There Are Still Some ‘Affordable’ Rentals in Dallas

Finding an affordable apartment to rent in Dallas can be quite the challenge considering how high housing costs have shot up in recent years, but don’t worry, there are still some neighborhoods out there where you can find something reasonable.

Average rent in Dallas last month was $1,574, according to RentCafe, just a touch above the national average of $1,559 clocked by Apartments.com. On top of getting more expensive, units are also apparently getting smaller as developers push to maximize density in the Big D.

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Still, those planning to move to Dallas in the near future shouldn’t give up hope just yet, at least not before checking out RentCafe’s recently published list of five affordable neighborhoods in the city. Keep in mind this list isn’t going to point you to the cheapest flophouse. These are desirable neighborhoods for a number of reasons, and they just so happen to have some options for those who can’t afford to drop $2,000 a month.

Lakewood – Average Rent of $1,462

This northeast Dallas neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, good schools, historic homes, and proximity to White Rock Lake. Anyone inclined towards outdoor activities would do well to check out the area. It offers plenty of opportunities for jogging, biking, and water activities.

Rental options currently appear concentrated in the southeastern part of the neighborhood. And somehow, Bluffs at Lakewood has units starting at $1,046, according to Apartments.com.

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Stevens Park Estates – Average Rent of $1,388

Situated in North Oak Cliff, this neighborhood enjoys proximity to the Bishop Arts District and some major highways (for you commuters out there). If you’re a golfer, you might like being close to Stevens Park Golf Course.

RentCafe shows a one-bedroom apartment going for as low as $1,202.

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Bent Tree West – Average Rent of $1,374

This North Dallas neighborhood is hemmed in between Dallas North Tollway, Midway Road, Frankford Road, and Trinity Mills Road. It’s a popular area for families, in large part because it’s snuggly inside the southwest corner of Plano ISD, which has some pretty good schools.

It’s got a real suburban feel and plenty of nearby parks, trails, and recreational amenities like the Bent Tree West Swim & Tennis Club. That being said, there isn’t much “affordable” for rent within Bent Tree West proper. However, just outside the neighborhood (like just on the other side of its technical borders) there’s some reasonably priced units available.

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Hollywood-Santa Monica – Average Rent of $1,316

Just south of the Lakewood area, Hollywood-Santa Monica residents are near both White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum. There are also plenty of good places to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a night out along Garland Road.

Similar to Bent Tree West, the more reasonably-priced units are just outside the neighborhood proper. It kind of is what it is — lots of single-family zoning.

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Lake Highlands – Average Rent of $1,258

Once again, schools are a draw. Lake Highlands falls within Richardson ISD, making it an ideal part of town to raise a family. The neighborhood is located in northeast Dallas, or rather, the neighborhood makes up a lot of northeast Dallas. Good shopping and dining options can be found along Skillman Street and Walnut Hill Lane.

Regardless of where you believe Lake Highlands begins and ends, there are a lot of apartments to choose from. Whether you consider them affordable or not is up to you. In any case, RentCafe has it clocked as the most affordable neighborhood on its list.