Living in Arlington, I often get asked, "Is this neighborhood okay?"

To be honest, the answer varies quite a bit from area to area. Compared to the national average, Arlington's violent crime rate is 5.84, which is lower than the national average of 13.32, but the property crime rate is 25.28, higher than the national average of 20.05. It may seem like a back-and-forth with numbers, but these statistics align closely with the reality of what people experience.

If you want to choose a safe neighborhood, it's best to look towards the southeast and southwest. Areas like Berkeley Square, Bent Oak Estates, and Fossil Lake are often regarded as safe by residents, with a victimization rate of 1 in 35, which is much lower than the 1 in 19 rate in the north.

On the other hand, Downtown Arlington has a crime index that is about 60% higher than the national average as of 2026, so you need to be more cautious when walking alone at night. While there are many people due to the bustling atmosphere of Downtown, property crimes like pickpocketing and car theft are relatively common.

Interestingly, the perceived safety varies by direction. As you head southeast, the areas tend to be quieter and less densely populated, which correlates with lower crime rates, while the north, with its mix of commercial and residential zones, tends to have a higher frequency of incidents. Therefore, rather than concluding that Arlington is entirely dangerous or completely safe, it's better to check on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.

In my experience, I haven't felt much discomfort when spending time in local parks, cafes, or restaurants during the day. However, it's advisable to avoid leaving valuables in your car in any neighborhood. Due to the nature of the city, vehicle-related property crimes occur quite frequently in Arlington.

By choosing the right neighborhood and taking care of your car, I believe living in Arlington can be above the Texas average.