The best Dallas neighborhoods to buy a home right now

Just because the holidays are here does not mean house-hunting has waned. Potential homebuyers are still out and about, searching high and low for a place to call home.

Although buzzy boroughs like Lakewood Heights and Midway Hollow seem to get all the press, there are surrounding areas offering similar feels for a whole lot less. Here are the five neighborhoods where you can still score a deal in Dallas' red hot real estate market.

If you want an updated rancher near the lake: Lochwood
Even though these fixer-uppers are flying off the market, the prices here still remain doable. Rogers Healy agent Keegan Mueller says that Lochwood's proximity to White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum makes it a prime place to live.

"For those who love the city but need natural beauty on a daily basis, Lochwood has got to be on your list," Mueller says. "It has an array of homes, from wonderfully affordable to vastly luxurious, and it's definitely a pocket of peace located only 10 minutes from everyone's favorite malls, restaurants, and activities."

If you want an historic home with loads of charm: Munger Place/Junius Heights
The good old days of hosting porch parties and actually knowing your neighbors exists in these side-by-side neighborhoods, which boast historic homes that appeal to buyers who want to live close to downtown too.

Ebby Halliday Realtor RoseMarie LaCoursiere says it's this yearning to return to the homes of yesteryear that causes these moderately priced properties to sell quicker than the average home.

"For [homebuyers] used to closet space and larger homes, there can be a culture shock, and acclimation to ... extensive restoration work in homes with baths untouched since the '40s," LaCoursiere says. "But the moment I show properties like Dutch Colonials and Craftsman bungalows, both with storybook appeal, they are sold."

If you want great public schools and a large lot: Northwood Hills
Nestled between Belt Line and Spring Valley roads, this neighborhood feels far away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to get where you need to be when duty calls. Mint Avenue Realtor Sally Reed says that many of her most satisfied customers have found their forever homes in the enchanted, tree-lined streets of this Far North Dallas neighborhood.

"We always encourage those with their hearts set on the Preston Hollow area to explore just a few miles north to discover the Northwood Hills neighborhood, where lots are bigger and prices are lower," Reed says. "You also have all of your basics covered, as you are close to the most prestigious Dallas private schools, as well as being zoned to attend award-winning public schools served by the Richardson Independent School District."

If you're a risk taker looking for an investment: Claremont
Priced out of some of the more popular East Dallas neighborhoods? This could be the place for you. It's close to Tenison Park Golf Club and the Arboretum Village shopping area, meaning it's only a matter of time before house flippers set their sights on these streets.

Ebby Halliday Realtor Peter Loudis also sings this area's praises.

"The neighborhood is still affordable, with homes available for less than $300,000, yet established with its mature tree-lined streets, winding creeks, and an involved neighborhood association." Loudis says. "The icing on the cake is the neighborhood elementary school that a large group of involved parents rave about because of the caring teachers and staff."

If you want a taste of big-city life and maximum walkability: downtown
This was not a Realtor's recommendation, but don't we get a pick? With the opening of Forty Five Ten on Main and restaurants popping up left and right, we are certain that the days of finding a condo for less than $200,000 are numbered. After all, there is nothing closer to downtown than downtown itself.