Image courtesy of the Texas State Historical Association
Are you thinking about moving to Dallas, Texas? Whether you’re a family decision-maker focused on safety scores and top-notch school districts or a young professional enticed by the booming job market, moving to Dallas is a decision that requires thorough consideration.
As you stand at the fork of these life-changing crossroads, a myriad of questions are likely swirling around in your mind. For starters, how safe is Dallas? And which school districts excel when it comes to providing quality education?
Better yet, what’s the cost of living? And is it possible to rely on local transportation options, or should you move to Dallas with your own car in tow?
We’re here to help you navigate the answers to these questions and more (before you decide to make Dallas your new home).
Should You Move to Dallas, Texas?
Before moving to Dallas, Texas, in the Lone Star State, it’s important to take in as much information as possible. The more you read, the better you can understand the answer to the question, “Is Dallas a good place to live?”
Consider the following factors:
- Local job markets and unemployment rates
- Cost of living
- Average rent prices
- Average home sale prices
- Public schools and universities in the area
- Crime rates
- Top attractions
- Typical weather conditions
- Best neighborhoods in the city
Local Job Markets and Unemployment Rates
Besides affordable living, Dallas takes pride in its thriving job market, which has experienced 17% job growth as of November 2023. Diverse industries drive the city’s economy. This industry variety yields a wealth of opportunities for career growth and professional development.
Here are some of the top industries in Dallas:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Education
- Manufacturing
The city is particularly well-esteemed for its rapidly growing tech and healthcare sectors.
With an annual growth rate of 4% within the tech space and a 15% increase in tech workers over the past five years, the city is also home to the sixth-largest tech workforce in America.
Similarly, the healthcare sector offers a wide range of job opportunities, with top-rated hospitals and healthcare providers making Dallas an undeniable hub for medical professionals.
Cost of Living
In today’s day and age, the economy has quite a strong influence on people’s decisions, especially when it comes to relocating at all, let alone moving to Dallas. Instead of moving on a whim, you’ll want to ask yourself the all-important question: “Is Dallas expensive?”
Ultimately, your personal finances and overall financial picture will dictate whether or not Dallas is reasonably-priced or not.
That said, when it comes to the city’s cost of living, PayScale notes that Dallas is 3% more expensive than the national average. Utility costs appear to be 14% more expensive in Dallas than in other parts of the country, though you will likely pay less in terms of the housing market, groceries, and transportation when moving to Dallas, Texas.
Average Rent Prices
According to RentCafe, the average rent price in Dallas, Texas, is approximately $1,575 per month for an apartment with a square footage of 849. Keep in mind that your exact rent price will reflect the size of the unit, the location, and the quality of the building.
Renting in Dallas is a breeze, with the city offering a variety of options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Dallas provides an affordable alternative to cities where rent prices are a few thousand dollars or more.
Average Home Sale Prices
According to Zillow, the average home value is approximately $300,847. While the median for Dallas housing prices is around $433,292 on average, most homes sell for closer to $408,651. About 22.1% of homes sell for higher than their list price, though 59.2% of Dallas homes are sold for less than the original sale price.
The city’s real estate market has been thriving, with a remarkable 19.7% increase in housing costs compared to last year. Even despite this surge in housing costs, Dallas appeals to homebuyers seeking affordability and those eyeing a promising investment.
Public Schools and Universities in the Area
Dallas offers a broad spectrum of educational options, spanning from pre-K to post-graduate studies. The city is home to several top-rated school districts. One notable school district is the Carroll Independent School District.
There’s also the Highland Park Independent School District, both of which provide quality education for families with children. These top-rated districts boast impressive graduation rates, making them highly sought after by families living in Dallas.
Now, for those seeking higher education, Dallas is home to numerous colleges and universities, including the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, and Texas A&M. Institutions such as Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University are also amazing opportunities for academic excellence paired with a vibrant campus life.
Image courtesy of The University of Texas at Dallas
Crime Rates
Let’s face it: is Dallas, Texas safe? This is a very important question to ask no matter where you’re thinking of moving, especially if you’re moving to Dallas with young children. At the end of the day, like any major city, Dallas is a city of opportunity and growth, but it’s also a place where people face safety issues.
According to Niche.com, Dallas has a crime and safety rating of C- which means the city has an average amount of crime compared to other parts of the nation. For comparison, Fort Worth, Texas, has a B+ crime rating, while Arlington received an A- and Austin earned a solid A.
Compared to these other Texas-based cities, reports show that Dallas is home to more criminal activity. As a precaution, you can always refer to the Dallas Police Department’s Interactive Crime Map to stay in the know about crime in the area.
While the crime rate in Dallas is higher than that of similarly-sized metro areas, like San Francisco, it’s reassuring to note that safer neighborhoods such as University Park, Winnetka Heights, and City Center exist within the city. Furthermore, Dallas has implemented an impressive violent crime reduction plan, and its proactive RAPID Response Team addresses environmental issues to reduce crime.
Top Attractions
Life in Dallas is far from dull. The city boasts a vibrant culture, teeming with a thriving arts scene, diverse dining options, and a plethora of recreational activities.
