Dallas Relocation Guide

Learn everything there is to know about Dallas!

Tips on Moving to Dallas

Relocation can be one of life's great stressors. Challenges include: selling your current home, purchasing another, determining how much you are likely to receive for your current home and what you can afford for the new one. Moving to Dallas may also involve a cost of living differential, which will determine how much house your dollars will buy here. Fortunately, Dallas is considered to be an affordable market by most professionals who relocate here. Nobody knows what it’s like to relocate like I do. From getting moving estimates, to finding a new place to live…I’ve been there! I know the stress it can cause!

At NitinGuptaDFW.com, we understand the needs of relocating professionals and their families. Maybe you don’t have a family? Relocation is still stressful for the single person! Where do I live? Are there things to do? Restaurants? Shopping? Nightlife? All kinds of questions we are here to help answer for you! Not only are we here to guide you in your home or condominium search but toward the many resources you’ll as you settle into your new community. In comes the Dallas TX Relocation Guide below!

We’re experts in Dallas and its surrounding neighborhoods. Our agents can help you with everything from dry cleaners to drive-ins, schools to shopping and handyman to haircuts!!! Just let us know what you need and we’ll help you find it! And after the sale, we don’t disappear either! We encourage our clients to continue to use us as a resource center! If you have a question, call or email us!

Let us welcome you HOME, to Dallas!!

Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas, Texas

Before taking the plunge into one of the largest cities in the country also known as Big D, there are a few things that may be helpful to know. While most Dallas relocation guides have tons of info on jobs, laws, and where to live, you’ll have to dig deeper for the insider knowledge. If you’re not from around here, be sure to read up on these surprising parts about living in Dallas.

1. Dallas doesn’t just mean Dallas

Like with most major cities across the United States, living in Dallas can actually mean living in any number of the neighboring cities, like Southlake, University Park, or Frisco. If you’re moving to Dallas, don’t expect to actually have “Dallas” in your new address! Dallas as a city has a population of around 1.35 million, but combined with the surrounding metro area, that number is over 7.5 million.

2. 100 degrees isn’t all that bad (without humidity)

The main question that people ask when thinking about things to know before moving to Texas in general is about the weather. You may have heard that the Big D has a “dry heat”, but 100 degrees Fahrenheit still sounds pretty darn hot. However, you’ll find that if you stick to the shade and cover up, the sun won’t feel nearly as bad as the sticky humidity you’ll find elsewhere. In fact, you may be surprised to find that most buildings crank up the A/C in the summer, making the indoors freezing by comparison.

3. No natural disasters here, but beware the hail and tornadoes!

While residents of Dallas are fortunate to avoid hurricanes, earthquakes, and crippling floods, we still experience the joys of unusual weather. Hail, tornadoes and violent severe thunderstorms tend to hit the Dallas Fort Worth area a couple of times a year. Equally as awe-striking to see is the monsoon, that brings sudden torrential downpours and temporary parking lot floods.

4. Take your drinking water seriously

You may not realize it, but the heat can dramatically dehydrate your body and put your health in danger. Relocating to Dallas has tons of benefits, but don’t forget that there are occasional tourists who end up in the hospital every year from not drinking enough water. By the time May rolls around, you should have a water bottle to take everywhere–just don’t leave it in the car.

5. “Where are you from?” is a common question

It seems like no one who lives in Dallas is actually from Dallas. Good sign? We think so. You’ll be joining the company of other fellow Californians, East Coasters, and everything in between. As of April 2023, Collin County was one of the fastest-growing counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, a trend that has been consistent for several years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2010 to 2020, Collin County's population grew by approximately 36%, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and the United States.

Where to Live in Dallas

The Dallas metropolitan area consists of distinct cities and neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and perks.

Here’s some more information about these best neighborhoods in Dallas.

Best School Districts in Dallas – Search for the top school districts in the Big D with this easy to use directory tool to help you choose the best neighborhood for your kids.

Top Ranked Texas Schools – For college-bound kids, education matters. These rankings show the best high schools in Dallas for your children.

Buying a House in Dallas – Learn about various Dallas suburbs, real estate market and search for listings in the Dallas area of your choice.

Renting a Home – Dallas also has a strong home rental market with plenty of options to choose from across the metroplex.

