The Ultimate DFW Commuter's Guide: Top Neighborhood's for Apartments Near Major Dallas Employers

Since 1990, I've lived my best life, built a rewarding career, and raised my family in the Dallas, Texas area. Even back in the day, traffic congestion in this sprawling city could completely derail even the most patient commuter's day. Besides having to commute to work, I also had to calculate time in for potential delays.

Here's the kicker: After 10 years of living in the heart of the city, I chose to move to the country, a half hour east of Dallas. Now, I don't regret that one bit. But it meant trading peaceful country living for hours spent in my car every single week. And we've all made the same trade-offs, and endured the drag of that long drive home. At ApartmentHomeLiving.com, we know how important it is to live near where you work.

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I'm Tiff, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for the DFW Metroplex. In my many years working for area workforce boards, I spent a lot of windshield time crisscrossing this sprawling region because I worked out in the community. In this guide, I'm leveraging my three decades of experience and deep knowledge of this city's many communities to create a guide to the best neighborhoods near major Dallas employers.

1. Southwest Airlines

Headquartered at Dallas Love Field, Southwest Airlines is a giant in the airline industry. And in the Dallas employment space, Southwest is also a giant, with around 7,800 employees. This massive team operates out of a sprawling campus right next to Love Field Airport.

Commuting time matters a lot to people who work at Southwest. Many of them already spend their days traveling and thinking about traveling. The very last thing they want is to spend an hour stuck in traffic to get home. A short commute means more time for family and friends, plus maybe a little extra R&R before the next flight or shift.

The proximity of these neighborhoods is a huge selling point for people who spend their working hours making sure the rest of us travel in comfort.

Love Field

Life in the Love Field neighborhood is the ultimate shortcut. It’s a transitional area that’s seeing tons of new investment. In this neighborhood, new apartments and renovated homes sit alongside older and more industrial buildings. There's almost no commute. You're looking at most at a five-minute drive. And biking or even walking is a real possibility.

This neighborhood is perfect for employees who value a ridiculously short commute and the convenience of being right next to the airport, with access to Bachman Lake Park for some outdoor time. Equally important? You're five minutes away from Oak Lawn/Cedar Springs, for all the eclectic dining and nightlife you need. My favorite spot in this area? One of the biggest Goodwill stores in the country. You'll find everything from a huge selection of used books to antique furniture and a vintage wedding dress.

Bluffview

Just a few minutes from the airport, Bluffview feels like an entirely different world. This quiet, upscale neighborhood is known for its custom homes, along with gorgeous mature trees and rolling hills. Being just five to 10 minutes from Love Field makes the commute a breeze. But also, it's a great option if you're not concerned about budget and want a secluded neighborhood with a suburban vibe. All of this without sacrificing the convenience of a short drive to the office? Yes, please!

Oak Lawn

Many young professionals want to live in a neighborhood that gives them a diverse lifestyle. If it's walkable and vibrant, that's even better. Oak Lawn is located just south of SWA and just north of downtown. This neighborhood is packed with apartments and townhomes, with quiet tree-lined side streets minutes away from some of the city's best dining. You can get to Love Field in 10 minutes or less from Oak Lawn, depending on traffic.

This is one of my favorite parts of the entire city. I love the many dining options, and you can also enjoy happy hour in a rooftop bar (there are several of them).

University Park

University Park is an exclusive neighborhood to the east of Love Field. This is the Dallas old-money part of town, and known for its stunning homes, beautifully manicured lawns, and some of the best schools in the Lone Star State. You'll have a commute that's straightforward, 10-15 minutes on local roads like Mockingbird Lane or Northwest Highway.

If you have the budget, you'll enjoy living in this established community with the major perk of a short, manageable commute, allowing you to trade a little drive time for a lot of quality of life. I love the boutique shops in this area.

2. Texas Instruments

Alright, let's dive into the world of semiconductors and the neighborhoods that surround it. Texas Instruments main campus located in North Dallas is a hub of innovation. Here, thousands of brilliant minds work on the analog and embedded chips that power everything from our cars to our coffee makers. TI has about 34,000 people working for them globally., Notably, a huge part of that workforce is right here in Dallas.

