An artsy vibe, tons of clubs, lots of graffiti—this is a neighborhood that defines edgy for the DFW area, located just east of downtown and south of the railroad tracks, in the “deep” part of Elm Street (or, rather Ellum).

Though it started as a manufacturing town with a cotton company and a Ford assembly plant in the early 1900s, it evolved into a culturally significant location when pioneer architect William Sidney Pittman designed the first commercial structure built by and for African-Americans in Dallas.

In the 1920s and '30s, Deep Ellum became a jazz and blues hotspot, attracting major jazz stars like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bessie Smith and Leadbelly. Early punk bands played here, too. This walkin' neighborhood has always been known for its live music scene.

Some people think Deep Ellum is on the downswing—with dance clubs replacing some jazz venues; on the other hand, there are lofts and apartments to be had, eclectic retail, one-of-a-kind restaurants…and the music still plays.

Either way, it’s a fascinating place to be.

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