Moving to Dallas – While Downtown Dallas has recently seen an explosion of renovation and a trend urban vibe, the outskirts of the center hub are still ripe for families and commuters.

Moving to Southlake – The City of Southlake has about 30,000 residents, but without the big city feel and instead a suburban, family-friendly experience.

Moving to University Park – Due to its role as Southern Methodist University’s main home and central location, University Park is one of the best upscale neighborhoods in Dallas for successful professionals looking for luxury homes and looking for a quick commute to other neighboring cities including Dallas downtown. The median home list price in University Park, Texas in October 2023 was $2,148,000, up 14.7% from the previous year

Moving to Highland Park – Highland Park is a highly affluent town close to downtown Dallas with a population of under 9,000 residents. The average home value in Highland Park is $2,472,100.

Moving to Frisco – Frisco boasts some of the best award-winning schools in the Dallas-area and a cosmopolitan feel with Frisco ISD. The median home price in Frisco, Texas is $699,900. The median price per square foot is $248 as of October 2023.

Moving to McKinney – McKinney offers great new master planned communities for families and excellent schools under McKinney ISD. As of October 2023, the median listing home price in McKinney, TX was $545,000, flat year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $223. The median home sold price was $492,900

Moving to Prosper – Prosper offers unique communities like Windsong Ranch with lagoons to beat the Texas heat along with excellent schools under Prosper ISD. Median home price in Prosper was $898,200 in October 2023

Moving to Celina – Celina offers affordable living in new master planned communities and great schools under Celina ISD. The median home list price in Celina, Texas was $621,496 in October 2023.

Moving to Melissa – Melissa offers multiple affordable living options, luxury living choices and excellent schools under Melissa ISD. In October 2023, the median listing price for a home in Melissa, Texas was $500,000.

Moving to Coppell: Coppell offers a great location central to Dallas- Fort Worth and a highly rated Coppell ISD. Proximity to DFW airport, access to multiple freeways and a variety of neighborhoods make this a highly sought after city.

Moving to Westlake – Residents in Westlake enjoy expansive estates, a high quality of life, luxury resorts and top-notch restaurants, and relaxed ambiance.

Texas Driving, Laws, and Other Logistics

Moving to a new state can mean a change in laws and policies that you never gave a second thought about. In order to smooth the transition of moving to Texas, it’s best to read up on some basic Texas driving laws, tenant laws, and alcohol laws before it’s too late!

Texas Driving Laws – The state recently passed a “texting while driving” ban, motorcyclists don’t legally need to wear helmets, and no tollways–what else should you know before hitting the TX streets?

Other Weird Laws – Apart from milking a strangers cow being illegal to the fact that The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home, what are some other weird laws special to the Lone Star State?

Firearm Possession – Some still know Texas as the Wild West, but even cowboys have regulations on weapons and firearms in the Lone Star state.

Minimum Wage in Texas – The state minimum wage has been steadily increasing over the past few years and is well above the federal level in 2019.

Updated 2019 laws – Which updated laws should you be aware of in 2019?

Understanding Texas Taxes – Are taxes higher or lower in Texas compared to other states? The answer depends on your personal situation.

Texas Marijuana Laws – The 2010 Texas Medical Marijuana Act made medical marijuana legal in Texas, so what should you know?

Texas Alcohol Laws – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shares some frequently asked questions for alcohol laws when it comes to age, place, licensing, and more.

Legal Gambling in Texas – From dog and horse racing to casinos, learn more about what’s legal and what isn’t in Texas’s gambling scene.

Crime Stats Maps – This crime map reveals neighborhood crime rates and statistics.

Basics: Facts and Statistics About the Size of the DFW Metroplex and its Cities

Dallas-Fort Worth, the seventh largest metropolitan area in the United States, is home to more than 7.4 million residents in the 13 counties spread over 9,279 square miles. It is a sprawling community with a variety of communities, cities and neighborhoods from urban to in-town suburban, traditional suburban and exurban neighborhoods. With its sub-tropical climate. Dallas experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters and hot summers.

Relocating to Dallas

Where low cost of living was long the area's main appeal- and remains a big seller- the attraction has broadened. There is a lifestyle for virtually everyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth.

