Dallas Housing Areas

Areas where seminary students tend to live vary based upon their individual needs to be closer to school, work, or church. The DTS Housing Office recommends that students living off-campus live at least 15-20 minutes away from campus. Those students who wish to live as close to campus as possible but avoid the downtown area may want to start their housing search in either Richardson, Garland, or Mesquite as these areas are where quite a few off-campus students reside.

EAST DALLAS (area 1)

The neighborhood now known as East Dallas began as a separate town in 1882. Close to downtown, East Dallas has numerous older homes, which were built in the day when charm was a key ingredient in architecture. This area is nearest to DTS. On Swiss Avenue, you may find opportunities to live in garage apartments behind the nicer historical homes, which are north of the Seminary within walking or biking distance. A major lifeline of this neighborhood, and of Dallas in general, is Lower Greenville Avenue, home to eclectic eateries, antique shops and bookstores. Just about every type of amenity can be found here, from supermarkets and bookstores to golf courses and art museums. This area is 10 minutes from downtown.

HIGHLAND PARK (area 2)

In Highland Park, you are likely to find the highest per square-foot prices for real estate anywhere in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Most of the real estate activity revolves around the resale of stately mansions and quaint cottages. Running through Highland Park and other nearby parts of the city you will find beautiful Turtle Creek and Turtle Creek Park. Highland Park Village is home to internationally known stores and local unique specialty shops. The Highland Park ISD consistently ranks among the elite in Texas. This area is approximately 15 minutes from the Seminary.

UNIVERSITY PARK (area 2)

University Park is a three-square mile city that is home to Southern Methodist University. University Park has amenities similar to those of Highland Park. Real estate here is higher than in other parts of the city, but prices are slightly lower than in neighboring Highland Park. Home buyers will find a variety of housing options including duplexes, contemporary townhomes and single-family homes. It is a 15-20 minute drive to DTS.

OAK CLIFF (area 3)

Oak Cliff is Dallas' oldest established neighborhood. At the heart of the area is Kessler Park. Located in the southwest portion of the city of Dallas, Oak Cliff occupies approximately 200 square miles. Well-known for its many beautifully landscaped neighborhoods, Oak Cliff maintains exceptional land and housing values, excellent transportation, award-winning educational facilities and a wide array of cultural and recreational activities. This area of Dallas features a wide range of architecture within homes, from Tudor-style mansions to low-slung ranch houses and red-brick colonial homes. You will also find cottage-sized homes waiting to be fixed up and become starter homes. This area is within a 15-minute drive from DTS.

DUNCANVILLE (area 4)

Duncanville, located in the rolling wooded hills of southwest Dallas County, is a city of diversity and H3 economic development. With 23 manufacturing facilities and numerous industries and businesses, Duncanville provides a broad range of employment opportunities. The city's 12 area parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, museum and community theater provide ample activities. Kidsville, one of the largest volunteer-built creative playgrounds in the world, attracts children of all ages. There are many residential subdivisions here with an abundance of pleasant, single-family homes, with distinctive custom homes providing the majority of new houses built in the area. Spacious country estates and quiet residential neighborhoods can both be found. The city's school system consists of seven elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two junior highs and one high school. This area is 45 minutes from DTS, conveniently located along I-20.

CEDAR HILL (area 5)

Overlooking beautiful Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill combines the charm of hometown Texas with the progressive attitude of its young, growing population. Located in the wooded hills of southwest Dallas County, Cedar Hill offers the appeal of a small city with a rich heritage and an independent, enterprising spirit. In Cedar Hill, abundant trees, scenic views and open spaces are vital parts of the community. Many diverse neighborhoods have developed and fine schools, churches and parks provide the focal points for community and family life. Cedar Hill residents are only minutes away from the commercial and cultural activities of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. U.S. Highway 67 provides access within 15 minutes to I-20, I-35 and I-45. The Cedar Hill Historic District also provides lots of shopping opportunities. This area is approximately 35 minutes from DTS.

