If you’re on the hunt for a home full of character that’s within walking distance of restaurants and other entertainment, and you like the idea of a neighborhood where all the neighbors know one another — then look no further. Dating back to the early 1900s, the M Streets and Vickery Place are two of Dallas’ oldest and quaintest ’hoods, full of century-old oak and pecan trees that only add to the old-time charm.
Nestled in the heart of the city, the two neighborhoods are designated as conservation districts and are often grouped together due to their proximity. While the exact boundaries can shift depending on whom you’re talking to, generally, the area is defined as being from Greenville Avenue west to U.S. 75 and from North Mockingbird Lane south to North Henderson Avenue.
You’ll find a variety of homes here, from early-20th century bungalows, Tudors, and Prairie homes to cottages and Craftsman-style homes, as well as newer properties that align with conservation guidelines. You can also find contemporary houses in parts of the area that fall outside the conservation boundary, as well as a range of real estate price points. If you find a home you love, consider acting quickly, particularly in this market. The M Streets and Vickery Place are highly desirable for both their proximity to popular destinations and classic character.
“There’s quite a mix of people here,” says Matt Mitchell, vice president of Gilchrist and Company Real Estate, owner of James Andrews Custom Homes and himself a resident of the M Streets (also known as Greenland Hills). “There are empty nesters, young couples without kids, families with young kids, and everyone tends to be friendly. It’s a fantastic location.”
Parts of the neighborhood are zoned for top-rated Mockingbird Elementary School; there are also nearby private schools. Residents enjoy a quiet, intimate community but are still close to some of the city’s major roadways, like U.S. 75. Hop in the car and you’ll be in downtown or Deep Ellum in less than 15 minutes. Or leave the keys behind take a stroll to any number of nearby restaurants, pubs and boutiques lining Lower Greenville and Henderson avenues.
“Neighbors are out all the time, riding their bikes or running down to White Rock Lake,” Mitchell says. M Streets-Vickery Place locals can also easily access the SoPac Trail, which runs from Greenville Avenue to White Rock Lake (the Dallas Arboretum sits just around the bottom tip of the lake); there’s also the Ridgewood Trail, a short paved trail that connects to SoPac to join the beloved Katy Trail, which runs through uptown and Oak Lawn.
Real estate agent Saundra Hess with Orchard Brokerage says the M Streets and Vickery Place offer the best of both worlds. “You’ve got the opportunity to have a small-town feel, with the shopping, dining and entertainment of the big city.”
To get a better feel for M Streets-Vickery Place living, here are three homes currently on the market:
Neighborhood: Vickery Place | Square footage: 2,533 | Listing price: $839,999
The property at 5134 Vickery Blvd. is “a perfect combination of original charm and modern updates,” says listing agent Hess. The 1926 home has been updated with a stylish kitchen that flows into the dining room and living room, where you can cozy up by the fireplace this winter. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms; the lower-level master bedroom’s en suite bath features ample counter space, an alcove tub and a walk-in closet.
The four-bedroom, three-bath home is sufficiently remodeled to be move-in ready, but new owners can also add their own mark with additional updates.
Neighborhood: M Streets | Square footage: 3,143 | Listing price: $1,289,000
Mitchell, the home’s builder and listing agent, constructed this four-bed, four-bath house in 2007 in the Tudor style sanctioned by the conservation district. You’ll find a guest suite downstairs, with other bedrooms (each boasting its own bathroom and walk-in closet) upstairs. The laundry room is also upstairs, so there’s no fuss of carrying laundry baskets up and down the stairs.
“It’s a great lot,” Mitchell says of 5547 Ridgedale Ave. “There’s plenty of room for a swimming pool in the back if someone wanted to do that, and it has a detached two-and-a-half car garage in back.”
Neighborhood: Vickery Place | Square footage: 4,558 | Listing price: $1,599,999
This spacious home commands attention with its Tudor-style turret, vaulted ceilings, helical staircase and other features. With four bedrooms, four and a half baths, office, game room and library, there’s plenty of room for a family. And cooking will be a breeze with gas stovetop and dual ovens.
“Having a bedroom downstairs is fabulous,” says Shirley Cohn, the listing agent and executive vice president of Allie Beth Allman & Associates. “And the living areas are roomy for entertaining. Plus, a three-car garage is hard to find in this gorgeous neighborhood.” An open house for 5230 Miller Ave. is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5.