Lakewood/Lakewood Elementary - Safety of Area (Dallas, Richardson: crime, home)

[NorthDallaswide]

Hello everyone, I appreciate all of the informative posts about Lakewood and different areas in Dallas. We are considering a move from the McKinney to Lakewood and are wondering about the following:
1) Safety of neighborhood - is it safe to walk the dog at 11pm at night? I don't think walking around Whiterock would be an option but what about in Lakewood Proper? This is a litmus test for my husband. Additionally, we have 2 young children and want to be comfortable of their safety.
2) I have read alot about Lakewood Elementary but not from too many parents with children that go there. Any info would be appreciated. Is the DISD budget issue expected to cause any problems? We have heard great things about the school.
3) Commute to Richardson(75/Campbell)? My husband's co-workers estimate 20 minutes even in traffic since the commute is against the high density traffic. Does this seem accurate?

Thank you for any information!

[debtex]

The area is really safe, but it's also kind of big, so it depends on where you are in the neighborhood. Walking the dog is a no-brainer...totally safe.

My brother commutes up to 75 & Campbell and it takes about 20 minutes. It's a reverse commute, although I think things slow down at the 635 interchange a bit.

[billdfw]

Lakewood is safe, but you have to know that "Lakewood" is a small geographical region. It's borders are Abram's Road, Mockingbird Ln, Williamson Rd, and Gaston Road. If you start going outside these borders, mostly to the South, it get's shadier and shadier.

The neighborhoods to the east & west of Lakewood are safe, but some are still transitional.

However, most of the crime in Lakewood and the surrounding area is non-violent like car thefts and home break-ins when no one is there.

Lakewood elementary is highly regarded, but you must remember that DISD is a horrible school district, and one of the worst in the state. I would visit the school and talk to parent's of students there.

The commute of 20 minutes, with traffic, sounds right.

Good luck.

[oldaggie2000]

I walk my dog all the time in the 9-10 pm range. Never afraid for my safety. Just enjoy the peacefulness of the tree lined streets. Our youngest in only 2.5 years old but we are sending him all the way through Lakewood/Long/Woodrow and feel like he is going to get a wonderful education after talking to neighbors etc. We absolutely love Lakewood and wouldn't move anywhere else in DFW even if we could afford the Park Cities/Southlake etc. Such a great mix of people and the pride is wonderful. Hope that helps

[littlewmn]

I love this neighborhood. It is safe and beautiful.
We live just past Lakewood proper, and most of the surrounding area is safe. There are some areas off Gaston that are dicey, and don't get too close to I-30.
I have lived in many places and this is fast becoming my favorite.

[NorthDallaswide]

Thanks for everyone's great feedback..this was very helpful!