DESOTO (area 6)

DeSoto is situated 14 miles south of Dallas off I-20 and I-35, a 35-minute commute to DTS. It is comfortably removed from the congestion and fast pace of the city, yet is easily in view of downtown Dallas. Sometimes referred to as the Hill Country of North Texas, DeSoto's wooded areas are being developed into attractive, higher income neighborhoods. DeSoto boasts beautiful open spaces throughout the city with a network of parks, recreational areas, athletic fields and jogging trails. DeSoto ISD provides individualized instruction at all levels with a quality staff dedicated to this mission. Residents live comfortably because of the city's low crime rate. Shopping is plentiful here with Southwest Center Mall nearby. There are many new and resale homes from which to choose in the area.

LANCASTER (area 7)

Located 12 miles from downtown Dallas, only 30 percent of the 30 square miles of low rolling hills claimed by the city has been developed. Lancaster remains a town with an emphasis on families. More than 90 percent of all dwellings are single-family units. Residents are proud of the many Victorian Queen Anne and prairie-style homes in the city. The city offers five parks, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a Kidsville Creative Playground.

MIDLOTHIAN (area 8)

Directly south of Joe Pool Lake and the cities of Arlington and Grand Prairie lies the city of Midlothian. It sits at the northwest corner of Ellis County, covers 28 square miles of rolling hills along the Great Texas Escarpment, providing scenic vistas of the great plains and cedar-lined streams and grassland prairies. Lifestyle choices range from rural ranch to downtown historic homes. Educationally, Midlothian ISD offers a full range of technical, vocational, and academic courses. Students' SAT scores continue to rank above the national average. The city is home to two 18-hole golf courses, four parks, three tennis courts and is just 10 miles from popular Joe Pool Lake.

MANSFIELD (area 9)

Mansfield is small town America with big city amenities and accessibility. All metropolitan areas and D/FW International Airport are 30 minutes or less away. The city is centrally located on the southern edge of the Metroplex on US Highway 287. Mansfield offers easy access to all of the area's cultural, recreational and commercial assets without the congestion of big city life. It also offers housing for just about everyone from modest homes and apartments in quiet neighborhoods to estate homes on large wooded lots and even rural acreage. Mansfield citizens take advantage of abundant major recreational attractions.

GRAND PRAIRIE (area 10)

Ideal location, excellent access, home-town feeling, established and new neighborhoods, these are the qualities make Grand Prairie a competitor in attracting new businesses and residents. This has caused the rental rates in Grand Prairie to be slightly higher in comparison with those in the Mesquite and Garland areas. The school districts have better test scores than DISD and they have competitive scores to Mesquite and Garland. Grand Prairie is located in the heart of the Metroplex, just minutes south of the D/FW airport. The drive time from this area to the seminary is about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

ARLINGTON (area 11)

Arlington lies in the "mid-cities" area of the Metroplex, which is the area between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 45-60 minutes from DTS. Arlington is home to the Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park and Wet `n Wild water park. The combination of entertainment, community and industry in Arlington makes it one of the Metroplex's best choices for home and work and its location as one of the mid-cities makes it convenient for commuters as well. The school district scores well in all grade levels. Housing is plentiful and available in everything from cottages to mini-ranches. Arlington is indeed its own city, filled with single family lots of all sizes, apartments, duplexes, condominiums and townhomes to fit any lifestyle or budget. The medical community thrives in Arlington as it continues to provide citizens throughout the Metroplex with the finest in healthcare.

IRVING-LAS COLINAS (area 12)

Located just minutes from downtown Dallas and D/FW International Airport, this city is home of such favorite landmarks as Texas Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club at Valley Ranch. With safe, enjoyable neighborhoods in every price range, it is a popular area for new residents. It is also headquarters to large and diverse corporations. Las Colinas is an office/residential, master-planned development located on Highway 114. Las Colinas includes a wide range of home options, from elegant condominiums to larger homes. This area is approximately 20-25 minutes from the campus.

HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD (HEB) (area 13)

These three cities have melted into one great mid-cities community located about 18 miles from both Dallas and Fort Worth and 35 minutes from DTS. They are easily accessible to those who work in either Dallas or Fort Worth and they are convenient to the D/FW International Airport. These three cities make up a very vital, family-oriented area of the Metroplex. Quality housing is priced in a variety of ranges in HEB and the selection is plentiful, from starter to custom homes. Entertainment is plentiful as well. Medical facilities in the mid-cities area are among the best in the Metroplex.

RICHLAND HILLS (area 14)

Despite their close proximity and similarities, Richland Hills and North Richland Hills have different but unique personalities. Richland Hills is right in the middle of the 3.5 million-population Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan market. The city is ideally located for business. Richland Hills offers access to all kinds of transportation. It has one of the lowest tax rates in the D/FW area and is minutes from downtown Fort Worth or Dallas. Shopping, entertainment, major hospitals and museums are located in the area. Richland Hills is served by the Birdville ISD where students receive high-quality education.

HALTOM CITY (area 15)

Traversing the city are Loop 820, State Highway 121 (Airport Freeway), U.S. Highway 377, and State Highway 26, which put Haltom City in close proximity to D/FW Airport, Alliance Airport and Meacham Field. Haltom City is served by the Birdville ISD, and it has long been recognized for its academic excellence in preparing students for higher education. There are also plenty of cultural events, sports, recreation and entertainment.

FORT WORTH (area 16)

Fort Worth is located west of Dallas, approximately 45-60 minutes from DTS, depending on what area of Fort Worth you are coming from. It is a modern city that has held on to its western vitality and small-town charm. Fort Worth has a much more laid-back atmosphere, more typically Texan, compared to Dallas' fast-paced cosmopolitan flair.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (area 17)

KXAS Channel 5 has named North Richland Hills the "safest city" of its size in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and it is conveniently located between D/FW and Alliance airports. N. Richland Hills parks system was named one of the top four in cities its size nationwide. While most students attend the Birdville ISD, N. Richland Hills is also home to Fort Worth Christian and four other private schools. The city also has over 500 retail stores and more than 100 restaurants.

KELLER (area 18)

Keller is located in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas of the Metroplex, often referred to as the "Golden Triangle", with D/FW airport on the east, Alliance Airport on the west and the Texas Motor Speedway to the north. Homeowners are attracted by the small town quality of life and excellent educational system. The Keller ISD is recognized as one of the exceptional districts in the Metroplex. There are two developed parks within the city offering 2.5 miles of hike and bike trails.

COLLEYVILLE (area 19)

Nestled just east of Grapevine and north of Hurst and Bedford, Colleyville is a popular choice for Metroplex professionals who want the convenience of a mid-cities location and the tranquility of life in the country. Colleyville residents have easy access to Las Colinas, Solana and D/FW Airport and enjoy the beauty of wooded drives and rolling hills. This area is known for its beautiful custom homes, most averaging one-half acre lots, some providing acreage for country estate living. Homeowners have the good fortune of countryside living, yet city convenience. Within this Metroplex, you have all the best attractions of Dallas and Fort Worth. Colleyville is a young family-oriented community, within 45 minutes from DTS. Children attend Grapevine/Colleyville schools, one of the highest ranked school systems in the Metroplex.

GRAPEVINE (area 20)

Grapevine is located in the center of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex just north of D/FW International Airport. Varying types of stores, restaurants, movie theater and entertainment hubs bring families from most of the surrounding Metroplex counties. Grapevine has the lowest combined city and school property tax rate of comparable-sized cities in the area. The low crime rate in the city proves that the community is dominated by family values. Academic achievement is truly the top priority in the Grapevine/Colleyville Independent School District.

NORTH DALLAS (area 21)

The area referred to as "North Dallas" is located inside the loop created by I-635/LBJ Freeway. Downtown and "Far North Dallas" are both easily accessible via the freeway and tollway system. This area is within 20-30 minutes of DTS. The landscaped neighborhoods are mostly single-family homes of traditional styles, but a variety of zero-lot line/garden homes, duplexes, apartments, condominiums, high-rises and retirement centers are also readily available. North Dallas residents are close to over 30 private schools. Area public schools considered among the best in the city. Restaurants and entertainment facilities are plentiful and varied. Residents are close to major shopping centers. As any North Dallasite will tell you, this is one of the best areas in the city for quality living.

