As a vibrant city filled with history and culture, Dallas, Texas, attracts people from all over the world. Whether it’s for work, school, or simply a change of scenery, this moving guide to Dallas, Texas, offers valuable information and insights to help you navigate this bustling metropolis.
From pinpointing the best neighborhoods and steering through the Dallas housing market to exploring the city’s top attractions and sites, consider this your introduction to the Lone Star State’s third-largest city.
Top Dallas Neighborhoods for Families
While Dallas is a busy city, it’s not all concrete jungle and nightlife. Dallas has various neighborhoods catering to those with children and larger households. If you’re relocating with your family, our moving guide to Dallas, Texas, has you covered with these family-friendly areas.
Highland Park, Texas
Highland Park is an upscale neighborhood perfect for families with young children. It all starts with highly rated public school districts in the area, of which a significant portion received A+ ratings from Niche. Niche also rated Highland Park an A+ for families with kids. It’s a safe area, with violent and property crimes well below the national average per 100,000 residents.
So, what kid-friendly activities does Highland Park have to offer? It all starts with highly rated local parks, including Lakeside Park, Klyde Warren Park, and Dragon Park. If your kids are more into gaming, bring the whole family to Cidercade Dallas, where you can play all day for just one fee — $12 as of February 2024.
Is there a bookworm in the family? Check out the Highland Park Library, which holds various storytime events for toddlers and preschoolers.
The neighborhood is also home to the Highland Park Village, a historic shopping center with luxury boutiques and charming cafes, perfect for a leisurely family outing.
University Park, Texas
University Park is another excellent option for families with kiddos tagging along. It also received an A+ from Niche for its top-rated public schools and overall family-friendly atmosphere. University Park, located adjacent to Southern Methodist University, provides families with educational opportunities.
Families can spend quality time together at the Holmes Aquatic Center, a popular spot for swimming and water activities, or explore expansive, highly rated parks like Coffee Park and Northcrest Park, which offer plenty for kids and the whole family to do.
Plano, Texas
University Park and Highland Park each offer great places for families, but they are quite pricey to live in. For those seeking a family-friendly atmosphere with a lower cost, Plano, Texas, could be a great option.
Plano has a more suburban feel but is still below the national average in violent and property crime rates. It also boasts an A+ rating from Niche for its great public schools and an A+ rating for families with children. The latter rating is thanks to its numerous recreational amenities and a strong sense of community.
Families can take advantage of the area’s numerous parks and nature preserves, such as Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, which features over 800 acres of space and offers hiking trails, a playground, and a fishing pond. Plano also hosts the Plano Balloon Festival, an annual event offering family fun, including hot air balloon rides, live music, and food vendors.
Tips for Navigating the Texas Housing Market in Dallas
The housing market in Dallas can be competitive and unpredictable at times. Preparation is a critical step to diving into this market, and these tips may help you navigate the process.
Research Neighborhoods
Before looking at homes seriously, evaluate different Dallas neighborhoods and nearby cities. You want to find the perfect spot for you and your family. If you have kids, research areas with great schools, lots of green spaces, high safety ratings, and many kid-friendly activities.
However, if you’re a young professional who enjoys evenings out on the town and frequenting high-end eateries, you may want to find places closer to Downtown Dallas so you can get in on the action.
If you’re an art lover, you may prefer settling down near the Dallas Art District to take in shows and creative works whenever you want.
Once you narrow down your location based on needs and wants, you can start seriously planning your housing moves.
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Set a Budget
With a neighborhood or a few neighborhoods on your final list, it’s time to set a budget. Gather your income and debt information to determine what you can afford. Once you have this in hand, you may want to get a mortgage pre-approval so you know what the bank will lend you and can shop for homes confidently.
Housing prices remain slightly high in the Dallas area, with the median list price ringing in at approximately $439,000. However, there might be room for negotiation in home prices, as the median sale price is over $100,000 lower at around $333,600.
If you’re a renter, set your rental budget by subtracting all your monthly bills from your take-home income. This shows you what cash you have left after your fixed expenses. You’ll also want to deduct estimates of your variable expenses, such as groceries, utility costs, entertainment, and more.
With your leftover cash determined, multiply your total monthly income before taxes by 0.30 — the common rule of thumb is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. Then, compare this number to the leftover cash you got from the previous step. If this calculation is less than your leftover cash, use the 30% rule for your monthly rent as your peak budget.
If 30% of your income is more than you have left after paying your monthly expenses, use the leftover cash after expenses as your peak monthly rent budget. Alternatively, you can adjust your budgeting to get closer to the 30% number.
Work With a Real Estate Agent
You can only do so much research online, and having someone in the area to help navigate this market can make your home search much easier. This is where a real estate agent comes into play. A knowledgeable local agent can help you find the best deals and understand the market.
Check out our guide on shopping for real estate agents in Texas to make the process easier.
Be Flexible
When moving to a new city, you’ll need some flexibility until you truly understand the area and the market. If you’re buying a home, consider new and preowned homes and different types of properties to increase your options. Or you could even consider moving into a rental property your first year to determine if you like a particular area before making a permanent decision.
If you plan to rent, keep an open mind about types of rentals, including single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums. This might allow you to live in an area you prefer now that might be out of reach for purchase.
Be Prepared to Act
The Dallas housing market is highly competitive. If you’re buying a home, be ready to submit an offer quickly. Desirable properties often receive multiple offers, and any delay could result in missing out on the home of your dreams.
If you’re renting, be prepared to submit a rental application immediately. Also, make sure to have all your security deposit and first month’s rent ready in cash so there’s no delay in securing the property you want.
