Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities in Dallas, TX

According to the Dallas Regional Chamber, the DFW Metroplex is home to more than 70 accredited colleges and universities. When it comes to living in the Dallas area as a student, choosing the right neighborhood can make a world of difference in your college experience. My name is Tiff, and I'm your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert on all things DFW.

The higher education scene in DFW is near and dear to my heart. For my first two years of college, I attended Richland College, which is a part of the Dallas College system (formerly the Dallas County Community College District). Later in my career, I worked as a program development manager and adjunct faculty for another Dallas College campus, El Centro College's Bill J. Priest Center. I also partnered with several area colleges and universities when I was managing youth workforce development projects.

And finally, my own children attended the University of Texas at Arlington and Southern Methodist University. So, what do I know about living and studying in Dallas? Quite a bit! Let's dive in and explore some neighborhoods near five of the most popular colleges and universities in Dallas.

1. Southern Methodist University (SMU)

I first visited SMU when I took a group of young people in my workforce program on a field trip. This storied university has been shaping minds for more than 100 years. Now, my son is a student at SMU's Dedman School of Law, so I can give you a first-hand (almost) account of life in this area.

SMU is located in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas. The university itself is known for its traditional collegiate structure, and it fits beautifully with the surrounding historic neighborhoods. The Park Cities area tends to be affluent, and it's made up of elegant homes and well-maintained parks.

Highland Park

One of the more affluent and upscale neighborhoods in Dallas, Highland Park has picturesque tree-lined streets lined with stately homes that boast meticulously landscaped lawns. Lakeside Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors, with scenic walking trails and even a duck pond. Be sure to check out the park's iconic teddy bear statues.

This Dallas enclave has plentiful nearby shopping and dining experiences, including many high-end boutiques and a plethora of gourmet restaurants. For example, Highland Park is home to Highland Park Village, the nation's first self-contained shopping center, where you can find high-end shopping like Chanel and Ralph Lauren. Popular restaurants include Cafe Pacific and Bistro 31.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 72/100
• Bike score: 68/100
• Transit score: 6/100

Lower Greenville

As one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in Dallas, Lower Greenville is not just a great place to live, but also the go-to weekend destination for many SMU students. Lower Greenville is pedestrian-friendly, with a walk score that's higher than most Dallas neighborhoods. For outdoor activities, Katy Trail is easy to access. Once there, you can enjoy walking, jogging paths, and cycling. Nearby Glencoe Park is an excellent sports field.

When it's time to fuel up after outdoor fun, students head over to casual dining spots like HG Supple Co. and Sundown at Granada. Shoppers can delight in all of the unique boutiques and vintage shops along Greenville Avenue.

Also, the huge flagship Half Price Books store is located just a few blocks from Lower Greenville. My son and I used to spend hours at this popular bookstore. And the selection is so vast that students can find almost anything they need there. The Black Forest Cafe inside the bookstore is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of java and a slice of their famous Black Forest cake while you read or study. Another option is the Starbucks across the street from the bookstore. 

Transportation:

• Walk score: 92/100
• Bike score: 66/100
• Transit score: 44/100

University Park

A charming residential neighborhood, University Park is the closest place for SMU students to find housing. Like Highland Park, this neighborhood also has gorgeous tree-lined streets and stately homes, but it has more apartment options because of its proximity to SMU. One good thing to know is that the George W. Bush Presidential Library is located on the SMU campus. It's a great place to go when you want to get a glimpse of history.

Snider Plaza is a popular gathering place where you can find a diverse mix of upscale shopping, gourmet food stores, and popular restaurants like Kuby's Sausage House and Rise No. 1. When you're ready to get outdoors, head over to Turtle Creek Park and enjoy their expensive walking trails, along with picnic spots and green spaces.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 76/100
• Bike score: 62/100
• Transit score: 38/100

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2. Dallas Theological Seminary

At Dallas Theological Seminary, graduate students focus on biblical studies, theology, and programs for ministry. This esteemed learning institute is located near the Bryan Place neighborhood. The 23-acre campus has a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including a chapel. There are ample green spaces and courtyards for when students want to study, reflect, or just chill.

Deep Ellum

If a lively arts scene is your thing, head over to Deep Ellum after a hard day of studying. At Deep Ellum, you'll find a vast array of restaurants, whether you're craving home-style BBQ at Terry Black's Barbecue or a trendy brunch at spots like Serious Pizza or Vidorra.

