If you’re thinking of moving to Dallas, Texas, you’re not the only one. Ever since the pandemic, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has been one of the top moving destinations the country. After all, who doesn’t love cowboys, Tex-Mex, football, and BBQ?

Keep reading to learn why so many people are flocking to the “Big D”, as well as some of the best Dallas neighborhoods that have captured the hearts of residents and newcomers alike.

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Dallas City Facts

First things first, let’s check out some quick facts about the city:

• Dallas is in North Texas: It’s located about 3 hours north of Austin, 3 ½ hours north of Houston, and 4 hours north of San Antonio
• Dallas is huge: With 1.3 million residents, it’s the 9th most populous U.S. city
• Dallas is sprawling: It has a population density of 3,841 people per square mile. Compare that to NYC or L.A., which have over 29,300 and 8,300 people per square mile, respectively. 
• Dallas is part of a mega metro: Dallas and nearby Fort Worth are just two cities in a giant, 13-county metro dubbed “DFW” or simply “the Metroplex”. DFW has a population of over 7.5 million (more than the entire country of Denmark!)
• Dallas is diverse: Out of 501 of the largest cities in America, Dallas is the 9th most diverse, according to WalletHub

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Moving to Dallas in 2023 

During the pandemic, many Americans found themselves working remotely (or not at all) for extended periods of time. Many took it as an opportunity to move closer to family or to more affordable cities. And which metro area were most people moving to? Why, that would be Texas. Over the course 2021–2022, the DFW Metroplex saw the largest population increase of any U.S. metro area, with more than 170,000 people moving in.

 

“…there are [also] some great options outside Dallas city limits. For those who want to take advantage of all that DFW has to offer, moving to one of the middle cities is probably the way to go.”

 

Even though life has mostly returned to normal, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex continues to be a popular destination for people who are moving. In 2022, DFW ranked number 2 on PODS’ list of cities with the most move-ins. This year it remained in the top ten at number 6.

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Why are so many people moving to Dallas?

Are you wondering if it’s a good idea to move to Dallas, Texas? Over 100,000 people a year can’t be wrong. From living expenses to quality of life, here are a few of the main draws:

• Low taxes: Texas doesn’t impose an individual income tax and has a lower tax burden than 28 other U.S. states
• Strong economy: In the first 3 months of 2023, Texas experienced a 3% growth in its GDP (gross domestic product), surpassing all other major cities and the U.S. as a whole. Between June 2022 and June 2023, Texas also added more jobs (542,500) than any other state
• Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Dallas is just 3% above the national average, which isn’t bad for such a big city
• Travel hub: Dallas has an international airport (DFW) and is conveniently located about halfway between the East Coast and West Coast, making it a prime location for frequent travelers
• Dining and entertainment: Not only is DFW a foodie’s dream, but both Dallas and Fort Worth are common stops for big-name music acts touring across the U.S.

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What does it cost to live in Dallas?

The overall cost of living in Dallas is just slightly above the national average. Rentals, groceries, and transportation are all cheaper in Dallas, but these are somewhat offset by the higher costs of housing and utilities. Here’s a look at how living costs in Dallas compare to national averages.

• The cost of living in Dallas is 3% higher
• Utility costs in Dallas are 14% higher
• The median home sale price in Dallas is $454,525 — about $29,000 more
• Median rent in Dallas is $1,541, which is about $204 less
• The average apartment size in Dallas is 848 square feet — 49 square feet smaller

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Best Dallas Neighborhoods Guide

Deciding to move to Dallas is the easy part. Choosing your new Dallas neighborhood can be a little trickier. To help take some of the guesswork out of it, here are some of the best Dallas neighborhoods worth checking out.

1. Lake Highlands — Best Dallas Neighborhood for Families

• Median rental price: $1,597
• Median home sale price: $561,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 20 minutes

The Lake Highlands neighborhood is one of the best Dallas neighborhoods for families. Located northeast of Downtown Dallas and bordering the cities of Garland and Richardson, this area is made up of dozens of subdivisions including Forest Meadow, Moss Farm, and Town Creek.

Students here have access to plenty of great schools since Lake Highlands is serviced by A-rated school districts in neighboring Garland and Richardson. Those looking for a higher education can take advantage of the Dallas College–Richland Campus in the north, which is one of the best community colleges in Texas. 

 

“In the first 3 months of 2023, Texas experienced a 3% growth in its GDP, surpassing all other major cities and the U.S. as a whole. Between June 2022 and June 2023, Texas also added more jobs (542,500) than any other state”

 

There are several local parks and green spaces in the south part of the neighborhood. And just 15 minutes away you’ll find the ever-popular White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. 

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2. Uptown — Best Dallas Neighborhood for Young Professionals

• Median rental price: $2,677
• Median home sale price: $485,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 8 minutes

Uptown Dallas is considered one of the most walkable communities in the city. This is a place where young professionals can live, work, and play, all in the comfort of their own neighborhood. McKinney Avenue is the place for singles to mingle, with its own trolley shuttling locals and visitors from hip bars to trendy eateries and back.

