Is Northwest Red Oak safe?
Red Oak, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Northwest Red Oak as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Northwest Red Oak
“Go. Northwest Red Oak is a quiet, low-crime suburban community characterized by spacious single-family homes, low poverty rates, and a peaceful residential atmosphere. Visitors will find virtually no violent crime risk, though you will need a personal vehicle to get around efficiently.”
About the area
Northwest Red Oak is a rapidly developing semi-rural and suburban pocket situated in northern Ellis County just south of the Dallas County line. It is characterized by master-planned subdivisions, acreage properties, open green spaces, and a strong family-oriented vibe.
- Suburban / Semi-Rural
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Northwest Red Oak
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 26/100
There is no bike-share system and dedicated bike lanes are absent; cyclists must share the road with high-speed vehicular traffic along county roads and thoroughfares.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro average
- High rate of homeownership (over 80%) with well-kept properties and minimal residential vacancies
- Solid economic base with median household incomes well above the national median
Cons
- Severe car dependence with practically zero pedestrian infrastructure or public transit options
- Limited street lighting on older semi-rural secondary roads after dark
- Distance from major urban amenities, trauma hospitals, and cultural attractions
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Northwest Red Oak. There are no known encampments or panhandling hot spots in this suburban residential area.
What Northwest Red Oak is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and quiet as residents commute to work, with high safety throughout neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and active with school traffic, delivery vehicles, and residents utilizing local parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful residential ambiance with minimal foot traffic and virtually no safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with very little traffic; while crime is rare, unlit rural roads require cautious driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
There is no fixed-route public transit in Red Oak. STAR Transit offers on-demand curb-to-curb service for Ellis County, but the closest passenger rail is the DART Blue Line at UNT Dallas Station roughly 14 miles to the north.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free, with wide private driveways, open residential curbs, and large commercial surface parking lots.
Things to do in Northwest Red Oak
- Enjoy outdoor walking trails, playgrounds, and community sports fields at Watkins Park
- Sample authentic Texas-style smoked brisket and comfort food along the FM 664 corridor
- Take a scenic, peaceful drive through the rolling countryside and equestrian pastures near Ovilla
Local favorites
- Red Oak Cafe · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (620)Beloved local diner serving homestyle Southern breakfasts, burgers, and classic comfort meals.
- Little Mexico Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (750)Casual neighborhood staple offering classic Tex-Mex combination plates and fresh salsa.
- Big D BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (510)Down-home counter-serve smokehouse dishing out ribs, pulled pork, and traditional sides.
Neighborhoods near Northwest Red Oak
Common questions about Northwest Red Oak
Is Northwest Red Oak safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Northwest Red Oak a good place to live?
On safety, Northwest Red Oak scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Northwest Red Oak?
Walk score 14/100 and bike score 26/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Northwest Red Oak are safer?
Oak Leaf (TX) (90), Elva (86) score higher nearby.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Northwest Red Oak? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.