Lakewood Area in Dallas

Lakewood is a historic area located on the east side of Dallas. The area is comprised of several established neighborhoods that have historical roots that date back to the early 1900's. The area is called Lakewood because it literally borders the edges of the White Rock Lake.

Unlike recent developments and planned communities that have popped up around Dallas over the last decade, Lakewood has long-established community ties. Many of the area's original restaurants, shops, and cafes still remain. The abundance of locally owned businesses leaves little room for major chain stores or restaurants and gives the Lakewood neighborhood character and charm.

An antique country club provides recreational activities to the residents of Lakewood. The country club was built in 1912 and is called the Lakewood Country Club. The country club has an eighteen hole golf course and a three-story clubhouse that overlooks a heavily wooded area. Residents of the area who are looking for alternative entertainment can find it at the historic Lakewood Theatre. The theatre officially opened in 1938, when Dallas was only a city of 250,000 people. The theatre has a distinctive 100-foot red, green and blue Art Deco Tower that has not been altered over the years and serves as a testament to the rich history of the Lakewood area. Today, Lakewood Theatre is the only single-screen historical movie theatre in Dallas.

Each year the area celebrates Independence Day with Lakewood's Fourth of July Parade. The parade is a massive celebration that has a display of fireworks that can be seen over the Lakewood Country Club golf course. In the fall, the area has its Fall Home Festival and Tour. The Fall Home Festival and Tour is a tradition in the Lakewood neighborhood that has been celebrated for over thirty years. During the festival, food and tours of architecturally distinctive homes in Lakewood contribute to the entertainment. The festival lasts an entire weekend and is normally sponsored by local businesses and community advocates in the Lakewood vicinity.

Many of the events and festivals that take place in Lakewood are held and organized by the Lakewood Neighborhood Association. The association is the largest homeowners' association in Dallas and covers about 2,900 residences. The Association does much more than tend to events and festivals. The members also focus on issues relating to economic growth, beautification, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall quality of life in the Lakewood neighborhood. The Association also concentrates on crime-watch activities and makes every effort to keep the Lakewood area safe.

There are a diverse range of housing options in Lakewood. Craftsman, Tudors, Ranch Home, Spanish, Mediterranean, and a mixture of eclectic styles permeate the East Dallas area. Real Estate in Lakewood has gradually appreciated and formerly dilapidated pockets of East Dallas are being replaced with brand new constructions. The Lakewood Proper neighborhood has risen at twice the rate of the rest of East Dallas and is quickly becoming one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.