Is Bethard safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Bethard as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Bethard
“Go with care. Bethard is primarily an unassuming residential pocket in South Dallas with few dedicated tourist draws. Visitors should maintain situational awareness, avoid walking residential side streets after dark, and keep vehicle valuables out of plain sight due to elevated property and opportunistic crime in the wider district.”
About the area
Bethard is a quiet, older working-class neighborhood located in Southern Dallas near the Cedar Crest and Lancaster corridors. Composed mostly of modest mid-century single-family ranch homes, it is predominantly a residential bedroom community rather than an entertainment hub. Visitors are usually passing through or visiting family rather than sightseeing.
- Residential Pocket
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Bethard
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is limited with no direct bike-share stations; cyclists rely on neighborhood streets with limited connectivity to regional trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily residential streets with established long-term homeowners
- Close proximity to larger regional parks and the Dallas Zoo
- Lower traffic density compared to core urban neighborhoods
Cons
- Above-average property crime and vehicle burglary rates in the broader sector
- Pockets of economic distress and limited commercial amenities within walking distance
- Higher risk profile after dark on surrounding major thoroughfares
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low on interior residential blocks, but occasional unhoused individuals and panhandling can be observed along nearby commercial corridors and major transit stops on Lancaster Road.
What Bethard is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet with residents commuting and school buses running; generally safe for daytime routines.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Low foot traffic with typical neighborhood activity, though standard caution is advised along main perimeter roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets quiet down significantly; outdoor activities decrease as visibility drops.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for casual walking due to sparse street lighting and higher risk of property and opportunistic crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), with local bus routes servicing arterial roads like Lancaster Road and Loop 12. The nearest DART Light Rail station is VA Medical Center Station on the Blue Line, located roughly 1.5 to 2 miles away.
Street parking is generally free and readily available throughout residential streets, though visitors should lock doors and remove all visible belongings.
Things to do in Bethard
- Visit nearby Cedar Crest Golf Course for a historic public round of golf
- Explore the animals and exhibits at the nearby Dallas Zoo just a short drive north
- Spend an afternoon outdoors at South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park
Local favorites
- Cedar Crest Golf Course · Golf Course · 4.1★ (420)A historic municipal championship golf course offering skyline views and a rich past.
- Taqueria El Si Hay · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Popular nearby spot serving authentic street tacos and elotes to loyal crowds.
- Sweet Georgia Brown · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.2★ (2300)Acclaimed local cafeteria-style eatery famous for massive portions of classic soul food.
Neighborhoods near Bethard
Common questions about Bethard
Is Bethard safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Bethard a good place to live?
On safety, Bethard scores 54/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Bethard?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Bethard are safer?
Lake Highlands (78), Lakeridge Heights (75), Infinity on the Oaks (74) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Bethard? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.