Is University Crossing safe?
Dallas, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates University Crossing as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on University Crossing
“Go. University Crossing is an active, modern district with a high level of daily pedestrian activity and a strong safety profile. While violent crime is rare, visitors should stay mindful of opportunistic property crimes and car break-ins around busy transit lots and shopping garages.”
About the area
Located immediately east of Southern Methodist University and North Central Expressway, University Crossing is a walkable, transit-oriented enclave of Dallas. It features modern mid-rise apartments, bustling shopping plazas, and direct access to major urban trail networks.
- Transit-Oriented
- Young Professionals
- Active / Collegiate
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in University Crossing
Walk score: 74/100 · Bike score: 72/100
The district anchors the paved University Crossing Trail, linking directly to the Katy Trail, Ridgewood Trail, and the SoPac Trail network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than the Dallas citywide average.
- High household incomes and strong educational attainment anchored by SMU and young professionals.
- Active management and security presence provided by the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID).
Cons
- Elevated risk of vehicle break-ins and bike theft in shared retail and apartment garages.
- Heavy vehicular traffic along US-75 service roads and Mockingbird Lane creating pedestrian hazards.
- Occasional late-night loitering around public transit interfaces.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable around the Mockingbird DART rail station and under highway overpasses near US-75, but established encampments are rare in the core district.
What University Crossing is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Lively and very safe, filled with early commuters, SMU students, and joggers on the trail.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial atmosphere with robust foot traffic across shopping centers and campus facilities.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Energetic and social around restaurants and the theater, remaining generally safe with standard awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Foot traffic drops off considerably outside nightlife venues; side streets and unlit trail sections require caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves the neighborhood via Mockingbird Station (Red, Orange, and Blue Lines) located directly in the district, complemented by frequent bus routes including 105 and 209.
Parking is readily available in multi-level garages and surface lots at Mockingbird Station and retail centers, mostly free for patrons; street parking is minimal.
Things to do in University Crossing
- Walk, run, or cycle along the landscaped University Crossing Trail connecting to Katy Trail.
- Catch an independent film and enjoy rooftop views at Mockingbird Station.
- Dine and shop at the outdoor retail hubs along Greenville Avenue and Mockingbird Lane.
Local favorites
- Angelika Film Center & Cafe · Movie Theater · 4.5★ (2150)Multi-screen indie and foreign cinema featuring cafe seating and craft concessions.
- Halcyon Coffee Bar & Lounge · Cafe · 4.4★ (1450)Laid-back hybrid cafe and lounge offering artisan coffee, cocktails, and table-side s'mores.
- Urban Taco · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (1100)Contemporary venue serving craft Mexican street fare, specialty tacos, and tequilas.
Neighborhoods near University Crossing
Common questions about University Crossing
Is University Crossing safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is University Crossing a good place to live?
On safety, University Crossing scores 78/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is University Crossing?
Walk score 74/100 and bike score 72/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near University Crossing are safer?
Carruth Terrace (86), Gentry on M Streets (86), Lakewood (Dallas) (86) score higher nearby.
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