There’s something uniquely Texas about looking for a new frontier. We Texans have a history and a reputation of striking out in search of something different, a maverick spirit seeking to stake claim. If you feel like capturing a bit of that spirit, you may want to reassess any preconceived notions you have about South Dallas. In recent decades, there was a common perception that the most desirable places to live were north of Interstate 30, or even as far north as possible. We’ve filled up the north suburbs all the way up through Plano and Frisco and now even up to remote points like Anna and Melissa. But South Dallas has a lot of affordable, attractive properties with gorgeous views, and they’re a lot less remote from Downtown Dallas.

Surging Home Prices

Lakefront Homes in South Dallas

South Dallas has suffered from a bit of an image problem, especially in the 1980s. And so in an era when housing is scarce, a lot of people are taking another look at South Dallas, and they’re discovering great opportunities to find properties. 

As of 2017, home prices in South Dallas were up 18 percent, and homes in South East Dallas were up 19 percent. Those are the greatest percentage increases anywhere in the Metroplex. But even despite the rapidly increasing sales prices, the deals are still amazing compared to the suburbs and North Dallas; the median home prices in South and Southeast Dallas were $114,131 and $110,000 respectively. 

Even suburbs on the south part of Dallas County like DeSoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, and Oak Cliff are seeing double-digit growth, with median home prices well below $200,000.

Opportunity Abounds

Industrial jobs are aplenty in South Dallas

So you might consider South Dallas, but most of the jobs are on the north side of the Metroplex, if you don’t work in Downtown Dallas. But that too is changing as a lot of jobs are coming to the southern part of Dallas County. Leasing activity is up by over 2 million square feet in South Dallas, and it’s actually the top submarket within DFW for industrial jobs. 

South Dallas has been a desirable site for investment in industrial jobs in particular. There’s a lot of spare land available, Downtown Dallas is only 15 minutes away to the north, and the Union Pacific Intermodal Terminal is less than 20 minutes south in Hutchins. The diverse employee base is another asset that has led companies like JLL to purchase properties such as a 289,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that includes 10 acres of laydown yard and full rail access. 

A new business incubator is coming to the Fair Park area of South Dallas as well. The incubator will connect small entrepreneurs and small establishments—such as florists, bakeries, and coffee shops—with funding to invest in their businesses.

A Trendy Place for Artisans

Artsy house in Bishop Arts District

If you’re thinking of snagging some of those great housing details in South Dallas, you’re obviously not alone. Even the nearly-abandoned and rundown Red Bird Mall, called Southwest Center Mall in recent years, is getting a makeover to bring it back to life. The developer’s vision for the only mall in South Dallas is to create a mixed-use town center, and he plans to restore the original Red Bird name. Construction has already begun on the project, beginning with a Starbucks expected to open in mid-2018. 

But you don’t have to be a big-time developer with access to a lot of funding to take advantage of low property costs. A lot of other people are coming together to create new dining opportunities, boutiques, and art galleries. Consider the trendy Bishop Arts District, which just happens to be south of Interstate 30. You’ll find French fare at the Boulevardier and Latin American coffee and ice cream at Espumoso Caffe. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at Small Brewpub, and take in a classic movie at the century-old Texas Theater.  

With vintage clothing stores, independent coffee shops, wine bars, and artisan ice cream makers, South Dallas is gradually transforming into the kind of artsy neighborhood North Dallas and the suburbs seem to be missing. Much like the Near Southside/Magnolia District in Fort Worth, the future of Dallas is being shaped by those who have the vision to see a diamond in the rough.