Although no official boundaries exist, the East Dallas area is generally considered to be the area that lies East of Central Expressway/75, northeast of downtown Dallas, north of Interstate 30, west of the cities of Mesquite and Garland and south of the boundary of Lake Highlands. Lake Highlands is also commonly referred to as East Dallas by many people, but Lake Highlands has some unique characteristics of its own, such as the fact that it’s located within the Richardson ISD, which warrant it being considered a separate area of Dallas.
Within the subjective boundaries of East Dallas as represented by this map lie many different residential neighborhoods with a variety of different home styles. Neighborhood boundaries are not always defined by specific borders, but many areas are defined by the boundaries set forth by voluntary home owner’s and neighborhood associations, as well as many historical and conservation districts.
View East Dallas Neighborhoods Map in a larger map
White Rock Lake is perhaps the best known centerpiece of the East Dallas area. White Rock Lake is a 1,015 acre lake lined with various parks and recreation areas that lies in the middle of the East Dallas area. White Rock Lake is to the city of Dallas what Central Park is to the city of New York. The White Rock Lake area offers many public recreational and entertainment activities, such as:
- Biking and jogging trails. A large biking/jogging trail spans the entire shore of White Rock Lake. The trail is between 9.2 and 9.6 miles long, depending on which route is taken.
- Many picnic areas
- The Audubon Society – A designated area for bird watching and also a wetlands site.
- A public dog park - located on the north side of the lake off Mockingbird Lane.
- Sailboat marinas
- Fishing piers
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- Winfrey Point and Big Thicket – Rental facilities for parties, meetings, weddings, etc.
- Public restrooms
- The White Rock Bath House Cultural Center
- Various marathons and bike races are held throughout the year.
