Over the past several years, the Dallas real estate market has struggled with sluggish activity and declining median sales prices, but over the past year, some neighborhoods throughout Dallas have been showing signs of a recovering real estate market.  However, real estate experts have found it difficult to determine the state of the Dallas real estate as a whole, given that the recent real estate improvements have been evident only in certain neighborhoods.  Some parts of Dallas are posting increases in activity and median prices, some are reporting decreases, and some are reporting fairly stable levels, with little change for the better or worse.  Realtors believe that the consumer confidence is the main obstacle to the overall recovery of the Dallas real estate, and many believe that the coming months will show signs of what’s to come.

According to the Dallas Morning News, 2009 was a strange year for Dallas real estate and local realtors due to the inconsistent fluctuations in the market and the inability of real estate experts to find any trends in the Dallas real estate market.  Several neighborhoods such as Westlake, Richardson, Garland, and Duncanville have posted significant increases in median sales prices, while other communities such as Park Cities, North Dallas, and Lancaster posted declines in the median sales prices by as much as double digits.  Many realtors have noted that the Dallas is currently a good market for buyers, but many are finding that there is very little consumer confidence, despite the discounted home prices, negotiable sellers, and attractive interest rates.  Nevertheless, many realtors are optimistic that consumer confidence will increase in the coming months to allow for the Dallas real estate market to recover.

The Dallas Morning News has also reported that the commercial real estate continues to be sluggish as well, with high vacancy rates and few retail projects planned for the 2010 year.  Dallas is currently experiencing the lowest occupancy rates of the decade, with only 86.4 of shopping center space being leased.  Financial experts also estimate that there are about $4.5 billion worth of commercial real estate considered to be in various stages of delinquency, default, bankruptcy, or foreclosure.  Many experts are also telling people not to expect the normal two-year cycle of commercial real estate corrections, and that the Dallas commercial real estate may not return to previous years’ levels for another year or two, even though it has been more than a year since the onset of the economic recession of 2008.

Although real estate experts expect the Houston real estate market to fare better than it did during the previous year, experts still believe that the real estate activity will be sluggish in Houston due to a lack of consumer confidence, tight credit, and a major concern for job security.  The Houston real estate is said to have hit bottom, so the only direction it can go in is up, but many real estate experts question when that will be.  Many say that the real estate in Houston most likely won’t recover until the economy, financial, and employment markets in Houston improve, and after that the market will probably take several years to grow back.

According to the Houston Chronicle, real estate experts are optimistic that the Houston real estate market will improve throughout the year, faring much better than it did during 2009.  However, at the same time, experts don’t expect to see as significant improvements as many might expect.  Realtors believe that the demand for houses will still be sluggish, and real estate activity will still be well below peak levels. About 18,000 new homes planned for construction during 2010, about the same built during the previous year, but still 63 percent lower than the peak of 2006.  Housing values are expected to remain relatively stable throughout 2010, but realtors are optimistic that the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers will help spark the real estate market and give it some of the momentum it needs to begin its recovery.

The Houston Chronicle has also reported that the commercial real estate in Houston is expected to perform much like how it did in 2009.  Many landlords have related the current struggles in the commercial real estate to the problems seen during the oil bust.  With approximately 90,000 jobs lost over the past year in Houston, the average office vacancy rate in Houston rose from 11.9 percent to 15.9 percent.  Commercial real estate construction is also almost nonexistent.  Currently, many realtors and landlords are pressuring buyers who are on the fence to stop waiting and invest now.

