If you’re looking to live near both Downtown and Uptown Dallas on a tight budget, then Bishop Arts Texas is the area for you. There are several new apartment complexes in the area and the construction boom in north Oak Cliff makes Bishop Arts the likely go-to for anyone looking for an apartment.
Originally, the Bishop Arts District was designed as warehouses and shops in the 1920s. By the 1930s, it became one of Dallas’s busiest trolley stops. The influx of artists who set up studios there in the 1970s gave it the famous name it has until today. Let’s take a look at why apartment living in Bishop Texas is something you should consider.
Apartment Living in Bishop Arts Texas
Unique Arts Scene
Bishop Arts isn’t called Bishop arts for no reason. Art is everywhere you look. Feast your eyes on the Batgirl mural commemorating one-time Oak Cliff resident Yvonne Craig and the trolley mural paying homage to the neighborhood’s historic roots. Indeed, art is in most (if not all) street corners. Other than the outdoor murals, art can also be found in the house-made charcuterie at Boulevardier.
Of course, performing arts is part of the equation with several performing arts centers throughout the Bishop Arts District. The Kessler Theater, for instance, is where bands touring, both popular and indie, perform. Even while going around shopping, you could see the great influence art has on Bishop Arts. For artistically arranged, exquisitely packaged, and expertly delivered flowers, visit DIRT Flowers. Neighborhood is the shop of choice for when you are looking for something unique and handmade for any special occasion.
Also, while you’re there, notice their 56 Foot Wall Gallery which features a new artist monthly. If you like to make regular visits to view art, sync dates from the calendars at the Ginger Fox or Jen Mauldin Gallery.
Diverse Food Scene
Restaurants, cafes, wine bars, boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops are all over the Bishop Arts District. Within four blocks, you have the option to try Italian, Latin American, French, Japanese, Vietnamese, or Cuban cuisine. The ever-present Texas BBQ doesn’t lose its place, though.
The best part about these restaurants is that they are run by the owners themselves. It is not uncommon to encounter the chef, asking about the food while you eat. You can drop by Oddfellows for brunch, have dinner at Hattie’s, and relax and hang out with friends at the Ten Bells Tavern.
At Hunkys you can chow down on an old-fashioned burger, or chicken, and forget about the calories, and add a delicious shake. If you are not in the mood for meat, then try Spiral Diner and Bakery. If you feel hungry while walking around, try sampling C Senor and Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. for some tacos and yucca fries. You could also gift your best friend or closest family member their favorite pie from Emporium Pies. They do have a Pie of the Day thing going on that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Walking Distance
Bishop Arts is one of the select few Dallas areas that make having a car optional. You won’t have to worry about not getting enough exercise when it would make sense to walk instead of getting a cab. If you’re in a hurry, your commute would be best done by riding the Dallas Streetcar which runs every 20 minutes from 5:30 am to midnight daily.
You would save so much time and money when you wouldn’t have to worry about car maintenance, gas, and getting stuck in traffic. The Bishop Arts District is indeed one of Dallas’ most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Bishop Arts did score a 90 on the walkability scale thanks to the numerous bike lanes and paths.
Tight-knit community
If you choose to live in Bishop Arts, then you can enjoy various events. Special occasions like Christmas in July, Mardi Gras, and the Bishop Arts Crawfish Fest are sure to bring good times to you. On July 14th, Bishop arts celebrates Bastille on Bishop, an epic street festival about Oak Cliff’s historic “La Reunion” French Colony. On that day, you would feel like you teleported to France as everyone breaks out baguettes, don berets, and say “oui oui” to wine, crepes, mussels, mimes, and more. Under regular circumstances, there are still plenty of ways to make new friends.
You could join wine walks organized by the Bishop Arts Merchants Association or take your bike out and ride along neighborhood bike rides put on by Bike Friendly Oak Cliff. Maybe you’re after something more chill, like a book reading. The Wild Detectives is the best destination for a book reading or movie screening. This bookstore-bar is likely where you would want to go for conversation, coffee, and cocktails.
Apartment Finder Bishop Arts
The Bishop Arts District has so much in store for you. The artist in you will truly enjoy a regular walk to work. The foodie in you will have so many establishments to try out. Lastly, the socialite in you would never run out of events to attend. Before you get ahead of yourself, let us, your apartment finder in Bishop Arts Texas, set you up with the best apartment that matches your specifications.
Uptown Locators can narrow down your apartment search to units that have most (if not all) of the qualities that you are looking for. Whether you are looking for an apartment with certain features like hardwood floors, a dog park, or maybe even a pet spa with a grooming station, Uptown Locators can make that happen for you.