North Oak
Cliff
Just across the Trinity River from downtown Dallas lies Oak Cliff or North Oak Cliff,
the birthplace of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain and home of the Texas
Theater where Lee Harvey Oswald fled on Nov. 22, 1963. This historic
dimension adds a special quality to its ethnically and architecturally
diverse neighborhood.
Residents of this neighborhood enjoy gentle hills, ample oaks, creeks and
parks as well as pockets of historic homes from the 1930s. Dallas
lovers like the area's panoramic backdrop—the Dallas skyline.
Neighborhood Details
Cost of Housing
In addition to houses of white, Austin stone that date from the late 1930s,
post-war ranch and contemporary-style brick houses are plentiful. These
styles mix with perhaps a dozen examples of early 1930s revival architecture
in North Oak Cliff's best-known areas, including Kessler Park
and the Winnetka Heights Historic District.
Sale
prices can vary widely in Oak Cliff. For example three bedroom homes with
acreage are available for $300,000 to $400,000. Older three bedroom homes are
available for $80,000 to $90,000, while newer, smaller two-bedroom homes can
cost $125,000 or more. For $1,000 a month you can rent a comfortable
three-bedroom home.
Duplexes and other rental properties typically go for around $500 for a
spacious one-bedroom unit to $600 or $700 for a two-bedroom.
School System
The neighborhood is served by the Dallas
Intermediate School
District, as well as a few charter and private
schools that have recently opened.
Entertainment
In the 1930s a major trolley stop helped popularize the Bishop Arts District,
and now, with refaced buildings, circa 1920, it offers a 5-block area of
galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. Ethnically diverse Jefferson Boulevard
includes taquerias and mom-and-pop stores serving the area's Hispanic
community and it hosts the Texas Theater which is currently undergoing
restoration to serve as a movie house and performing arts venue.
Oak Cliff is offset by a collection of pocket parks, small lakes and the
Stevens Park Golf Course.
Transportation
The DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light-rail system provides fast
ten-minute, seven-mile trips to Reunion Arena, home of the Dallas Stars
professional hockey team and the Dallas Mavericks professional basketball
team. DART also connects with the Trinity Railway Express to provide access
to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 40 minutes or 20 miles away.
The neighborhood is
convenient to downtown Dallas, less than 15 minutes, by a series of viaducts
and easy access to Interstates 30 and 35.
