Albany Shaw’s Complete Home Buying Guide for Oak Cliff

So, the time has finally arrived. You and your family are considering making a move to the district of Oak Cliff or are actively preparing for this next big step in your lives. No doubt, you are wanting to know more about the community of Oak Cliff, the unique features it has, and what the housing market is like there. Without further ado, here is a homebuyer’s guide to this warm and friendly community!

A vibrant and unique neighborhood in DFW, Oak Cliff is known for its lively atmosphere. Here locals and visitors alike can enjoy everything from independent bookstores to charming boutiques. With its popular community events and a large number of delicious eateries, Oak Cliff will win your heart and capture your imagination in no time. Whether you are in the mood for a cozy cafe or upscale dining establishment, these restaurants offer a wide selection of scrumptious menu options.

Also, be sure to check out the acclaimed Bishop Arts District which comes highly recommended by locals. Situated a quick 8-minutes drive from downtown Dallas, this neighborhood is filled with gorgeous homes. The architecture varies from mid-century houses to contemporary designs and modern single-family abodes. With its green spaces, top-notch cultural attractions, and stellar shopping outlets, Oak Cliff is a wonderful place to call home.

Knowing the history and stories of a place helps one to better understand the world they are stepping into. Beginning as early as 1837, pioneer families moved here and put down roots. A boarding house was opened. The farming community thrived. A man named Aaron Overton started a gristmill, which allowed farmers the opportunity to mill and process their grain. The land was purchased by Marsalis and Armstrong. Armstrong developed the land into the wealthy enclave of Highland Park, and Marsalis developed what is now the community of Oak Cliff.

When it comes to juicy history, Oak Cliff has plenty of it. The Barrow Gang, and notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, called Oak Cliff home. There are many spots throughout the community that served as the backdrop for pivotal moments in the story of these two and the lawmen who chased them. Despite some of its more notorious residents, Oak Cliff has retained its sense of a small town, tight-knit community, and down-to-earth friendliness throughout the years.

With its mid-century homes and pristine green spaces, Oak Cliff has a lot to offer. There are a plethora of diverse dining options, pubs, BBQ joints, and charming boutiques for all your shopping needs. Here you will find an abundance of parks, cozy cafes, world-class libraries, and exceptional schools as well. There are certainly plenty of things to do in Oak Cliff!

Are you wanting to get outdoors and explore? Make yourself at home at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. Made up of 121 acres, this greenspace is located right in urban Dallas. Hike the trails, go on a bike ride, or observe a variety of birds in their natural habitat. This is the ideal oasis for those who are wishing to get away from the bustle of the city and connect with nature. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.

Another fun and exciting feature is a day of family fun at Bahama Beach Waterpark. If you’d rather spend your outdoor adventures deeper in nature, you have plenty of options. Get out on the green with the beautiful and challenging holes at Stevens Park Golf Course. Nearby, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve offers 120 acres of gorgeous land and 8 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Smaller but just as beautiful, Twelve Hills Nature Preserve has 5 acres of well-kept land that houses a butterfly garden and a stunning display of wildflowers every year. Lake Cliff Park is a more traditional city park with tennis courts and ball fields, but it has a rose garden and a lake at its center, giving park-goers beautiful scenery at every turn. For active park enthusiasts, Kiest Park is a 263-acre park with a large sports facility. Finally, if you’re ready to take a break from a day in the sun, watch a film or live performance at the famed Kessler Theatre.

Whether you are a foodie or a nature lover, Oak Cliff has something special for you! Relax back for a delicious meal at Paradiso. Walk through the doors of this gleaming and sunlit restaurant, and you will discover an abundance of big bay windows and beautiful plants. From top-notch guest service to five-star fare, you are certain to have a wonderful dining experience here.

On the menu, you will discover scrumptious items such as handmade pasta, refreshing salads, pork tenderloin, and much more. Or how about starting your morning off right at Peaberry Coffee? From the honey crumble to the chai, there are plenty of delicious drinks here. This is the perfect place to meet up with a friend, go on a date, or jump into your latest summer read.

Timing is everything, and this is no different when it comes to purchasing a home. The time of the year you go house shopping and decide to buy will affect the sales price. As of April 2022, Oak Cliff homes were up by 24.0% compared to last year. The median selling price is $285k. Additionally, houses are typically on the market for 23 days before they sell as compared to 27 days last year. When it is all said and done, the right time really comes down to you as the buyer. It is about your priorities, what you are looking for, and the budget you have. During the top buying seasons, the inventory will be more diverse because more sellers are wanting to take advantage of the opportunity and get the most money for their houses.

Last but not least, a lot depends on what exactly you are looking for in a house. In Oak Cliff, you will discover a suburban feel with home designs ranging from mid-century to ranch style. Whether you are contemplating a move to a different location in the area or your initial first move to Oak Cliff, there is certainly a high-quality selection of beautiful homes to choose from. With these factors in mind, buyers may wonder where to go from here. What are the next steps in the process? How does one even begin searching for the right house?

It can certainly feel overwhelming to search for your dream home. That is why enlisting an excellent real estate agent can be a great next step for prospective buyers. Having an agent will relieve a lot of stress and make the house search a smooth process. With their wealth of experience and up-to-date knowledge, an agent can help you navigate the logistics of the ever-changing housing market. From acting as your mediator with the sellers to answering any questions you may have, having the right agent on your side will provide much-needed peace of mind. In this exciting and at times tumultuous new chapter, having their expertise and wisdom will prove incredibly valuable.

As you and your family are looking for a house that is the right fit for your lifestyle, an agent can keep the ball rolling and offer feedback and advice. With their experienced background and diverse knowledge, they can help you find the perfect home — whether it is made from the pristine contemporary, homey ranch style, or traditional stucco. With the many luxurious housing options in Oak Cliff, it is important to have the right agent on your side who can assist you in determining your vision and what it is that you want.

A good idea is to make a list of what you are looking for in your desired purchase. What matters to you in your future home? What styles do you admire and find striking? Perhaps you have eyes for the Mediterranean look which draws inspiration from the Spanish and Mediterranean architectural styles. Or maybe you and your family feel more comfortable in the farmhouse style where you have a big backyard with plenty of room for a garden and the dog to run about.  Whatever your ideal style, it is a smart idea to identify exactly what it is you want.

Carefully identify what features you want in your new home and take your time. This vital step sometimes gets overlooked by prospective buyers. In their excitement to get started, they can quickly move into the house-viewing process or enlist an agent before thoroughly understanding what it is they want. Make your list and take your time to move through with it. Have a discussion with your partner or family. Once you have clearly identified what it is that you are searching for in a home, you can move into the next phase and enlist a real estate agent to help you find the right house.

Are you interested in more information about Oak Cliff or want to learn about current real estate listings? Feel free to contact Albany Shaw to learn more about Oak Cliff luxury homes for sale, land for sale in the area, and townhouses. Our team would love to show you some homes and townhouses for sale in our Dallas locations. Let’s get started today in helping you find your perfect dream home!