How to describe the charm of our neighborhood? It’s perhaps best characterized by taking a look at our neighbors.
On any given block, you might find a retired couple who’ve recently located from another state; an elderly woman who has lived in the same house for more than 30 years; married but childless young professionals in their 30s; a trendy bachelor refurbishing his home; and a family with a house full of growing children.
How is it that all these people share the same affinity for our area? Well, for one, our neighborhood is aesthetically pleasing, filled with architecturally inspired homes framed by towering trees and well-cared-for lawns.
But there’s more than that. It’s a neighborhood full of history — it became vibrant in the 1930s — but also surprises. New people move in all the time. New shops and restaurants open. Homes are often made new again. Projects at the lake continue to improve our prized neighborhood destination.
“I’ve lived here since 1987 and like the variety of housing, the ‘non-visually controlled’ look, cars parked on the streets and kids playing in their yards,” says Jennifer Jones, who lives on Miller Avenue.
“In addition, there are a lot of old-timers who give character to the neighborhood, and not only watch out for me but tell me about Dallas history.”
Indeed, even with new residents and businesses moving in all the time, our neighborhood has its much-loved veterans: the Dixie House, the Lakewood Theater, the Granada and more. Then there are the traditions — the Fourth of July parades, home tours, neighborhood artist tours, events at White Rock Lake.
“Lakewood has so much to offer,” says John Ofenloch, who lives in a 1927 Tudor home on Glenrose Court.
“An ideal evening out for us in the neighborhood would include dinner at Matt’s No Place, followed by drinks and live music at the Balcony Club. Then early Saturday morning, running around White Rock Lake while the sun is rising makes me feel like I’m in a different city.”
Or no city at all, says Kayla Wood, who lives on Ellsworth.
“It’s the city, but it doesn’t feel like the city,” she says. “People walk their dogs at night and are super friendly. Plus, Lakewood is so laid back and comfortable.”
Put all of this together, and what you get is a neighborhood that exists outside the box. A neighborhood that defies the success of our planned-community neighbors to the north.
“The area breaks every Dallas geographical stereotype,” says John Ofenloch’s wife, Melanie. “Even though you have an urban feel and location, you also have the charm and character of a true neighborhood.”
