What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas?

Moving to a new city can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Especially a city as popular as Dallas. Residents are surrounded by a booming economy with a rich culture, excellent sports teams, and great food — just to name a few perks. But while the advantages make it hard to resist, there are both pros and cons of living in Dallas that you’ll want to take into account before you make the move.

Fun Facts You Should Know About Dallas

• The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the third busiest airport in the entire world.
• Josey Records — one of the largest record shops in the U.S. — is in Dallas.
• The Texas State Fair is the largest in the country, and it’s held each year in Dallas.
• The Dallas skyline is quite beloved, and some of the buildings were created by some of the best architects in the world.
• Dallas may give NYC a run for its money when it comes to the food scene, as there are over 11,000 restaurants in the city!

Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas

Just like with any major city, you’re going to deal with things you like and don’t like when moving to a new environment. These are some of the top pros and cons of living in Dallas we think you should consider before you start packing. 

Pro: The Weather Is Favorable Year-Round.

For those looking for an escape from the chilly weather, the climate in Dallas is much more favorable! Dallas experiences hot and muggy summers, while the city's winters are mild. The temperature typically ranges from 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 96 degrees Fahrenheit during the course of a year.

The summer season in Dallas usually lasts from June to September. During August — the hottest month of the year — the city experiences average high temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city’s cold season runs from November to February, with the coldest month being January. The average low at this time is 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high is 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Con: You Will Most Likely Need a Car.

Having a car might not be absolutely necessary in Dallas (although we certainly recommend it), but it depends on where you live. The DFW region is vast, and transit doesn’t reach every area. If you prefer not to have a car, though, there are still available options for public transportation. DART, or the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, is an easy and affordable way to get through Dallas and its 12 surrounding cities by bus or rail.

Pro: The City’s Neighborhoods Add To Its Charm.

With beautiful green spaces and vibrant atmospheres with lots to do, Dallas is proud to boast many desirable neighborhoods for all walks of life. Here are some of the best places to live in Dallas! 

Preston Highlands

Preston Highlands is a tranquil community in Dallas that features a variety of homes and is great for people who enjoy getting outdoors — Hummingbird Park and Warren Sports Complex are two of the neighborhood’s hotspots. Its pedestrian-friendly areas and bike lanes also make it an ideal location for commuters.

Caruth Terrace

The Caruth Terrace neighborhood, which is located in northeastern Dallas, dates back to the 20th century and has since turned into a flourishing community with a tight-knit feel.

What sets Caruth Terrace apart from other communities is its sense of community; its residents are known for their willingness to help and interact with one another. The neighborhood association organizes various events and activities that foster this spirit.

Con: Traffic Will Take Up A Lot of Your Time.

Getting around Dallas can be a challenge, particularly during rush hour. The city's major roads and highways easily get congested, which can result in long delays and frustrating commutes. Residents should always plan for delays when traveling through the city. 

The Dallas Arboretum is a popular spot for locals and visitors to explore or take in a special event.
(Source: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden via Facebook)

Pro: There Are Green Spaces Galore.

The Dallas area has one of the most expansive park systems in the country. The region is built around Trinity Park, and over the years, various green spaces have been added along the Trinity River. For outdoor activities in the area, residents can enjoy fishing at White Rock Lake, exploring the Dallas Arboretum, or visiting Fair Park.

Everything is truly bigger in Texas, and once the Trinity River Corridor Project is complete, it will span more than 10 times the size of Central Park! 

Pro: Sports Fans Go Wild for Dallas Teams.

The sports-mad city of Dallas, Texas, is home to various professional teams and exciting spots to watch a game. The Dallas Cowboys — a beloved hometown team ingrained in the city’s culture — play at AT&T Stadium, and it’s also home to the NCAA’s Dr. Pepper Big 12 Football Championship.

At American Airlines Center, you can catch a Dallas Mavericks or a Stars game. At Globe Life Field, you’ll find the Texas Rangers (along with concerts throughout the year).And if you’re a WNBA fan, you’ll definitely want to check out the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.

Con: The Cost of Living Is Comparable to the National Average.

With a cost of living score of 100.2, the cost of living in Dallas is only slightly higher than the national average of 100 and the state average of 94.2. Factors that go into this score include things like housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and taxes. 

However, when comparing Dallas to Fort Worth and other major cities across the country, like Los Angeles, the cost of living in Dallas might not actually seem as bad. Fort Worth has a higher cost of living score of 101.5, while Los Angeles has an even higher cost of living score of 161.7.

You could buy a home for around $308,400 in Dallas, versus nearly $950,000 in Los Angeles!

Pro: There’s a Strong Economy in the DFW Area.

The Dallas metropolitan area, which includes Arlington and Fort Worth, has over 20 Fortune 500 companies that are ideal to start or boost your career even further. Some companies based in Dallas include Tenet Healthcare and AT&T. 

