Is Bonton safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Bonton as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Bonton
“Go with care. Bonton is best visited during daytime hours specifically to patronize community anchor destinations like Bonton Farms. Exercise heightened situational awareness, stick to main thoroughfares like Bexar Street, and avoid walking through residential side streets after dark.”
About the area
Bonton is a historic South Dallas neighborhood situated near the Trinity River levees that has experienced significant grassroots revitalization alongside ongoing economic challenges. While agricultural and urban renewal projects have created welcoming community hubs, the surrounding blocks still face elevated levels of violent and property crime.
- Grassroots Revival
- Urban Agriculture
- Car-Dependent
- Developing
Walking and biking in Bonton
Walk score: 44/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure within the neighborhood is minimal, though nearby connectors offer access to Trinity River trails; dockless bike shares are rarely available.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Transformational community anchors like Bonton Farms provide welcoming dining and farmers market spaces
- Active grassroots community leadership and ongoing urban reinvestment along Bexar Street
- Close proximity to the Great Trinity Forest and natural green spaces
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain substantially higher than city and national averages
- Poverty rates exceed 35% with high housing vulnerability and numerous vacant lots
- Limited commercial retail, grocery options, and infrastructure outside of primary development pockets
- Poor street lighting and isolated industrial edges raise nighttime safety risks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along industrial edges, vacant lots, and highway underpasses near US-175, though large encampments are less concentrated within the residential core.
What Bonton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally peaceful around Bonton Farms and Bexar Street with staff, volunteers, and visitors arriving.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Remains active with cafe patrons and local traffic, though quiet side streets warrant standard caution.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity drops off sharply after businesses close, and visitor foot traffic is generally not recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety risks increase considerably due to reduced visibility, sparse street activity, and heightened crime rates.
Transit, parking and getting around
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides bus service through the area (such as Route 217 along Bexar Street). The nearest DART Light Rail station is Hatcher Station on the Green Line, roughly 1.8 miles north.
Free surface lot and street parking are easily available at Bonton Farms and along Bexar Street with no paid meters.
Things to do in Bonton
- Tour Bonton Farms to see innovative urban agriculture and sustainable community initiatives
- Enjoy breakfast or lunch at The Market at Bonton Farms featuring locally grown ingredients
- Access nearby trailheads connecting toward the Trinity River and Great Trinity Forest
Local favorites
- Bonton Farms · Urban Farm & Community Center · 4.8★ (1150)A sprawling urban farm and community hub offering fresh produce, farm tours, and community programs.
- The Market at Bonton Farms · Southern / Farm-to-Table Restaurant · 4.8★ (680)A cozy, highly rated eatery serving wholesome Southern comfort dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients.
- The Coffee House at Bonton Farms · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (210)A welcoming neighborhood cafe serving espresso drinks, teas, and fresh bakery items.
Neighborhoods near Bonton
Common questions about Bonton
Is Bonton safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Bonton a good place to live?
On safety, Bonton scores 48/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Bonton?
Walk score 44/100 and bike score 48/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Bonton are safer?
Spanish Rock (82), Wheatley Place (52), Fruitdale (52) score higher nearby.
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