The Safest Neighborhoods In Dallas: 2022's Ultimate List

In recent years, people have been flocking to Dallas from all over the country. In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing cities and considered one of the best places to live, according to a report by U.S. News. Offering both a quiet, suburban lifestyle and big-city enjoyment, the Dallas area provides any interesting mix of Texas pride and sophisticated charm.

Birthed from an entrepreneurial spirit, it’s no surprise that Dallas is home to a large number of young professionals. The city was founded in 1841 as a trading post by John Neely Bryan. Soon afterward, it became a center for business, while the surrounding rural areas reaped the benefits. By the early 20th century, Dallas was known as the southwestern leader of the jewelry, liquor, pharmaceutical, and book markets, in addition to being the world’s foremost cotton manufacturer.

Although business remains a stronghold in “Big D,” the city is not without its art, education, sports, and culture. That quintessential cowboy lifestyle is still present in numerous retail shops and trendy local bars around the city. When it comes to sports, the small-town ambiance of backyard parties and Friday night football games exists in the many suburbs across Dallas. In these neighborhoods, residents frequent their local Tex-Mex restaurant, spend time outdoors biking and jogging, and always treat their neighbors with that Texas friendliness and southern hospitality.

While Dallas is home to a large population of young professionals, its suburbs are also filled with young families who desire a sense of community and easy access to city amenities. If you’re considering relocating to Dallas, you can count yourself among the nearly 300 people who move here each day.

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If you’ve decided to join the flock of folks who seek warm weather and bountiful career opportunities, you need to figure out where to settle down. Whether you’re relocating as an individual or you have a family you’re looking after, one factor is generally considered to most important of all: safety. Regardless of who you are or where you move to, safety should also be at the top of your priority list.

Although Dallas has so much to offer future residents, the city also has a darker side. As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas – and regrettably, the same is true for the Dallas crime rate. While there are some cities in Texas that are considered safer than the national average, Dallas is not among them. Based on published FBI crime statistics, Dallas is more dangerous than 93% of the cities in the United States with an overall crime rate that is increasing by 1% year after year.

However, these high violent, property, and total crime rates are not to say that Dallas doesn’t have safe areas or even safe neighborhoods. While the city has seen an increase in violent crime, there has been a recent decrease in property crime. Regardless, the key to staying safe in Dallas is knowing the bad areas to avoid and which neighborhoods to stick to.

In order to determine the safest areas in the city, we took a look at FBI crime statistics. More specifically, we examined the population, property crime, and total crime rates in each of Dallas’ communities.

Those that had the least amount of crimes per 100K people in 2020 ranked on our list of the top ten safest neighborhoods in Dallas:

Located in Dallas County, University Park is an affluent residential neighborhood that is named after its main feature, Southern Methodist University. This community spans 3.7 square miles and is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Based on per capita income, University Park is considered one of the wealthiest places in Dallas.

It is situated about five miles north of downtown Dallas and its location offers easy access to a wide range of shopping recreational, business, and cultural activities. University Park consists of a diverse variety of residents and more than 7,000 homes. With seventy-two percent of the population over 25 possessing college or advanced degrees, University Park is considered one of the most highly-educated areas in the nation.

University Park takes the top spot on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. The violent crime rate per 100K people comes in at 306 and property crime is 1,300 for 2020.

Another highly affluent area, Highland Park is a community in Dallas County consisting of roughly 8,797 residents. Together with University Park, the two cities comprise the Park Cities and enclave of Dallas. Highland Park is considered the wealthiest city in Texas and is ranked the seventh richest place in the nation.

This community is located approximately three miles north of the Dallas city center and is about 2.26 square miles in size. Highland Park got its name because of its high elevation when compared to the surrounding areas. The area’s population is primarily married couples, with a smaller percentage being families with children.

Highland Park is considered the second-best educated city in Texas, after the neighboring University Park. It also falls in second on our list of the safest neighborhoods in the Dallas area. The violent crime rate per 100K people is 306, while property crime is estimated at 1,300 for 2020.

The Farmers Market District is a Dallas neighborhood that is located in the southeastern section of downtown. It is named after the Dallas Farmers Market, which is housed in this area. Some other notable features include the Harwood Historic District, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, and the Dallas Statler Hilton.

Being situated in the heart of the city, it is a short walk to virtually anything. Residents enjoy easy access to dog parks, the farmers market, a number of bars, restaurants, a nursery, gym, and a wonderful sense of community. This neighborhood is ideal for young individuals who enjoy the city life and are just starting their career.

The Farmers Market District of Dallas is the third safest neighborhood in the city. Its violent crime rate per 100K people comes in at 306 and property crime is estimated at 1,300 for 2020.

Located in north-central downtown Dallas, The City Center District consists of a large concentration of commercial space. This area is true city living at its finest, as it is positioned directly in the heart of the downtown area. City Center District is home to a wide variety of cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping, and more, all within walking distance. Just like most downtown neighborhoods, the area does not feature too many nearby green spaces.

The area is described by residents as “not a kid-friendly place” and “a busy downtown metropolis area within walking distance to bars and restaurants.” This community is the ideal choice for singles, couples without children, and young professionals.

The City Center District ranks fourth on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. It has the same estimated crime ratings as the aforementioned communities, with a violent crime rate of 306 and property crime coming in at 1,300 for 2020. Total crime is 36% lower than the national average and 60% lower than the Dallas average.

