Top 14 Things To Know About Living in Dallas Before Making the Move

Are the mild winters and booming economy of Dallas calling your name? You’re not the only one. People are moving to Dallas from all over the country for its good jobs, vibrant culture, and affordable homes — and those living in Dallas understand why. 

But before you decide to relocate, you might want to learn more about what life in Dallas is really like. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These are 14 things you need to know before you arrive. 

Dallas Living at a Glance

• Located in the northeastern part of the state, Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and the ninth largest city in the U.S., with 1.3 million residents.
• Dallas is often lumped together with nearby Fort Worth. Together, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (DFW) is the most populous metropolitan area in the entire Southern U.S.
• The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T and American Airlines.
• DFW is growing rapidly. In fact, the Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington area experienced the most growth of any metropolitan area in the U.S. in 2023, per the Census.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas, Texas

• Pro: Dallas boasts a significantly lower cost of living than other major hubs like New York and San Francisco — while still being among the 10 largest cities in the U.S.
• Con: If you don’t like driving, you may not love living in Dallas. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is huge, and if you’re commuting, a car is by far the easiest way to get around.
• Pro: Not a fan of the winter? Move to Dallas. Summers might be hot, but winters are blissfully mild.
• Con: Crime rates are higher than many other parts of the country, with a Dallas crime index of 3 (meaning it’s safer than just 3 percent of other American cities).

Though the Dallas cost of living as a whole is on par with the national average, some typical expenses such as groceries, housing, and healthcare cost less than the national average.
(Source: Visit Dallas via Facebook)

1. The Cost of Living in Dallas is Cheaper Than Other Places.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to live well in Dallas. The city’s median household income is about $64,000, according to Census data. And though the cost of living as a whole is on par with the national average, some typical expenses such as groceries, housing, and healthcare cost less than the national average. 

RentCafe lists the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city to be around $1,550 a month. And the average home value in Dallas is around $319,000, according to Zillow. Compare that to Miami ($579,100), Denver ($576,400), or San Francisco ($1.3 million), and you can see why people are flocking to Texas. 

While newer developments are more expensive, you can easily find beautiful homes in Dallas for under $300,000.
(Source: Tamara Lias-REALTOR via Facebook)

2. Homeownership Is Attainable in DFW.

If you’re moving to Dallas from another major city, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by the housing options. You can easily find a beautiful and historic three-bedroom home in Dallas for under $300,000. Newer developments, however, tend to be pricier.

The average rent in Dallas is around $1,550 a month, though your exact rate will depend on which neighborhood and amenities you opt for. 
(Source: Everra Midtown Park via Facebook)

3. Renting in Dallas Is Easy and Affordable.

As we said before, the average rent in Dallas is around $1,550 a month. Of course, how much you pay will depend on what Dallas neighborhoods and what kinds of apartments you’re looking at.

You could end up paying upwards of $2,500 if you want to shack up in one of the city’s luxury apartment buildings, like The Mondrian. Still, for many folks, the views, in-house amenities, and, of course, the swimming pools will make higher-end apartments in Dallas worth the price. 

 If you’re thinking about moving to the Dallas area, be sure to check out Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Frisco, TX.
(Source: Visit Frisco, TX via Facebook)

4. The Best Dallas Neighborhoods and Suburbs Include Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Frisco.

When it comes to living in Dallas, there are dozens of great communities to choose from. Here are three that really stand out: 

Uptown

This beautiful Dallas neighborhood is located just north of downtown and is home to plenty of young professionals, small families, and wealthy retirees. It’s known for having stately, tree-lined streets, amazing restaurants, and classy nightlife.

Oak Lawn

One of the cultural centers of Dallas, Oak Lawn is home to tons of great stores and venues. It’s also much more affordable than some other neighborhoods, like Uptown, making it ideal for renters and first-time home buyers.

Frisco, TX

Frisco is one of Dallas’ largest and most established suburbs. In fact, it’s basically a town of its own, offering everything that a family could need. It’s the location of the Dallas Cowboys corporate headquarters and Toyota Stadium, making it a perfect home for sports lovers.

