What it's like to live in Lakewood.
Family-friendly and quieter than central neighborhoods, with a strong local identity. Lakewood Theater and Lakewood Brewing anchor the small commercial center.
Who Lakewood suits.
Outdoor-active renters, families, and anyone who wants a quieter East Dallas neighborhood feel.
Commute & getting around.
10–15 minutes to Downtown; easy I-30 and Central Expressway access.
Lakewood highlights.
- • White Rock Lake
- • Lakewood Theater
- • Lakewood Brewing
- • Arboretum & Botanical Garden
- • Tietze Park
Lakewood on the map.
Explore Lakewood and surrounding Dallas neighborhoods.
Lakewood walk, transit & bike scores.
65
Walk Score
Walker's Paradise 90+
38
Transit Score
Good Transit 70+
65
Bike Score
Very Bikeable 70+
Cost of living in Lakewood.
| 1-bedroom rent | $1,200–$1,900 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Garage apartments | $1,100–$1,700 |
| Average utilities | $90–$150/mo |
Indicative ranges; actual rents vary by building, floor plan, and current specials.
Pros and cons of Lakewood.
Pros
- ✓Top-rated East Dallas school zones
- ✓Tree-canopy streets and historic Tudors
- ✓Near White Rock Lake + Arboretum
- ✓Quieter and more residential than central neighborhoods
Trade-offs
- –Less walkable than Uptown or Bishop Arts
- –Smaller selection of new mid-rise apartments
- –Garage apartments can have older systems
Where to eat in Lakewood.
Matt's Rancho Martinez Tex-Mex
Lakewood institution for chiles rellenos.
Garden Café Brunch
Garden-patio brunch in a converted bungalow.
Lakewood Landing Dive bar
Beloved neighborhood watering hole.
Lakewood Brewing Brewery
Local craft brewery taproom.
Parks and outdoors in Lakewood.
White Rock Lake
9.3-mile trail and waterfront just east.
Tietze Park
Pool, playground, and shaded picnic areas.
Dallas Arboretum
66-acre botanical garden on the lake.
Schools near Lakewood.
Lakewood Elementary · Public DISD
Highly-rated neighborhood elementary.
J.L. Long Middle School · Public DISD
Historic campus serving East Dallas.
Woodrow Wilson High School · Public DISD
Strong neighborhood high school with active alumni.
Always verify zoning directly with Dallas ISD before signing.
Getting around Lakewood.
Mockingbird DART (nearby)
Red/Orange/Blue/Green lines a short drive west.
I-30 + Central Expressway
Quick to Downtown and North Dallas.
Did you know?
- 💡 Woodrow Wilson High School alums include Aaron Spelling and Trini Lopez.
- 💡 Lakewood Theater opened in 1938 as a streetcar-era movie house.
Lakewood apartment FAQs.
Is Lakewood a good place to live in Dallas?+
Yes — Lakewood is consistently ranked one of Dallas's most charming residential neighborhoods, especially for renters who want green space and easy lake access.
How far is Lakewood from White Rock Lake?+
Most Lakewood rentals are within a 5-minute drive (or short bike ride) of White Rock Lake.
Are Lakewood apartments cheaper than Uptown?+
Generally yes. 1-bedrooms commonly rent for $1,200–$1,900, often a few hundred dollars less than comparable Uptown space.
What's the food scene like in Lakewood?+
Local-owned spots like Matt's Rancho Martinez and Garden Café define the area, plus the Lakewood Theater complex has a growing restaurant cluster.
Is Lakewood family-friendly?+
Yes — it has highly-rated schools, parks, and a quiet residential feel that's popular with families.