The art scene in Dallas is as diverse as its population, with galleries, public art installations, and cultural festivals galore. Foodies will be delighted by the city’s culinary scene as well because it ranges from food trucks serving up local favorites to upscale restaurants offering gourmet dining experiences.
Sports lovers have the opportunity to cheer on Dallas’s professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Stars. The Dallas Cowboys play football, the Dallas Mavericks play basketball, and the Dallas Stars play ice hockey. You might even catch some games played by other professional teams like the Texas Rangers, the Texas-based baseball team!
However, for those who prefer to participate rather than spectate, the large city offers numerous parks and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. From Klyde Warren Park and Highland Park to the Great Trinity Forest and Katy Trail, you can even take advantage of the beauty offered by places like the Butterfly Garden.
The abundance of green space in Dallas offers a welcome respite from the bustling city life, too. The city boasts over 394 parks, including the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the Klyde Warren Park. These green spaces not only offer a place for residents to relax and unwind but also provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Image courtesy of Texan By Nature (Attraction pictured: Klyde Warren Park)
Furthermore, Dallas provides its residents with notable tax benefits. Living in Dallas, a city with no state income taxes, means Dallas residents can enjoy increased take-home pay and more financial freedom.
This — coupled with a property tax rate that is lower than several other cities within the state at 1.36% — makes Dallas a financially appealing place to live. However, the perks of income and property taxes aside, worth noting that while the lack of state income tax can reduce the overall tax burden, it may place a slightly larger burden on those with lower incomes, so keep this in mind.
Typical Weather Conditions
With an average of around 234 sunny days per year, Dallas boasts a moderate climate and an abundance of sunshine. The city’s year-round sunshine and mild winters offer a pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
The climate in Dallas is characterized by hot and humid summers followed by mild yet cool winters. That’s why Dallas tends to be a popular destination for those looking to escape harsher winter climates!
However, Dallas is also known for its occasionally extreme weather conditions. From tornadoes and hailstorms to heatwaves and droughts, residents need to be prepared for a variety of weather phenomena.
Best Neighborhoods in the Big City
Dallas’s charm lies in its diverse neighborhoods, each boasting its own unique character and flair. If you’re a fan of the urban vibe, Downtown Dallas or the Central Dallas area might be your calling.
For those seeking a more suburban feel, neighborhoods like East Dallas or the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex (or the DFW Metroplex) offer a more relaxed lifestyle with easy access to parks and green spaces. Also worth mentioning are the vibrant communities in North Texas that offer the best of Dallas living.
From the bustling energy of Downtown to the tranquil green spaces of the Dallas Fort Worth Area, the big city offers a diverse array of neighborhoods to call home. No matter if you’re a Dallas Cowboys enthusiast or you want to frequently visit the Dallas Zoo, this vibrant city and welcoming community has a place for everyone.
Image courtesy of Expedia (Neighborhood pictured: Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)
The Pros of Living in Dallas, TX
Dallas is a populated city, and it’s not for no reason! The city has so much to offer, but some of the most advantageous aspects of Dallas, Texas, are as follows:
- A diverse and vibrant lifestyle
- Affordable housing
- Ample job opportunities
- Year-round sunshine
- Friendly and welcoming residents
- Cultural diversity
- Exceptional schools
The Cons of Life in Dallas, Texas
With the highs come the lows, and Dallas is not exempt from its own set of challenges. A main downside of Dallas as a whole is its high traffic congestion rates and subsequent pollution, both of which are common issues in the city.
Furthermore, while crime rates have started to lessen and improve, criminal activity is certainly still a concern in many Dallas neighborhoods. Even so, try not to let the cons of life in Dallas, Texas, dissuade you from moving to Dallas automatically. Just remember to weigh the good with the bad and look at living in Dallas through a realistic lens.
In Summary
Due to the high demand for properties in Dallas, you might find yourself needing to downsize prior to moving to the area. This is often more likely if you’re unable to find a property that is either within your budget or your desired square footage range, if not both.
It can be tempting to latch onto whatever you can find, seeing as prices are trending upward due to the competitive nature of the real estate market. However, instead of settling for something that will inevitably cost you more money—just for the sake of storing all your belongings as soon as possible—consider renting a storage unit or a residential garage instead.
With the help of a self storage marketplace like Neighbor, you can find safe, local, and budget-friendly storage units in the Dallas, Texas, area. Whether you’re looking for a garage to park your car or a unit that can house your moving boxes and suitcases galore, Neighbor has you covered.
That way, you’ll have somewhere to store everything you own until the right place pops up for you to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dallas?
According to a report put forth by SmartAsset in March 2023, a single person without children would need to earn at least $65,000 to live comfortably.
What Is the Quality of Life in Dallas Texas?
According to U.S. News, Dallas offers a quality of life score of 6.1 out of 10. The area has also been ranked 113 out of 150 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Places to Live.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Dallas Texas?
Living in Dallas can expose you to a plethora of benefits, including a variety of job opportunities, affordable housing, cultural diversity, and more! You’ll even get to take advantage of the state’s lack of income tax.