FARMERS BRANCH (area 22)

A city proud of its rural heritage, Farmers Branch preserves much of its past in the Mustang Historical Trail. This trail is 10.8 miles long and traces a route marked by 20 historical sites throughout the city. Farmers Branch, while the oldest continuous settlement in Dallas County, still provides the comforts and amenities usually reserved for new suburban communities. More than 70 percent of the residents have lived in the community more than five years and 95 percent of the city's residents live in single-family homes. Farmers Branch is about 45 minutes from the Seminary.

CARROLLTON (area 23)

Carrollton is a growing corporate and residential community. It is approximately 45 minutes from the Seminary and it is just minutes away from Lake Lewisville, which offers year-round recreation, boating and fishing. With more than 1,200 acres of parks and playgrounds, Carrollton takes full advantage of its rolling topography. There are over 50 industries represented here. Most residential development is taking place in north Carrollton. Major subdivisions in Carrollton include Oak Hills, Villages of Indian Creek and Josey Ranch. The majority of its residents live in single-family homes. Recreational facilities include Sandy Lake Amusement Park, three public golf courses, hike and bike trails, and lighted sports complexes.

COPPELL (area 24)

Coppell is a rapidly growing city located in northwestern Dallas County. The many parks, nearby lakes and quiet tree-lined streets are only a few of the reasons for Coppell's recent and ever-continuing development. It's a dusting of North Texas woods with luxury homes, manicured yards and rows of shade trees in sway. The expansive Lake Lewisville is just 10 minutes away. It is very near to D/FW Airport and adjacent to I-635 LBJ Freeway. I-35 Stemmons Freeway is only five miles away, making Coppell convenient to both Dallas and Fort Worth. It is within 35-40 minutes from the Seminary. There are a number of large suburban homes from which to choose. One third of the young city was set aside for residential development, another third for commercial use, which is experiencing a flood of corporate relocations, and a final third for parks, jogging trails, playgrounds and Riverchase Golf Course. Recently, Coppell received both state and national recognition for its school systems.

FLOWER MOUND (area 25)

This north central town is bordered by pastures of grazing horses near growing modern residential neighborhoods. Rolling hills and heavily wooded land in the western and southern portions of the community complement the distinctive contemporary architecture near the town's center. Just 10 minutes from D/FW airport, the community is situated north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Flower Mound has comparatively low land prices that offer urban residents a scenic community and less city noise and distractions. It offers Lake Grapevine to the south and Lake Lewisville to the north. Enjoy the use of open spaces, linking neighborhoods with parks and trails for walking, jogging and cycling. This area is about 45 minutes from DTS.

LEWISVILLE (area 26)

Lewisville's biggest draw is a 23,000-acre lake. Lake Lewisville remains the area's greatest recreational resource. There are 16 neighborhood shopping centers and Vista Ridge Mall, one of the largest in North Texas. Education is a high priority and point of pride, with more than 40 public and private schools. Lewisville also offers many excellent restaurants and a variety of nightlife activities.

THE COLONY (area 27)

Ranked as the safest community of its size in the Metroplex, The Colony residents enjoy outstanding recreation opportunities, award-winning schools and a family- oriented community all within easy access of major commercial center. Since home construction began in the late 1970's, this is the most modern of suburbs. The city is part of the award-winning Lewisville ISD.

PLANO (area 28)

Located 19 miles due north of downtown Dallas and approximately 45 minutes from DTS, Plano is truly a city of its own, not a suburb of Dallas. It has evolved into an exclusive mecca for homeowners desiring exclusive living, specialty shops, restaurants, parks and recreation all within easy reach. Plano ISD has received national recognition for its outstanding system of schools. Plano also offers municipal golf, tennis, swimming, bowling and team sports. It has been chosen an All-American City.