To learn more about the best places to live in Dallas, check out our Dallas suburb and neighborhood guide, which also includes these other popular neighborhoods and suburbs:

• Casa Linda
• Lake Highlands
• Old East Dallas
• Midway Hollow
• Allen, TX
• Grapevine, TX
• Celina, TX
• Flower Mound, TX

If you have flexibility, you may want to also consider Fort Worth (or FunkyTown, as locals call it) — a distinct city in its own right. 
(Source: Visit Fort Worth via Facebook)

5. Fort Worth Is a City, Not a Dallas Suburb.

Before you make up your mind about where to live in Dallas, you really should consider Fort Worth. While we don’t recommend commuting between the two cities, if you have flexibility, Fort Worth (or FunkyTown, as locals call it), is a distinct city in its own right. 

You may get more for your money in Fort Worth, where the average home value is a few thousand dollars lower than in Dallas. And while you’re looking, be sure to check out our Insider’s Guide to Fort Worth Neighborhoods.

Klyde Warren Park (pictured) is one of hundreds of parks and greenspaces in the area.
(Source: Klyde Warren Park via Facebook)

6. Dallas Is a Lot Greener Than You Might Think, and It Includes the Largest Urban Forest in the Country!

Dallas has plenty of trees and open space, with a whopping almost 21,000 acres of green space! While there are hundreds of parks, greenways, and other ways to enjoy Dallas life outdoors, here are a few of our favorites:

Great Trinity Forest

Recognized as the largest urban forest in the entire U.S., the forest extends off the north shore of the gorgeous Trinity River in the southern section of the city. It’s full of trails, picnic spots, wetlands, and the Trinity Forest Adventure Park.

White Rock Lake Park

This 1,015-acre body of water sits just a few miles northeast of downtown Dallas, and it’s an outdoor oasis for the young and old. You can use the park’s nine miles of hiking and biking trails, check out the museum, take your four-legged buddy to the dog park, use the picnic areas, or float a boat across the scenic lake.

Klyde Warren Park

This 5.2-acre park may not be as large as some of the city’s other outdoor spaces, but it has so much to offer. It’s home to a butterfly garden, dog park, yoga classes, movie screenings, and plenty of other events. 

Eight of Texas’ top 20 schools are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 
(Source: Dallas ISD via Facebook)

7. There Are Great Schools in Dallas, TX.

According to Niche, eight of Texas’ top 20 schools are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. A few of the best high schools in Dallas, TX, include:

• School for the Talented & Gifted: No. 1 public high school in Texas
• School of Science & Engineering: No. 2 public high school in Texas
• St. Mark's School of Texas: No. 1 all-boys high school in the U.S.
• The Hockaday School: No. 1 all-girls high school in Texas
• Alcuin School: No. 3 high school for the arts in Texas

Nearly 24 percent of the Dallas population is foreign-born, meaning the city has a rich international feel. 
(Source: Visit Dallas via Facebook)

8. Dallas Is a Very Diverse City.

Forget New York City. Living in Dallas is living in the real American “melting pot.” While it was historically a very White cowboy town, in recent years the city has diversified dramatically. Now, about 42 percent of the city is Hispanic and 24 percent of the city is Black or African-American. It’s an awesome place for those who want to raise their families in a diverse setting. 

Plus, nearly 24 percent of the population of Dallas is foreign-born, meaning that the city has a rich international feel. That also means unique restaurants and easy access to food from around the world. So whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Mediterranean, Columbian, Taiwanese, or Ethiopian cuisine (to name a few), there’s always a local restaurant around to satisfy your cravings.

he average high temperature during a Dallas summer is 90 degrees. But there’s a tradeoff: the winters are very mild. 
(Source: Visit Dallas via Facebook)

9. Summers Get (Very) Hot, But the Winters Are Mild.

If you think it gets hot where you live, you better check out the Dallas weather. During June, July, and August, the average high is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. And the thermometer will regularly peak above 100. Yikes! 

But it wouldn’t be Dallas living without a little bit of heat. You can always cool off in a pool or in the shade of a large elm tree. Plus, there’s a tradeoff: The winters are very mild. 

Dallas almost never sees snow, and winter days often hover in the high 50s and low 60s. That’s like a beautiful summer day in Maine or Montana. 

Some of the safest suburbs around Dallas include Coppell, University Park, and Frisco (pictured). 
(Source: Visit Frisco, TX via Facebook)

10. Crime Rates Are Higher Than Average, But There Are Plenty of Safe Dallas Neighborhoods and Suburbs To Live In.

We’ll be honest, NeighborhoodScout gives the Big D a score of just 3 (out of 100), meaning that it’s only safer than 3 percent of other American cities. But it’s best to take these types of ratings with a grain of salt, as they certainly don’t mean that living in Dallas is dangerous. If you take reasonable safety precautions, you can be just as secure as anywhere else.  

