While a budget in the low $600s may not open the door to turnkey properties in central Dallas neighborhoods (and in some areas, it may not be enough to land a fixer-upper), it can still unlock stylish, well-maintained homes not far from the city center. Among the current choices are these three homes that vary in square footage, lot size and amenities.
A historic, landscaped bungalow in North Oak Cliff
901 S. Montreal Ave., Dallas
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List price: $625,000 | Neighborhood: Sunset Hills in North Oak Cliff | Square footage: 2,438 | Lot size: 0.17 acre
Known for its historic homes, Oak Cliff boasts some of the most beautiful original architecture in the city. Take this 1920s bungalow at 901 S. Montreal Ave., which has been refreshed and renovated with care. The seller invested in a number of exterior updates: a custom sidewalk, Corten steel retaining walls, garden borders and lush landscaping. Gardeners will delight in the mature pecans, oaks and Mexican sycamores that add shade and character to the corner lot. The backyard is equally striking and features a wraparound patio.
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The next owner will enjoy the surroundings from inside the home, too. “Nearly every room offers a view of the lush gardens, creating a seamless blend between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty,” says listing agent Jason Saucedo of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate. The rooms are sizable, with a comfortable living area that opens up to the formal dining room and an office.
The home has two primary bedrooms as well as a guest suite. The first-floor primary has three closets and a large bathroom with a claw-foot tub. The second-floor primary is accessible from its own exterior staircase. “It’s ideal for multi-generational living, or could easily serve as a short-term rental for added income,” notes Saucedo. The guest suite on the second floor includes a bathroom with a walk-in shower and double sinks.
Of the three homes on our list, this property offers the most bang for the buck in terms of square footage. Plus, its resume includes a 2023 stint on the Heritage Oak Cliff Home Tour.
A contemporary townhome minutes from downtown Dallas
805 Pavillion Street, Unit 103, Dallas
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List price: $599,000 | Neighborhood: Bryan Place | Square footage: 2,100
If a no-maintenance urban property is on your personal wish list, this three-bedroom, three-story townhome in East Dallas is worth a peek. It would be especially appealing to those who work in Uptown but don’t want the hefty price tags that come with that neighborhood. Or perhaps you love the downtown vibe but want to be closer to residential neighborhoods and green spaces. This townhome is a 5-minute drive to both Uptown and downtown, and only a 2-minute drive to Baylor’s downtown medical district.
“It truly captures the essence of city living,” says listing agent Michele Playdon of Exp Realty. “It’s a stylish walk-up located in a quiet pocket of East Dallas, offering privacy and peace while still being right in the heart of it all.”
The eight-unit complex at 805 Pavillion St. was finished earlier this year, and the home comes with a warranty that extends through March 2026. That means buyers get the perks of new construction without the wait. The home features a stylish kitchen with amenities such as a quartz waterfall island and a gas range. On the third floor, you’ll find the primary suite complete with remote-controlled blackout shades, a walk-in closet and a chic bathroom. There are three and a half bathrooms in all, and for pet-lovers, a fenced-in front yard is convenient.
The new owner will also gain access to a gated community pool and clubhouse. Playdon notes that you’ll often see neighbors jogging or walking their dogs. “[The townhome] offers a rare mix of neighborhood charm and urban convenience that’s hard to find in central Dallas,” she says. Plus, it’s now a bit under a $600,000 budget after a recent $30,000 price drop. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
An updated ranch in an up-and-coming North Dallas neighborhood
3630 Vinecrest Drive, Dallas
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List price: $629,900 | Neighborhood: Royal Hills in North Dallas | Square footage: 1,736 | Lot size: 0.23 acre
Coming in with the most expensive list price (and the smallest square footage) is a 1950s ranch house in North Dallas near the intersection of Royal Lane and Marsh Lane. Listing agent Derrick Tribbey, owner of Derrick Tribbey & Associates, notes that the area is transitioning, with many teardowns giving way to new homes valued above $1 million, which helps explain the higher price per square foot. “This home has an unbeatable location,” he says. “It’s within walking distance to the Northaven Trail and so close to both public and private schools.”
3630 Vinecrest Drive doesn’t require any major updates. “It’s move-in ready and thoughtfully updated while preserving its character,” says Tribbey. The home has a crisp and clean palette throughout, with freshly painted museum-white walls, sleek hardwoods and stainless appliances in the kitchen. The open-concept living and kitchen area is centered around a wood-burning fireplace, a cozy perk of purchasing a midcentury home.
The three-bedroom layout is ideal for a family. There’s a private primary suite with an en suite bathroom as well as two guest bathrooms connected by a Jack-and-Jill bath. The backyard is prime for hosting get-togethers; patio doors from the living area open to a stone patio and large backyard.