Like sports? Dallas fields a team in every major professional sport. The City of Dallas and the Dallas metropolitan area is home to teams in six major sports: the Dallas Cowboys (National Football League), Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association), Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball), FC Dallas (Major League Soccer), Dallas Stars (National Hockey League) and Dallas Wings (Women's National Basketball Association).

Dallas area major college sports programs include Patriots baseball of Dallas Baptist University located in southwest Dallas, and the Mustangs of Southern Methodist University, located in the enclave of University Park. Neighboring cities Fort Worth, Arlington, and Denton are home to the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks, and University of North Texas Mean Green, respectively.

Water enthusiasts have a number of lakes to choose from in the DFW area.

The area's upscale restaurants rival those in culinary hotspots, and there are chains galore for families and the budget minded. You can order the country's best gourmet pizza or Mexican food that has seared the mouths of presidents, sip high tea or a vodka made in Texas! Many chain restaurants and stores have their highest-volume restaurants in the Dallas area, guaranteeing a first look at the latest trends. Reunion Tower offers a really great view of Dallas and is one of the best known Dallas landmarks, reaching the dizzy height of 561 feet, making it the city’s 15th tallest building. Visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city as the Tower’s platform revolves. There is also the legendary chef Wolfgang Pucks’ Five Sixty restaurant at the top of the tower if you’re in the mood to enjoy a meal.

There are theaters and concert venues in DFW and the world-class Dallas Museum of Arts is one of the largest art museums in America and Perot Museum of Nature and Science provides an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

On the job front, no metropolitan area can match Dallas's job growth. Jobs with 24 of top Fortune 500 companies are plenty in DFW and efforts to diversify have drawn a promising new cluster of companies and research.

Where else can you watch a city that is already the nation's ninth largest unfold in front of you? Downtown Dallas is in the midst of a long-hoped-for renaissance, with luxury high rises including 41-story Atelier and 28-story HALL Arts Residences in the Dallas Arts District, the 39-story The Victor in Victory Park, the 22-story The McKenzie in Knox-Henderson, and the 60-story AMLI Fountain Place downtown.

Dallas Housing Prices and Cost of Living

When compared to cities that are similar – in terms of major industries and population, among other factors – Dallas is much more affordable and provides a higher standard of living. In fact, you’ll likely pay less for transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other critical goods and services like groceries (Texas doesn’t tax unprepared food items) and housing – and we’ve got the stats to prove it.

Home Prices

The median home price in the DFW area has been on the rise, with some fluctuations depending on the specific city or neighborhood. As of early 2024, median home prices in the area were reported to be in the range of $300,000 to $400,000, with more desirable neighborhoods and those closer to city centers often commanding higher prices.

New construction homes and those in highly sought-after school districts or with premium amenities could see prices well above the median.

Rent Prices

Rent prices in the DFW area also varied widely based on location, size, and quality of the rental property. On average, renters could expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 per month for a one to two-bedroom apartment, with luxury apartments and rentals in high-demand areas costing more.

Single-family homes for rent typically started at around $1,800 per month and could go up significantly for larger homes in prime locations.

Suburbs and Communities of Dallas

If you’ve never been to Dallas or if you don’t know the different areas of Dallas well, you’ll find this section especially helpful. Learn about the popular suburbs of Dallas and the reasons why they are popular with families relocating to Dallas. Is your priority a top school district or are you more concerned with a reasonable commute time to work? From the city to the suburbs and small towns of the Metroplex, read about the school districts, recreational opportunities, entertainment, geography, and culture of the various areas of the Dallas Metroplex.

Buying A Home In Dallas, TX

Many of the laws and regulations that govern real estate transactions in Texas work differently than many other states.

Property taxes are higher in Texas compared to other states as there is not state income tax.

If you would like to understand the costs of buying and owning a home in Dallas, TX, here is a good article on our site on closing costs involved in buying a home in Dallas.

The real estate contracts in Texas are in favor of the buyer. Here is more information about the closing process in Texas.

Health Care in Dallas

Health care is another industry with strong roots in Dallas. Both Parkland Memorial Hospital and Baylor University Medical Center are nationally recognized hospitals and have been ranked among the best by U.S. News and World Report, along with Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, which ranked high in 10 different specialties. The University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, widely considered “the crown jewel” of the UT medical system, also counts five Nobel laureates among its skilled staff members. Major healthcare systems in the Dallas/Fort Worth area include Baylor Health System, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Texas Health Resources, Methodist Health System, VA North Texas Healthcare System, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and Presbyterian Healthcare System.

