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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Nestled in a peaceful enclave on the east side of Uptown, State Thomas is a special place — and it’s a favored neighborhood for third-generation real estate agent Kerry Cameron, who also calls it home.

With streets lined by brownstones and mature trees along with red-brick sidewalks, the vibe is warm, relaxed, and inviting. It’s what drew her to the area when she moved back to Dallas five years ago from Colorado.

“I wanted to find a place that offered low-maintenance living and all the amenities of Uptown, but that was also inviting for my Golden Retriever puppy, Eloise,” she says. “It was important to me to take the laid-back attitude that I adapted from Colorado and bring it with me to Dallas. State Thomas ended up being the perfect place to do that!”

Indeed, Cameron loves that there are less heels, less makeup, and more activewear and ball caps in the neighborhood — and that dogs are an accessory that many residents have. “Dog owners meet for an unofficial 'yappy hour' in the park every evening after work,” she adds.

Cameron offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in State Thomas. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
“As a resident, it is likely that you will watch the game and grab a beer at neighborhood staple Nodding Donkey,” says Cameron. ”And it will only take one visit to Uptown Pup before the dog pulls the leash down the street for treats and playtime in their fenced backyard.”

The Alcove Coffee Company is another neighborhood fave, where you can start the morning with a caffeine fix and then swing by in the evening when the place transforms into a wine bar.

Parliament is another go-to for great cocktails (insider tip: it becomes happy hour every time it's raining!), and there’s no better place than State & Allen for a casual Saturday brunch, according to Cameron.

Where to play
“I choose to restore from a long day with a deep stretch class at Uptown Yoga,” says Cameron. “It’s a sanctuary to me and it’s a 'hidden gem' in State Thomas that shouldn't be missed.”

For a quick mani, Cameron heads to Adore. “Take full advantage of this organic nail studio that offers performance polish,” she says. “Make an appointment and ask for the corner chair next to the window to people watch.”

She also frequents the nearby eight-acre Griggs Park because it’s the perfect place to walk her pup.

What to see
"The homes!" says Cameron. Recognized as one of Dallas' Landmark Historic Districts, the neighborhood radiates storied charm and boasts the largest remaining collection of intact Victorian residential structures in Dallas. Look for Italianate, Queen Anne, and vernacular styles.

Where to live
While there’s a sense of nostalgia in State Thomas from the century-old Victorian homes, there are also newer brownstones, townhomes, and lofts.

Cameron’s favorite building is 588 Condos (a.k.a. 588 Lofts) at 3110 Thomas Avenue — and not only because she lives there.

The striking red-brick building offers unobstructed views of the downtown skyline, and every single loft is unique in floorplan and design. Many of them feature floor-to-ceiling windows, spiral staircases, brick accent walls, and stained concrete floors.

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Kerry Cameron works and plays in State Thomas. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kcameron@briggsfreeman.com, or call 512-423-4840.

  

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty

Agent Kerry Cameron.