The main cause of Dallas’ huge popularity in both commercial properties and housing is that people are always relocating there over the past few years. It is very much a double edged sword for Dallas, as people move here because of the booming industries and financial opportunities, but in turn they make the city even more prosperous. New businesses, up to dozens on any given day, are looking for offices to set up shop, as well as other commercial properties – there are even fortune 500 companies moving to Dallas right now.
There is a very diverse atmosphere in Dallas for businesses, and one of the leading companies in the fold here is in the technology industry. A recent study taken by the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce reported findings that the city was home to 43% of all the high tech employees in the entire state. There are also thirteen companies, all of which are owned privately, that currently have a net worth greater than $1 billion operating within Dallas, including Southwest Airlines, Dean Foods and Exxon Mobil.
There are some people who now refer to Dallas as the “Silicon Prairie” due to it’s large number of employment opportunities in high tech fields, and it should be noted that this nickname is entirely unrelated to plastic surgery, despite what first impressions upon hearing the name might lead one to believe. Alcatel and Ericsson are both good examples of large telecommunications companies that call the city of Dallas home. As a leader of industry for technology, food products and chemicals it is an incredibly popular location among professions in any given highly progressive field of business.??The city of Dallas has one of the best, thriving economies in the entire country. People who relocate to the city can find a higher rate of pay and better employment then in other cities in the United States. This is because there is more competition between employers in Dallas. Dallas homes for sale and new construction projects have increased dramatically as the demand for residential and commercial property has increased triple-fold.
Because the city has one of the most thriving and stable economies within the whole of America, people regularly relocate here to get a larger pay check and find work more easily – the median rate of pay is better here than anywhere else in the country. This is largely due to the fact that there is a lot of competition between companies here when it comes to attracting quality employees. Thanks to the massive influx of new residents housing construction here has boomed.??New Incentive Programs
One of the other big draws of Dallas are the incentives offered by the local government to the cities inhabitants, including an incentive called “Tax Increment Finance Districts”, which is an area made in hopes of making it less costly for developers and investors alike to redevelop and improve certain commercial buildings already in existence.
Another recent incentive to be seen implemented in Dallas is for projects in what is known as the “Enterprise Zone” – projects that qualify receive a much lower state sales tax than usual, as well as possible tax refunds when buying machines, building materials or other work related equipment. There is a program designed for development projects, by the same name, which are going to create roughly 80,000 new jobs over the coming ten years.??Lastly there is the Job Training Program, which is available for people in different fields who wish to retrain for careers in move financially successful industries, of which the local government provides several different options for.
Over the next twenty years it is predicted that the Dallas economy will grow, making now the ideal time to buy up commercial real estate in the city. As far as real estate or relocation options go, Dallas is the best in both worlds – buying now as an investor will guarantee you a solid return, while relocating there while prices are not yet sky high ensures you can buy a reasonable affordable new home.

As a resident of Dallas you have access to the best in schools and youth sports, as well as fabulous nature and outdoor areas and activities for the whole family. There are of course also plenty of things to do indoors, including a trip to one of the local art galleries. With all of the subdivisions located within Dallas, it is not hard to find your own unique perfect home within its borders.
Dallas also boasts a rich entertainment industry, with numerous places to shop, including many high class shopping malls which house brand name stores. Besides the shopping experiences one can also enjoy great food at one of the many local restaurants – the huge variety to choose from means that you can always get exactly what you want to eat, from corn dogs to sushi, or pizza to steak.
Then of course there is one of the things that Dallas is famously passionate about; its sport. It has its own professional football team, the Dallas Cowboys, for basketball there’s the NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, and for hockey you can come out to support the Dallas Stars – all in world class stadiums designed for your viewing pleasure and comfort.
Nature lovers and fans of the outdoors will also be very happy in Dallas, as it is home to almost countless parks, which are all committed to both showing off and protecting the beauty of the city. The parks, ovals and playgrounds let families spend time together outside and make the most of the fresh air and warm, sunny Dallas days.
Another group undeniably drawn to Dallas are the artists and art lovers alike, who can both enjoy the 17 blocks dedicated to artistic pursuits in the Arts District, found downtown. It is the greatest group of art related buildings and businesses in the whole of the United States. It also allows locals and visitors access to various arts and crafts that are produced not only by local artists, but some world renowned names. The culture and community of the area is unmatched by anything you could find anywhere else.
Dallas allows its inhabitants access to everything they could ever want from their city, and their home.

