Is Lakewood (Dallas) safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lakewood (Dallas) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Lakewood (Dallas)
“Go. Lakewood is one of the most charming, affluent, and safe residential neighborhoods in Dallas, offering picturesque historic architecture and immediate access to White Rock Lake. Visitors can comfortably explore local boutiques, dine at Lakewood Shopping Center, or stroll along tree-lined streets with standard situational awareness.”
About the area
Situated in East Dallas near White Rock Lake, Lakewood is an upscale, historic neighborhood known for Tudor and Spanish-style homes, sprawling green spaces, and a tight-knit community feel. It blends quiet residential tranquility with vibrant dining and shopping hubs along Gaston Avenue.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Upscale Residential
- Lakeside Proximity
Walking and biking in Lakewood (Dallas)
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Lakewood has excellent connectivity to the Santa Fe Trail and White Rock Lake Trail loop, though dedicated on-street bike lanes are sparse on main thoroughfares.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to citywide Dallas averages
- High household incomes and strong rates of homeownership exceeding 75%
- Direct adjacency to White Rock Lake Park and the Santa Fe Trail network
- Active neighborhood patrols and well-maintained public infrastructure
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins around retail parking lots
- Limited walkability outside of the central commercial corridor along Gaston Avenue
- High traffic volume and speeding along major arteries like Gaston Avenue and Abrams Road
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Lakewood's core residential areas, with only occasional individuals or passive panhandling near busy intersections along Gaston Avenue and Garland Road.
What Lakewood (Dallas) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and bustling with morning joggers, dog walkers, and commuters grabbing coffee at local cafes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and active with shoppers and families visiting the Lakewood Shopping Center and nearby parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and relaxed as outdoor restaurant patios fill up; very comfortable for walking to dinner.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and largely deserted on residential streets; remains generally safe, though standard late-night vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by DART, primarily via bus routes 214 and 224 running along Gaston and Abrams. The nearest DART Rail station is White Rock Station on the Blue Line, approximately 2.5 miles northeast.
Parking is generally easy and free throughout the area, with ample dedicated surface lots in shopping plazas and non-metered residential street parking.
Things to do in Lakewood (Dallas)
- Catch an indie movie, concert, or classic film screening at the historic Lakewood Theater area
- Stroll, jog, or picnic along the western edge of White Rock Lake Park
- Browse local boutiques and specialty gift shops at Lakewood Shopping Center
Local favorites
- Lakewood Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (1650)A neighborhood favorite serving classic Texas brisket, ribs, and craft beers in a family-friendly space.
- Mi Cocina · Tex-Mex Restaurant · 4.4★ (1250)A popular East Dallas outpost serving upscale Tex-Mex staples and signature Mambo Taxi cocktails.
- White Rock Coffee - Lakewood · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (480)A cozy neighborhood cafe pouring locally roasted coffee blends alongside scratch-made baked treats.
Neighborhoods near Lakewood (Dallas)
Common questions about Lakewood (Dallas)
Is Lakewood (Dallas) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Lakewood (Dallas) a good place to live?
On safety, Lakewood (Dallas) scores 86/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Lakewood (Dallas)?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 68/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Lakewood (Dallas) are safer?
Lakewood (Dallas) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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