A big plus to living in Uptown is its central location. Just north of the neighborhood is the Katy Trail and lovely Turtle Creek Park. Other popular neighborhoods are nearby, such as Downtown, Oak Lawn, Deep Ellum, and the City Center District. When you’re living in Uptown, being bored really isn’t an option!

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3. Deep Ellum — Best Dallas Neighborhood for Culture

• Median rental price: $1,805
• Median home sale price: $480,000 (87% rent rather than own and homes to purchase are rare)
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 7 minutes

If you’re into live music, eclectic foods, and an overall awesome atmosphere, then Deep Ellum is the place for you. Originally called Deep Elm (after Elm Street), this neighborhood holds historic and cultural significance as one of the city’s first commercial districts for African-Americans and European immigrants. Today, Deep Ellum is home to more than 400 businesses, including everything from live music venues and foodie hot spots to tattoo parlors and vintage stores.

With live shows happening every night of the week, Deep Ellum is where all Dallas music lovers eventually end up — so why not just live here?

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4. Parkdale-Lawnview — Best Dallas Neighborhood for People on a Budget

• Median rental price: $1,800
• Median home sale price: $215,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 12 minutes

Parkdale’s allure lies in its picturesque outdoor spaces. Local parks filled with cypress and pecan trees and wide open fields can be found in the north and south, while White Rock Creek and Parkdale Lake make up the west side of the neighborhood. And just 6 miles away, nature lovers can explore the magnificent 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest.

 

“Dallas and nearby Fort Worth are just two cities in a giant, 13-county metro dubbed ‘DFW[‘ or simply ‘the Metroplex’. DFW has a population of over 7.5 million (more than the entire country of Denmark!)”

 

Parkdale is mostly residential, a neighborhood in the truest sense of the word. Fostering a close-knit community, the Parkdale Lawnview Association of Neighbors (P.L.A.N.) organizes community events like the Fall Festival and a Thanksgiving lunch feast for police officers. 

For those moving to Dallas without a car, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green Line’s Lawnview Station is located at Parkdale’s southwest corner, making it easy for commuters to get around. 

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Other Great Places to Live in DFW

You may have your heart set on moving to Dallas, but you should know that there are some great options outside Dallas city limits. For those who want to take advantage of all that DFW has to offer, moving to one of the middle cities is probably the way to go.

My friend Heather decided to move to Dallas in 2018, but ended up settling in Arlington. “It’s great because it’s halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth,” she told me, “So I was always less than 30 minutes from either city center.” Here are the best places for easy access to both Dallas and Fort Worth:

Arlington, TX

• Median rental price: $1,850
• Median home sale price: $340,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 26 minutes
• Commute to Downtown Fort Worth: 22 minutes

Spanning over 95 square miles with 86 neighborhoods, Arlington is a pretty big city in its own right. It’s so big that it’s divided into five sections — North Arlington, East Arlington, West Arlington, Southeast Arlington, and Southwest Arlington (I know, it’s a lot!). In addition to being home to nearly 400,000 residents, Arlington is also home to AT&T Stadium (where the Dallas Cowboys play), Globe Life Field (where the Texas Rangers play), and Six Flags Over Texas (where everyone else plays). 

Even though you could probably never leave Arlington and still have everything you need, there are five freeways running through the city, making the drive into either Dallas or Fort Worth a breeze. 

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Southlake, TX

• Median rental price: $5,600
• Median home sale price: $1,325,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 30 minutes
• Commute to Downtown Fort Worth: 30 minutes

If you haven’t already guessed by the median home sale price, the DFW suburb of Southlake is bougie. This upper-class neighborhood is located southwest of Grapevine Lake and has a lot to offer its residents. Southlake neighborhoods are filled with massive, single-family homes, surrounded by uncannily green lawns. The Town Square is super walkable with sidewalks shaded by mature oak trees, and an array of high-end retailers. It’s basically the Beverly Hills of Dallas!

Southlake was rated the #1 suburb to raise a family in DFW, according to Niche. This is likely thanks to the stellar schools, beautiful parks and greenspaces, and all the community events put on by the city throughout the year.  All in all, it’s a great place to live — if you can afford it.

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Dalworthington Gardens, TX

• Median rental price: $1,500
• Median home sale price: $515,000
• Commute to Downtown Dallas: 33 minutes
• Commute to Downtown Fort Worth: 20 minutes

If you’re looking for something with a little more of a small-town feel but still is within throwing distance of major cities, you should try Dalworthington Gardens. The story goes that this town was named as such to incorporate the names of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington into one. And Dalworthington Gardens is certainly a wonderful place to settle so you can still visit all three.

It has a tight-knit community of around 2,500 with a rich history of being a Depression-era homestead. There are events, green spaces, and local restaurants, bars, and cafes a plenty. It’s also a popular place to retire.

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Dallas is an amazing city with so much to offer. No matter where in the Metroplex you end up, I know you’re going to have an amazing time (and some amazing BBQ). In the meantime, good luck with your move and don’t forget to enjoy the adventure!