south dallas.....? (Spring, Frisco, Southlake: crime, neighborhoods, income) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

annshouse · 05-10-2008, 04:52 AM

Thank you caligurltotx, that is a good idea. I had thought maybe I could go whenever they are between tenants. But maybe they will offer to do it sooner. If it is vacant, I will want to take a camera, I'm sure.
Many years ago I was a caseworker in West Texas and I visited alot of low income families without incident. But you know it just feels so different when you go to another community. I grew up in Dallas but I haven't lived there in years. You know it's not the low income part that's scary, it's the people on drugs who would do anything for money and are not in their right minds.
I think this will be the only time I ever go. So I think a handgun will not be necessary thought it did cross my mind.
I think a gift is an excellent idea. They would certainly be doing me a favor, so a gift would be very appropriate. I was mulling it over as I wrote and thinking I don't want to come across as condescending, but since they are doing me a favor I can approach it that way. Thank you again for that idea.
And thanks everyone for the encouragement.

ParkRowPioneer · 06-12-2008, 03:17 PM

You should go. I just bought a home on Park Row, in the historical district. A friend of mine said his mom lived two blocks down the street when she was a child. I have fantastic neighbors and everyone has been very nice. The area surrounding the historic district is a bit rough, but on Park Row and South Boulevard (from Malcolm X to 75/175), there is a distinct family atmosphere.

ParkRowPioneer · 06-12-2008, 03:27 PM

A small token gift would be welcome. Anything more would be seen as condescending. They might accept it, but it would be offensive. Keep in mind, though, that the neighborhood has a mix of very low income folks with regular blue- and white-color working class folks. Others might approach you and ask for cigarette money or bus fare. Keep an open mind. There are drug users and sellers just outside the neighborhood (and they come through it occasionally), but they will not approach you as a rule if you don't look like a customer or source, nor will they approach if you have an escort. Do come during the day when you have good visibility of the entire area just so you will be at ease yourself. And by the way, if you like, you can contact me and I will ask my neighbor to go with you for introductions (a decidedly good thing).

annshouse · 06-14-2008, 07:15 PM

Hi! I was so delighted to hear from you. I just got on here to post that the owner of the house has called me and I got your message. The owner left a phone message for me last week and I finally reached her Thursday. She was very warm and friendly and agreeable to letting me see the house. I am so thrilled. She said she has rent houses but her son is living in this one. I'm not sure how to contact you directly. I think it would be reassuring to have someone else come along, and it would be fun to discuss your experiences in the neighborhood. You must live very close to the house I'm going to see. It is in the 2400 block. I have to sign off now but I will be back in touch.

annshouse · 06-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Hi,
I did figure out how to send a direct message to ParkRowPioneer. The owner of the house said she will be out of town for awhile and will call me again when she gets back to set up a visit. I am thrilled. I don't live in Dallas anymore, it will be a 5-6 hour drive for me but I think it will be well worth it. Thanks for the encouragement. I will let you know what happens.

hjennings · 06-17-2008, 10:15 AM

South Dallas is the hood. That's why it's so cheap. Crime, drugs, etc.

billdfw · 06-17-2008, 10:42 AM

South Dallas is for the most part a toilet. There are some beautiful areas and there are many other areas that lay in ruin which could be beautiful.

The problem is that there are no natural barriers to to the separate the bad part from the rest and it is likely why South Dallas will never fully improve itself.

I don't understand why anyone would live down there, espcially in a nicer area that is just blocks away from crack houses and much worse.

Grainraiser · 06-17-2008, 12:03 PM

"South Dallas will never fully improve itself"

I gotta disagree with you on this one. My guess is that developers will take over South Dallas within the next 10-15 years and it will be nothing like it is now. IT's just a matter of time before the norm becomes 500k houses for those who are well off.

cityconvo · 06-17-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdfw

South Dallas is for the most part a toilet. There are some beautiful areas and there are many other areas that lay in ruin which could be beautiful.

The problem is that there are no natural barriers to to the separate the bad part from the rest and it is likely why South Dallas will never fully improve itself.

I don't understand why anyone would live down there, espcially in a nicer area that is just blocks away from crack houses and much worse.

So does this mean that you would not have lived on Morningside, Merrimac, Monticello, Goodwin, or Vickery in between the 5100 and 5800 blocks in the late 80s or early 90s. You would certainly have been blocks away from crack houses and gangs. I know I was on Richard. But look at the area now.

Or what about somewhere on Swiss Ave. now. Yeah, that would be a real drag to live in one of those beautiful homes.

To say an area with so much natural beauty can never improve itself is short sighted to say the least.

Since I have moved to Oak Cliff, a few people have told me that "Oak Cliff isn't for everyone, Thank Goodness!"

Lakewooder · 06-17-2008, 12:12 PM

I also disagree with that there are no barriers - maybe natural maybe not but there are distinct areas of South Dallas.