Are you and your family OK? Garland took a beating during the 12/26/15 EF-4 tornado. You are right, some areas of DFW are less than stellar. I just drive with my doors locked and avoid ANY area south of downtown Dallas after dark as I dislike being carjacked, robbed, or shot.
When we moved to DFW in the early 80’s we moved north into Denton. Corruption and stupidity reigned supreme at both the Coty Hall and County Courthouse. Te primary growth has been to the north in Dwnton and Collin Counties.