Here Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas To Consider in 2024

Living in Dallas offers the perfect blend of tranquility, beautiful outdoor views, and big-city Texas amenities. Full of diverse cultures and experiences, Dallas offers top-notch entertainment, outdoor recreation, shopping, and exquisite dining experiences. In fact, Dallas has become more popular in recent years, and the city even has a projected population growth rate of 8.64 percent by 2028. 

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But is Dallas, Texas, safe? Unfortunately, safety is not one of the standout qualities that Dallas has to offer, as the city has one of the highest crime rates compared to other communities in the U.S. Your chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime is 1 in 22. So when it comes to finding a place to settle down, you’ll naturally want to pick an area that’s known for its safety, right? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 11 of our top choices for the safest neighborhoods in Dallas.

Let’s take a look. 

Safest Areas in Dallas — FAQs

Q: What is the safest area in Dallas?
A: There are several safe areas in Dallas with at least B+ crime and safety ratings, according to Niche. Those include Caruth Hills, Old Lake Highlands, Preston Trail, and more. 

Q: What part of Dallas is best to live in?
A: North Dallas (Greenway Parks, Caruth Hills, Russwood Acres, and Devonshire) offers plenty of safe neighborhoods with all the amenities you could ask for.

Q: Which is safer: Dallas or Fort Worth?
A: Fort Worth is a little bit safer than Dallas, as your chance of being a victim to property or violent crime is a little bit slimmer.

Q: Is it safe to walk around downtown Dallas?
A: It’s generally safe to walk around downtown Dallas; however, it’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and stick to areas with lots of other people around, if possible.

Wilshire Heights neighborhood in Dallas, TX
Source: Zillow.com

Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas 

Don’t let the crime statistics deter you. There are plenty of safe areas in the Dallas area! Here are our top picks for the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. 

1. Wilshire Heights

• Median rent (all sizes): $2,400
• Median home sale price: $977,000
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, families, schools

Wilshire Heights is known for its small, tight-knit community feel and array of fabulous amenities for the entire family. For example, when the weather calls for it, Tietze Park is the perfect place for the kids to check out the playground and play a game of basketball or tennis. 

And ranked as one of the best neighborhoods to buy a house in Dallas by Niche, those looking to purchase will be able to choose from a unique mix of styles, including Craftsman and classic ranches. 

Several highly ranked schools serve the area of Wilshire Heights, as well, including the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts and the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School.

2. Old Lake Highlands

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Median home sale price: $567,500
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, families, jobs, diversity

Old Lake Highlands can be found right along the northeast sector of White Rock Lake and boasts over 70 years of history along with a scenic view of the downtown Dallas skyline. Whether you’re single, raising a family, or already retired, Old Lake Highlands is one of the safest areas in Dallas to settle down if you just can’t get enough of the outdoors. Norbuck and Bel Aire Parks are nearby, for example, along with various bike and jogging paths. 

And just 10 miles from downtown Dallas, residents living in Old Lake Highlands get to experience more of a quiet lifestyle but with quick access to a number of fun amenities nearby. NorthPark Center, for instance, is a favorite place to shop among locals.

3. Greenway Parks 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Median home sale price: $870,000
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, families, nightlife, commute

Situated right in the heart of the city, the neighborhood of Greenway Parks is located right near Interstate 35E and offers residents access to some of the best perks Dallas has to offer. Along with the outdoor recreation opportunities at Katy Trail and Turtle Creek, the Dallas Market Center, which is one of the best spots for wholesale trade, is also close by. 

And with violent and property crime rates lower than national averages, safety is a top priority in Greenway Parks. 

4. Midway Hollow

• Median rent (all sizes): $1,650
• Median home sale price: $1.18M
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, food options, families, jobs, diversity

Midway Hollow is an up-and-coming community in the Dallas area, especially for young professionals who are looking for some nearby dining and shopping experiences. The high-end grocery store of Central Market allows residents easy access to shopping, and they can also walk to favorite food destinations including The Original Pancake House and Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine. This residential neighborhood also offers some fun outdoor attractions, including Bachman Lake for fishing, walking, and having a picnic. 

Caruth Hills neighborhood in Dallas, TX 
Source: Zillow.com

5. Caruth Hills 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,725
• Median home sale price: $1.85M
• Great for: Dining, shopping, fun attractions, families, schools, commute

Just minutes away from the city center is the neighborhood of Caruth HIlls, one of the safest areas in Dallas situated in a central location with plenty of amenities. When you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, head to Snider Plaza, which includes plenty of dining options ranging from classic Italian food at Penne Pomodoro and Amore to exquisite seafood at Half Shells. 