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Safety 

• Wilshire Heights
• Old Lake Highlands
• Greenway Parks
• Midway Hollow
• Caruth Hills

Best Dallas Suburbs for Safety

• Coppell, TX
• University Park, TX
• Frisco, TX
• Flower Mound, TX

AT&T Performing Arts Center is home to The Dallas Opera (pictured above performing Rigoletto)
(Source: Dallas Arts District via Facebook)

11. Dallas Culture Goes Way Beyond Cowboys.

It’s not just the awesome food in Dallas that makes it a cultural hub. After you eat out, you can go to one of the city’s many museums or galleries. Or you can catch a performance. 

It doesn’t matter whether you like music, opera, or comedy — Dallas has something for you. And pretty much every major band that tours through the U.S. South will hit Dallas. 

If you’re moving to Dallas, be sure to check out the listings at these performance venues to find the best culture Dallas has to offer. 

Winspear Opera House

Part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, this venue is home to The Dallas Opera and hosts many touring shows. 

Moody Performance Hall

This is another venue in the AT&T Performing Arts Center that is home to amazing ballets, symphonies, and more. 

Sammons Center for the Arts

This smaller venue acts as an “arts incubator” for small troupes, new projects, and the local artist community, in general. 

Annette Strauss Square

This 128,000-square-foot outdoor performance space is also part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and is perfect for large concerts. 

Map of Dallas

If you’re moving to Dallas, you should probably take a look at the map and learn a few of the major freeways that criss-cross and circle around the Big D. 
(Source: Google Maps)

12. It's No Surprise: You Will Need a Car Here.

Okay, living in Dallas doesn’t necessarily mean you need a car, but it will make your life a lot easier. The city is huge on its own, but when you include the Fort Worth area, it’s enormous. It can take hours just to drive from one end to the other. 

And if you’re moving to Dallas, you should probably take a look at the map and learn a few of the major freeways that criss-cross and circle around the Big D, like the I-820, I-30, and I-635. These will be your lifeline when you’re commuting in the area. 

For those who don’t have a car (or are just trying to be more green), there are some public transit options. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (which everyone calls DART) is a huge train and bus system that will get you pretty much anywhere. There is also a downtown trolley system and plenty of airport shuttles. 

With over 35 universities and colleges in the Dallas-Forth Worth metro area, there are plenty of higher education opportunities to choose from. 
(Source: The University of Texas at Dallas via Facebook)

13. You Can Easily Earn a Degree in Dallas.

Is Dallas, Texas, a good place to live? If you (or one of your kids) is interested in pursuing higher education, then Dallas is a great place to be. The city is home to the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, and it’s just a few miles from Texas A&M. In fact, there are over 35 universities and colleges in the DFW metro area. 

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Dallas, from seeing a Dallas Cowboys game to visiting the Dallas Museum of Art. 
(Source: AT&T Stadium via Facebook)

14. The 10 Best Things To Do in Dallas Are. . . 

Looking for something to keep the whole family occupied on a weekend? Or maybe you’re looking for a clever place to take your date? Either way, there’s no shortage of fun stuff to do in Dallas. 

Here’s a list of our 10 favorite ways to experience a slice of Dallas living (in no particular order). 

1. Visit the Dallas World Aquarium.
2. Go to the African American Museum.
3. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art.
4. Visit the animals at the famous Dallas Zoo.
5. Learn about JFK at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
6. Hang with the plants at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden.
7. Go root for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
8. Stroll through Nasher Sculpture Park.
9. Get a drink and see a show in Deep Ellum.
10. Check out a Bonnie and Clyde Tour.

Move to Dallas With PODS

Starting to feel like a local already? Now that you’re thinking of moving to Dallas, Texas, it’s time to start planning. Check out our detailed moving checklist to avoid stress and make sure you don’t forget anything.

And when you’re ready to book a moving service, you can get a personalized quote for a local move by visiting PODS online, or call 855-706-4758 for a long-distance moving quote.

Easton Smith works as a freelance writer and researcher, reviewing technology trends and the moving industry.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.