Neighborhoods for young, recent grads? (Houston, Dallas: apartment complexes, rentals, theater)

[ukaniko]

I'm originally from Houston, but moved to the DFW area to attend school. I'll be graduating from UNT next May and since my degree is in the fashion field, Dallas is a fantastic place for me to settle down when I enter the working world.
I'm trying to figure out what neighborhoods and areas would fit my personality. I'm a very curative person--I gravitate towards anything cultural or having to do with the arts. My dad says I need to find an 'Austin' neighborhood with a 'Dallas' zip code. LOL.

I really want to try and live in an area that has:
a) lots of other young (single) people like myself
b) lots of art and culture
c) affordable housing/apartments since I will likely be working in a low-paying entry level position.

Are there any neighborhoods in Dallas that fit this bill? I'm not familiar with the layout of the city because most of my time up here has been spent in Denton.

[Dallas native]

Uptown, Downtown, Knox-Henderson, Lower Greenville, Bishop Arts District would all be good. If you want to be near the Arts District, then Uptown & Downtown would be ideal, but they will also be more expensive than the other areas. Bishop Arts is in bohemian N. Oak Cliff (about 2 miles SW of downtown) and you might find the most affordable housing there. Check out this website on the district: Bishop Arts District :: Home. Here's another one for apartments in the district: Good Space- Bishop Arts District Dallas Living Working.

[UTDGraduate]

Originally Posted by ukaniko

I'm originally from Houston, but moved to the DFW area to attend school. I'll be graduating from UNT next May and since my degree is in the fashion field, Dallas is a fantastic place for me to settle down when I enter the working world.
I'm trying to figure out what neighborhoods and areas would fit my personality. I'm a very curative person--I gravitate towards anything cultural or having to do with the arts. My dad says I need to find an 'Austin' neighborhood with a 'Dallas' zip code. LOL.

I really want to try and live in an area that has:
a) lots of other young (single) people like myself
b) lots of art and culture
c) affordable housing/apartments since I will likely be working in a low-paying entry level position.

Are there any neighborhoods in Dallas that fit this bill? I'm not familiar with the layout of the city because most of my time up here has been spent in Denton.

I highly recommend Addison, somewhere between Beltline Rd and Dallas Tollway. I could say that this area is a entertainment center of young people. Many young people live in this area. It is also very convenient to access to Downtown Dallas via Dallas Tollway and to major highway such as 636, 35, 75, and George Bush.
Second ideal place to live is somewhere between Renner Rd and Plano Rd near Bush Turnpike Dart train station. You can use train to go to Downtown Dallas for shopping, art and cultural activities.
DART.org - Bush Turnpike Station

[Grainraiser]

I agree with the choices Dallas Native gave. I would choose downtown because the cost of living is a little cheaper than uptown. If you get lucky and get a better paying job then Uptown would be a better choice. North Oak Cliff would be great if you want a neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. Living in the Village should also be on the list. It's quick train ride to downtown and the area is full of young singles. I would not suggest any surburbs for your type. None of them are close to the things you are interested in.

[Lakewooder]

Little art and culture in Addison...well, exept for that theater they have...if you want inexpensive you could try looking around Lower Greenville over to Skillman down to Gaston in the East Dallas / Lakewood area. Lots of smaller fourplexes, duplexes, small apartment complexes - many owned by individuals. You will have to do more looking than some other areas but I think you will find it worthwhile.

Which areas in Houston do you like? East Dallas is sort of like the Heights, West U/Rice and a bit of Montrose thrown together with elements of River Oaks in parts of Lakewood near the lake.

[ukaniko]

Wow! Thanks so much for the advice! I've been reading up on the Bishop Arts District and it sounds amazing! I really appreciate the link Dallas native. Those apartments look amazing.
I'm trying to see if I can look up any other rental properties in the B.A.D., but I'm having a hard time finding listings online. Most of what I'm finding is about restaurant reviews and such. I appreciate everyone's help, but if anyone could point me in the right direction on how to find some other rental properties in the B.A.D., I'd be really grateful. Thanks again =]

[pepper131]

In BAD, many rentals are individually owned, so they may just have a sign out front. Or try looking in the Observer. Dallas News, Events, Restaurants, Music

There are some older bldgs (my guess is not as nice as Good Space's) just sw of BAD - like a block or two. I've only seen yard signs in front of them.

[dfwcre8tive]

If you are looking for a place downtown check out 1900 Elm. You can find small studios there starting around $620/month. They also offer student discounts (since UNT owns the building) but that may not apply to you anymore. UNT's Fashion on Main exhibit space is right downstairs and the new Main Street Garden park is right across the street. For a creative outlet, the building pretty much lets you decorate/paint the unit however you want (unlike many of the newer properties around town) and it's only a few blocks to walk to the Arts District.

Outside of downtown, I'd agree with others and suggest looking into Bishop Arts District, but maybe Southside on Lamar in the Cedars and/or Deep Ellum would suit what you're looking for as well. There are maps and listings of all the different properties here. I live downtown so feel free to send me a message if you have questions.

[Lakewooder]

Go to Lee Harvey's - 214-428-1555 The Quinn Bar Windmill Lounge Home or Lakewood Landing get some beer, hang out and meet some people. I'm sure you will get a lot of good advice and make some friends.