Should I Move to Dallas? Here's Exactly How to Find the Right Answer

Dallas isn’t only growing, but booming. Ranked as the fastest-growing metroplex in 2024, it’s now home to over 8.3 million people. With nearly 500 new residents arriving each day, it’s fair to ask what’s driving the growth. 

For many people, it’s the combination of job security, diversity, entertainment options, and safe neighborhoods. For others, it’s about finding an affordable home with more space without the high price tags common in coastal cities. 

Whether you’re moving for work, planning a fresh start for your family, or weighing your options as a young professional ready for a change, this guide will help you answer the question, “Should I move to Dallas?” From housing costs and employment prospects to neighborhood feel, traffic, weather, and more, you’ll get the pros, the cons, and a clear picture of what daily life is like here.

Understand the Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas

Every city has a combination of upsides and downsides. If you’ve been asking yourself “Should I move to Dallas?,” these factors might sway your decision: 

Pros:

• A Diverse Economy and Major Employers: Dallas isn’t held down by just one industry, which makes it less vulnerable to changes in the economy. The city is home to over 20 Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Texas Instruments, ExxonMobil, and Caterpillar. The DFW area added 244,000 jobs in 2024 and is expected to add 225,000 more this year. That means there’s a strong chance you’ll be able to find a role within your field here. 

• More Room at a Lower Cost: While prices have risen in recent years, Dallas still offers more space for your money than many other large cities. The median home price in Dallas County is $386,000, far less than in places like New York, Los Angeles, or Austin. Renters can expect to pay around $1,593 for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on location and amenities. Texas also doesn’t have a state income tax, helping offset higher property taxes. 

• Strong Suburbs and Schools: Suburbs like Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Allen are designed with families and professionals in mind. You’ll find highly-rated public schools, master-planned communities, and plenty of restaurants and retail options to choose from. Frisco, for example, is getting a Universal Kids Resort in 2026, and already hosts the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters at The Star District. 

• Food, Arts, and Sports Scene: Dallas has five professional sports teams, a growing food scene, and the largest urban arts district in the U.S. There’s no shortage of things to do, whether that means catching a Mavs game at the American Airlines Center, grabbing brisket from Terry Black’s Barbeque in Deep Ellum, or browsing galleries in the Arts District. 

Cons:

• Heavy Traffic and Long Commutes: In Dallas, most people commute by car, and that can mean long drive times during peak hours. Highways like I-35E, I-635, and the Dallas North Tollway get congested fast, especially around 7-9 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. If you’re used to getting from place to place relatively quickly, this could be a big adjustment. 

• Hot, Humid Summers: From June to mid-September, temperatures in Dallas regularly hit triple digits. Combined with humidity, that heat can feel pretty intense, especially in late July and early August. Air conditioning isn’t optional, and you’ll likely want to plan any outdoor activities for early morning or after sundown. The upside is that spring and fall are beautiful, while winter tends to be mild with the occasional ice storm. 

• Walkability Varies: While areas like Downtown, Roseland, and Oak Lawn are pedestrian-friendly, the majority of Dallas is meant for cars. Many neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks, and errands usually require a drive. Unless you plan to live in the heart of the city, it may be impractical to assume you can get around everywhere on foot. 

• Limited Public Transit: DART is the city’s public transit system, offering both light rail and bus services. While it can come in handy, coverage is limited if you’re not near the city center. Dallas has a transit score of just 40, and a bike score of 58. If you’re coming from somewhere like San Francisco or NYC, where BART or the subway runs frequently and reaches far, you may have a hard time getting used to the lack of public transportation in Dallas. 

For some people, the cons could just as easily be benefits, especially if you’re coming from a colder climate or prefer to drive. What matters most to you probably looks different from what matters to someone else. That’s why being honest about your priorities is essential when answering the question “Should I move to Dallas?” 

Weigh Key Considerations Before You Move

Dallas is a big city with a wide range of lifestyle preferences. If you’re seriously thinking about moving here, you’ll want to think about housing and neighborhood options, job opportunities, weather, and culture. If each of these areas aligns with your goals, Dallas may be the right fit. 

Housing and Cost of Living

One of the biggest factors people consider when asking, “Should I move to Dallas?” is whether they can afford to live here comfortably. The cost of living in Dallas has climbed in recent years and now ranks about 15% higher than the national average. Even so, housing remains more affordable than in many major cities, with the average rental unit costing roughly 5% less than the national average.

Rent prices vary widely based on location, size, and amenities. In general, the farther you go from the city center, the more likely you are to find lower rates. Dallas also has a larger land area than cities like Austin, meaning there’s more room for residents to spread out. If you value having a yard or land, Dallas is likely to have a large inventory of homes to choose from with those features. The median home price in Dallas sits at $486,095, while it hovers near $559,000 in Austin. 