Dallas is very much a city for those who consider themselves to be outdoorsy types, and who want to have a fun lifestyle. With Fort Worth only a few miles up the road, Dallas is, for all intensive purposes, two cities in one. The combination of populations reaches over 5 million people, there is always something fun to do, whether you are here in winter or summer, and especially if you are keen on the outdoors.
Besides from religion, which is largely the most important thing to the majority of Texans, and residents of Dallas, are outdoor sports. Here, a high school football match sees a huge turn out of supporters, at times it has known to be even greater than the crowds at the games played by the three largest college teams, and rivalries between different schools here go back generations. Of course both the professional and college games here are also very popular, with three different colleges having Division 1 teams in the district.
Another popular pass time in Dallas is golf, with over two dozen different courses that meet professional standards in the area, as well as one golf course that holds a regular PGA event. Because of the overabundance of courses in the area, you will never have to worry about getting the tee off time you want, or about overcrowding – and as the courses are popular with pros and beginners alike, there is no need to worry about your score if you are new to the game; everyone was once.
Another of the draws to residing in Dallas is the impressive network of bicycling trails, running and jogging paths and trails suited to just walking around and admiring the area. The paths and trails twist and wind throughout the city and some even stretch into neighboring towns. The Dallas city government has proven their commitment over the past decade in making the area ideal for exercising by making people want to walk, not just drive everywhere in their cars.
If you want to spend a fun and educational day out, alone, with friends or even better still with your children, then a sculpture tour of downtown Dallas is the way to go. You get to be outdoors while seeing over 30 different sculptures, all unique in their own ways. Although it will make for a very full and busy day, you are able to fit them all in provided you can handle a fair amount of walking; and if you can then it is certainly worth it – although I would advise you to bring water and stay hydrated if planning your trip for in the summertime.
You can also plan a visit to the John F. Kennedy memorial, although this is certainly more serious than a regular day out in Dallas, it is still worth seeing. It was erected to remember the well loved man who was murdered in Dallas in 1963 – it is free to visit.
The last major point of interest here is the West End architecture – you can take a tour and admire some of the oldest buildings in the city that still stand today in a protected area. It’s a walking tour, but Dallas is certainly made for enjoyable walking, so give it a go if you appreciate history.
In Dallas, there is always plenty to do, to the extent that you could make plans for every day you have off work for the next decade, and still not be able to see everything it has to offer. Whether you are a local or a tourist, get out there and see what the beautiful city of Dallas has to offer!

Dallas has countless options when it comes to real estate, and waterfront homes sitting around lakes play an important part in that. There are over 40 lakes all within 100 miles of the greater Dallas metro area. Lake Ray Hubbard, with a size of over 22,700 acres, is easily one of the biggest lakes in the zone and runs straight though the middle of Dallas County.
Real estate around the lakes is made up of several homes all either sitting on the edge of the water, or else close enough to have a good view of the lake. This kind of housing is especially attractive to those who enjoy fishing, boating, various different kinds of water sports or alternatively who just love to be near to the water – of course many of the homes have their own fishing docks, which means many residents find a love of fishing for the first time after moving here. Most of the houses also have boat slips that come with decks, so going out on your own boat for fishing or just to relax is also made easy.
The lake side homes here can be found around both the larger, grander lakes as well as the smaller ones that occupy a fairly large part of Dallas. Some of the largest lakes here can be found in the subdivisions of Flower Mount, Rockwall and Rowlett, while the smaller lakes, some of which were artificially created by man, are in McKinney, Plano and Frisco. Aside from there, there is also lake side property available in the city of Dallas proper, and in Arlington. Price tags on these properties start at around $100,000 in further out suburbs, while reaching over $1 million in Plano or central Dallas.
Two of the more popular lakes within the city of Dallas are the While Rock Lake and the Lake Highlands, with the Highlands located close to the well known real estate subdivision of Casa Linda. Housing in Dallas on the lake side is a great place to live for those who want to be near all the modern amenities a person could need while still enjoying nature, and boating, with their families.

