Oak Lawn/Lakewood area apartments? (Dallas, Plano: rental, condos, neighborhood)

[chrissiejoy]

I'm getting ready to move up to Dallas from Plano. I found a new apartment in the Oak Lawn area on Cedar Springs that's really nice, but I'm worried about safety.
I know Lakewood is a better area, but I haven't really found any good apartments there. Any suggestions? I've looked at Jefferson at Lakewood, but my fiance didn't like the layout.

[TurtleCreek80]

Where specifically in Oak Lawn/ Cedar Springs is the apartment? I live in the area and the only place I would advise against is the quadrant between Cedar Springs, Oak Lawn, I-35, and the Tollroad. Basically south of Cedar Springs and west of Oak Lawn. Sketchy area with sketchy people. I would not feel safe walking my dog at night over there. Any other part of Oak Lawn is safe- I mean, be smart (ie, lock your doors, etc) because you're in a city, but it's safe.

[kelkis]

I lived on Gaston Avenue in Lakewood from '06 thru '08. The Lakewood area is an odd mix. It is in close proximity to the very wealthy and the very poor. I shared an alley with the mansions on Swiss Avenue, but that didn't change the fact that homeless people slept there and sometimes hung out in our dumpster. The complex to my right had not been re-developed and I would not feel safe living there at all. I lived in a re-developed property that was owned by Power Properties. They own several properties in this area. My personal experience at the Stardust was not good.

[Lakewooder]

We used to call that "The Tardust" because the "S" fell off and nobody replaced it for many years. Yes the Lakewood-East Dallas area is abstruse for newbies so it takes a bit of looking. Jefferson at Lakewood is a big complex - -think smaller and I believe you will find something you will like.

[jm_in_texas]

Both areas are great. Like Lakewooder, I would recommend smaller properties, which you'll find in both areas. If security is a concern, you can likely find a gated community. You may also check in the Turtle Creek area just east of Turtle Creek (basically between Lakewood and Oak Lawn). There are lots of smaller properties in there. I think that neighborhood is very safe, if both Lakewood and Oak Lawn feel a bit more "spotty" to you. Welcome to the city!

[chrissiejoy]

Thank you guys for the suggestions! Believe me, I would love to live in Turtle Creek, but it is wayyy out of our price range! Everything I've looked at over there is $1500+ for less than like 700 square feet. I'll be on the lookout for small complexes, though!

[jm_in_texas]

Yes, sounds like you're looking at all the shiny "new" complexes. I'm thinking of some of the 1970's vintage product on the blocks of Buena Vista, Travis, Cole, McKinney, and Blackburn. I have a friend who lives in the Gables apartments just north of the Chilis and Starbucks in Knox Henderson. She likes it there, and rents were fairly reasonable. You may want to check that out. ("Gables Knoxbridge"). It's well maintained, probably built in late 80s, newer but reasonable so might be a good fit for you. She feels very safe there and it's an outstanding neighborhood. http://www.gables.com/gablesliving/c...CommunityId=54

[Lakewooder]

If you want new, drive down Henderson and turn on Belmont towards downtown. Lots of new complexes there and exciting scene at all the new restaurants. Not exactly Park Cities, Lakewood nor Oak Lawn but they are all close in proximity.

[Brookside]

I thought the Gables Dylan looked interesting too - 4500 block of Cedar Springs. Brand new. What's that area like?

[Dallas native]

Originally Posted by Brookside

I thought the Gables Dylan looked interesting too - 4500 block of Cedar Springs. Brand new. What's that area like?

The Dylan looks really nice. It was originally built to be sold as condos, but they switched to rental when the economy went south last year. Anyway, the neighborhood is called Oak Lawn and it's the gayest part of Dallas (if that matters). Lots of retail, restaurants & bars nearby. The area immediately surrounding the Dylan has been improving over the past several years. Lots of new condos and apartments are nearby. But there still are some seedy streets just south and west of the Dylan.