The work is incredibly demanding for the scientists and engineers who call this campus home. They spend their working hours in intense focus. The last thing they want after eight hours of brain-draining work is a long, soul-crushing commute. The best living situations for these employees are those that offer a quick escape from the office, to decompress and get back to their lives without losing hours of their lives to traffic. They need a place like one of these neighborhoods, that lets them switch off the "work brain" and relax.

Northwood Heights Town Creek

Northwood Heights Town Creek is the epitome of convenience for TI employees. Located directly next to the campus, Northwood Heights is an incredibly short five to 10 minute drive away. You can even bike there if you want to. The vibe is quiet and residential, and there's a mix of established homes and newer apartments and condos. This neighborhood works for someone who wants to create a convenient bubble around their work and home life.

Preston Highlands

Want a more suburban experience? Preston Highlands is a fantastic choice for both families and young professionals. In Far North Dallas, this community has a strong reputation for excellent public schools and affordable home prices and rent. The commute is short and manageable. Plus, the area has a comfortable suburban vibe, with plenty of apartments and condos for rent. For the long-term? It’s a great place to settle down and enjoy a family-oriented lifestyle without giving up a super short commute to the office.

Melshire Estates

Tucked away in Far North Dallas, Melshire Estates is a walkable residential community (not so common in DFW, where most people need a vehicle to easily get around). The neighborhood features a mix of older ranch-style homes and new builds, but also plenty of rental options. The best part? It's surrounded by all the dining and shopping you need, on Preston Road. Everything you need within walking distance. The vibe is friendly, the perfect blend of small-town charm with the convenience of city amenities.

Northwood Hills

Looking for more upscale but still convenient apartments near Texas Instruments? Northwood Hills may be the neighborhood of your dreams. Snugly situated on the northern edge of Dallas, Northwood Hills is an easy 10-15 minute drive from the TI campus. The area is affluent and quiet, known for its well-maintained homes and majestic old trees.

3. Match Group

Okay, let's talk about love...and commutes. Match Group is the powerhouse behind a massive portfolio of online dating apps, like Tinder and Match.com. And it's a key player in Dallas's tech scene. Their headquarters in North Dallas is right off US-75, wonderfully close to some of the best shopping and dining in the DFW Metroplex.

The people who work at Match Group are building platforms for a modern world that's fast paced. So it stands to reason that they’d want their actual lives to be just as streamlined. Developers or marketing strategists don't want to be stuck in a miserable commute that drains their mental energy before they even make it to the office. These neighborhoods are a perfect match for that mindset.

Preston Hollow

Just west of Match Group's headquarters, Preston Hollow is known for being one of the city's most affluent and exclusive communities. The commute is a ridiculously easy five to 10 minute drive, so it feels like the office is just around the corner. This neighborhood is all about quiet elegance and prestige, beautiful estates and polished landscaping. Homes can be pricey in their area, but for such an exclusive neighborhood, Preston Hollow apartments near Match Group are surprisingly affordable.

Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands is a community-focused neighborhood just east of Central Expressway. It offers a suburban feel without the long drive, you can enjoy winding roads and mature trees that feel miles away from the city. But the commute is just five to 10 minutes to TI, with the flexibility to use either the expressway or local streets. The biggest draw? It's super close to White Rock Lake. If you love spending time outdoors, this neighborhood may be for you.

Knox Henderson

How about a vibrant, trendy, walkable lifestyle? Knox Henderson will give you exactly that. Located between Uptown and Lower Greenville, this neighborhood has an amazing food scene and unique boutique shops for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, all with a laid-back vibe residents love. You can get to Match Group in 10-15 minutes on local roads. If being close to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city is something you want, you can have it and still be able to retreat to a comfortable neighborhood when the day is done.

Vickery

Vickery is an energetic and youthful neighborhood where young professionals thrive. With its massive apartment community The Village, Vickery offers a highly social living experience. And you're just 10-15 minutes from Match Group, straight down Central Expressway. You'll probably encounter some traffic, but it's a direct shot that's not a killer commute. Best of all, you'll have amenities and community events right outside your door.

4. AT&T

Ready to head to the heart of downtown Dallas? AT&T's corporate headquarters are in Whitacre Tower, in Downtown Dallas. The company is a massive presence both globally (with over 133,000 employees) and right here in the city, where much of its employee base operates.

