Awesome Apartments

Looking for a new apartment? These are the top 5 properties for 2017.

The only thing better than living in a swank apartment in the hottest part of Dallas is moving in right before the building becomes the new "it" locale. But how do you find that perfect urban homestead, before everyone else is clamoring to live there too?

You talk to Dallas Apartment Locators, located above Mi Cocina in the West Village, who for eight years have been helping Dallasites and Texas transplants nail down their ideal new home, often with bonuses like free rent that otherwise might have gone unclaimed. These licensed Realtors take into account your preferences for area, budget, amenities, and timeline, and can find exactly what you're looking for — all for free.

Few know the local apartment market like they do, so Dallas Apartment Locators shared some inside info on the top five most up-and-coming communities. Take note, for you might be reading about your new home.

Knox Heights
This brand-new building in the Knox-Henderson area is within walking distance of shops — some are even right under your apartment — restaurants, and the Katy Trail. The floorplans range from studio to three-bedroom, and some are even in a split-level loft style. Some of the units have small yards, which is ideal for pet owners, and there is a communal dog run. First move-in is in December.

One Oak Grove
The newest apartment community in West Village area offers floor-to-ceiling windows in select units, so you can gaze out over one of Dallas' most vibrant neighborhoods. The rooftop terrace, fully equipped fitness center, and complimentary Starbucks coffee bar make everyday life feel like vacation. There's a move-in special to be had at this mid-rise too: up to two months free.

One Uptown
The newest high-rise in Uptown has everything from studios to penthouses available in its distinctive 20 stories. City views, walkability, easy access to bars and restaurants, Whole Foods just down the street — the hashtag #OneUp says it all. It's also home to a Dallas first: a glass-bottom pool, which complements the Sky Deck on the building's rooftop. Two hospitality suites make hosting out-of-town guests a breeze, especially with the help of the 24-hour concierge.

Stella
Located in the exclusive State Thomas neighborhood, this complex has easy access to Uptown and downtown. A rooftop lounge and designer upgrades — think quartz countertops, extra-high ceilings, wood flooring, and spacious closets — give it modern, urban appeal, and right now there's the possibility of free rent for up to six weeks. And don't forget about the little details, such as USB charger outlets and unlimited hot water in the units and some truly addictive complementary coffee in the lobby.

Victory Place
This Victory Park high-rise might not be opening until March, but you'd be smart to pre-lease now. Neighbors like the American Airlines Center and W Dallas Victory Hotel, plus easy access to the Katy Trail and countless restaurants, make this urban living with modern conveniences. Of course there is a state-of-the-art fitness center and rooftop pool, along with 24/7 concierge services. A 700-square-foot studio starts at $1,315.

---

Dallas Apartment Locators can be reached at 214-999-1161 or info@dallasapartmentlocators.co.

Stella is in the exlusive State Thomas neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of Dallas Apartment Locators

Stella is in the exlusive State Thomas neighborhood.

rent promoted

family values

Dallas sees Texas' biggest one-year jump in cost of raising kids

Courtesy of SmartAsset/iStock

Raising a child in Dallas will cost parents over $23,000 this year.

Raising a child is not an easy or inexpensive feat, and a new study has determined Dallas parents are saddled with the second-highest costs for childrearing in Texas, with expenses jumping higher than any other metro statewide since 2025.

SmartAsset's latest report, "Cost of Raising a Child in Major U.S. Metros – 2026 Study," calculated year-over-year changes in the annual cost of raising a child (factoring in childcare, additional housing costs, food, transportation, medical costs and other necessities) in the 48 largest U.S. metro areas. MIT's Living Wage Calculator was used to compare the living costs of a household with two working adults and one child to that of a childless household with two working adults.

Childrearing costs in Dallas-Fort Worth have grown 4.5 percent since last year, totaling $23,340 for a family of three in 2026. That's over $1,000 more than what it took to raise a child in 2025, and it's $1,414 higher than what it took in 2024.

This is how SmartAsset broke down the cost for raising a child in Dallas:

Cost of childcare: $10,736
Cost of food: $1,826
Other expenses: $10,778

Though Dallas has the second-steepest costs for raising a child in Texas, the metro is actually much more affordable than most other places in the U.S.: DFW ranked 39th in SmartAsset's national list of cities with the highest childrearing costs in 2026, making it the 10th most affordable U.S. metro for raising a family.

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont in California topped the list with the highest childrearing costs in the U.S., at $43,171. The cost for raising a child in this California metro soared nearly 11 percent higher since last year.

Memphis, Tennessee ranked dead last as the most affordable U.S. metro for raising a child in 2026. Families will spend less than $20,000 to raise a child in Memphis, only 3.24 percent more than what was needed in 2025.

Raising a child in other Texas metros
It may come as no surprise that Austin is the most expensive place to raise a child in Texas, and it appeared as the 31st most expensive U.S. metro for families. Parents will spend nearly $25,000 to raise a child in the state's capital city, which is $703 higher than it was a year ago.

Meanwhile, San Antonio-New Braunfels is the most affordable metro in the Lone Star State for raising a family, and it's the third-most affordable place for raising a child nationwide. San Antonio parents will spend $21,393, or $448 more than last year, on their childrearing costs.

Houston also ranked among the top 10 most affordable U.S. metros for raising a child, landing in 7th place nationally, with childrearing costs adding up to $22,605 in 2026. That's only $737 more than last year.

The top 10 most affordable U.S. metros for raising a child in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Memphis, Tennessee ($19,922)
No. 2 – Nashville, Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee ($21,216)
No. 3 – San Antonio-New Braunfels ($21,393)
No. 4 – Birmingham, Alabama ($21,684)
No. 5 – Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, Virginia ($22,314)
No. 6 – Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia ($22,470)
No. 7 – Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ($22,605)
No. 8 – Richmond, Virginia ($22,658)
No. 9 – Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky ($23,270)
No. 10 – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($23,340)

family dallas fort worth arlington smartasset reports livability

Awesome Apartments

Looking for a new apartment? These are the top 5 properties for 2017.

Stella is in the exlusive State Thomas neighborhood.

Nonprofit Hugs Café expands with $10M McKinney headquarters and eatery

Over-the-top Canadian dessert cafe D-Spot makes U.S. debut in Carrollton

California's Ono Hawaiian BBQ chain makes big Texas debut in Plano

family values

Dallas sees Texas' biggest one-year jump in cost of raising kids