Other attractions in Caruth Hills are ideal for young professionals, in particular, including upscale shopping experiences at NorthPark Center and acclaimed art exhibits at the Meadows Museum.

6. Preston Trail

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Median home value: $592,500
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, golfing, quality healthcare services

The small neighborhood of Preston Trail is one of the best places for retirees to settle down, as it’s situated in a quiet area with plenty of outdoor recreation available, including golfing. The exclusive golf course of the community is called the Preston Trail Golf Club, which was first constructed in 1962 and has since become one of the best PGA courses in the entire nation! Preston Trail is also known for its vibrant parks, including Frankford Park and Katie Jackson Park. 

And along with low property and violent crime rates, residents living in Preston Trail can count on quality healthcare services nearby at locations such as the Texas Health Surgery Center in Preston Plaza. 

7. Northaven Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $1.08M
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, unique neighborhood atmosphere, schools

Located in North Dallas, the neighborhood of Northaven Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas situated in a quiet community with a plethora of mid-century homes. An interesting fact about this neighborhood is that the southeast section is referred to as the “Disney Streets.” Why? When navigating throughout this area, you will come across streets with names like Snow White Drive and Cinderella Lane. 

Joe’s Creek, which offers tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, and playgrounds, is one of the major highlights of living in Northaven Park. The Northaven Trail is another great option if you’re big into walking! 

And along with several highly rated public schools, residents of Northaven Park have close access to some of the city’s best private schools, including St. Mark’s School of Texas (the #1 Best All-Boys High School in America, according to Niche) and the Greenhill School. 

Russwood Acres in Dallas, TX 
Source: Zillow.com

8. Russwood Acres

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home value: $1.04M
• Great for: Clubs, top-notch hospitals, beautiful atmosphere

One of the most beautiful locations in the North Dallas area, Russwood Acres was first developed in 1962 and has a classic, small-town feel with all of the big-city amenities you could ask for nearby. It’s easy for singles and young professionals looking to make friends to get involved in this community, as you can mingle at local clubs such as the wine club, book club, and even walking club!

Russwood Acres has lower crime rates than many other parts of Dallas, and the nearby access to top-notch hospitals such as the Medical City Dallas Hospital is also a plus. 

9. Oaktree

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Median home sale price: $528,000
• Great for: Shopping, festivals, families, schools, diversity

The neighborhood of Oaktree is situated in an exclusive section of North Dallas and offers a family-oriented luxurious lifestyle. Because of Oaktree’s location between White Rock Creek and the Dallas North Tollway, residents of Oaktree can easily access Galleria Dallas, which is the hot spot for an upscale shopping experience, with stores such as Nordstrom and Gucci. 

Residents of Oaktree can also get involved in events and festivals nearby, including various seasonal activities, such as the impressive fireworks display during Addison Kaboom Town every July at the Addison Circle Park. 

Students, in particular, enjoy living in Oaktree, as it offers some of the safest apartments in Dallas, due to all of the area’s fabulous amenities and close access to schools, such as The University of Texas at Dallas and Dallas Baptist University North.  

10. Lakewood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Median home sale price: $895,000
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, families, schools

Another area that oversees the gorgeous White Rock Lake is the neighborhood of Lakewood, which is ideal for any walk of life with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining. The Lakewood Shopping Center is considered the town square of the neighborhood and offers plenty of spots to shop and dine. They even host events there. such as the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade & Celebration.

Lakewood Elementary School is also a highly rated institution in the area, which is a major draw for families!

11. Devonshire 

• Median rent (all sizes): $2,050
• Median home sale price: $1.92M
• Great for: Shopping, dining, entertainment, nightlife

The neighborhood of Devonshire is one of the safest areas in Dallas located in a picturesque community — and there’s always something fun to do! There is a wide variety of antique stores and boutique stores to check out nearby. You also have plenty of options, when it comes to exploring Dallas’ dining scene — even on the go at places like Rock and Roll Tacos and Cris and John. And entertainment options such as Landmark Inwood Theatre and the Winspear Opera House make for a great date night.

Top-rated schools of the Dallas Independent School District are available to residents of Devonshire, and residents can feel safe living in the community, as crime rates are well below the national average. There’s even an active volunteer Devonshire Neighborhood Association that works to keep the neighborhood safe!

Let PODS Make Your Dallas Move Easier

Once you’ve found your haven in one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, it’s time to start preparing for the move. And with PODS, you can get specialized City Services for your big-city move! Pack your belongings in a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, and let PODS know when it’s ready to be picked up. There’s no need to worry about navigating the busy city streets or hassling with parking — PODS handles all of that. And if you need more time before your move, PODS can keep your belongings in a secure storage facility until you’re ready. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.