While these tips are essential for navigating the housing market in Dallas, there are a few additional factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to understand the current trends in the market. Dallas has grown significantly in recent years, resulting in increased demand for housing. This means that competition for properties may be fierce, and staying informed about the latest market conditions is crucial.
What Considerations or Challenges Should Newcomers Know When Moving to Dallas?
Moving to Dallas and enjoying the Texas lifestyle is an exciting adventure, but as with any place, there are challenges to consider before moving.
Climate
Because it’s located in north Texas, Dallas has a climate that fluctuates greatly between the seasons. In the summer, it’s hot and humid, with temperatures peaking at an average high of 97 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in July and 96 degrees F in August. On the flip side, winter temperatures tumble to average lows of 33 degrees in January. That’s quite an extreme range, so you’ll want to plan for this fluctuation in terms of electricity usage throughout the year.
Learn more about what temperature you should set your air conditioner in the summer.
Traffic
Dallas is known for its traffic congestion, so you’ll need to plan your routes and commute times accordingly. Dallas is ranked as the 14th worst city in the U.S. for traffic, with the average commuter spending 56 hours in traffic per year. This costs the average commuter $953 per year.
City Sprawl
Dallas is a sprawling city that covers 385 square miles. This can make getting around a little difficult without a reliable mode of transportation.
Must-Visit Attractions and Landmarks in Dallas
Dallas has a vibrant culture, rich history, and incredible diversity, so you’ll have plenty of attractions and landmarks to visit as a newcomer. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an art connoisseur, Dallas has something you’ll love.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a popular Dallas attraction in the former Texas School Book Depository. This museum gives you a glimpse into the history of the JFK assassination and detailed exhibits that chronicle that fateful day.
When craving a tranquil escape, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a place you’ll love to visit. Boasting over 66 acres, you’ll take in all the sites this incredible garden features, including a gorgeous collection of plants, flowers, and seasonal displays. The best part is, this garden is always changing with the seasons, so you can enjoy a different experience throughout the year.
If you want a unique aquatic adventure, the Dallas World Aquarium is a great place to check out. Explore the diverse underwater ecosystems and check out exotic marine animals from around the globe. From vibrant tropical fish to majestic penguins, this immersive experience is perfect for Texans of all ages.
Are you a family of art enthusiasts? You can find your haven at the Dallas Museum of Art, which features a diverse art collection spanning different periods and styles. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, you’ll journey through time and explore artistic achievements.
Got some animal lovers in the family? As one of the largest zoos in America, the Dallas Zoo is a must-visit attraction. It’s home to various animals from all corners of the globe, from elephants to primates. During your visits, you’ll observe these incredible creatures up close and learn more about how conservation and wildlife preservation are critical to the world.
And who can forget Dallas’ thriving sports scenes? The city has three professional sports franchises in the three major sports. For NFL football, there’s the Dallas Cowboys, who play at the AT&T Stadium. If you’re an NHL fan, you have the Dallas Stars. If NBA basketball is your thing, you can check out the Dallas Mavericks, who share the American Airlines Center with the Stars.
What’s the Dallas Cost of Living Compared to Other Major Cities in Texas and the United States?
The Dallas metro area has about an average cost of living compared to the rest of the U.S. It’s cost-of-living index — a scale where 100 is the average cost in the country— checks in at 100.2. That’s just about as average as it gets. However, this can vary depending on where you spend most of your money. For example, housing and healthcare in Dallas have an index score of only 89.1 and 98.1, respectively, but transportation checks in high at 117.1.
Another thing to remember about moving to Texas is that the state has no state income tax, so your income goes even further.
Keep in mind that this is just against the national average. Compared to other big cities in the U.S., Dallas fairs well.
Let’s review the overall cost of living index in several other big cities to give you an idea of just how affordable Dallas is:
- New York City (Manhattan), NY: 227.8
- Atlanta, GA: 113.3
- San Francisco, CA: 169.5
- Los Angeles, CA: 147.3
- Miami, FL: 118.9
- Chicago, IL: 105.7
- Washington, DC: 145.3
- Boston, MA: 148
- Seattle, WA: 145.7
Compared to the rest of Texas, Dallas is relatively expensive. Overall, Texas has a cost of living index of 94.2 — 6 points lower than Dallas. But how does it stack up to the other big cities in the Lone Star State? Let’s review:
- Houston: 96.9
- San Antonio: 91.3
- Austin: 121.9
- Fort Worth: 101.5
- El Paso: 81.9
- Corpus Christi: 83.5
- Arlington: 101.5
What Are Public Transportation Options in Dallas?
Dallas is a sprawling city, but it has some public transportation options. The city has a light rail system, the Trinity Railway Express commuter train. This commuter train is still relatively small compared to the size of the city, but it helps folks get through some of the more congested parts of the city.
The Trinity Railway Express train is supplemented by another train system and buses operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). These options provide convenient access to different parts of the city so you can ride the train to certain areas and then take a bus the rest of the way if needed.
Despite its efforts to offer public transportation, Dallas remains a car-dependent city. Fortunately, the city has well-maintained roadways and freeways. As mentioned earlier, just be sure to prepare for traffic during peak hours.
Ease Your Transition With This Moving Guide to Dallas, Texas
Moving to Dallas can be an exciting time to live in a city filled with opportunities, attractions, and a vibrant culture. By familiarizing yourself with the top neighborhoods, navigating the housing market, understanding the city’s challenges, and embracing its unique events and attractions, you’ll be well-prepared to make a smooth transition and call Dallas your new home.
Use this moving guide to Dallas, Texas, as a resource to help you plan your transition to this new city.
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