DFW/Houston crime? (Dallas, Spring, Frisco: insurance, crime rate, home)

[jm31828]

Ok, I don't want to start one of the big DFW vs. Houston argument threads that I've seen out there, but from reading through a lot of the posts I do have a question. It seems those in the Dallas area mention that Dallas has a lot of crime and that a large portion of the city proper is not really the best crime-wise. (someone even mentioned Dallas having a higher crime rate than Los Angeles) I don't see as many posts like that in the Houston forums- so how does overall crime compare in the two areas? If someone were thinking of moving to one of these two areas (as I and my wife are hoping to do), are there more areas in one city vs. the other that we'd be advised to stay away from? (not needing specifics at this time, just trying to get an overall feel for both at this time)

[CurrentlyinSanAntonio]

I can't compare the two but when you are comparing you have to take in to account how crimes are reported. Some departments report 1 guy shooting 5 people as 1 crime, others(like Dallas) report it as 5 different crimes. I have no idea how Houston reports.

[Spree]

They are both very large metropolitan areas and there will be crime. I think it's a wash between the two. Houston has weird zoning laws so you'll find liquor stores and strip clubs closer to residential areas, if that makes a difference to you.

Go where you will enjoy living.

[padcrasher]

You cannot talk about crime in the Dallas area without mentioning who confined it is to certain areas. It's all about where you live. In most suburban cities violent crime is very rare.

[love roses]

Yes, even in Houston, there are pockets of the city that are not so great and others that are just fine. Some parts of Spring Branch are bad as are areas near the Beltway and 59 and Greenspoint. Also, parts of North Houston. I lived Downtown in Rice Village and there were basically no problems at all. Also, most of the Inner Loop and Galleria areas are great.

[tstone]

As far as the Galleria goes, many people won't admit it, but this area consistently makes HPD's top lists for crime volume. Mostly petty car crime, some armed robberies and home burglaries, with seasonal spikes. Though murder is highly unlikely. This region borders the notorious SW side, which is probably the biggest reason -- the haves & the have-nots.

You can see it yourself: houston crime maps - Google Search

Adjacent Woodlake is also in the top list, also borders the SW. And after doing a little digging, apparently so are the inner loop areas of Montrose and The Heights. Hmm...

But we'll just do what so many Uptowners and Inner-loopers do: Deny that it exists because it didn't happen to us personally, come up with some convoluted per-capita story, poop on the suburbs, then finally stick our heads in the sand.

IMO, Dallas and Houston are both pretty equivalent as far as crime rate goes. Pretty high compared to the rest of the country, but it could be worse. Proper insurance, spending decent money for a secure residence, and not hanging out with the wrong crowds are requirements. If you follow all that, chances are you'll be just fine.

[John Shaft]

Interestingly, the only crime I experienced while living in Dallas for ~5 years was vehicular burglary while I lived in Highland Park. The other 4 years I was in a far "lesser" neighborhood and never had a problem.

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by Spree

They are both very large metropolitan areas and there will be crime. I think it's a wash between the two. Houston has weird zoning laws so you'll find liquor stores and strip clubs closer to residential areas, if that makes a difference to you.

Go where you will enjoy living.

Houston has NO zoning laws at all.

[Poltracker]

Originally Posted by love roses

Yes, even in Houston, there are pockets of the city that are not so great and others that are just fine. Some parts of Spring Branch are bad as are areas near the Beltway and 59 and Greenspoint. Also, parts of North Houston. I lived Downtown in Rice Village and there were basically no problems at all. Also, most of the Inner Loop and Galleria areas are great.

A few years ago, a lady was shot walking out of a store in Rice Village. Nearby, you had the gang fight in the park on Dunlavy that resulted in a death (more properly in Montrose area but close). The Village area and Montrose may be low as far as violent crime goes but petty crime like theft is huge. Cars and anything on a patio or left outside are fair game for this. I was the vicitim of a kick burglary (aborted by the police after they got in, yes I was home at the time and it was very scary), my car was broken into at least 5 times, and items including a bike (chained at the time) stolen from my patio over a period of 10 years. My neighbors and friends were just as unfortunate. I lived right next to the Menil Museum so not a bad area. Personally I loved living there even with that. You just had to be careful with your things.

[Lakewooder]

Even the newest suburbs are having crime problems..Frisco's crime was up 25% last year and the TV news has been full of stories about cars being broken into in very nice shopping areas.

Many times the naive and not street smart are the victims of crime. Also people who freak out when some person of lesser station talks to them..