The Lone Star State’s vibrant hub, Dallas, TX, is known for its unique blend of rich history, modern amenities, and Southern charm. With a population of around 1.3 million residents, Dallas has a thriving arts scene, renowned regional cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Reunion Tower and the Dallas Arboretum.
In Dallas, the average rent for a studio apartment is $1,377, while a one-bedroom unit averages $1,389. If you’re new to Dallas or simply looking for a less expensive apartment, ApartmentGuide is here to help. We’ve gathered a list of the most affordable neighborhoods in Dallas to rent this year.
13 Affordable Neighborhoods in Dallas, TX
Dallas’ neighborhoods provide a unique look into the city, giving it a one-of-a-kind vibe. From RANDCO to Cedar Crest, Dallas has affordable neighborhoods that fit your budget. And the best part is, they’re all under Dallas’s average rent for studio and one-bedroom units.
1. RANDCO
2. Cedar Crest
3. Southeast Dallas
4. Lovers Lane
5. Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace
6. Vickery Meadows
7. Vickery
8. Lake Highlands
9. North Oaklawn
10. Northeast Dallas
11. Midtown
12. Casa View
13. Bachman-Northwest Highway
Read on to see what each neighborhood has to offer its residents.
1. RANDCO
Average studio rent: $758
Average 1-bedroom rent: $840
Apartments for rent in RANDCO
With the average rent for a one-bedroom unit at $840, RANDCO is the most affordable neighborhood in Dallas. There are plenty of reasons to love living in RANDCO, from attractions like Valley View Park, with over 27 acres of trails, to golf courses like the Northwood Club. If you’re looking for a meal out, there are a variety of local restaurants to explore, showcasing Dallas’s food scene.
2. Cedar Crest
Average studio rent: $900
Average 1-bedroom rent: $950
Apartments for rent in Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is a relaxing area that’s just south of downtown Dallas. This affordable neighborhood is home to the Cedars, a popular district with bars, concert venues, and museums. You can find many attractions, such as the Cedar Crest Golf Course, the Dallas Zoo, and the Trinity Skyline Trail. It’s also significantly less expensive than Downtown Dallas, but you’re still close enough to explore the area.
3. Southeast Dallas
Average studio rent: $805
Average 1-bedroom rent: $962
Apartments for rent in Southeast Dallas
With an average one-bedroom rent of $962, Southeast Dallas is the third-most affordable neighborhood in the city. It’s a large neighborhood with many sub-neighborhoods. This neighborhood is an excellent option as it’s near attractions like Crawford Memorial Park and the Trinity River Audubon Center. There are also picturesque views of the Trinity River, so this area is great for exploring and enjoying Dallas. Or you can head into the nearby city of Mesquite to explore the city.
4. Lovers Lane
Average studio rent: $985
Average 1-bedroom rent: $985
Apartments for rent in Lovers Lane
Lovers Lane is the fourth-most affordable neighborhood in Dallas. This neighborhood is a great option if you’re looking for access to plenty of shops and restaurants, as it’s near the popular Oak Lawn area. For example, you can easily access the local businesses on Cedar Springs Road, like Street’s Fine Chicken and the Rose Room. Lovers Lane is also a great area if you don’t have a car, as you can find several bus stops.
5. Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace
Average 1-bedroom rent: $988
Apartments for rent in Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace
About 9 miles from downtown, Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace is a stellar neighborhood if you want to live a little further outside of town. It’s also a great area if you want a more laid-back feeling, as there are plenty of parks in the area, like Riverway Estates-Bruton Terrace and Pleasant Oaks Park. There are also many shopping centers and restaurants located along Bruckner Boulevard, one of the major roads in the area.
6. Vickery Meadow
Average studio rent: $824
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,016
Apartments for rent in Vickery Meadow
Next up is Vickery Meadow, the sixth-most affordable neighborhood in Dallas. Vickery Meadow is full of charm with tree-lined streets and green spaces, like White Rock Creek Greenbelt, Harry S. Moss Park, and Fair Oaks Park. This neighborhood also has plenty of restaurants and attractions, so you’ll have lots of fun. Vickery Meadow is nearly all apartment buildings, so there are plenty of affordable options to check out. You can also find the DART Light Rail stop in the neighborhood, meaning you can get around Dallas without a car.
7. Vickery
Average studio rent: $824
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,098
Apartments for rent in Vickery
The Vickery neighborhood includes the smaller Vickery Meadow area. This is the seventh-most affordable neighborhood in Dallas and includes most of the same attractions as Vickery Meadow. Vickery has a friendly atmosphere and community feeling, with plenty of local cafes and restaurants along Walnut Hill Lane, such as Snooze, an A.M. Eatery and Civil Pour. There’s something for everyone living in Vickery.
8. Lake Highlands
Average studio rent: $1,049
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,119
Apartments for rent in Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands takes the eighth spot on our list of most affordable neighborhoods in Dallas. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is over $200 less than the city’s average, making Lake Highlands a great option. Lake Highlands has a variety of attractions, including museums like Play Street Museum, green spaces like Watercrest Park, and local restaurants ranging from Ethiopian to Vietnamese cuisines and bistros.
9. North Oaklawn
Average studio rent: $1,045
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,185
Apartments for rent in North Oaklawn
The next area on our list is a well-known Dallas neighborhood, North Oaklawn. North Oaklawn is north of the popular Oak Lawn area, so there are a lot of shops and bars in the area. You can find lots of options along Lemmon Avenue and Oak Lawn Avenue, ranging from Tex-Mex options to Mediterranean. You’ll find a few historic buildings in North Oaklawn, so make sure to explore the area’s charm.
10. Northeast Dallas
Average studio rent: $970
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,192
Apartments for rent in Northeast Dallas
The tenth-most affordable neighborhood in Dallas is Northeast Dallas. This area has an outdoorsy feeling, like White Rock Lake Park and Ridgewood Park, perfect for enjoying a sunny day in Dallas. Northeast Dallas also hosts the White Rock Lake 5K and 10K each year, providing residents with lots of opportunities to enjoy their neighborhood.
11. Midtown
Average studio rent: $975
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,199
Apartments for rent in Midtown
Number 11 on our list is Midtown. This affordable neighborhood is located north of downtown Dallas and is an awesome area if you’re looking for a neighborhood with lots of shopping options. For example, the area is home to the popular Galleria shopping center and is close to parks like Bert Fields Park.
12. Casa View
Average studio rent: $1,055
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,212
Apartments for rent in Casa View
Taking the 12th spot on our list of affordable neighborhoods in Dallas is Casa View. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,212, compared to the city’s average of $1,389. This neighborhood is close to White Rock Lake Park, where you can check out the views or stroll along the trails. Be sure to explore some of the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants along Gus Thomasson Road.
13. Bachman-Northwest Highway
Average studio rent: $1,062
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,255
Apartments for rent in Bachman-Northwest Highway
Taking the final spot on our list of affordable neighborhoods in Dallas is Bachman-Northwest Highway. This area has an average one-bedroom rent of $1,255, meaning it’s closer in price to the city’s average, but you’ll still be saving over time. If you plan to rent in Bachman-Northwest Highway, make sure to check out Bachman Lake Park and Stereo Live Dallas to immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere.
Methodology: Affordability based on whether a neighborhood has average studio and 1-bedroom rent prices under the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com on March 18, 2024.