Tent Sale

Talula 224 Preston at Royal Through the Weekend

They got so carried away with sunny weather that they’ve decided to extend their Tent Sale through this weekend. It’s the year of the dress so why not go pick up a sweet little number with accessories to go-go.

in midtown/mockingbird station

Trinity Hall Irish Pub

Mockingbird Station Upstairs by the Theater Friday, July 20; 8:30 – 12:30 am, The Behans Sunday, July 22; 3 – 6 pm, Live Irish Music

Hard to believe but there are only 242 more days until St. Patrick’s Day. We’re not Irish but still find Trinity Hall a great place to drop-in after the chores are done Sunday afternoon for live music, an early supper and a game of soccer on the telie. At 3 this Sunday, the TV

will be set to the Glasgow Celtic vs. Chicago MLS game.

in uptown

The Gallery of Oldfield Davis

2910 Hall Street

Friday, July 20; 6 – 9 pm

Fifteen artists from all over North and East Texas are donating sales from the proceeds of this event to the Turtle Creek Chorale and they would love to see you all.Hairspray

The Magnolia Theater West Village in Uptown Opens Friday, July 20

Tomorrow’s a new day and we’re open to being different which is why you’ll find me in line! But, I can honestly say I’m so conflicted by my warped devotion to the original Hairspray released in 1988 starring the late Divine and Directed by John Waters. If you

can lip-sync the infamous line by Tammy Please wait outside. The council will now meet in secret, debate your personality flaws and come to a final decision, you know exactly what we mean……for old times sake, go here

In Celebration of Wine

Hotel Crescent Court Lobby 400 Crescent Court Thursday, July 26; 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Enjoy delicious treats from the new beau’s restaurant and a wine

celebration with the Masterworks Institute as they feature drawings on paper from the last five centuries in the lobby of the Hotel Crescent Court. The

recently redeco’d lobby feels casual and comfy with the new urbanesque groupings. What a fabbie opportunity to check it out and bid by silent auction on unique works from Old Masters to emerging artists of contemporary works. Everyone is welcome and besides who couldn’t use an extra Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, or Miro….. Open complimentary event.

in deep ellum

Swing Dance Lessons

Sons of Hermann Hall 3414 Elm Street at Expo Every Wednesdays at 8:00 pm

No, we won’t ever look like that but you’ll still make Momma proud by dropping by the Sons for swing dance lessons. They go from 8 – 9 pm and practice until midnight. All ages are always welcome there.

Dallas Video Festival 20 Year Anniversary Preview

Road Agent 2909 A-Canton St. Wednesday, July 25; 6 -8 pm

To celebrate the upcoming 20th Annual Dallas Video Festival which takes place from July 31 – August 5 at the Angelika and Dallas Theater Center, Road Agent is hosting a world premier of a collage that includes thousands of subversive to the sublime works of art that have shown over the past 20 years. Also a preview of this years selections presented by Bart Weiss, artistic director, will follow.

in lakewood

Romeo and Juliet Rain Campaign

Shakespeare of Dallas Samuell-Grand Park Sunday, July 22; 8:15 pm

William Shakespeare once said sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge….. The recent storms just about kicked our bardy thespians and this beloved organization in the seat of their knickers. You are fortunate to live in a never-say-die town kind sir and dear madam

so please have mercy by helping reverse this tragedy. Attending an added benefit performance of Romeo and Juliet this Sunday or going to their web site to make a generous donation would be so noble.

Harry Potter Release Albertson’s – yup, you read it right! Corner of Mockingbird and Abrams Friday, July 20 at midnight

Not exactly the usual place to find muggles in search of the last and latest but Manager Jim Viola who has worked hard to turn the store into a keeper will hold it open for those interested in avoiding the midnight madness at other witching locations. If you know him,

maybe you can sweet talk him into raiding the bakery and busting open a cake for the occasion.

in white rock

Rowing and Kayak Lessons

White Rock Boat House 3240 W. Lawther On the Lakewood side off Williamson

in the heart of intowndallas, The White Rock Boathouse built

by the WPA in the 1930′s has been restored by organizers of the White Rock Boathouse, Inc., a non-profit corporation formed for rowing scull storage and

launching. Their focus is open water rowing as a recreational and endurance sport. They offer a variety of lessons whether you are a beginner or want to compete. You don’t have to be a

member to take lessons but it does provide access to the Boathouses shared boats which are available complimentary by reservation. Some lesson times are complimentary.

in fair park

Discovery Fest

Museum of Nature & Science (MNS) 1318 South Second Avenue and 3535 Grand Avenue in the Park July 21; 11 – 4 pm and July 22; noon – 4 pm