Dallas’ Main Street District runs along Main Street and is bounded by Elm Street, Lamar Street, Commerce Street, and the US7/I-45 elevated freeway. This neighborhood is the backbone of downtown Dallas, connecting many of the adjoining entertainment and business districts. Although it is home to primarily commercial and business properties, it also contains a small population of 987 residents.

Historically, Main Street has been the epicenter of the city of Dallas. Many of the city’s major retailers, banks, and hotels were once housed here. This area also includes some of Dallas’ early skyscrapers. The Main Street District was the first neighborhood to undergo extensive urban revival. Much of the grand historic structures have been given new life and were adapted for new use.

The narrow tree-lined Main Street is a major pedestrian route through the city center. This area consists of many basement night clubs, sidewalk restaurants, and retail establishments. The Main Street District is among some of the safest places in the city, official earning number five on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Violent crime in this area comes in at an estimated 306 and property crime is 1,300, the same figures as the above-mentioned neighborhoods.

The Government District, another district located in downtown Dallas is home to a mere 850 residents. This area is situated in the south-central area of the city, south of the Main Street District, west of the Farmers Market District, and southeast of the West End Historic District. The Government District is home to Dallas City Hall, the J.Erik Johnsson Central Library, and many other local, state, regional, and federal government buildings.

Residents of The Government District are close to the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife of downtown. This section of the city also offers nearby parks and green spaces for walking or playing with dogs. The local schools get below-average ratings and, in general, the neighborhood is not suitable for families with children. Instead, The Government District is the perfect place for young professionals, and singles.

Based on statistics and our calculations, The Government District is the sixth safest neighborhood in Dallas. The violent crime rate per 100K people is 306, while property crime is estimated at 1,300 for 2020.

The West End Historic District is considered to be one of the most popular destinations in downtown Dallas. It is a historic district that is comprised of a 67.5-acre space in the northwest downtown area. The community is situated west of the City Center and Main Street districts. A portion of the neighborhood is listed on the United States Register of Historic Places, while a smaller area is dubbed a Dallas Landmark District.

This area of Dallas gained national prominence in the 1960s, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while traveling down Dealey Plaza in a Presidential motorcade. Nowadays, the West End Historic District is visited by over seven million people a year and is home to roughly 874 residents. These locals enjoy easy access to public transportation, along with a number of bars and restaurants.

The West End Historic District earns the seventh slot on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Its violent crime rate per 100K people comes in at 479 and the property crime is 2,036 for 2020.

Far North is the large section of Dallas that extends north of the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway and is comprised of approximately 163,453 residents. Although Far North Dallas is a part of North Dallas, it is still viewed as its own distinct area compromised of many micro-neighborhoods. Known for its old-school homes, Far North is home to spectacular golf courses, swanky mansions, and exceptional shopping centers.

Residents enjoy many cultural, recreational, and educational amenities throughout the area. Dallasites are drawn to this section of the city in pursuit of a more suburban lifestyle with bigger yards and homes. They are able to take advantage of a Dallas address while sending their children to the great schools in Richardson or Plano. With close access to the entertainment and dining district in neighboring Addison or the ethnic cuisines in Richardson, Far North can be the ideal place to live in Dallas for virtually anyone.

Far North comes in eighth on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Its crime rate sits right at the national average and is 36% below the Dallas average. The violent crime rate per 100K people is 299, while property crime is an estimated 2,277 for 2020.

Located in North Dallas, Bluffview is an affluent and upscale neighborhood that is roughly 10 miles from the downtown. The community gets its name from its relatively hilly topography, as it lies on the cliffs that overlook Bachman Branch. Originally developed as Bluff View Estates in 1924, the area was annexed by Dallas in March 1943.

Residents of Bluffview are drawn to the shaded, winding streets, and natural beauty of the neighborhood. They also enjoy close proximity to Dallas Love Field Airport. Although the property crime in this area is higher than the national average, violent crime is almost 50% lower. A volunteer-run organization, The Briarwood Crime Watch and Neighborhood Association, further contributes to the safety in Bluffview by focusing on crime prevention and sponsoring community events.

Bluffview earns the ninth spot on our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Its violent crime rate per 100K people comes in at 199 and property crime is a staggering 2,815 for 2020.

Rounding out our list of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas is Winnetka Heights. Although this community has total crime, violent crime, and property crime rates that are above the national average, it has 25% less crime than the Dallas average, earning a spot in these ranks. Winnetka Heights is considered one of the largest and oldest historical districts in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.

What was originally an affluent subdivision of Oak Cliff is now a very vibrant, urban Dallas neighborhood. Its residents remain dedicated to preserving this community as a symbol of the early 20th-century lifestyle.

Winnetka Heights has been named by D Magazine as the “Best Neighborhood in Dallas” and the “Best Place for History.” This area is considered to be kid- and family-friendly, with great schools and plenty of nearby parks. Residents also enjoy plenty of dining, shopping, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Based on our calculations, Winnetka Heights is the tenth safest neighborhood in the City of Dallas. The violent crime rate per 100K people comes in at 533 and property crime per capita is 2,484 for 2020.

The question of whether Dallas is safe or not entirely depends on where you go. In fact, knowing which places to avoid and where the most dangerous neighborhoods are within the city is the key to saving yourself from becoming a part of Dallas’ notoriously high crime rates.

However, if you’re solely basing Dallas’ safety on crime statistics, this major city is not particularly safe. Its crime rates are 56% higher than the national average, while violent crimes are 101% higher than the national average. For a deeper analysis into crime in Dallas, examine the table below: