Oak Cliff TX

Oak Cliff is as diverse an area as Dallas itself. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the city with its’ hilly tree lined streets and historic homes.

Oak Cliff has turn-of-the-century and mid-20th century housing, many parks. Its’ close proximity to the central business district of downtown Dallas makes it a great place for Dallas workers to live.

Oak Cliff derives its name from the massive oaks that crown the soft green cliffs.” So states an early advertisement describing the community just south of the Trinity River from Dallas, Texas.

 

This cozy farming settlement on the beautiful side of the Trinity caught the attention of two enterprising developers: Thomas L. Marsalis and John S. Armstrong. In 1887, with a plan to market the community as a prestigious residential area, they purchased several hundred acres in and around Hord’s Ridge and gave the area a more appealing name . . . Oak Cliff. A financial downturn in 1893 brought the development to a sudden halt. In 1903, the beleaguered and financially strapped City of Oak Cliff voted to annex itself to the City of Dallas.  Oak Cliff and Dallas were now one—but not really. The Trinity River physically separated Oak Cliff from the rest of Dallas, giving this southern suburb a permanent and unique identity.

Throughout the years, this community across the river has maintained remnants of its original small town atmosphere. Some folks have called Oak Cliff the “Howdy Capital” of Texas, because of the down-to-earth friendliness of its people. Through cycles of growth and challenge, many of the neighborhoods in Oak Cliff still retain that hometown attitude.

 

Bishop Arts District is a wonderful area to spend weekend days with numerous restaurants and art filled shops. You do not want to miss the view of downtown Dallas from the outdoor terrace of the historic Belmont Hotel. Drinks on the terrace is a must on a beautiful spring day, Norma’s Café and Smoke BBQ are two legends in Oak Cliff and are not to be missed.

 

You cannot mention Oak Cliff with out talking about the neighborhoods of Kessler Park and Stevens Park. The renown Stevens Golf Course splits these two areas. Beautiful Cliff Park is the gateway to the area. Methodist Hospital and the Dallas Zoo are also found here.              

www.ci.dallas.tx.us
www.dallaschamber.org