When I first came to Dallas, the first thing I felt was, "This place is big." And after living here a bit longer, I realized something else.

"It varies completely by neighborhood." I felt this most strongly regarding safety issues.

From the news, Dallas may seem like a dangerous city, but living here, I find that statement is half true and half false.

Overall, it is true that Dallas is classified as having a higher crime rate compared to the national average.

Therefore, newcomers, especially Koreans, often prioritize safety when choosing a home. However, the important point is not that "Dallas as a whole is dangerous," but rather that "certain areas should definitely be avoided."

Specifically, there are ongoing discussions about being cautious in the southern and western regions. Areas like South Dallas, South Oak Cliff, and parts of West Dallas have relatively high occurrences of violent crime. This is not just a simple image; it is intertwined with economic disparities and long-standing structural issues that are not easily changed.

Downtown is fine during the day, but the atmosphere changes at night. In certain blocks, issues related to homelessness and drugs become visibly apparent. Therefore, locals often advise, "Don't walk around at night unnecessarily."

In contrast, as you head north, the atmosphere changes completely.

Areas like Plano, Richardson, Carrollton, and Frisco feel entirely different. The streets are clean, and the atmosphere is relatively stable even at night. Especially in Carrollton, where many Koreans live, the convenience of life is also a significant factor, making it a preferred area.

A more pressing issue in Dallas is vehicle theft.

This is something that "everyone hears about at least once." Recently, vehicle theft has increased across the U.S., and Dallas is no exception. Particularly, certain model years of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have often been targeted, and I have heard several cases from around me.

Thus, parking habits are crucial here. It's important to park in well-lit areas, places with foot traffic, and preferably in indoor parking lots.

Leaving bags or electronic devices visible in the car is almost a taboo. Basic equipment like steering wheel locks is becoming common again. While this may seem excessive in Korea, here it is just standard practice.

Checking information is also important. The Dallas Police Department publishes crime statistics, and you can check what incidents have occurred in specific neighborhoods. Additionally, using sites like NeighborhoodScout or SpotCrime to look up the history of specific areas is a common method. Information is quickly shared within the Korean community, so joining local KakaoTalk groups or Facebook groups makes it easy to gather firsthand information.

There are also basic principles to follow while living here. Don't walk alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, ensure your home's entrance is properly locked, don't let strangers into apartment common areas, and report any suspicious situations to 911 immediately. This is not an exaggeration; these are rules that everyone actually follows.

Families with children are even more sensitive. They consider the environment around schools, commuting routes, and the overall neighborhood atmosphere. So ultimately, the conclusion boils down to one thing: "Where you live is everything."

Dallas certainly has its drawbacks. However, it is also a place where, if you make the right choices, you can live quite safely. Especially the northern suburbs like Frisco, Plano, Allen, and McKinney are considered safe even by U.S. standards.

In the end, what matters in this city is not intuition but information. It's not a city to avoid out of vague fear, nor is it a city to enter thoughtlessly. If you come in with a proper understanding of the area, Dallas can be a perfectly livable city. Conversely, coming without any preparation can lead to significant stress.

The conclusion I've drawn from my experiences here is this: Dallas is not a "dangerous city" but rather a "city where you need to make careful choices." And those choices determine most aspects of your life.