I asked my brother for a tour of Oak Cliff. He about (Dallas: sex offenders, high crime) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Modron · 01-04-2009, 08:02 PM

had a cow, because of the crime in the area.

Oak Cliff was recommend to me as a place to move to in the Dallas area, because it's supposed to be an arts area and affordable for someone with my income. I was informed that the arts district is about 2 1/2 blocks of mostly closed out store fronts.

Anyone have feedback for this?

I live in another state and, even though he has asked me to move to the Dallas area closer to family, it's entirely possible my brother would undermine any move I try to make. (I know, "family.") So, other people's input is appreciated.

**NoodLes** · 01-04-2009, 08:20 PM

Stay away from Oak Cliff, my 2 cents.

turnbun · 01-04-2009, 08:27 PM

It depends on where in Oak Cliff. North Oak Cliff is quite nice. Kessler Park is VERY nice! South Oak Cliff, not so much.

mysterymachinebl · 01-04-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modron

had a cow, because of the crime in the area.

Oak Cliff was recommend to me as a place to move to in the Dallas area, because it's supposed to be an arts area and affordable for someone with my income. I was informed that the arts district is about 2 1/2 blocks of mostly closed out store fronts.

Anyone have feedback for this?

I live in another state and, even though he has asked me to move to the Dallas area closer to family, it's entirely possible my brother would undermine any move I try to make. (I know, "family.") So, other people's input is appreciated.

has he even been to Oak Cliff? North Oak Cliff is very nice! I wouldn't hesitate moving there myself some day. the southern section of Oak Cliff is mainly where the crime is, but it seems most people want to associate the crime with the whole southern section of Dallas south of I 30, which is quite large.

pepper131 · 01-04-2009, 09:54 PM

Ugh!
Get a cab and tell them to take you to Bishop Arts District - Davis and Bishop. Bring a camera and show your bro there are no boarded-up storefronts.
Now...if you went to Ledbetter, that's a different story and miles away. Give me a break!!

kacvb1974 · 01-05-2009, 03:45 AM

There are certainly some areas in Oak Cliff to avoid, but it's not particularly hard to avoid them. I feel perfectly safe in Bishop Arts, Winnetka Heights, Kessler and even some other just slightly less desirable pockets in OC. Love visiting there and my parents are hoping to buy in one of these neighborhoods sometime next year. (If my white, 63 yr old mom isn't scared of The Cliff, that should tell you something.

)

The history and vibrancy of these areas should be checked out in person and only then judged. I find most people who tell you it's scary or gross haven't spent any time there at all.

Check out this pic thread Oak Cliff Photos - 2008 and then show it to your brother and see if this is the same Oak Cliff he's thinking of???

kaykay · 01-05-2009, 10:09 AM

As others have suggested, certain areas of Oak Cliff are very, very high crime areas. Your brother's reaction is understandable. Sometimes the whole area does get painted with the same brush, but some of it is just so bad, the reputation exists.

billdfw · 01-05-2009, 10:23 AM

Your brother is correct. Oak Cliff in general is very high crime and rundown, not to mention is generally filthy. Not a place to be, espescially if you are new to the area.

The Bishop Arts District is quite nice, but it is only about 2-3 blocks long and is surrounded by rundown buildings and homes.

The nothernmost part of Oak Cliff near I-30 is very nice and has some million dollar homes, but it is surrounded on all sides by crime and filth.

The general rule is to stay north I-30 as it applies to the City of Dallas because south of I-30 is rundown, filthy, and high crime, not to mention a majority of parolees and sex offenders live in that area.

Good luck.

Synopsis · 01-05-2009, 11:32 AM

It's a shame because that area of Dallas is very beautiful. North Oak Cliff is nice but surrounded by areas that are less than desirable.

I REALLY hope the city of Dallas works on restoring the area because both South and North Oak Cliff are some of the most beautiful areas of Dallas.

Grainraiser · 01-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Your going to have to be more specific when you ask your brother about Oak Cliff. You need to specify it's north Oak Cliff you are interested in. The Bishop Heights, Kessler/Stevens Park area. This is pretty much the only desirable area's of Oak Cliff (I grew up in Oak Cliff). Most folks who are not familar with the area cringe when they here Oak Cliff. Most of it is bad but there are pockets of great neighborhoods. You just need to be more specific when talking to your brother.