Living in East Dallas, TX — Relocation Guide

Dallas County, Texas

Living in East Dallas, Dallas

Historic character, White Rock Lake, and a thriving local business scene in one of Dallas's most beloved urban neighborhoods.

Ask Your Advocate About East Dallas

East Dallas at a Glance

Key Neighborhoods

Lakewood, Lower Greenville, White Rock Lake, Casa Linda, Forest Hills, Old East Dallas, Hollywood Heights

Population (est.)

~120,000

To Downtown Dallas

10–20 min

To DFW Airport

30–40 min

To Love Field

20–30 min

Median Home Price

$400,000–$750,000

Avg. Property Tax Rate

~2.1%

ZIP Codes

75206, 75214, 75218, 75223, 75228

Welcome to East Dallas

East Dallas is one of the city's most distinctive and beloved residential areas, combining historic architecture, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant local culture. Neighborhoods like Lakewood, Lower Greenville, and Old East Dallas attract buyers who value character, walkability, and community. White Rock Lake anchors the outdoor lifestyle, offering miles of trails, boating, and some of the best urban nature access in Texas. The area's tree-lined streets, locally owned restaurants, and mix of historic homes and modern infill development make it a perennial favorite among first-time buyers and long-time Dallasites alike.

Housing in East Dallas

East Dallas is known for its architectural diversity. Lakewood and Hollywood Heights feature Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and Spanish Colonial homes from the 1920s and 1930s many meticulously restored and highly sought after. Prices in these neighborhoods typically range from $450K to over $1M for larger historic homes.

Casa Linda and Forest Hills offer mid-century ranch homes and traditional brick houses at more accessible price points, generally in the $350K–$600K range. These neighborhoods are popular with families seeking larger lots and established trees.

Old East Dallas and Lower Greenville have seen significant infill development, with new townhomes and contemporary single-family homes filling gaps alongside historic properties. This mix creates a dynamic market with options for a wide range of buyers.

Lifestyle in East Dallas

East Dallas has a distinctly neighborhood-oriented culture. Residents are deeply engaged in their communities, with active neighborhood associations, block parties, and local advocacy groups that have shaped the area's character for decades.

The Lower Greenville corridor is one of the city's premier entertainment and dining destinations, with a walkable strip of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques that draws visitors from across the metroplex.

White Rock Lake is the heart of outdoor life in East Dallas. On any given weekend, the lake's 9.3-mile trail is filled with cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, and families. The lake also hosts sailing regattas, kayaking, and fishing throughout the year.

Shopping & Dining

Lower Greenville is East Dallas's dining and entertainment hub, with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in a walkable strip. Highlights include acclaimed brunch spots, craft cocktail bars, and international cuisine from Thai to Ethiopian.

Casa Linda Plaza and the Lakewood shopping area provide neighborhood retail, grocery, and services. Whole Foods on Greenville Avenue and Central Market on Lovers Lane are popular grocery destinations for East Dallas residents.

The area is known for supporting local and independent businesses. Boutique shops, vintage stores, and specialty food purveyors are woven throughout the neighborhood, giving East Dallas a distinctly non-chain character.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

White Rock Lake Park is the defining outdoor amenity of East Dallas 1,015 acres of parkland with trails, a dog park, boat ramp, and the Dallas Arboretum. It is consistently ranked among the best urban parks in Texas.

Tenison Park offers two public golf courses and additional green space on the western edge of East Dallas. Lakewood's neighborhood parks provide playgrounds, sports fields, and community gathering spaces.

The White Rock Creek Trail connects to a broader network of trails extending north through Richardson and Plano, making East Dallas a gateway to some of the best recreational cycling in the metroplex.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Granada Theater on Lower Greenville is one of Dallas's most beloved live music venues, hosting national and international acts in a beautifully restored 1946 theater. The area around it is dense with bars, restaurants, and creative businesses.

East Dallas has a strong visual arts community, with galleries and studios concentrated in the Lower Greenville and Old East Dallas areas. The annual East Dallas Art Walk draws visitors from across the city.

The Dallas Arboretum hosts the Dallas Blooms festival each spring, the Pumpkin Village in fall, and numerous concerts and cultural events throughout the year, making it a year-round cultural anchor for the neighborhood.

