The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dallas
Here's everything you need to know before moving to Dallas, from the low cost of living and bad traffic to the best moving tips.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Dallas
has become one of the best places to live in the country, thanks to its booming economy, vibrant culture, and affordable housing. Just be prepared to deal with notoriously bad traffic and scorching hot summers.Dallas, located in North Texas, mixes Southern hospitality, diversity, and big-city amenities. Thousands of people move here each year due to the low cost of living and plentiful job opportunities. There is a big push to revitalize the downtown area right now, and new cultural activities like microbreweries and film festivals opening up.
We've put together the complete guide to moving to Dallas, with everything you need to know before you get there and tips on how to make the move as easy as possible.
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What you need to know about Dallas before you move
If you’re thinking about moving to Dallas, then you’re in good company—in 2017, Dallas was the fastest growing city in the United States, with roughly 300,000 Americans packing their things and moving to the Big D.
Everything in this city is done in a larger-than-life way, whether it's eating a gigantic plate of tasty Tex-Mex or cheering on the Cowboys to their next victory. Even with all of these positive aspects, there are a lot of things to consider if you're thinking about moving to Dallas
1. The cost of living is cheaper than in other major cities
The median home price in Dallas is $409,548, while the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,251 per month. Though Dallas property taxes are high (thanks in part to the state’s lack of personal income tax), there are occasionally exemptions for individuals 65 and older as well as tax breaks for those restoring historic houses.
The cost of groceries in Dallas is also 2% lower than the national average. A carton of eggs costs $1.54, a loaf of bread is about $3.41, and a gallon of milk is $2.18.
2. Dallas’ job market has bounced back
The main industries in Dallas are skilled trades, business, government, education, and health services. And with job growth in almost all Dallas industries, this Texas city has one of the strongest post-COVID-19 job markets in the country—bouncing back with a 7.4% employment increase.
Looking for a job with a major Dallas company? The city is home to the corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, Bank of America, and Tenet Healthcare.
Dallas not only has a lot of work opportunities, but it also pays more than similarly-sized cities in the United States! Dallas has a median household income of $55,332.
3. Crime rates are higher than average
Dallas receives a score of 6 (out of 100) from Neighborhood Scout, indicating that it is only safer than 6% of American cities. But these types of ratings should be taken with a grain of salt, as they don't immediately mean that living in Dallas is dangerous. You can be as safe as anywhere else if you take appropriate safety precautions.
Dallas residents are victims of violent crime at a rate of 8.84 per 1,000, and property crime victims at a rate of 36.51 per 1,000. South Boulevard-Park Row, CedarCrest, and SouthDallas have some of the highest crime rates in Dallas.
4. It’s one of the best places to raise a family
Dallas is an excellent city to raise a family, thanks to its pleasant weather and affordable real estate. It’s also home to high-quality education, tons of family-friendly activities, and world-class healthcare.
And there's no need to leave Fido at home—Dallas is happy to welcome you and your four-legged companion! Dallas is one of those cities that makes traveling with your pet simple, from mornings at the farmer's market to trolley excursions.
5. Be prepared to sit in traffic
One of the major drawbacks of living in Dallas is traffic and highway construction. The Dallas area has some of the worst traffic in the country, and it wastes 67 hours of commuter time every year.
Because the city is so spread out, residents have to endure longer commutes than most—the average one-way commute time is 26.8 minutes, higher than the national average of 26.4 minutes.
There are several public transportation options for folks who don't own a car (or are simply trying to be more environmentally conscious). The Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART) is a large train and bus system that will take you almost anywhere—just be aware it has a reputation for being slow and unreliable.
6. Dallas summers are hot, hot, hot
If you think it's toasty where you live, wait till you're in Dallas. The average high temperature in June, July, and August is above 90 degrees. And the thermometer will frequently rise above 100—yikes!
But living in Dallas wouldn't be the same without a little heat. You can always go to a pool or sit under a big elm tree to cool off. The winters are also very mild, which is a great trade-off.
It rarely snows in Dallas, and most winter days are between 50 and 60 degrees. That's like a gorgeous summer day in Maine or Montana.
7. You’ll be in Cowboys territory
Though the Dallas Cowboys play in nearby Arlington, the team is still a big deal in Dallas. Football, in fact, is taken seriously at all ages and skill levels. Ticket costs for Cowboys games are high, but it may be worthwhile to attend a game if only to experience a piece of Dallas culture.
Does Dallas live up to the stereotypes?
People say that everything is bigger in Texas, and Dallas is no different. Dallasites give a new meaning to the phrase "go big or go home" with their massive St. Patrick's Day parade and the 38-foot-tall Traveling Man.
BBQ reigns supreme in Dallas, and it’s not an exaggeration to say you could walk through any neighborhood in the summer and see a cookout being held. Dallas also has a reputation for Tex-Mex cuisine, and there are definitely some fantastic restaurants in the city.
Don’t be surprised to see cowboy hats and boots on the streets, either—while it’s not the Wild Wild West in Dallas, there is still some of this old-fashioned culture found throughout town.
Key Takeaway Bad traffic and higher crime rates balance out Dallas’ thriving cultural scene, booming economy, and mild winters.
Finding a place to live in Dallas
If, after reading everything above, you decide to move to Dallas, you'll need to look at some neighborhoods to narrow down your home search. If you need some help figuring out where to go, here’s a guide to some notable Dallas neighborhoods:
- Most iconic neighborhoods: Winnetka Heights, Junius Heights, Swiss Avenue
- Best neighborhoods for families with kids: Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, Lake Highlands
- Best neighborhoods for foodies: Greenville, Trinity Groves, Oak Lawn
- Best neighborhoods for young professionals: Greenland Hills, Uptown, Downtown
- Most affordable neighborhoods: Prestonwood,West End, Design District
Moving to Dallas checklist
After you've found your new place and paid your security deposit, it's time to collect all of the things you'll need for your move—don't forget to stock up on tape and boxes! Check out these moving tips to make your move less stressful.
Before you go
Before you move, you should:
- Pack all your belongings—and don't be scared to ask your friends for some help!
- Inform your landlord, job, utility companies, and insurer that you’re relocating
- If you're traveling across the country but want to keep your car, you should consider shipping it to Dallas
- Buy your plane tickets or head out on the road trip of a lifetime
After you get there
When you move into a new house, you're not done yet! Follow these suggestions to help you get settled in D-Town:
- If you moved to Texas from another state and brought your car with you, you'll need to register it and get new insurance
- Take the time to buy renters insurance, which will safe guard you, your belongings, and your money
- Change your postal address, voter registration, and healthcare info
- Take a look around your new digs! Find the best late-night eats, bars, clubs, and things to do in the area
How to save on car, renters, and home insurance in Dallas
Moving to a new city will always be pricey, so any way you can save money is a big help. And, while you may not realize it, you are most likely overpaying for your
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Is it worth moving to Dallas?
Because everyone has different priorities, we can only offer general advice. If you don't like driving everywhere and hate the heat, Dallas might not be right for you.
But it’s also one of the best places to live in the country, with an affordable cost of living, booming job market, unique cuisine, and bustling entertainment district. If this seems like your ideal city, moving to Dallas is a good idea.
How much money do I need to move to Dallas?
In Dallas, the recommended household income for a one-bedroom apartment is $42,048 per year or $20.22 per hour.
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