Oak Lawn in Dallas, TX: Lively and Urban Setting with Boundless Appeal

Article updated September 2020.

Flush with numerous restaurants, unique retail stores, abundant nightlife and live entertainment, Oak Lawn provides a unique setting for Dallasites who want more of an urban environment, living and working close to everything in one of the largest cities in the Lone Star State.

Location

Conveniently located less than two miles north of Downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn is just minutes away from major attractions, and is surrounded by vibrant activities, upscale dining establishments, and modern architecture. Bounded by Harry Hines Boulevard and Mockingbird Lane to the west and north, and Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Westside Drive to the east, the neighborhood is tucked away between the major transportation choices of I-35 and US-75.

Oak Lawn, Dallas

Overall Feel

Once home to inexpensive living as one of the Dallas area’s first suburbs, neighborhood redevelopment picked up substantially in the 1980s, bringing the rise of luxury hotels, upscale condominiums, and multi-story offices. High-end restaurants, aimed at bringing in a younger, more affluent clientele, began to replace some of the older buildings, and continue to welcome new residents, whether buyers or renters, who are drawn by the convenient location and relaxed feel of the area.

Housing Stock

One of the more affluent communities in the Metroplex, Oak Lawn features a large variety of housing options, from high-end townhomes and condominiums to duplexes and apartments, as well as established older neighborhoods of single-family homes. Mixing modern high-rises with charming mid-rise buildings, the neighborhood blends old and new styles, enticing new residents with a range of possibilities.

Cost of Living

It’s easy to see what’s drawing new residents to Oak Lawn and the surrounding Dallas area when you take a closer look at what you can afford. The cost of living in this part of the country really looks good when compared to other big cities. According to Numbeo, Dallasites enjoy much more for their money when compared to people living in similar properties in San Francisco or Atlanta for example. The Big D offers lower prices in dining, leisure, utilities, groceries, housing, and gas prices.

When looking exclusively at rental costs, things look even better for Dallas residents with renters paying less than the national average on rent. Whereas the average national apartment rent ranges around $1,467 a month, Yardi Matrix data shows rentals in Dallas are priced around $1,250. Apartments in Oak Lawn command somewhat higher rent rates, going for $1,611 on average, more in line with the national average, but still provide renters with great options in housing.

Things to Do in Oak Lawn

With a variety of high-end businesses and retailers, plus nightclubs, bars and exotic dining, the area offers some of the city’s most illustrious nightlife, mostly tied to famed Cedar Springs Road. The area is also popular for its larger-than-life festivals, including the impressive Halloween Street Party.

Situated on approximately 2.6 acres at the northeast corner of Oak Lawn Avenue and Cedar Springs Road, the mixed-use Centrum complex is going through a massive makeover

With boundless options in terms of places to eat, residents immerse themselves in a variety of ethnic cuisines, as well as pack the local sandwich and coffee shops during weekends and afterhours.

Locals rave about Cafe Brazil for its great coffee and interesting crepes, the 9-course tasting menu at the Mansion Restaurant, and Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse for its valet service and complimentary caviar.

The Mansion Restaurant

Oak Lawn is a prime location for both live entertainment and leisure, and the community is known to be friendly and accepting. Popular Lee Park includes gardens and trails for outdoor recreation and basking in the sunshine; it also hosts neighborhood events that highlight the impressive food and entertainment possibilities in the district.

Ease of Transportation

It’s easy to travel around the Oak Lawn area, with convenient freeway access including Woodall Rodgers Freeway to the south, US 75 to the east, and with Dallas North Tollway cutting through its center. Public transportation is also not lacking, with commuters having the option of hopping on the free M-line streetcar. Then there’s the light-rail lines, with two stops on the northwest side, within Oak Lawn limits, and two more just outside Oak Lawn, one of which is on the southwest side. Altogether, it’s simple to get around Oak Lawn, both downtown and the surrounding metro areas.

Schools

Public schools within Oak Lawn are serviced by the Dallas Independent School District, including Sam Houston Elementary and North Dallas High School. Meanwhile, parents also have the choice of private schools including Holy Trinity Catholic School and Dallas Junior Academy.

Other Neighborhood Attributes

Impressive housing, a convenient location, and access to a wide variety of sites and attractions are just a few reasons why Oak Lawn remains an attractive location for new residents to call home. The area is also known for being a safe and secure location with a welcoming vibe.

Numbeo research shows an overall low crime level in the Dallas area with a high safety ranking for walkers, especially during the daylight hours. Other marketable features include the low to moderate levels of pollution for the region with high marks for green space and impressive options in community health care.

Make Oak Lawn Your New Home

With all of the added benefits of living close to Downtown Dallas, along with the availability of impressive housing options, Oak Lawn is a great location to begin the search for your new home. To help sort through the many options in Oak Lawn rentals, count on the expertise of RentCafe as a reputable and easy-to-use online listings service.