Is Havenwood Heights safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Havenwood Heights as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Havenwood Heights
“Go with care. Havenwood Heights is primarily a quiet, working-class residential neighborhood, but it borders corridors in South Dallas and Oak Cliff that experience elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents. Visitors with family or business in the area will generally have an uneventful stay during daylight hours, but situational awareness is recommended after dark.”
About the area
Havenwood Heights is a modest, mid-century residential enclave located in the southern part of Dallas near Oak Cliff and Cedar Crest. Characterized by single-family ranch homes and mature trees, it offers a strictly local residential feel rather than a tourist destination. Daily activity centers around nearby thoroughfares like South Lancaster Road and Ledbetter Drive.
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Mid-Century Homes
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Havenwood Heights
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There are no dock-based bike-share stations in the immediate vicinity, and dedicated bike lanes are scarce, though low-traffic residential streets provide basic riding routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily owner-occupied residential streets with minimal cut-through commercial traffic
- Close proximity to regional cultural anchors like the Dallas Zoo and Cedar Crest Golf Course
- Active long-term residents and local community block watches that monitor street activity
Cons
- Higher property crime rates, including auto theft and vehicle break-ins, compared to national averages
- Elevated violent crime statistics in immediately surrounding commercial corridors along South Lancaster Road
- Limited commercial retail and dining options directly within the residential borders
- Higher poverty rate and lower median household income relative to Dallas County averages
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within the interior residential blocks of Havenwood Heights, but individuals and small encampments are sometimes observed near major transit stops, highway underpasses, and convenience store strips along South Lancaster Road.
What Havenwood Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally calm and quiet as residents commute to work and school along neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons see steady residential traffic, with people tending yards and walking pets, feeling moderately safe.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings remain relatively quiet on residential blocks, though caution is warranted when visiting nearby commercial plazas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late-night foot travel is not recommended due to reduced lighting, limited pedestrian presence, and elevated property crime risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), with local bus routes connecting to the DART Rail Blue Line at nearby stations such as Kiest Station and VA Medical Center Station (about 1.5 to 2 miles away).
Street parking is free and widely available in front of residential properties, and commercial strip centers offer ample free surface parking.
Things to do in Havenwood Heights
- Play a historic round of 18 holes at the nearby Cedar Crest Golf Course
- Visit the Dallas Zoo just a short drive north along Interstate 35E
- Explore the walking paths and recreation facilities at nearby South Oak Cliff parks
Local favorites
- Cedar Crest Golf Course · Golf Course · 4.2★ (460)Historic 1919 municipal golf course that famously hosted the 1927 PGA Championship.
- Smokey John's Bar-B-Q & Home Cooking · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (2350)Celebrated local institution serving hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, and Southern sides.
- Southside Steaks & Cakes · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1210)Neighborhood staple known for hearty Philly cheesesteaks, seasoned fries, and sweet desserts.
Neighborhoods near Havenwood Heights
Common questions about Havenwood Heights
Is Havenwood Heights safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Havenwood Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Havenwood Heights scores 52/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Havenwood Heights?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Havenwood Heights are safer?
Lake Highlands (78), Lenox Lake Highlands (74), Infinity on the Oaks (74) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Havenwood Heights? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.