Design District Dallas — Where Creativity Meets Urban Living
The Dallas Design District is one of the city’s most creatively charged neighborhoods — a former industrial zone of warehouses and showrooms that has evolved into a vibrant hub of art galleries, high-end design studios, craft breweries, and some of Dallas’s most exciting restaurants. Located between I-35E, the Trinity River, and Uptown, the Design District offers a distinctly different urban experience: grittier, more artistic, and full of character.
In recent years, the Design District has seen a surge of new luxury apartment development, attracting renters who want a neighborhood that feels authentically urban — industrial lofts, converted warehouse spaces, and modern buildings set among galleries and creative businesses.
Design District Apartment Market in 2026
The Design District’s apartment inventory has grown rapidly, with several major new communities opening in 2024–2026. As of early 2026:
- Studio: $1,200 – $1,700/month
- One-Bedroom: $1,400 – $2,200/month
- Two-Bedroom: $1,800 – $3,200/month
- Three-Bedroom: $2,500 – $3,800/month
Looking for similar rents? Compare with State Thomas, Medical District, and Las Colinas.
The average rent sits around $1,880/month. Top apartment communities include Camden Design District, Trend Design District, Abstract Design District, and several converted warehouse loft buildings. Large-scale apartment buildings represent 87% of the neighborhood’s rental inventory, with most offering modern amenities — pools, rooftop terraces, fitness centers, and dog parks.
Art, Culture & Creativity
The Design District is Dallas’s creative epicenter, with a concentration of galleries, showrooms, and creative businesses you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
- Dallas Contemporary — Free contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions
- Decorative Center Dallas — Massive complex of interior design showrooms
- Dragon Street galleries — A corridor of art galleries showcasing local, national, and international artists
- Photography studios, fashion designers, and jewelry makers — The neighborhood is home to a thriving creative business community
- Regular gallery walks and art events — The Design District hosts frequent open-house gallery nights
Dining & Drinks
The Design District’s restaurant scene has exploded in recent years, with creative chefs setting up shop in converted warehouse spaces.
- Ascension Coffee — Dallas’s favorite specialty roaster, with a flagship café in the Design District
- Town Hearth — Over-the-top steakhouse and cocktail bar with a jet-age aesthetic
- Meddlesome Moth — Gastropub with one of the deepest craft beer selections in Dallas
- Wheelhouse — Modern American brasserie in a converted warehouse space
- Pecan Lodge — The original Deep Ellum location is nearby, but the Design District has its own BBQ culture growing
Breweries
- Peticolas Brewing Company — One of DFW’s best craft breweries, with a taproom open to the public
- Noble Rey Brewing Co. — Eclectic craft brews in a warehouse taproom
- Community Beer Company — Popular brewery with a spacious outdoor area
Outdoor Spaces & Recreation
- Trinity Strand Trail — An urban trail connecting the Design District to the Medical District and beyond, popular for jogging and cycling
- Trinity River Corridor — The western edge of the Design District borders the Trinity River levee, with an expanding trail network
- Klyde Warren Park — A short drive or bike ride east
- Katy Trail — Accessible via a short ride through Uptown
Getting Around
- I-35E — Runs along the northern and eastern edges, providing fast access to Downtown (5 min), Uptown (5 min), and North Dallas
- Dallas North Tollway — Quick access westward
- Medical/Market Center DART Station — Green Line service nearby, connecting to Downtown and the broader DART network
- Downtown Dallas: 5 minutes by car
- Uptown: 5 minutes
- Dallas Love Field Airport: 10 minutes
While the Design District is less walkable than Uptown for daily errands, its central location means nearly everything in Dallas is within a 15-minute drive.
Who Is the Design District Best For?
- Creatives and artists who want to live in Dallas’s most artistically vibrant neighborhood
- Craft beer and food enthusiasts drawn to the brewery scene and creative restaurants
- Loft lovers who prefer industrial-chic architecture over traditional apartment living
- Young professionals who work in Uptown or Downtown and want a short commute with a different vibe
- Design professionals who want proximity to the Decorative Center and creative industry
Explore Nearby Neighborhoods
Considering your options? These neighborhoods are close to Design District and worth exploring:
- Downtown Dallas — Urban core with transit and corporate energy
- Oak Lawn — Diverse dining and nightlife along Cedar Springs
- Medical District — Affordable living near major hospitals
- Victory Park — Luxury towers and waterfront dining
Find Your Design District Apartment with Uptown Locators
The Design District’s rapid growth means new apartment options are coming online regularly. Our team at Uptown Locators tracks every property and can help you find the perfect loft, studio, or luxury apartment in this creative neighborhood.
Our services are completely free to you. Get started today and let us find your Design District apartment.