Is Gifford safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Gifford as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Gifford
“Go with care. Gifford is primarily a working-class residential and commercial pocket where visitors face minimal violent threat during daylight hours if sticking to routine errands. However, elevated property crime, auto thefts, and poor night lighting warrant increased situational awareness.”
About the area
Gifford is an unassuming neighborhood in western Dallas characterized by modest single-family homes, auto repair shops, and light industrial corridors. It serves largely as a commuter and residential base with direct highway connectivity to Interstate 30 and Loop 12 rather than a traditional tourist destination.
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
- Industrial-Adjacent
- Suburban-Urban Fringe
Walking and biking in Gifford
Walk score: 41/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no dedicated bike share stations or protected bike lanes within the neighborhood, though trail connections exist further east toward Coombs Creek.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient vehicular transit with rapid access to Interstate 30 and Loop 12
- Established working-class community with stable residential occupancy
- Low density and quiet residential streets away from high-traffic nightlife areas
Cons
- Higher property crime and motor vehicle theft rates compared to Texas state averages
- Pockets of industrial sprawl, vacant lots, and aging commercial infrastructure
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure with sporadic sidewalks and sparse street lighting
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks, but occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals are noted near major freeway underpasses and transit stops along Loop 12.
What Gifford is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet and straightforward as residents depart for work, feeling generally safe for driving and basic errands.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate commercial traffic and active trade businesses create a standard working-class atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity drops off sharply after dark; poorly lit residential streets require extra caution when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted, increasing vulnerability to vehicle-related crimes and opportunistic theft.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) operates local bus routes through surrounding thoroughfares, with the Westmoreland DART Rail Station (Red Line) situated approximately 3 miles southeast.
Street parking is widely accessible and free throughout residential blocks, and local commercial establishments provide ample free surface parking.
Things to do in Gifford
- Sample authentic regional Mexican dishes and tacos at independent local eateries along the main corridors.
- Visit nearby Mountain Creek Lake Park for outdoor recreation, open green space, and shoreline views.
- Take a short drive east to Trinity Groves to explore dining incubators, art installations, and Dallas skyline vistas.
Local favorites
- Taqueria El Arquito · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (680)Straightforward local counter-serve stop popular for tacos de trompo and hearty tortas.
- Mariscos El Barco · Seafood Restaurant · 4.1★ (390)Casual neighborhood venue offering Mexican-style seafood, ceviches, and cold drinks.
- Tacos Y Mas · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (430)Unpretentious regional chain serving dependable street tacos, breakfast burritos, and quesadillas.
Neighborhoods near Gifford
Common questions about Gifford
Is Gifford safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Gifford a good place to live?
On safety, Gifford scores 61/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Gifford?
Walk score 41/100 and bike score 38/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Gifford are safer?
The Village Westside (83), The Douglas (80), Waterford @ Bellmar (64) score higher nearby.
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