At Deep Ellum shops, you may be able to find one-of-a-kind items that can't be found anywhere else. For example, Deep Ellum has two unique bookshops: Deep Vellum Books and Poets Books. Deep Vellum Books specializes in literature in translation. Every month, they offer poetry readings, and you can sign up for a book club. Also, there's a coffee shop inside the shop, so students can sit and read or study. Poets Books has a large selection of unconventional literature, including rare genres. But here's the best part: This bookshop has a writers' studio complete with typewriters visitors can use.

Outdoor activities in Deep Ellum include nearby Deep Ellum Park, a cozy green space for hosting events and relaxing. The Santa Fe Trail is in the neighborhood when you want to take a brisk walk or head down one of their biking paths.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 87/100
• Bike score: 82/100
• Transit score: 76/100

City Center

Some students like to live in a bustling urban area, and if that appeals to you, you'll enjoy calling City Center home. City Center is surrounded by the notable Arts District, West End Historic District, and Main Street District. For dining and nightlife, Downtown Dallas is just a few minutes away.

Students enjoy the wide variety of entertainment options and dining in the downtown districts. For example, at the West End, you'll find dining that includes Meso Maya Comida Y Copas and Cafe Momentum, two highly rated spots in Downtown Dallas. To get their shopping done, students love the convenience of NorthPark Center. One of the best things about City Center is its walkability score of 96. You don't even need a car if you live in this area.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 96/100
• Bike score: 76/100
• Transit score: 86/100

Bryan Place

Nestled in the shadow of Downtown Dallas, Bryan Place is known for its friendly atmosphere and proximity to all of the best the city has to offer. Bryan Place is a community-centered neighborhood, with a mixture of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.

Dining options are eclectic, and popular options are St. Martin's Wine Bistro and Bryan Street Tavern. Best of all, these and more are within walking distance. A favorite amenity in Bryan Place is Exall Park, which has a walking path, basketball courts, softball fields, and exercise equipment.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 81/100
• Bike score: 66/100
• Transit score: 71/100

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3. El Centro College - Downtown Campus 

At El Centro College, students get a lot of their core educational courses completed if they're planning to transfer to a four-year university. However, the campus is also known for specialized programs that include culinary arts, technology fields, and nursing. 

The El Centro campus is located in a state-of-the-art Downtown Dallas building that was converted from the historic Sanger Harris department store. Because of its location in the middle of downtown, El Centro has a lot to offer for students of all ages who love learning and living in a fast-paced urban environment. I used to work in a high-rise near El Centro, and I can verify that it's a great place to live if walkability score is important to you. 

West End Historic District

Dallas's West End Historic District offers a blend of rich history and modern attractions. Located on 67 acres in northwest Downtown Dallas, the West End was transformed from a warehouse district into a popular tourist destination.

If you love museums and attractions, you'll be delighted with all that the West End has to offer. From the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to the Dallas World Aquarium, there's something for everyone here. This is a downtown urban enclave, so there's not a lot of outdoor space. But the recently opened West End Square Park is a technologically innovative green space with high-tech features. These include smart sensor lighting, a shade canopy, and Prairie Gardens.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 86/100
• Bike score: 71/100
• Transit score: 86/100

Main Street District

Main Street District is known locally as the "spine" of Downtown Dallas. The historic area connects the business and entertainment districts, and it's a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. You'll find an interesting mix of restored historic buildings alongside modern attractions here. Outdoor spaces include the Main Street Garden Park, which is a 1.75-acre urban oasis hiding within a cityscape that's always bustling.

If you live in the Main Street District, you can easily get by without a car. With a walkability score of 94 and scooters for rent on every corner, it's easy to forget the wider world of freeways just a few blocks away. For shopping, head over to the iconic Neiman Marcus flagship store that's been in business since 1914.

And the sky is the limit with dining options in the Main Street District. Here's a secret about Downtown Dallas: There's an extremely vibrant underground that's only open from dawn to dusk. Beneath the busy streets of downtown, there are tons of shopping and dining choices.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 94/100
• Bike score: 49/100
• Transit score: 100/100

Government District

The Government District is made up of mostly office spaces and government buildings, interspersed with historical landmarks. But the good news is that all of these state, local, and federal employees need somewhere to live, so there are plenty of apartments in the neighborhood, along with chic condos and townhomes. And best of all, you can easily get by in this neighborhood without a vehicle.