People who work at AT&T are the decision-makers and strategists behind a global brand. A brutal commute from a distant suburb is just not a viable option. It saps time and energy they'd rather be spending on professional growth or personal life. Living in a neighborhood with a painless commute is less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

Downtown Dallas

In Downtown Dallas, you can live in a modern high-rise ultra-chic apartment or a historic loft. The kicker? Your commute is literally a short walk or a quick scooter ride to the office. The vibe is a mix of urban energy and history. New, shiny buildings next to restored architectural gems. This is for you if you want to be fully immersed in city life.

Downtown dwellers have easy access to Klyde Warren Park and the Arts District, and a constantly growing number of restaurants and bars right outside their door. And don't forget the Dallas underground. It's only open during the day, but it has a huge assortment of delicious eating spots for lunch.

Uptown

Just north of Downtown, Uptown is the city's epicenter for young professionals. The commute is a breeze, between five to 10 minutes from AT&T. And you even have the option of taking the free M-Line Trolley if you want. Uptown is incredibly walkable with lots of fun nightlife. You can go home after work, and walk to dinner and bars. Be sure to check out Eatzi's. You can stock up on pre-prepared meals so you can enjoy a hearty dinner while relaxing after a long day connecting the world.

Bishop Arts District

For a completely different vibe, consider the Bishop Arts District. South of Downtown, this neighborhood is a charming hub with a non-corporate feel. You'll just need to drive across a couple of bridges, five to 10 minutes from downtown. The vibe is eclectic and creative: Think independent boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Small-town character with a lively home base.

Deep Ellum

Also, just minutes from downtown, Deep Ellum is Dallas's historic music and entertainment district. The commute to AT&T headquarters is a quick five to 10 minute drive, or 10 minutes by scooter or bike. The vibe is edgy and artistic, and loud with colorful murals. Actrive young professionals love the live music venues, and a bustling nightlife. Perfect for creatives and night owls who want to be in a place that's always buzzing with something new. Be sure to check out the indie bookstores in Deep Ellum.

5. AECOM

Let's wrap this up with AECOM, the infrastructure consultants. Their North Dallas location is a different kind of hub, and the neighborhoods reflect that.

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm, its corporate headquarters in Far North Dallas. For the engineers, planners, and consultants working at AECOM, a good commute is a matter of practical efficiency. Their days are spent solving complex problems for cities and governments. In short, they don't have the mental bandwidth to solve the daily puzzle of a terrible commute. Living close to work gives them a clear separation between their demanding professional life and personal life.

Far North Dallas

Living in the Far North Dallas area right around the AECOM office is the most practical choice for an easy commute. Also important: The area is safe and clean.

It's the perfect spot for someone who wants to minimize their time on the road and maximize their time at home. For shopping and dining, you'll have easy access to the Galleria Mall, plus a plethora of shops and restaurants in the Addison and North Dallas area.

Prestonwood

Just north of the AECOM office is Prestonwood. This neighborhood has a cool suburban vibe, a mix of single-family homes and condos. The commute is usually anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes. It's a great choice for those who value a peaceful environment, with a strong sense of neighborhood pride and local events. And you don't even have to leave this part of town for your shopping and dining.

Bent Tree

Bent Tree is one of the more upscale communities near AECOM. It's an affluent and well-maintained neighborhood built around the Bent Tree Country Club. On major local roads, you'll be at work in 10-15 minutes. Want an elegant and private place to live? Bent Tree is worth checking out.

Timberglen

On the western edge of the Far North Dallas area, Timberglen is another upscale neighborhood conveniently located near major hubs. Taking major streets and the Dallas North Tollway, you'll be at work in 15-20 minutes. This neighborhood provides a vibrant lifestyle that is somehow still quiet. And shopping? Oh, yeah. You'll have access to high-end shopping at the Dallas Galleria Mall and The Shops at Willow Bend.

Final Thoughts

From urban energy in Downtown Dallas, to quiet luxury in Preston Hollow, any of these Dallas neighborhoods could be the perfect fit you're looking for. Where you live is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Everything from your daily stress to your long-term quality of life is impacted by how far you live from work. You can find a neighborhood that not only shortens your drive to your job but also enriches your life.