What is considered North Dallas?

North Dallas is the broad residential area of Dallas roughly from Lovers Lane north to the LBJ Freeway (I-635), bounded by Preston Road / the Dallas North Tollway on the west. It includes Preston Hollow, parts of the Galleria area, and the Tollway corridor. It does NOT include Highland Park or University Park, which are independent cities with their own governments and school districts.

Is North Dallas family-friendly for renters?

Yes — North Dallas is mostly residential and draws families who want to rent before buying, or who want access to top private schools. Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD, and Plano ISD all touch parts of the area depending on the specific address. Apartment inventory is concentrated along main corridors; interior neighborhoods are primarily single-family housing.

How long is the North Dallas to downtown commute?

From central North Dallas (Galleria area) to downtown is typically 15-20 minutes via the Dallas North Tollway off-peak, stretching to 30-45 minutes during rush hour. The Tollway is the fastest option but charges tolls; US 75 is a free alternative but more congested. DART bus service is available but less direct than for other parts of the city.

Is Highland Park part of North Dallas?

No. Highland Park and University Park are independent municipalities surrounded by the city of Dallas, with their own governments, police, and school district (Highland Park ISD). They are often grouped with North Dallas in casual conversation but are administratively separate. Their apartment inventory is very limited — most housing is single-family.

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NorthPark Center and city skyline.” loading=”eager”>

A OK Apartment Locators — North Dallas, TX

Apartments in North Dallas, TX

Experience the ultimate blend of prestigious living, premier shopping, and unmatched accessibility in the heart of North Dallas.

Population
~120,000 (varies by boundary definition)

Median Age
38 years

Median Income
$115,000

Renters
52%

Avg. Commute
22 minutes

Reviewed by The A OK Apartment Locators TeamDFW apartment locators since 1997About our team

Updated May 2026

General Information

View of north-dallas Texas residential area

North Dallas is a vast, affluent, and highly sought-after sector of the city, renowned for its prestigious neighborhoods, world-class shopping destinations, and exceptional connectivity. Encompassing upscale enclaves like Prestonwood, the Galleria corridor, and the rapidly redeveloping Dallas Midtown area, it offers a distinctly sophisticated lifestyle. The area is anchored by two of the most iconic retail destinations in the country: NorthPark Center, with its permanent collection of world-class art, and Galleria Dallas, featuring an indoor ice-skating rink and a Westin hotel. The Platinum Corridor along the Dallas North Tollway has attracted major corporate campuses, creating a dense employment hub that makes North Dallas one of the most practical premium addresses in the region.

For renters, North Dallas presents a highly diverse market. Ultra-luxury high-rises near the tollway offer panoramic skyline views and concierge services, while beautifully renovated, established garden-style communities nestled among the mature trees of the Preston corridor provide a quieter, more residential feel at a comparatively accessible price. The area is a prime location for professionals working in the Platinum Corridor or Downtown who desire a premium, central address without the density of Uptown.

Historical & Geographic Context

Scenic view of north-dallas Texas

The development of North Dallas accelerated rapidly in the post-World War II era, moving northward along Preston Road and the Dallas North Tollway. It transitioned from sprawling estates and farmland into the city’s primary affluent residential and commercial corridor over the course of the 1960s through 1980s. Geographically, it is loosely defined as the area north of Northwest Highway, bordered by Central Expressway (US 75) to the east, the Dallas North Tollway to the west, and extending up to the LBJ Freeway (I-635) and beyond toward the city limits. This central positioning makes it arguably the most accessible premium area in the entire Metroplex.

Demographics

Metric	Data
Population	~120,000 (varies by boundary definition)
Median Age	38 years
Median Household Income	$115,000
Renter Percentage	52%
Average Commute Time	22 minutes

Rental Prices (Spring 2026)

Unit Type	Price Range
Studio	$1,400 – $1,750/mo
1 Bedroom	$1,550 – $2,200/mo
2 Bedroom	$2,100 – $3,200/mo
3 Bedroom / Penthouse	$3,000 – $6,500+/mo

Schools & Education

North Dallas is served by the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and the Richardson Independent School District (RISD) in its northernmost reaches, alongside some of the most prestigious private schools in Texas.

Preston Hollow Elementary School (DISD): A highly regarded public elementary school serving the affluent Preston Hollow neighborhood.
Hillcrest High School (DISD): The primary public high school for much of the area, known for its diverse academic programs.
St. Mark’s School of Texas: A nationally recognized, elite private school for boys (Grades 1–12) located in the heart of North Dallas.
Hockaday School: A highly prestigious, independent college preparatory day and boarding school for girls.
Ursuline Academy of Dallas: Another top-tier, independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls.

Things to Do in North Dallas

Luxurious shopping mall interior with palm trees

NorthPark Center:

An internationally renowned luxury shopping mall featuring high-end retailers, a world-class art collection, and acclaimed dining.

Golfers walking on lush fairway towards clubhouse.

Galleria Dallas:

An iconic, multi-level shopping destination featuring an indoor ice-skating rink, luxury boutiques, and the Westin hotel.

Tree-lined suburban street with brick houses

Prestonwood Town Center:

A premier dining and retail hub offering a mix of upscale and casual options in a highly walkable environment.

Evening at upscale restaurant entrance with valet service

Cooper Aerobics Center:

A world-famous health and wellness facility offering expansive fitness amenities, a spa, and preventive medicine services.

College students walking on a campus pathway

Katy Trail (Northern Extension):

Access to the expansive urban trail system, perfect for jogging, cycling, and walking through beautifully landscaped areas.

Why Choose A OK Apartment Locators for North Dallas

Navigating the North Dallas rental market in 2026 requires precision and deep local knowledge. The pricing and style of apartments vary dramatically from one block to the next. The difference between a brand-new, ultra-luxury high-rise near the Galleria and a quiet, renovated townhome off Preston Road is significant, both in cost and lifestyle.

A OK Apartment Locators provides the crucial advantage you need in this premium market. We understand the nuances of the different neighborhoods, whether you are targeting the highly sought-after Preston Hollow perimeter or the rapidly redeveloping Dallas Midtown sector. We track which high-end properties are offering the most aggressive move-in specials and which established communities provide the best value for their square footage.

Our service is completely free to renters. Whether you prioritize immediate access to the Tollway, walkability to NorthPark Center, or placement near specific elite private schools, we have the local knowledge to match you with the perfect property.

Ready to Find Your North Dallas Apartment?

Don’t navigate the competitive North Dallas rental market alone. Contact A OK Apartment Locators today and let our expert team match you with the perfect apartment in Dallas’s most prestigious corridor. Your ideal home is waiting.

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