The Ultimate Dallas Relocation Guide for Chicago, Illinois Families in 2025: Why Families from Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, and Evanston Are Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth for Affordable Luxury and a
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR

- May 18
- 4 min read

In 2025, more and more families from the Chicago metro area—including Naperville, Schaumburg, Evanston, and Oak Park—are relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Texas. The reasons are clear: high property taxes, rising crime, harsh winters, and inflated housing costs are pushing Illinois residents to seek more space, lower costs, and a better lifestyle in North Texas.
Whether you're a remote worker, executive, retiree, or growing family, DFW offers a better return on your investment, with excellent schools, family-friendly master-planned communities, and no state income tax.
Summary
Families from the Chicago area are moving to Dallas-Fort Worth for newer homes, lower taxes, a warmer climate, and better schools. This guide breaks down the best suburbs, school districts, builders, job opportunities, and reasons why DFW is a smart move for Illinois residents.
✅ Why Chicago Families Are Moving to DFW
1. No State Income TaxIllinois income tax is 4.95%, and property taxes are among the highest in the U.S.—with many homeowners paying $15K–$30K+ annually. Texas has:
0% income tax
Comparable or slightly higher property tax rates, but lower home prices and no income tax mean major long-term savings.
2. More Home for the MoneyIn Chicagoland, $900K–$1.5M buys a 2,800–3,200 sq ft home built in the 1990s. In DFW, that budget gets you:
4,500–5,500+ sq ft
New construction
Home office, media room, outdoor kitchen, and luxury finishes
Gated communities or amenity-rich neighborhoods
3. Better Weather & Outdoor LifestyleDFW offers:
300+ days of sunshine per year
No snow, no shoveling
Private pools, sports courts, trails, and greenbelts in your neighborhood
Mild winters and year-round outdoor activities
4. Master-Planned CommunitiesChicago's older suburbs can’t compare to DFW’s new, purpose-built neighborhoods, which offer:
Resort-style pools
Clubhouses and gyms
On-site elementary schools
Community events
Walking trails and parks
5. Job Market Diversity & GrowthDFW has a booming economy, with major employers in:
Technology
Healthcare
Aviation
Finance
Logistics
Construction & real estate
🌆 Where Chicago Families Are Moving From
Chicago (Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, South Loop) – Moving to Southlake, Frisco, and University Park for safety, schools, and space
Naperville & Schaumburg – Families upgrading from older homes to new construction in Prosper, McKinney, and Celina
Evanston & Oak Park – Urban families seeking stronger public schools and lower taxes in master-planned communities
Downers Grove & Arlington Heights – Professionals relocating for warmer weather, better resale value, and more land
🏘️ Top DFW Suburbs for Chicago Families
Suburb | Why It’s Ideal for Chicago Transplants |
Frisco | A+ schools, thriving business hub, walkable neighborhoods, and luxury home options |
Southlake | Estate homes, elite Carroll ISD schools, and close proximity to DFW Airport |
Prosper | Large lots, gated neighborhoods, newer schools, and exceptional long-term equity |
Celina | Fast-growing, new master-planned communities with affordable luxury homes |
McKinney | Historic charm, suburban convenience, and access to top schools and parks |
Coppell | Smaller suburb feel, airport access, and one of the top-rated ISDs in North Texas |
🛠️ Best Builders in Dallas-Fort Worth
Say goodbye to drafty Chicago colonials and hello to smart, energy-efficient homes with top-tier upgrades. DFW builders specialize in open-concept luxury with features perfect for modern families.
Top builders include:
Highland Homes
Perry Homes
Toll Brothers
American Legend Homes
Shaddock Homes
Huntington Homes
David Weekley Homes
🏫 Public and Private School Options
Illinois parents are often frustrated by inconsistent public school quality and expensive private tuition. In contrast, DFW offers top-performing public school districts right in your neighborhood.
Top-Rated ISDs for Families:
Frisco ISD
Carroll ISD (Southlake)
Prosper ISD
Lovejoy ISD
Coppell ISD
Notable Private Schools:
The Hockaday School
Jesuit College Preparatory School
Greenhill School
The Episcopal School of Dallas
Parish Episcopal School
💼 DFW's Booming Economy
Industry | Major Employers |
Technology | Amazon, AT&T, Texas Instruments, Oracle |
Finance | Charles Schwab, JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity |
Healthcare | UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health |
Aviation | American Airlines (HQ), Southwest Airlines |
Logistics | Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, UPS |
📊 Chicago vs. Dallas-Fort Worth: Cost & Lifestyle Comparison
Feature | Chicago, IL | Frisco / Southlake / Prosper, TX |
State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0% |
Median Home Price | $850K+ for 2,800 sq ft | $600K–$1.2M for 4,500+ sq ft |
Property Taxes | 2.3%–3.0% (avg $15K–$30K/yr) | 2.1%–2.5% (lower values = less) |
School Quality | Varies | A–A+ Rated ISDs |
Weather | Snow, ice, short summers | Hot summers, mild winters |
Lifestyle Amenities | Scattered | Built-in community amenities |
✔️ Tips for Chicago Families Relocating to DFW
Start with a Suburb Tour: Visit Frisco, Southlake, Celina, and Prosper to explore options
Prioritize School Zones: Districts like Frisco ISD and Carroll ISD should guide your search
Secure Financing Early: Pre-approval gives you an edge in DFW’s active real estate market
Choose Growth Corridors: Look at high-appreciation areas like Celina and Prosper for future equity
Use a Relocation Expert: Partner with a local agent who understands builder incentives and resale trends
Ready to Leave Illinois and Upgrade to Texas Living?
Nitin Gupta, Broker Associate, has helped many families relocate from Chicagoland to DFW. He knows how to match school zones, builder quality, and lifestyle preferences to create a seamless relocation experience.
📞 Contact Nitin Gupta today:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact
📄 View certifications and relocation credentials:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designations
Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about Frisco real estate!
FIND A LUXURY HOME IN FRISCO, TEXAS WITH NITIN GUPTA, BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®.
When purchasing a luxury home in Frisco, Texas, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, architectural style, security, and amenities to ensure the home meets both lifestyle and investment needs. By selecting a property in a prestigious neighborhood with numerous amenities and security measures, buyers can ensure they’re making a valuable and rewarding investment in the vibrant Frisco market.
For those looking to invest in luxury homes in Frisco, Texas, Nitin Gupta is an expert real estate professional ready to assist. Known for his extensive experience, market insights, and numerous awards, he is committed to finding his clients the best properties in the area.
Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or send a message today to explore exclusive listings and secure your ideal luxury residence in one of Frisco’s elite communities.






