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If you’re thinking of moving to Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is likely on your radar. Dallas is often a top destination for those relocating from places like California and New York, because of its wide range of employment opportunities, affordable housing, and exciting cultural attractions. As expected with any large metro area, living in Dallas has its pros and cons. So, let’s take a look at all the details and give you everything you need to make an informed decision on if you should move to Dallas.
Pros of Living in Dallas
What are some of the advantages of living in Dallas and the surrounding suburbs?
Employment Opportunities
Dallas is home to a wide range of diverse industries, making it one of the best places in the country for job seekers. Whether you’re in finance, tech, healthcare, manufacturing, or education, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities in the city. Major employers, including large corporations and growing startups, are thrilled to call DFW home. The city’s business-friendly environment and the state’s lack of a personal income tax make it attractive to companies, which translates to a strong job market for those considering a move to DFW.
Cost of Living
Compared to other major metropolitan areas like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Dallas offers a more reasonable cost of living. In comparison, new homes in DFW, and its outer suburbs in particular, are more affordable than in many other large cities. This makes the area a prime location for families and individuals looking to buy a new home without sacrificing amenities or location.
Culture and Entertainment
Dallas offers a rich and diverse cultural scene. From the downtown Arts District to Uptown to Deep Ellum to Bishop Arts (and many more), there are numerous popular and engaging entertainment zones in Dallas so you’ll never run out of things to do.
For sports fans, Dallas has teams in each major sport – the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), the Dallas Stars (NHL), the Texas Rangers (MLB), FC Dallas (MLS), and the Dallas Wings (WNBA) plus minor league and college teams.
The city also boasts a variety of dining options, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries, making it easy to find something that suits your taste.
Education
For families moving to Dallas, education is often a top consideration. Dallas is home to several fine universities, including Southern Methodist University (SMU), the University of Dallas (UD), and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), plus several more excellent schools in nearby Denton, Arlington, and Fort Worth. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is home to several of the U.S. News & World Report’s top public high schools in the nation and the city has dozens of highly rated private schools, as well. Plus, the suburban public school districts in the region are frequently ranked as among the best in the state.
Diverse Neighborhoods
One of the unique advantages of moving to DFW is the variety of neighborhoods available. North Dallas homes, for example, offer a mix of suburban and urban living options. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly community or a more vibrant, bustling area, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in Dallas. Each neighborhood embraces its own personality and unique amenities, giving you flexibility when it comes to choosing your community, no matter its location.
Weather
For those who prefer warmer climates, Dallas offers plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The city averages 232 sunny (or partly sunny) days annually, making outdoor activities like golf, cycling, walking, tennis, pickleball, soccer, football and baseball possible almost year-round. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely lingering below freezing.
Cons of Living in Dallas
Every big city has a few drawbacks.
Traffic and Urban Sprawl
As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., Dallas has experienced significant urban sprawl. The city and its surrounding suburbs have expanded, leading to longer travel times between communities. While this sprawl has made it easier for developers to build new homes in the burgeoning region, it has also resulted in increased commute times and the need to travel farther.
Along with this sprawl comes traffic, an annoyance in every city. Dallas drivers often experience traffic congestion, especially on major highways such as I-35 and I-635. If you will commute to work or travel frequently around the region, it’s something to be aware of when planning your move to DFW.
Weather
While the mild winters are a plus, the summer heat in Dallas can be challenging. The city experiences hot and humid conditions during the summer months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Severe weather, such as thunderstorms and the occasional tornado, are also a possibility. If you’re sensitive to heat, this could be a drawback.
Public Transportation
Dallas is largely a car-dependent city. While it does have a light-rail and bus system (DART), it’s not as extensive or reliable as some of the other major cities like New York or Chicago. Most residents rely on their own vehicles for commuting and daily travel, so moving to DFW usually involves owning or leasing a car.
Air Quality
Dallas, like many large cities, is moving quickly to combat the air quality concerns that can arise in a growing city. The city occasionally experiences high levels of pollution, which can affect residents – especially those with respiratory issues. If you or your family members have health concerns related to air quality, this may be something to consider before moving to Texas.
Is Living in Dallas Right for You?
When weighing the pros and cons, most people find that the benefits of living in Dallas largely outweigh the drawbacks. Dallas-Fort Worth was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in 2023 – a clear indicator that many people share that sentiment and have chosen to make DFW their new home. Attractive homebuying options, a strong job market, and a rich cultural scene are among the many reasons people continue to move to the area.
For out-of-state buyers, Dallas represents a blend of opportunity and affordability that’s hard to match in other major cities. If you’re considering buying in the Dallas area, there are plenty of homes for sale that offer proximity to amenities without the steep price tags we’ve become accustomed to seeing in other large cities.
Find Your Dallas-area Home at a Hillwood Community
If you’re thinking about moving to DFW, Hillwood Communities offers some of the best neighborhoods in the area. Designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners, Hillwood’s planned communities focus on lifestyle, convenience, connection, and enduring value. With a broad array of family-friendly amenities and engaging lifestyle activities designed to promote resident engagement and build neighborly relationships, our new home communities offer the charm of a small-town life within easy reach of the big city.
If you’re looking to buy a home in the Dallas area, check out a Hillwood Community. One of our newest, Ramble, is coming soon to the northern Dallas suburb of Celina. This new home community will feature homes by an elite collection of builders and will offer something for everyone, from young professionals to growing families.
We invite you to explore our lifestyle communities that have homes for sale near Dallas. Contact Hillwood Communities today or explore our current communities online to learn more about your options!
