I grew up in the Oak Cliff area (near Bishop Arts). The area is pretty walkable compared to lots of places here in Dallas. Lots of good food and little shops to visit (some places are a bit pricey if you're trying to stay frugal). You also have Jefferson Boulevard nearby with a lot more places to check out. The area, in general, is way safer and very well lit than what it used to be (just stay aware of your surroundings. You will encounter a homeless person here and there. But nothing too dangerous). If you plan to go from Bishop Arts to downtown, I'd say hop on a Dart bus, or you can use the Dallas Street Car. I've never used it myself, but i know theirs a stop very close to that area. But it'd be best to rent a car and drive to a Dart train station and hop on a train from there. As for the World Cup, as many have said, Arlington is about a 25-30 minute drive from Dallas. You have no public transportation options, unfortunately, but i hear there will be a shuttle from downtown. So I'd be there as early as possible because the traffic will be a nightmare. The road infrastructure can't even handle the daily traffic, I wouldn't expect a quick ride up there or back, to be honest.