TRex or as I like to say Tex Rex Dinosaurs began appearing in

movies beginning with 1925 silent film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. This weekend, Discovery Fest celebrates the merger between the

Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place and the Dallas Children’s Museum and will introduce the public to new exhibits, activities and the brand-new Texas Dinosaurs exhibit. Check it out.

intowndallas

KRLD Radio Restaurant Week

Benefiting the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home August 13 – August 19

Here’s how it works; participating restaurants listed below offer a 3- course meal for $35 of which $7 goes to both the NTFB and Lena Pope. Make a purchase at Central Market between July 16 and August 12 and receive a certificate good for an

additional complimentary 4th course any one of the participating restaurants. For additional details, a printable list of participating restaurants or to make reservations, go here.

in the arts district ……Stephan Pyles……Tucker……..

in bishop arts…….Hattie’s…….

in downtown……Chaparral Club at Adam’s Mark…….Dakota’s Steakhouse…… Dallas Fish Market……Fuse Restaurant….. Luqa……Pyramid Grill at the Fairmount……Tower Club…….

in the west end…….Newport Seafood……The Palm…….

in victory……Craft Dallas…….Kenichi…….N9NE Steakhouse……Nove Italiano……Victory Tavern…..

in oak lawn…… Al Biernat’s…..Daniel Osteria……..Silver Fox (all locations)….. Steel……The Landmark Restaurant at the Warwick Hotel……

in uptown ……2900…..Allen Street Cottage/Watel’s….. Arcodoro/Pomodoro…….Avanti Restaurant Uptown…… Bice….. Cape…….Capital Grille…..Crescent Club…….Cru A Wine Bar (both Uptown and Plano)…….Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa…….Ferre Ristorante …….Nick and Sams…….Nobu Dallas…….Palomino…….Perry’s Restaurant…… Riccardi’s Italian Dining……Sambuca…….Texas de Brazil (all locations)…….Trulucks (all locations)……..

in geenville avenue…..Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse (all locations)…..St. Martin…….The Grape……York Street……. in lakewood…….Kitchen 1924……

in henderson……Hector’s on Henderson…… Hibiscus…… in knox……Abacus……Adelmo’s ……..Il Sole Restaurant and Wine Bar……Trece……

in park cities……Bijoux……In Restaurant…….McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood……Rouge…… Shinsei……. Suze…….Tramontana……

in preston hollow…….The Mercury Grill…… in stemmons corridor……Nana Grill at the Anatole……Pappas Bros. Steakhouse…….

Not intowndallas but they’re worth going over to the other side for….III Forks…..Addison Cafe French

Bistro……Andiamo Itialian Bar & Grill……Arthur’s Prime Steaks…..Avanti Euro Bistro…..Cacharel Restaurant……Chamberlain’s (both locations)……Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House…….Go Fish……Goodnight Loving Steakhouse….The Grill on the Alley…..The Grotto…..Isabella’s Restaurant…..Jasper’s Restaurant…..Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill…..La Cima Club…. Lavendou….Lawry’s Prime

Rib…..Mi Piaci…..Nicola’s….Oceanaire Seafood Room……Olea…..Olenjack’s Grille…..Piccolo Mondo Italian…..Rafain Brazilian Steakhouse……Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion…..Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse…..Steve Field’s Steak & Lobster…..Sullivan’s Steakhouse…..Sushisamba……

intownFW……Ama Lur…..Bistro Louise…..Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine……Cattlemen’s Fort Worth Steak House……Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse….. Duce….Ferre Ristorante…..H3 Ranch……Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana….. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro…..Mercury Chop House……Piola…..The Reata Restaurant……

Congratulations to Jennifer Tohlen, the winner of last weeks drawing for the intown “It Girl” giveaway.

Thats all we know……..

INTOWNDALLAS.ORG, a site for in-town living is being created with help from many friends as a hip portal to put locals and visitors together with art, business, culture, entertainment, real estate and other people, who call Dallas neighborhoods inside-the-loop, home. Why? Let’s face it; each one has its own separate identity, cool personality, amenities and history.