DENTON (area 29)

Denton rarely refers to itself as a bedroom community, opting instead for country living. Denton offers ranch estates and, in some parts of the county, horses actually outnumber people. A popular Denton trademark, the arts, both visual and performing, are highlighted every spring. The city is strategically located where the eastern and western segments of I-35 rejoin less than 40 miles north of downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. While Denton maintains its own municipal airport, residents can easily describe junkets to area airports such as Alliance, D/FW and Love Field in terms of minutes verses miles. Denton is a hub of higher learning. The Denton ISD offers a wide variety of programs for specific student needs.

McKINNEY (area 30)

McKinney is a mixture of the H3 historical heritage with a contemporary lifestyle. The Downtown Square is the site for several of the city's annual celebrations. The area within the city limits, west of US Highway 75, contains modern homes, parks, country clubs and golf courses. If you want variety and diversity, a contrast of the old and new, the historic and futuristic, the country and the city, McKinney is the place to be.

ALLEN (area 31)

If you were to visit a typical Allen residence, the head of the household would likely be a married professional or administrator working in Dallas, Plano, or Richardson. A commitment to excellence in education continues to play a role in Allen's attractiveness. Currently, two middle schools and six elementary schools funnel their students to one stellar high school. A full range of parks, recreation services and activities are available. Allen is 24 miles from downtown Dallas.

ROWLETT/ROCKWALL/WYLIE (area 32)

Rowlett is just north of Garland and is served by Garland Independent School District. Houses in this area will be comparable if not just a bit higher than Garland. Rockwall is just east and a little north of Rowlett. Rockwall has its own school district which has a very good reputation and it has a lower student-teacher ratio than most districts in the Metroplex. Prices tend to be higher in this area because it is bordered on three sides by Lake Ray Hubbard. In Rockwall, two-thirds of the homes are custom built and most homes are less than 10 years old. Wylie is a small town just east of Plano. Travel from these areas will vary depending on time of day and traffic but is usually 30-40 minutes to the Seminary.

RICHARDSON (area 33)

Richardson touts one of the best public school districts in the greater Dallas area. The RISD has been recognized as one of the top 25 school districts in the United States. It is ranked second on a list of the nation's fastest growing suburbs because it has homes and apartments in virtually every price range, plus it contains 1,014 acres of park space. This area is approximately 30 minutes from the Seminary.

GARLAND (area 34)

Garland is northeast of the Seminary and is Dallas' largest suburb. The Garland Independent School District offers the "choice of school option" which allows students to enroll in the school they prefer versus being required to attend the school in their neighborhood. This area is popular due to the efficient school system and prices of housing in this area. The commute time to the Seminary is approximately 30 minutes.

MESQUITE (area 35)

Mesquite is a good place to "go off in all directions." Families usually come for the reasonably priced housing available in this old, established Dallas suburb. Mesquite is seeing a continuous interest in home building on its southeastern flank, with the focus of this new construction at Creek Crossing. Major highways serving this city are I-20, I-30, I-635 LBJ Freeway, US Highway 80 and SH 352, making Mesquite the place with the most extensive suburban interstate highway network in the Metroplex. This system of highways greatly contributes to Mesquite's attractiveness as a commercial, industrial and distribution center. Mesquite is about a 25-30 minute commute to DTS. Mesquite is also famous for the annual Mesquite Championship Rodeo and great shopping at nearby Town East Mall, and the Mesquite ISD enjoys a national reputation for its outstanding educational system.

BALCH SPRINGS (area 36)

The city of Balch Springs, with its large oak trees, cottage homes, ranch-sized lots and rural atmosphere, is within 35 minutes of DTS. Balch Springs is situated ideally as the southeastern gateway to the Metroplex with U.S. Interstate Highways I-635 and I-20 bisecting the city. This area is located 12 miles southeast of downtown Dallas making it a popular place for commuters to live. The city has eight parks, a swimming pool and Kidstown, a community park and playground. Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to note its nearness to Lake Ray Hubbard. Homes here are easily available and affordable in a wide range of prices. Several fairly new subdivisions provide good choices for single-family homes.

All descriptions taken from area Chambers of Commerce.