Defining North Dallas as a community with a healthy economy is a bit of an understatement. North Dallas’ thriving commercial scene sets the standard for many other communities in the state. Three large malls and several neighborhood shopping centers provide residents with choices galore.

But even that is not the whole story.

Much of the region’s retail strength is derived from activities at NorthPark Center, Valley View Center and the freshly renovated Galleria Dallas, which provides residents and visitors with a vast choice of shops. It also reflects the enormous purchasing power of North Dallas residents, who have one of the nation’s highest average incomes per capita.

The North Dallas and Addison Corridor and Collin County contribute greatly to North Dallas’ retail prowess with three large indoor shopping centers — Stonebriar Centre, Collin Creek Mall and the Shops at Willow Bend — all of which have appeal to an upscale and broad customer base.

Other open-air commercial centers that serve residential and business areas are strategically and thoughtfully placed throughout North Dallas, including Preston Center, which is experiencing a revival of foot traffic thanks to a good mix of national retailers, local specialty shops, restaurants and professional service providers. This helps North Dallas maintain its residential flavor hand-in-hand with commercial success. With its booming retail segment, it’s easy to see why North Dallas is one of the most sought-after places to do business.