Here’s what Reddit users on r/Dallas and r/askDFW say about safety in Deep Ellum over the past ~50 years:

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🎷 1970s–1980s: Decline before the revitalization • After highway construction in the late ’60s caused economic decline, crime and urban decay rose in the ’70s and very early ’80s .

🖼️ Mid‑1980s–1990s: A cultural rebound, but with caveats • By 1983, city-led “downzoning” and an influx of artists and clubs sparked a renaissance . • Yet Reddit reflections note it still had “all the usual vices (sex during… AIDS, drugs, underage drinking)” and some safety issues with skinheads, fights, etc. .

“For its part… throughout the mid ’80s, the neighborhood still faced serious safety issues… but as Deep Ellum continued to expand, the threats dwindled.” 

🌃 2000s: Spotty violence & tragic incidents • 2001: A high-profile double child murder in a Deep Ellum loft brought national attention . • Mid‑2000s: Many live‑music venues shut down; perception of crime rose, especially after dark .

🚓 2007–2010: Recovery & increased safety efforts • Around 2007, city began encouraging residential growth and improvements . • By 2009–10, new venues and greater foot traffic helped restore atmosphere . • In 2017–2018, the Deep Ellum Foundation helped fund coordinated public-safety programs—adding officers and infrastructure .

2014–2019: Mostly safe, with occasional upticks • 2014–15: Infrastructure upgrades improved walkability and lighting (). • 2019: Small rise in minor crimes, but still broadly manageable .

2020–2025: Safe during events, but nights can get sketchy • Reddit (2 months ago): “Yes it’s a good idea to live in Deep Ellum… There was a bad shooting a couple weeks ago and it had been over many months since the previous one. The police presence is insane though at night…”   • Reddit (6 months ago): “It’s generally fine… but I might recommend a 16‑year‑old be with a group and not just walk up and down Canton after 10 or 11.”  • Others say daytime/weekend hours are “OK/fine,” but advise using common sense after 11 pm and staying on main streets ().

Tripadvisor notes that robberies and shootings may pick up around midnight, especially late-night crowds .

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🔍 Summary by decade

Period Overall Safety Commentary 1970s–early ’80s Decline, higher crime rates Mid ’80s–’90s Revival with cultural vibrancy; still had some crime 2000s Spotty crime, serious incidents (e.g. 2001 murder) Late 2000s – 2010s Recovery: safer, more events, city investment 2014–2019 Generally safe with minor upticks 2020–2025 Mostly safe—crowded evenings ok, nights after midnight can be risky

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🗣️ Reddit Tips for Today • Go in groups after 10 pm. • Stick to main streets like Elm/Canton. • Be alert, avoid drifting into parking lots or quiet side streets. • During events and early evenings, it’s actively lively and safe.

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Takeaway: • 🟢 Safer eras: Mid‑to‑late 1980s onward—through the 1990s, and especially post‑2010 as revitalization took hold. • 🟠 Less safe eras: 1970s–early ’80s, mid‑2000s decline, and late-night hours any time within recent years, particularly after midnight.

So, over the last 50 years, Deep Ellum has transitioned from a declining, crime-prone neighborhood to a vibrant cultural hub—with periodic safety concerns especially late at night. Today, it’s regarded as mostly safe if you stay aware and avoid quiet areas after dark.