In the Government District, you'll find plenty of outdoor spaces. Belo Garden is a popular gathering place for students, as is Pioneer Plaza with its cattle statues and bronze cowboys. Cultural attractions in the area include the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 97/100
• Bike score: 78/100
• Transit score: 88/100

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4. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern Medical Center is a world-renowned medical school and research facility. As the largest medical in Texas, UTSW has nearly 4,000 students every year. The school is located in the Southwestern Medical District, about 10 minutes northwest of Downtown Dallas.

In this neighborhood, there's a huge concentration of medical facilities and research institutions, but it's well-connected to other areas of Dallas because of the excellent public transportation in the area. Since it's near downtown, students can enjoy easy access to all of Dallas's urban amenities after spending all day learning how to save lives.

Medical District

People who live in the Medical District are typically students and medical professionals who spend more time working and studying than sleeping and relaxing. With that said, everyone has to eat, and there's no shortage of excellent dining opportunities. Popular choices include Blue Bamboo Xpress Chinese Bistgro and Anisa's Kitchen for delicious Mexican food.

If you think shopping near a medical school is unlikely, think again! One of the largest Goodwill stores in the nation is located here. And what student isn't on a budget? People drive from all over DFW to find good deals on everything from vintage furniture to books and clothing. I used to work just off of I-35 near the Medical District, and the Goodwill store was one of my favorite haunts for picking up books for lazy weekend reads.

The Medical District isn't known for having a lot of outdoor living options. However, the new SWMD Green Park is still under construction by the Texas Trees Foundation. At the park, eight acres of asphalt have been slowly transformed into gorgeous green spaces. There are future plans in place for a sculptural land bridge, gardens, gathering spaces, and much more.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 70/100
• Bike score: 58/100
• Transit score: 61/100

Oak Lawn

The Oak Lawn neighborhood is the ideal community for students of all ages. Several years ago, I worked just minutes from Oak Lawn, and it was a wonderful place to have a quick lunch or happy hour with co-workers after work. Highland Park Village with its high-end boutiques and luxury stores is nearby. This area has plenty of coffee shops where busy students can enjoy some quiet study time or gatherings with friends.

Oak Lawn is minutes from Downtown Dallas, with quick access to I-35, one of the city's major freeways. In Oak Lawn, students can find several different housing options, from affordable apartments to trendy condos and townhomes. One of the best features of the Oak Lawn neighborhood is that the minute you veer off busy Lemmon Avenue, you're immediately immersed in quiet tree-lined streets with charming places to live.

Dining establishments abound, with both budget-friendly restaurants and upscale steak and seafood houses. Enjoy French and Italian cuisine at Parigi, or Street's Fine Chicken for Southern-style comfort food that will remind you of home cooking. For what DFW folks believe is the best queso dip in the country, pop into Uncle Julio's on Lemmon Avenue. While you're there, be sure to order something that's not on the menu: Mexican butter, which is decadent for chip dipping.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 89/100
• Bike score: 72-100
• Transit score: 49/100

Uptown

Uptown Dallas is a densely populated neighborhood that embodies the live-work-play lifestyle. Located just two minutes south of Oak Lawn, people living in this area have access to one of the most vibrant areas of the city for nightlife and unique dining experiences. Try Nobu for new-style Japanese food, Uchi for sushi, or the popular Ocean Prime for seafood.

Drive a few minutes up to Eatzi's on Oak Lawn Avenue. At Eatzi's Market & Bakery, you can find an enormous variety of prepared meals that include salads, gourmet sandwiches, and more than 80 international cuisines. This is ideal for busy students who don't have time to cook (or haven't learned how yet!). In addition to prepared meals, Eatzi's has freshly baked bread, their famous brownies and cakes, and a huge assortment of gourmet food you can prepare. You can also eat at Eatzi's on their patio if you need a quick sandwich or salad for lunch. 

McKinney Avenue is in Uptown. There, residents can find lots of restaurants and bars with outdoor patio seating that are perfect for socializing with friends. The Stanley Korshak department store is located in Uptown, along with the West Village Shopping District, which has retro stores and other upscale boutiques. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley gives you easy transportation to add to the walkability of the neighborhood. Outdoor spaces include Katy Trail, where residents can walk or cycle to their heart's content.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 91/100
• Bike score: 79/100
• Transit score: 58/100

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5. Richland College

I attended the Dallas College Richland Campus in the 1990s, when I wanted to get my basic courses completed before transferring to a four-year university. In addition to diverse academic offerings, Richland also offers degree and certificate programs in fields like computer information technology, interactive simulation and gaming, and a nationally-recognized cyber security program.

