Dallas’ Bishop Arts District is full of interesting boutiques and art galleries. However, it does have a reputation for crime. If you’re considering visiting the Bishop Arts District, you may wonder just how safe it is.
The Bishop Arts District in Dallas is generally considered an unsafe area. The area’s crime rate is about 50% higher than the national average, and robbery is the most commonly committed crime in the neighborhood.
Below, we’ll discuss more information on the safety of this Dallas neighborhood. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Is Bishop Arts District Safe?
Plain and simple, the Bishop Arts District in Dallas is not a very safe place to be.
Niche gives the neighborhood a C- rating for crime and safety, primarily due to its high crime rates.
The table below will compare some of the crime rates in the Bishop Arts District to the rest of Dallas, as well as the United States as a whole.
| Area | Annual Murder Rate | Annual Robbery Rate | Annual Burglary Rate | Annual Motor Vehicle Theft Rate |
| Bishop Arts District | 27 | 1429.3 | 1240.6 | 647.2 |
| Dallas | 0.18 | 2.53 | 675.6 | 752.4 |
| United States | 6.1 | 135 | 500.1 | 284 |
In almost every category, the Bishop Arts District outranks not only the rest of Dallas, but also the entire United States.
Despite the crime rates, many residents still enjoy living in the Bishop Arts District.
They claim the neighborhood has a lot of positives to offer those that move there.
What Types of Crime Are Common in the Bishop Arts District?
Hands down, robbery is the most common type of crime in the Bishop Arts District. The second most common crime committed in the neighborhood is vehicular theft.
Violent, personal crime is common in Bishop Arts District.
After robbery and vehicular theft, the third most common crime is rape, followed by murder and assault.
What Do Residents Say About Bishop Arts District?
There are some mixed opinions regarding the Bishop Arts District.
However, the general consensus seems to be that Bishop Arts District is not an overly crime-ridden area that makes residents feel unsafe.
Most visitors that come to the neighborhood think it is a unique area with a lot to offer.
Foodies will enjoy a lot of variety when in restaurants and diverse cuisine.
Some visitors, however, have other opinions of the area.
Some have claimed the area is too trashy and expensive, while others say it lacks parking and original artwork.
Other residents have said that the Bishop Arts District has grown a bit rowdy and that housing is a bit more expensive than it should be.
How to Stay Safe in Bishop Arts District
Luckily, ensuring your safety while visiting Bishop Arts District is relatively simple.
Utilize valet services during events instead of parking on your own, and always remain aware of your surroundings.
Instead of texting while walking around the neighborhood, talk on the phone. This way, you can keep your eyes on what’s around you.
What Does the Bishop Arts District Have to Offer?
The Bishop Arts District is a quaint area with a lot to do. Some of the things you’ll find here include:
- Boutiques
- Cocktail lounges
- Independently-owned businesses
You could visit the Kessler Theatre to view performing arts and musical events, or the Texas Theatre to see a variety of new and old films.
Any foodie will enjoy plenty of unique bistros, cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants.
If you are looking to get social, check out the Oak Cliff Social Club to order drinks and play some billiards, or visit the Whitehall Exchange for old-school cocktails in a speakeasy-type setting.
The History of Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District is Dallas’ biggest trolley-era shopping district, meaning its shopping district dates back to 1904 when the streetcar line was first established.
In the early days, many artists took up the area’s abundant studio spaces due to a lack of established highways. This ensured the preservation of the trolley system.
Eventually, chefs and restaurateurs began to flock to the area and established many restaurants and eateries.
With all this activity, a lively, bolstering shopping neighborhood emerged.
Today, the city continues to manage its streetcar system to serve as many residents’ main form of transportation.
In Conclusion
According to official statistics and online resources, the Bishop Arts District in Dallas is not a very safe area.
This neighborhood’s most common type of crime is robbery, followed by vehicular theft.
Despite these alarming statistics, residents still seem to enjoy living in Bishop Arts District.
Overall, residents and visitors of Bishop Arts District alike agree that the area has a lot to offer.