List and map of hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth

1. UT Southwestern Medical Center

Description: One of the leading medical education and biomedical research institutions in the United States, UT Southwestern Medical Center is known for its comprehensive patient care and extensive range of specialties.
Address: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390
Website: UT Southwestern Medical Center

2. Baylor University Medical Center

Description: Part of Baylor Scott & White Health, this hospital is known for its significant contributions to medical research, education, and care in various specialties, including cancer, heart and vascular, and transplantation.
Address: 3500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246
Website: Baylor University Medical Center

3. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Description: Offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, heart and vascular, orthopedics, and women's services, this hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare to the Dallas community.
Address: 8200 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX 75231
Website: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

4. Parkland Health & Hospital System

Description: Known for its trauma and burn centers, Parkland Health & Hospital System provides a broad spectrum of healthcare services and is the primary teaching hospital for UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Address: 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
Website: Parkland Health & Hospital System

5. Children's Medical Center Dallas

Description: As one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the United States, Children's Medical Center Dallas offers comprehensive care across more than 50 pediatric specialties.
Address: 1935 Medical District Dr, Dallas, TX 75235
Website: Children's Medical Center Dallas

6. Methodist Dallas Medical Center

Description: Part of the Methodist Health System, this medical center provides a wide range of healthcare services, including emergency, heart and vascular, neurosciences, and cancer treatment.
Address: 1441 N Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX 75203
Website: Methodist Dallas Medical Center

Weather in Dallas

The temperature rarely dips below freezing, and the skies are clear an average of 135 dap each year.

Dallas Transportation, Traffic, and Commuting Information

D-FW region is served by three public transportation agencies: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Each provides rail and bus service, and they all work together to connect Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton counties. Dallas Area Rapid Transit also operates an extensive bus system with local and express routes serving 11,000 stops throughout central Dallas and the Metroplex.

The city of Dallas is at the confluence of a large number of major interstate highways—Interstates 20, 30, 35E, and 45 all run through the city. The city's freeway system, as it has no major geographical inhibitors surrounding it, is set up in the popular hub-and-spoke system, much like a wagon wheel. The city of Dallas's freeways, much like the city, are generally relatively new and in good condition.

Blog article: How bad is traffic in Dallas?

Dallas Economy

Dallas has an unemployment rate of 3.6%. The US average is 3.9%. Dallas has seen the job market increase by 3.3% over the last year which is one of the major attractions for families relocating to Dallas. Future job growth over the next ten years in Dallas metro area is predicted to be 45.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%. In the Dallas area, the top industries are technology, financial services and defense. In the Fort Worth area, the major industries are oil and gas, manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace. The area's largest employers are business-, finance- and educated-related, such as the AMR Corporation, Bank of America Corporation and Texas Health Resources.

Dallas Schools

Dallas is home to 325 public schools in 30 school districts along with more than 200 charter and private schools. There are over 400 private schools in Dallas

Dallas supports arts and culture with the Texas Ballet Theater, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Dallas Opera.

Higher Education

The large Dallas metro area is home to a little less than a quarter of the public and private colleges and universities in Texas. There are 105 colleges and universities within 25 miles of Dallas, TX. Over 20 four-year universities are clustered in the Dallas area. The region’s public universities are generally divided between the University of North Texas and the University of Texas systems. The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the most well known public schools in the state.

Dallas and Fort Worth area colleges and universities include Southern Methodist University, Texas Woman’s University (Denton), Dallas County Community College District, University of Texas at Arlington, Collin County Community College District, University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas, Tarrant County College, Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Christian University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Remington College, Everest College, and the College of St. Thomas More.

Dallas is home to the Dallas County Community College District, which is the largest community college system in the state. The system comprises seven independently accredited colleges: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richmond.

Diversity

Dallas’ above-average level of diversity is integral to the city’s unique character. In the most recent Census, approximately a quarter of residents identified as African American and slightly over 40 percent categorized themselves as Hispanic. Almost 25 percent of the city is foreign born, and 42 percent of the population speaks a language other than English in the home. This environment of cultural and linguistic diversity complements the role Dallas plays as a major center of education for the South Central United States.