Downtown Dallas, TX skyline

Dallas combines an appealing cost of living with the energy of a major urban center, making it attractive for renters. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the city is rich in cultural experiences, offering everything from award-winning restaurants to renowned museums and music venues.

Renters enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, access to parks and green spaces, and regular events that showcase the area's deep-rooted traditions and modern creativity. With convenient amenities and plenty of entertainment choices, Dallas stands out as a city where you can truly make the most of every day.

The five best neighborhoods in Dallas, TX for renters are:

  1. Hickory Creek
  2. Lake Highlands
  3. Prestonwood
  4. Uptown
  5. Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park

Hickory Creek

Interstate view of the Hickory Creek neighborhood in Dallas

Why Hickory Creek is good for renters

Hickory Creek offers a more budget-friendly set of rental options compared with central Dallas, including both classic apartments and homes for rent. It’s a quieter, mainly residential part of the city that still provides access to major roads and daily conveniences. Renting here often means more space for your money than in more urban neighborhoods.

Somewhat Walkable

Minimal Public Transit

Exceptionally Drivable

Somewhat Bikeable

20

Hickory Creek has a walkability score of 20 out of 100

10

Hickory Creek has a transit score of 10 out of 100

90

Hickory Creek has a drivability score of 90 out of 100

30

Hickory Creek has a bikeability score of 30 out of 100

Keep in mind

Expect an auto-oriented lifestyle —errands and nightlife require a drive.

Lake Highlands

Aerial view of the Lake Highlands neighborhood in Dallas, TX
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,399/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Lake Highlands: $1,051/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Lake Highlands: 683 square feet

Why Lake Highlands is good for renters

Lake Highlands blends residential charm with city access, offering a wide range of apartments and communities. You’ll find options from more affordable buildings to larger, amenity-rich complexes. Its location near White Rock Lake and proximity to major freeways makes commuting easy.

Moderately Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Exceptionally Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

60

Lake Highlands has a walkability score of 60 out of 100

30

Lake Highlands has a transit score of 30 out of 100

100

Lake Highlands has a drivability score of 100 out of 100

60

Lake Highlands has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

Keep in mind

While more peaceful than downtown, traffic during peak commute hours can still be a factor.

Prestonwood

A high aerial view of the Prestonwood community in Dallas, TX
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,399/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Prestonwood: $1,192/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Prestonwood: 716 square feet

Why Prestonwood is good for renters

Prestonwood is a spacious, more suburban part of Dallas with housing that tends toward larger floor plans and quieter streets. It’s ideal if you’re looking for residences that feel more like a home than a city apartment.

Moderately Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Very Drivable

Fairly Bikeable

60

Prestonwood has a walkability score of 60 out of 100

20

Prestonwood has a transit score of 20 out of 100

80

Prestonwood has a drivability score of 80 out of 100

40

Prestonwood has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100

Keep in mind

Public transit options are more limited; most errands are easiest by car.

Uptown

The main street of shops in Uptown in Dallas, TX
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,399/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Uptown: $2,341/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Uptown: 825 square feet

Why Uptown is good for renters

Uptown is one of Dallas’s most high-energy and walkable neighborhoods, packed with restaurants, nightlife, and urban conveniences. Its higher rents reflect the lifestyle of convenience, frequent transit options, and proximity to downtown.

Exceptionally Walkable

Good Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

100

Uptown has a walkability score of X out of 100

70

Uptown has a transit score of 70 out of 100

60

Uptown has a drivability score of 60 out of 100

70

Uptown has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100

Keep in mind

Rent is significantly above the Dallas average — expect to pay a premium for location and amenities.

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park

Aerial view of the Buckner Terrace neighborhood in Dallas, TX
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Dallas, TX: $1,399/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park: $953/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Buckner Terrace-Everglade park: 616 square feet

Why Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park is good for renters

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park offers more affordable rent options than many central Dallas neighborhoods, with apartments and homes in a range of price points. It’s also close to White Rock Lake and other outdoor amenities.

Fairly Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Exceptionally Drivable

Somewhat Bikeable

40

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park has a walkability score of 40 out of 100

30

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park has a transit score of 30 out of 100

100

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park has a drivability score of 100 out of 100

30

Buckner Terrace-Everglade Park has a bikeability score of 30 out of 100

Keep in mind

Availability and apartment amenities can vary from block to block.

Ready to Make the Move?

If Dallas has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re exploring short-term leases or hoping to find a long-term home, Apartments.com’s searchable listings and customizable filters help you narrow by price, amenities, and layout. Wherever you’re headed next, options in Dallas are waiting with Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.

This article was originally published on January 14, 2026, and has been updated to reflect March 2026 data.

FAQs

Is Dallas a good place to live?

Yes, Dallas is a good place to live if you want a mix of city energy, diverse neighborhoods, and a lower cost of living than many large metros. You’ll find food, arts, parks, sports, and job opportunities across the region.

Is Dallas an expensive place to live?

Compared to the national average, Dallas’s rent and cost of living are around average to slightly higher. Renting in central neighborhoods like Uptown tends to be more expensive, while other areas offer more affordable options throughout the city.

What’s the average rent in Dallas?

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is approximately $1,399/month, as of March 2026.

What salary do you need to live in Dallas?

According to our cost of living insights, a single adult with no dependents should aim for a salary around $73,000 before taxes.

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Sharon Livsey

As a content writer for Apartments.com, Sharon brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in content moderation, renter support, and marketing within the multi-family housing industry. Drawing on extensive frontline knowledge of how renters search, evaluate, and secure apartments, she develops actionable guidance that empowers apartment seekers to navigate every stage of the rental journey with confidence. Sharon holds a pre-law degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and is a graduate of Emory University’s paralegal program.

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