiors of its apartments.

Post Uptown Village

Designed with New Orleans flair in mind, Post Uptown Village is a colorful community enchanting residents with its elegant design and distinctive details, including fountains, communal fireplaces, and a charming bell tower. Inside, renters will find nine-foot ceilings, balconies, and stunning views of the downtown area.

Make Uptown Dallas Your New Home

Uptown Dallas is a fantastic option for those looking to partake in the energy of the Dallas area while enjoying the many luxuries that it has to offer. If you’re interested in apartments for rent in Uptown Dallas, or any other Dallas neighborhoods, be sure to explore everything that the city has to offer on rentcafe.com.