🎓🐶 Avoiding the Sketch Areas of Dallas & Living in a Safe Area Instead!
Howdy y’all! 👋 As a brand-new Texas Aggie Grad (WHOOP! ✨), I’ve just made the big move to Dallas to start my post-college career. And let me tell you—finding a safe place to live in a city this big is not as simple as it sounds.
When I was back in College Station, life was easy. The biggest decision was whether to live Northside or Southside, and the worst “crime” was your roommate eating your leftover Layne’s. But in Dallas? Things are a little different.
I learned quickly that not every apartment that looks shiny online is actually in a safe neighborhood. And the last thing you want is to sign a lease, move in, and then realize you don’t feel comfortable walking outside after dark.
Here’s what I’ve figured out (and what I wish someone had told me) about avoiding the sketchy areas of Dallas and finding safer neighborhoods to call home.
🚩 Sketchy Areas You’ll Want to Be Careful In
Now, I’m not here to bash parts of Dallas—but I am here to be real with my fellow Aggies. If you’re just starting out in your career and don’t know the city well, some neighborhoods can feel unsafe, especially at night.
Deep Ellum – Great for concerts, murals, and nightlife, but not so great for feeling safe walking home after midnight. Lots of break-ins and late-night sketchiness. Fun to visit, not fun to live in.
The Airport District – Apartments may look cheap here, but crime rates are higher, and it’s not the place you want to settle after graduation.
The Medical District – Tons of great hospitals and jobs here, but crime can be an issue, and some apartment complexes look nice on the outside but aren’t always secure.
✅ Safer, More Comfortable Areas for Aggies
So, where should you look instead? Here are some areas that feel safer and are more popular with young professionals (especially us recent grads):
Uptown Dallas – Trendy, walkable, tons of restaurants, and full of other young professionals. It’s pricier, but worth it if safety and social life matter to you.
Addison – A little further north, but clean, safe, and full of young professionals. Tons of restaurants, bars, and easy access to the Tollway.
The Village – Legendary Dallas apartment community where many new grads start out. It’s social, Aggie-friendly, and you’ll instantly have people to meet.
Frisco & Plano – If you don’t mind a commute, these suburbs are family-friendly, modern, and very safe.
🛑 What I Learned the Hard Way
When I started looking at apartments, I almost got tricked by super low rent deals in sketchy areas. The lesson? Cheap rent usually comes with a hidden cost—your peace of mind.
I also learned to do this before signing anything:
Check Google Reviews of the apartment complex.
Look at crime maps for the neighborhood.
Drive by the area at night, not just during the day.
Ask locals (or even better, Aggie connections) where they feel safe living.
🤝 Final Word from a Fellow Aggie
Dallas is an amazing city with so much opportunity—but as a new Aggie grad, you’ve got to be smart about where you live. Don’t let a “pretty” apartment or a flashy special blind you to what the neighborhood is really like.
Stick to safer areas, connect with other Aggies in the city, and you’ll have a blast living here without constantly looking over your shoulder.
So… Gig ’em 👍 and welcome to Dallas, Ags! Let’s make smart choices and enjoy this next chapter. 🏙️✨
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Aggies—find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments! We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours. 100% free and Aggie-focused.
👉 Sign up here: howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791
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