Here Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas To Consider in 2025

Living in Dallas offers the perfect blend of Texas-sized energy, beautiful outdoor views, and big-city Texas amenities. With a growing population and a skyline that keeps expanding, the city is evolving fast — and that means more neighborhoods worth exploring.

If you’re considering moving to the area and wondering about the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, you’re asking the right question. While Dallas isn’t perfect, it does offer pockets of real serenity, community charm, and strong living value. Many locals even say some of the safest parts of Dallas feel like small towns wrapped in big-city convenience. Plus, the city has a projected population growth rate of 8.64 percent by 2028.

So, is Dallas safe? The honest answer: It depends on where you live and how aware you are. Like any major metro, there are spots to avoid and neighborhoods that make you feel right at home. The good news is, when you know where to look, you’ll find several of the safest areas in Dallas that pair security with serious lifestyle perks.

Here’s the candid truth: The citywide crime rate remains elevated compared to many U.S. cities, so choosing one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas is a smart move. That’s why we’ve rounded up 11 top-tier sections of town where safety, style, and community all align. Let’s dive in.

Safest Areas in Dallas — FAQs

Q: What is the safest area in Dallas?

A: What is the safest area of Dallas to live in? According to NeighborhoodScout, Preston Hollow, Northhaven Park, and parts of Lake Highlands consistently rank among the safest neighborhoods in Dallas.

Q: What part of Dallas is best to live in?

A: Some of the best places to live in Dallas are in North Dallas in charming neighborhoods like Greenway Parks, Caruth Hills, Russwood Acres, and Devonshire. These communities combine tree-lined streets, elegant homes, and a strong sense of safety with easy access to Uptown nightlife, NorthPark Center shopping, and top-rated schools. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly parks, a peaceful residential vibe, or proximity to Dallas’s best restaurants and entertainment, North Dallas offers a little bit of everything.

Q: Which is safer: Dallas or Fort Worth?

A: Is Dallas, Texas, safer than its neighbor to the west? Nope. Slight edge goes to Fort Worth in terms of overall crime statistics, but the difference isn’t dramatic. What really matters is picking one of the safest areas in Dallas and staying aware.

Q: Is Dallas or Houston safer?

A: Is Dallas safer than Houston? Dallas is considered slightly safer based on crime statistics — your chances of being a victim of property or violent crime are a bit lower in Dallas (1 in 24) than in Houston (1 in 22).

Q: Is Downtown Dallas safe to walk around?

A: Yes, Downtown Dallas is generally safe to walk around, especially during the day and in popular areas like Klyde Warren Park, the Arts District, and Main Street. The city has added more lighting, police patrols, and foot traffic in recent years, making it a lively spot for shopping, dining, and events. That said, it’s still smart to stay aware of your surroundings — especially at night — and stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas for the best experience.

Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas

Don’t let citywide stats scare you. The following areas rank among the safest neighborhoods in Dallas (and perhaps even among the best places to live in Texas), offering a great balance of lifestyle, convenience, and security. 

Known as one of the safest areas in Dallas, Wilshire Heights is also an excellent place to raise a family and the second-best neighborhood to buy a house in the city.

(Source: Zillow.com)

1. Wilshire Heights

Average rent (all home sizes): $2,600

Median home sale price: $670,000

Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, shopping, schools, nightlife

One of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, Wilshire Heights, brings a cozy, tight-knit community feel inside the big-city limits. Take the kids to the playground at Tietze Park, or enjoy a game of basketball or tennis.

With its Craftsman and ranch-style homes, plus top-tier schools like the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts and the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School nearby, it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas for families who crave suburban charm without losing proximity to downtown.

2. Old Lake Highlands

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075

Median home sale price: $575,000

Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, shopping, 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 you’re 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.

Old Lake Highlands is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas for those who still want easy access to downtown. Just 10 miles away, you’re far enough removed to enjoy quiet evenings. Plus, you can still go shopping at NorthPark Center.

3. Greenway Parks  

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775

Median home sale price: $738,000

Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, shopping, nightlife, commute

Right in the heart of Dallas, Greenway Parks offers strong safety credentials and quick access to top spots like Katy Trail, Turtle Creek, and the Dallas Market Center. With quick access to Interstate 35E, you get city convenience and residential calm — a true gem among the safest neighborhoods in Dallas.