Job Market

Dallas is a great place to job hunt, especially if you work in tech, healthcare, finance, education, or anything related to business. Hospitals like UT Southwestern and Baylor Scott & White are always hiring, and the city has a ton of corporate offices. If you’re in HR, sales, or marketing, openings are likely. The region has also earned the nickname “Silicon Prairie” thanks to the rise in startups and relocations from the coast. 

Companies like Uber and Oracle already have offices here, and smaller firms are succeeding because operating costs are much lower than in places like San Francisco. Even remote workers enjoy being based in Dallas since it’s in a central location, making scheduling easier. 

Neighborhoods

Your experience in Dallas will depend a lot on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Uptown is perfect if you want walkability, trendy restaurants and bars, and easy access to entertainment and the Katy Trail. Deep Ellum is louder, artsier, and filled with live music and murals. It’s the place to be for late-night eats and shows. If you’re looking for peaceful areas with historic homes, consider Oak Cliff, where the sidewalks are lined with trees and the pace is slower. 

North suburbs like Plano, Frisco, and McKinney are popular with families because of the low crime rates, nearby parks and nature centers, and top school districts. Newer developments continue to go up in these areas as more people move in. Garland, Grand Prairie, and Arlington are more budget-friendly but still give you easy access to downtown. 

Culture and Climate

Dallas has a mix of Southern tradition and big-city energy that’s easy to fall in love with. You’ll see cowboy boots one minute and modern art the next. The food scene ranks 4th in the nation for diversity, featuring everything from Tex-Mex, barbecue, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, and more. Many residents are loyal sports fans, especially when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, the Mavericks, and the Stars. 

Summers are incredibly hot in Dallas, dragging on from June through September. If you’re used to reaching for a sweater by Halloween, don’t count on it here. You’ll likely be sweating at the pumpkin patch and dreaming about cooler weather that might finally arrive by Thanksgiving. Winters tend to be short and mild, but the city has been plagued by the occasional ice storm the past few years, which tends to shut everything down for a day or two. 

How to Determine if Dallas Is Right for You

The best way to answer the question “Should I move to Dallas?” is by comparing your lifestyle to what the city offers. Start by asking yourself some important questions: 

• Are you seeking affordability with big-city perks?
• Would you thrive in a fast-growing, car-friendly city?
• Do you prefer a yard and garage over walkability? 
• Are job opportunities in your field available?
• Can you handle a few months of extreme heat in exchange for mild winters? 

If the answer to most of these questions is “yes,” Dallas might be a great fit for you. Still, it’s worth spending time here before making anything official. If you can, plan a visit and stay for a week or two. Check out the different neighborhoods, test your potential commute, and stop by the local coffee shops, restaurants, and parks you’d actually go to if you lived here. Neighborhoods in Dallas can feel totally different just a few streets apart, so it helps to experience them for yourself before settling down. 

Alternative Cities to Consider

If the question “Should I move to Dallas?” is still on your mind, remember that Dallas isn’t your only option. Other cities across the South and Southeast may offer what you’re looking for, such as:

• Fort Worth: Located just 35 miles west of Dallas, Ft. Worth has a more laid-back, Western feel and is known for its Stockyards. It’s smaller, but has a growing downtown area and an emerging art scene. Since it’s still part of the metroplex, you’ll still have access to similar employment opportunities without as much congestion.

• Houston: Houston is a larger city with major medical, energy, and aerospace sectors. It’s more humid and even more flat, but also home to a more diverse population and lower home prices. 

• Austin: Austin tends to attract more creative professionals and tech workers. It has a thriving music and startup scene, but its homes are significantly more expensive. 

• Charlotte: Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities on the East Coast. It’s slightly cooler than Dallas and has more greenery and walkable neighborhoods. While the housing market is competitive, prices are still generally lower than in Dallas, especially for first-time buyers.

Looking at these cities side by side can help you determine what matters most in your next home.

Wrapping Up: Answering the Question, “Should I Move to Dallas?”

Ultimately, the answer to “Should I move to Dallas?” comes down to how well the city fits your goals, budget, and way of life. Dallas has a lot going for it, including endless job openings, strong communities, and plenty of things to do, but it also has trade-offs.

If you’re looking for space, cultural variety, and economic opportunity without the hefty prices of LA or New York, Dallas just may be the right move. Whenever you feel ready to find your home here, Evernest can help. Browse our live listings today, then reach out so that our local property management team can take you on a tour of your favorites.