Is Northwood Heights safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Northwood Heights as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Northwood Heights
“Go. Northwood Heights is a quiet, established residential neighborhood in North Dallas that is generally safe for visitors and residents alike. While residential blocks experience very low violent crime, visitors should exercise standard urban caution regarding vehicle break-ins near surrounding arterial corridors.”
About the area
Northwood Heights is a classic mid-century North Dallas residential enclave featuring mature trees, ranch-style homes, and quiet suburban streets. It offers a tranquil residential setting with convenient driving access to NorthPark Center, Lake Highlands, and major Dallas commuter arteries.
- Suburban / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Northwood Heights
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
While the neighborhood lacks dedicated on-street bike lanes, low traffic speeds make interior roads easy to cycle, with access to the Cottonwood Trail and Harry Moss trails a short ride away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low rates of violent crime within the residential interior streets
- Above-average median household incomes and stable homeownership rates
- Well-maintained properties with active community neighborhood associations
- Close proximity to North Dallas shopping corridors and major medical centers
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime, primarily vehicle burglaries and catalytic converter thefts along edges
- Spillover property crime risks from busier adjacent commercial corridors like Forest Lane
- Car-dependent design with minimal direct pedestrian amenities inside the neighborhood
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential streets of Northwood Heights, though occasional panhandling is seen along commercial intersections on Forest Lane and Central Expressway.
What Northwood Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with joggers, dog walkers, and light residential commuter traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and safe, with standard residential delivery traffic and occasional neighborhood walkers.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, feeling very secure for evening strolls with standard suburban lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and quiet streets; generally safe, though standard precautions against car break-ins apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves the broader area, with the Forest Lane Station on the Red/Orange Lines located roughly 2 miles west. Local bus route 202 runs along major peripheral avenues.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample residential curbside parking and spacious private driveways throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Northwood Heights
- Stroll or jog along the quiet, tree-canopied residential streets
- Visit nearby Harry S. Moss Park for wooded nature and off-road biking trails
- Explore the nearby culinary spots along the Forest Lane and Greenville Avenue corridors
Local favorites
- One90 Smoked Meats · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.7★ (920)Acclaimed local smokehouse serving handcrafted brisket, ribs, and smoked deli meats.
- Neighbor's Casual Kitchen · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (510)Comfortable neighborhood eatery offering scratch-made American favorites and craft cocktails.
- White Rock Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (1150)Beloved local Dallas roaster offering specialty espresso drinks, pastries, and a warm community vibe.
Neighborhoods near Northwood Heights
Common questions about Northwood Heights
Is Northwood Heights safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Northwood Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Northwood Heights scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Northwood Heights?
Walk score 38/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Northwood Heights are safer?
J.J. Pearce (90), Prestonwood (88), La Mirada (Richardson) (84) score higher nearby.
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