And with violent and property crime rates lower than national averages, safety is a top priority in Greenway Parks, which is why it’s known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas.

4. Midway Hollow

Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,750

Median home sale price: $1.3M

Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, food options, jobs, diversity, nightlife

Midway Hollow is an up-and-coming community in the Dallas area. Residents can enjoy shopping at the high-end grocery store Central Market. Don’t feel like cooking? With dining like The Original Pancake House and Tacos El Metro, you don’t have to worry.

With outdoor draws, like Bachman Lake, nearby, it’s becoming one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas for young professionals who want both security and buzz.

Caruth Hills is not only one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, but one of the best for young professionals.
(Source: Zillow.com)

5. Caruth Hills

Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,000

Median home sale price: $3.1M

Great for: Families, dining, shopping, fun attractions, schools, commute, nightlife

Just minutes away from the city center is the neighborhood of Caruth Hills, one of the safest areas in Dallas.

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 Italian Bistro 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): $1,300

Average home value: $301,000

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. First constructed in 1962, the Preston Trails Golf Course is the community’s most exclusive golf course — not to mention it’s 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: $1.2M

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. It stands out thanks to its quirky “Disney Streets.” (Yes, Snow White Drive and Cinderella Lane are real.)

Joe’s Creek (located near Peter Pan Drive) offers tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, and playgrounds, and 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 No. 2 Best All-Boys High School in America, according to Niche) and the Greenhill School. 

Russwood Acres, one of the safest areas in Dallas, is known for balancing a welcoming, small-town feel with plenty of big-city amenities.
(Source: Zillow.com)

8. Russwood Acres

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625

Median listing home price: $1.2M

Great for: Families, clubs, top-notch hospitals, beautiful atmosphere

One of the most beautiful locations in North Dallas, Russwood Acres, is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. It 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 — think: Wine club, book club, and even walking club.

It also gives you access to great hospitals, such as Medical City Dallas Hospital. With consistently low crime rates, this pocket of North Dallas stands tall among the safest areas in Dallas.

9. Oaktree

Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325

Median home sale price: $435,000

Great for: Families, shopping, festivals, 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 — a hotspot 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): $1,475

Median home sale price: $1.4M

Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, shopping, schools

Overlooking White Rock Lake, Lakewood nails the blend of outdoor lifestyle and safety. Lakewood Shopping Center is seen as the neighborhood’s “town square,” and offers plenty of spots to shop and dine. You can even attend events there, like 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 home sizes): N/A

Median listing home price: $1.9M

Great for: Shopping, dining, entertainment, nightlife

With antiques, boutiques, lively dining spots, and proximity to entertainment venues, Devonshire is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas for someone who wants security and a thriving social scene.

There’s a great variety of antique stores and boutique stores to check out nearby. Plus plenty of options when it comes to exploring Dallas’ dining scene — even on the go at places like Cris and John. And entertainment options such as Landmark’s Inwood Theatre and the Winspear Opera House make for a great date night.

Top-rated schools within the Dallas Independent School District are nearby. And active community members can volunteer with the Devonshire Neighborhood Association.

What’s Happening With Safety and Housing in Dallas

• The citywide average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,400.
• Rent levels vary greatly by bedroom count and neighborhood — for example, one-bedrooms in desirable areas range anywhere between $1,400 to $1,800 a month.
• The average home value in Dallas is $304,300.
• On safety: While the overall crime rate in Dallas remains above the national average, many neighborhoods are becoming safer. In 2024, major crime categories like homicides and assaults declined by over 26 percent.

So, is Dallas, Texas, safe? The answer is that it’s getting safer.

Moving is never easy, but PODS can make it flexible.

Make Your Move to the Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas Flexible With PODS

Once you’ve zeroed in on your perfect place among the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, it’s time to get your move on — but with flexibility (because life happens). With PODS portable moving containers, you load at your own pace, the container gets picked up when you're ready, and one month of storage is included in the cost of every move. If you need extra help, PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading services to lend a hand with the heavy lifting.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin; median listing home prices were obtained from Realtor.com. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}