Time to Take Another Look at Oak Cliff
The exurbs are exploding and gridlock grips our freeways as rush hours grow longer and longer. But you don’t have to move out to the exurbs to find a great house and a friendly neighborhood. It’s time instead to reconsider the housing stock we have in town.
Take Oak Cliff, for instance. This long-established community tends to get a bad rap on the evening news, but there are great spots in Oak Cliff that a lot of people have loved and that are being rediscovered by a new generation of urbanites.
If you’re looking for a diverse community with mom and pop businesses, a vibrant artisan community, or if you’re in love with the Craftsman style of architecture, then you should take a trip across the Trinity and discover the Bishop Arts District, Winnetka Heights and Trinity Groves for yourself.
Oak Cliff natives love the diversity of small businesses along Jefferson Boulevard, some of which have been in the area for generations. Davis Street offers trendy boutiques, handmade goods, local fare, and delectable homemade treats. New residents prize the walkability of the newer developments in the Bishop Arts District. While parking can be a challenge, there are some great dining options in Oak Cliff and it’s certainly worth a visit.
Speaking of the new developments, Dallas is reviewing plans to expand the Bishop Arts District, adding new storefronts and affordable housing. Locals are concerned that the area will lose its unique qualities in the redevelopment, so all eyes are on the negotiations between developers, community groups and the city this month as plans are finalized. The latest renditions of development plans have kept the height of the buildings lower and more in line with the existing historical architecture in the area.
Oak Cliff is no stranger to performing arts, either. Both the Kessler and the Texas Theatre feature live music and performances. The Texas Theater, opened in 1931 by Howard Hughes and made infamous as the place where Lee Harvey Oswald was captured, also screens an eclectic selection of films.
The price of housing in Oak Cliff varies wildly, depending on location and condition. Investors love the opportunities of smaller homes waiting for rehabilitation. And there are lots of prospects for those willing to put in some sweat equity into a cute bungalow on a fairly large lot. Expect to pay from $145 per square foot for a typical restored historical home in Winnetka Heights. Condos are available too, from cozy duplexes to modern lofts. Prices in the area can range wildly, so it’s important to work with a MetroTex Realtor to get the very best advice on buying in the area.