The Richland campus is located on a sprawling 243 acres of what was formerly farmland in North Dallas. Most of the neighborhood surrounding Richland is suburban, with plenty of outdoor green spaces. The Richland Campus itself has a scenic environment, with ponds and Thunderduck Lake, where students can enjoy lots of outdoor seating.

Lake Highlands

If lush greenery and rolling hills (rare in the DFW area!) appeal to you, you'll love living in Lake Highlands. White Rock Lake is nearby, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor and lake-life living that include kayaking, sailing, and quiet picnics. At the White Rock Creek Trail, students can unwind with a brisk walk or bike ride around the scenic paths. Other parks include Flag Pole Hill Park and Lake Highlands North Park, which has a sports field for group games.

Lake Highlands is a sprawling neighborhood, and right alongside the excellent outdoor living, you'll find a diverse dining scene. Check out Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House or Mariano's Hacienda for some of the best Tex-Mex food in DFW. Shoppers will delight in the huge Lake Highlands Town Center, which has a Sprouts supermarket and affordable fast-food eateries like Wingstop, Panda Express, and Shake Shack. But Town Center also has plenty of gourmet options and international cuisine.

In addition to getting some exercise in the neighborhood's outdoor spaces, Lake Highlands Town Center also has options like yoga and gyms with exercise equipment. Or students can gift themselves some self-care in the spas and wellness facilities like Massage Envy. This shopping center has plenty of options for clothing, home goods, cosmetics, and more. Budget-friendly options include Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, along with discount clothing like Ross.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 58/100
• Bike score: 52/100
• Transit score: 43/100

Town Creek

Located near Skillman Street and Forest Lane, Town Creek is popular for students, singles, and young families because it has several apartment complexes. Many of the complexes and single-family homes were built in the 1970s through 1999, so they tend to be more affordable than other areas of the Metroplex. Students can enjoy outdoor living at White Rock Lake Park or Flag Pole Hill Park.

This neighborhood is near Lake Highlands, so students can enjoy all of the fabulous shopping and other amenities at Lake Highlands Town Center. The Shops at Turtle Creek Village are also nearby. At this large outdoor shopping center, students can find much of what is also available at Lake Highlands Town Center, but on a smaller scale. Because it's smaller, it's easier to pop in and out quickly to take care of business.

At The Shops at Turtle Creek, there are spas and salons, yoga and gym options, and a variety of restaurants and shops. Be sure to go to Clark's Oyster Bar if you're a seafood lover. You can indulge in freshly shucked oysters, a comforting bowl of chowder, and even burgers and caviar. Are you ready for some of the most fun exercise you can find? At Ballers, you can play pickleball and paddel ball.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 22/100
• Bike score: Searching the web, I didn't find a bike score for Town Creek. However, the area is mostly suburban, with the wide streets you find all over Dallas. Busy streets include Skillman Street and Forest Lane, so you may want to take the back streets instead. Abrams Street leading to Richland is lightly traveled, and the roads are nice and wide.
• Transit score: I couldn't find a specific transit score for Town Creek. However, I'm familiar with the area and know that there's a DART bus stop at Richland College, along with several bus stops throughout the area.

White Rock

Students who love the outdoors will enjoy living in the White Rock neighborhood. This neighborhood is centered around Dallas's beloved White Rock Lake, where people of all ages can enjoy a plethora of outdoor and water activities. The general area is known for its perfect blend of urban amenities combined with natural landscapes. For a more structured outdoor experience in the spring and summer, go to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This neighborhood also has plenty of options for apartment or condo living.

The Bath House Cultural Center is on the shores of White Rock Lake. There, people from all over the Metroplex flock to enjoy arts programming and lakefront concerts. For shopping, area residents will need to head to Northpark Mall or Lake Highlands Town Center, which aren't too far away. During non-peak traffic times, it's also worth the trip to head about 15 minutes up I-635 to the Galleria Mall.

Transportation:

• Walk score: 34/100
• Bike score: 31/100
• Transit score: 20/100

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Conclusion

Whether you're a freshman getting your basics done at a community college like I did or a grad student looking for a quiet neighborhood to hit the books every night like my son needs, the place you call home will play a huge role in your life. And no matter which Dallas college or university you're studying at, there's a Dallas neighborhood that will work perfectly for you. I hope this guide has helped you get a solid idea of some of the best neighborhoods for college students. Here's to making the most of some of the best years of your life in our incredible DFW Metroplex!