Irving credits tough code enforcement and police programs for its lowest crime rate in about 30 years.
Several high crime apartment complexes have been condemned and demolished, and neighbors say their city is safer for it.
"And that's the only reason I decided to move in," resident Angel Rivera said. "I have three children."
Rivera lives on Tudor Lane, once considered one of Irving's most crime-infested streets. Her brother used to live there when crime was a big problem.
"There was a lot of drug activity going on here, and every night he said he would hear shooting," she said.
Residents said code inspectors now make landlords do a better job of maintaining the apartments.
"It is very lit up," longtime resident Robert Oates said. "You'll see anything moving."
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City officials said a controversial program that deports certain illegal immigrants has also contributed to the crime reduction. Irving police also cited a list of crime-fighting programs targeting hot spots.
"We've got a lot of things pulling together with the same goal," Officer David Tull said. "It's working for us, and we want to keep that going."
