What To Know Before Moving To Dallas

Dallas, Texas, is a booming city and it continues to grow each year as people move due to job relocation or other reasons. Moving to a growing city can be exciting as you seek out new opportunities. Plus, every city is different, each with their own charm and character that make them unique.

As you continue your research on the Dallas area, here are some things to keep in mind.

Cost Of Living In Dallas

Compared to the rest of the country, Dallas is quite affordable. According to Salary.com, the cost of living in Dallas is 2.7% below the national average. Texas doesn’t have a state-level income tax, either. However, property tax is quite expensive compared to the national average. Sales tax in Dallas also comes in 8.25%.

Dallas Job Market

Dallas is known for its oil sector. However, the city is growing in the tech and financial sectors as well. Forbes lists Dallas as the second-best city in the country for businesses and people’s careers.

Dallas is also home to many company headquarters. Companies such as Exxon Mobil, AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and many more call Dallas home. With many corporate offices, salaries are higher compared to the national average as well.

Driving In Dallas Traffic

Dallas is very spread out. Many residents must rely on the freeways to travel throughout the city, creating heavy congestion on the roads. Many residents recommend finding a home close to your work to avoid the traffic.

Due to the large number of drivers, car insurance can be pricey in Dallas. Coupled with the higher rate of car accidents and more expensive vehicles on the road, car insurance is higher than the national average. On the plus side, the price of gas is cheaper than the national average.

Texas Weather

Tornados are still a thing in Dallas. It’s reported that, on average, there are 25 tornadoes each year in the Dallas area. Flooding is also something to keep in mind before moving to Dallas. Hail storms are a common occurrence as well. Covered parking is greatly recommended when looking for a home as hail damage to your car can be pricey to repair.

Research Your Suburbs in Dallas

Choosing a suburb in a large city such as Dallas can be overwhelming. Each suburb has its own character. Choosing a suburb that is far from your workplace and too expensive can leave you with a bad experience in the area. Here are some suburbs to research:

  • Addison – This suburb is perfect for young professionals with many dining areas, regular festivals, and is close to the major freeways.
  • Allen – This suburb is one of the most populated Dallas suburbs. With a great school system and multiple event centers, there’s always something to do.
  • Grapevine – This suburb is loved by residents for its parks, low taxes, and great schools. Also the Christmas capital of Texas, Grapevine is the center for many annual festivals and activities.
  • Plano – This suburb is the home of many corporations such as JC Penney and Toyota. Plano is also regarded as having the best school system in the state and has some of the most beautiful neighborhoods. 
  • Coppell – This suburb is tucked away in the northwest corner of Dallas. It has multiple parks, shopping centers, and a farmer’s market. Also, check out the Coppell Theatre for live music. Once an old firehouse, it has now been renovated into a community theater. 

Cost Of Housing In Dallas

If you’re looking to move to Dallas, do it soon. The cost of living isn’t too demanding, but the housing market is. Over the years, Dallas home values have continued to increase. With great school districts in the Dallas suburbs, some places are more difficult to find a home in. Norad Real Estate shows that the average listing price for a home in Dallas is $420,000 as of November 2020. The median listing for price per square foot is $214.

Dallas is a beautiful, vibrant, multicultural city that millions of Texans call home. Every city has its pros and cons, but many positives outweigh the negatives in Dallas. If you’re looking to move to Dallas, visit our Dallas location page for more information.
If you’re beginning the process of moving, contact us today or fill out our estimate form. Whether you’re moving across town or across Texas, we’d love to help. Don’t gamble when hiring a moving company. Choose the movers you can trust.