There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.
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Dallas has received numerous accolades for its impressive skyline, and that's what led real estate agent JB Hayes to purchase her loft in the Cedars more than five years ago.
"I love to watch the buildings in the skyline change their colors and messages to support local causes and sports teams," she says. "With the views of downtown, the easy access to all major highways, and its close proximity to downtown, the Dallas Farmers Market, and Deep Ellum, it was a no-brainer! And did I mention the views of the skyline?"
This area of Dallas, which is directly south of downtown and north of the Trinity River, has undergone tremendous growth in recent years — and even more is on tap for the future. "This area will be impacted by multiple projects: the bullet train to Houston, the convention center renovations, the SoGood project, and more," Hayes says.
The artist community is another big plus. During the annual Cedars Open Studios Tour, artists open their doors for all to come browse, shop, and see what this area is about.
Hayes offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in the Cedars. Here's her guide to the area:
Where to eat & drink
Hayes enjoys meeting new neighbors while frequenting Four Corners Brewing Company, Lee Harvey's, Full City Rooster, Off the Bone Barbeque, and Zalat Pizza.
Baby Back Shak, Opening Bell Coffee, Sandwich Hag, and Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge also make her must-visit list.
She has been raiding the pantry stocked full of local goods at Val's Cheesecakes in the Piggly Wiggly building on Akard and looks forward to their pop-up dinners and events. Also new on Akard is the Autonomous Society Brewpub, the home of Deanitude Crafted Beer as well as other local favorites.
To sip and see the Dallas skyline from the Cedars, check out Gallery Rooftop Lounge at Canvas Hotel Dallas or the Vetted Well patio at the Alamo Drafthouse Cedars.
Where to play
A little-known fact, even to most Dallasites: Old City Park is now free to visitors, but offers memberships for special access to one-of-a-kind events and programs. Hayes says it's a great place to get outdoors with your pups, friends, and family.
Speaking of pups, South Side Bark Park is a large green space for Cedars neighbors (and their furry friends) to use.
The Cedars is home to an Alamo Drafthouse location, as well as the popular Gilley's Dallas, but it's also close to AT&T Discovery District, Pioneer Plaza and the Dallas Farmers Market.
A favorite spot of Hayes' is Grey Gardens Florist: "It's my happy place, as flowers make me smile. I love to bring life to open houses with some of their amazing arrangements." Be sure to check out their Saturday “Stem Specials” as they mark down flowers sold by the stem.
Where to live
Here you'll find Victorian-style homes from the early 1900s, repurposed warehouses like South Side on Lamar (which was the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog merchandise center in a former life), industrial-style lofts like The Beat Lofts and Buzz Lofts, new-construction townhomes, and various apartment options.
"This area is not cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all," says Hayes. "There is a little bit of everything for all ages and interests."
Those familiar with the Cedars know the Eagle Apartments on South Ervay Street, a structure that was built in 1924 and flaunts a big, red entry door. Hayes has had four sales in the building, two off-market, which is remarkable considering there are only eight units in the building.
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JB Hayes lives, works, and plays in the Cedars. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jhayes@briggsfreeman.com, or call 214-334-3977.
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
The skyline has won all sorts of accolades.