Transportation & Major Highways

East Dallas is served by several major arterials. Mockingbird Lane, Gaston Avenue, and Garland Road are primary east-west routes. US-75 (Central Expressway) provides quick access to North Dallas and downtown, while I-30 serves the southern portions of the area.

DART bus service is extensive throughout East Dallas, and the Mockingbird Station on the Red and Orange lines provides rail access to downtown, Uptown, and DFW Airport. The station is a hub with retail, dining, and residential development.

East Dallas is one of the more bikeable areas of the city, with dedicated lanes on several streets and easy access to the White Rock Creek Trail and Katy Trail extensions.

Major Employers

East Dallas residents benefit from proximity to major employment centers in downtown Dallas, Uptown, and the medical district, all reachable within 15–25 minutes. The area itself is home to numerous small businesses, creative agencies, and healthcare providers.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center at White Rock and several specialty clinics provide significant local employment in healthcare. The education sector is also well-represented, with Dallas ISD campuses and private schools throughout the area.

The creative economy is strong in East Dallas, with many residents working in design, media, technology, and the arts often from home offices or small studios in the neighborhood.

Things to Do

White Rock Lake Park offers 9.3 miles of trails, a boat launch, picnic areas, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden one of the finest public gardens in the Southwest, hosting seasonal festivals and events year-round.

Lower Greenville's restaurant row is a destination in itself, with acclaimed spots for brunch, craft cocktails, and international cuisine. The Granada Theater hosts national touring acts in an intimate venue setting.

Casa Linda Plaza, one of Dallas's oldest shopping centers, anchors the eastern portion of the area with local businesses, a beloved movie theater, and neighborhood services. Seasonal farmers markets and community events are common throughout East Dallas.

Homeownership in East Dallas

East Dallas has been one of the strongest appreciating markets in Dallas over the past decade. Historic neighborhoods like Lakewood and Hollywood Heights command premium prices and rarely stay on the market long. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly and compete in multiple-offer situations.

The area's historic designation in several neighborhoods means that exterior renovations may require approval from the City of Dallas Landmark Commission. This protects neighborhood character but adds a step to renovation projects.

Property taxes in Dallas County run approximately 2.1%. The Dallas Central Appraisal District handles homestead exemption filings, which can meaningfully reduce annual tax bills for owner-occupants.

Move-In Utilities & Services

Everything you need to set up before your move-in date in East Dallas.

Internet Providers

Common providers in East Dallas — availability varies by address.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
Google FiberFiber866-777-7550Visit site
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997Visit site

Electricity

Dallas is a deregulated electricity market — choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of Dallas. Set up service 1–2 weeks before move-in.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site

Water & Sewer

Water service in Dallas is provided by Dallas Water Utilities. Set up service before your move-in date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Dallas Water Utilities214-651-1441Visit site

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling in Dallas is managed by the City of Dallas Sanitation Services.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Dallas Sanitation Services214-670-3111Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV & Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with the Dallas Central Appraisal District to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

CountyAppraisal DistrictWebsite
Dallas CountyDallas Central Appraisal DistrictVisit site

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lakewood different from other East Dallas neighborhoods?

Lakewood is one of Dallas's most architecturally significant neighborhoods, with a concentration of 1920s–1940s homes in styles including Craftsman, Tudor, and Spanish Colonial. It has a strong neighborhood association, excellent schools, and proximity to White Rock Lake, making it one of the most desirable and competitive markets in the city.

Is Lower Greenville noisy for residents?

The entertainment strip on Lower Greenville can generate noise on weekend evenings, particularly near bars and restaurants. Homes on side streets one or two blocks off the main corridor are generally quieter. Many residents appreciate the walkability and energy of the area and consider the trade-off worthwhile.

What school districts serve East Dallas?

East Dallas is served primarily by Dallas ISD. Notable campuses include Woodrow Wilson High School, which has a strong academic reputation and serves much of the Lakewood and East Dallas area. Several private schools are also located in or near East Dallas.

How competitive is the East Dallas real estate market?

East Dallas, particularly Lakewood and Lower Greenville, is one of the most competitive markets in Dallas. Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods often receive multiple offers within days of listing. Working with an experienced local agent and being pre-approved before searching is essential.

Thinking About Moving to East Dallas?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance — no pressure, just answers.

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