In addition to major Fortune 500 companies, residents can also find jobs in a variety of fields including healthcare and education. The UT Southwestern Medical Center, for example, is a major local employer, and organizations like the Dallas Independent School District offer teaching positions and other roles.

Summers bring extreme heat and high humidity levels to Dallas, making outdoor activities uncomfortable to say the least.

Con: There Are Extreme Weather Concerns.

Dallas might be sunny, but it can reach an uncomfortable level in the summer months. With extreme heat and high humidity levels, those with heat-related illnesses should be careful. Moving to Dallas also means moving to Tornado Alley and having to deal with hurricanes.

While these events can be prepared for, some might find the unpredictability to be a dealbreaker. Some of the most important steps that residents can take to prepare for tornadoes are paying attention to the weather reports and knowing where to take shelter. 

Pro: You Can’t Pass Up the Nightlife Scene.

While the city has a lot to offer during the day, there’s also a lot of fun going on during the night. One of the best places to enjoy a view of Downtown is the Gallery Rooftop Lounge, where you can sample a variety of creative drinks. Another popular nighttime spot is the Deep Ellum Brewing Company.

When you're in the mood for more of an entertaining experience, you can enjoy a variety of performances by nationally touring comedians at spots like Hyena's Comedy Club or an open mic night at Adair's Saloon. You can also shoot some pool at Adair’s and experiment with their jukebox. 

Con: You’ll Need To Be On the Lookout for Bug Infestations. 

Dallas-Fort Worth is known for its large population of pests. In fact, the area is among the most affected in the nation by bed bugs. They commonly inhabit multi-family dwellings and apartment buildings, and they can cause itchy rashes. In addition to bed bugs, you’ll find other pests, like termites, that can damage home foundations and furniture by consuming wooden materials.

Pest prevention is important no matter where you live, but it’s especially important in a dense urban area like Dallas. You can help prevent pests by following simple steps such as keeping your home clean. If you come across an infestation, though, there are plenty of local professional pest control companies who will get the job done.

Be sure to take advantage of all the great barbecue Dallas has to offer!
(Source: Visit Dallas via Facebook)

Pro: You’ll Love All the Options for Grabbing a Bite To Eat.

Sure, there are plenty of places in Dallas that serve up Tex-Mex food, but you also have plenty of other options with a wide array of diverse cuisines at local restaurants in the area. For a great brunch, try the egg tacos or cajun shrimp benedict at Ellen's. You can also enjoy a variety of classic Dallas barbecue dishes, like smoked turkey and southern fried chicken, from Pecan Lodge. If you're craving a seafood dish, try the catch of the day or the hot lava shrimp at TJ's Seafood Market. And that’s just a few of the options! 

Con: Housing Costs Are On the Rise

In Dallas, there are various factors driving the demand for homes. These include lower-than-average home prices, a thriving job market, and a growing population. The market is expecting a steady rise in housing costs, though, due to lack of inventory and the slow increase in prices.

Pro: There Are Plenty of Arts To Enjoy.

Dallas has plenty of opportunities for people who love the arts — from the performing arts to the fine arts. For starters, you’ll definitely want to check out Broadway Dallas and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as the unique programming like Dinosaur World Live at the The Majestic Theatre. You can also visit the Dallas Arts District to see all kinds of different art forms and events. And the Dallas Museum of Art is another hotspot visited by people from all around the world that’s great for seeing art from different countries, such as in the Keir Collection. You can even see opera shows like “Giselle” and “The Billy Goats Gruff” at the Winspear Opera House. And that’s just a taste!

Living in Dallas — FAQs

Q: What is a livable salary in Dallas, Texas?
A: According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult living in Dallas should make at least $45,900 before taxes to live comfortably. 

Q: Why moving to Dallas is a good idea?
A: There are many reasons why moving to Dallas is a great idea. For starters, though, there’s access to a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities, great entertainment for every member of the family, and an amazing food scene to explore.

Q: What are the cons of living in Dallas, Texas?
A: Some of the major cons of living in Dallas include dealing with higher crime rates, extreme weather, and lack of efficient public transportation in certain areas.

Q: Is $80,000 a good salary in Dallas?
A: An annual salary of $80,000 is sufficient for a single person and a family with one child where at least one of the parents is working. 

Q: Is Dallas a good place to live? 
A: Dallas is, by far, one of the best cities to settle down in Texas, with great weather, a lively and vibrant culture, many sports teams to root for, and unique cuisines. Factors like the cost of living and safety can be an issue in certain parts of the city, but luckily there are plenty of safe and affordable neighborhoods to choose from. 

Have a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load at your own pace.

Use PODS for Your Move to Dallas. 

Once you’ve assessed the pros and cons of living in Dallas and decided to make the move, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get there. With PODS, you can get a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. You can load everything up at your own pace, and PODS will deliver it to your new residence once you are ready. PODS City Service is even available in Dallas. Need additional time? One month’s worth of storage is included in every move so you can easily move on your own time without having to rush. 

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.