Ranking number 1 in the country for raw population growth in 2020, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is booming, adding close to 330 people every single day! With its growing economy, amazing food & entertainment options, and diverse culture, it’s easy to see why Dallas has become the spot to be. If you’re thinking of making the move to Dallas or just wondering why everyone you know seems to be moving there, let’s look at all of the pros and cons of moving to Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Pros
1. Food
We love food here. Like a lot. Dallas-Fort Worth has more restaurants per capita than any other metroplex in the United States. With its rich culture, Dallas offers a wide variety of culinary pleasures, sure to please even the pickiest of taste buds. Or, if you’re just looking for true Tex-Mex (if that is a thing), look no further.
2. Sports
Two words… America’s team. I’m sure you know who I’m talking about, if not, you soon will. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys (football), Dallas Mavericks (basketball), Dallas Stars (hockey), and Texas Rangers (baseball). If you’re not a fan of any of those teams, you’re also close enough to Houston to be a fan of the Houston Texans or Houston Astros. We won’t judge you… publicly. In all seriousness, Dallas is home to phenomenal major league sports teams, and a plethora of other professional sports. Being a sports fan in Dallas could easily be a full time job.
3. Job Growth
It’s not uncommon for Dallas to lead the nation in job growth, even at times almost doubling the national average. Big businesses are moving to Dallas, including Elon Musk’s “Gigafactory” for Tesla, Apple is opening up it’s second largest facility there, Charles Schwab is relocating their headquarters in Dallas, and many other tech giants are following suite. Dallas is swiftly becoming Texas’ Silicon Valley.
4. Weather
Dallas offers very hot and semi humid summers, and temperatures in the winter can reach highs above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you like shoveling snow for 30 minutes before commuting to work, Dallas might not be the place for you. There are occasional severe storms, but they are few and far between, with most days being pleasant, and enough rain to make the grass green and the flowers vibrant.
6. Taxes
Wait, taxes? Shouldn’t that be a con? Not in Texas. Texas as a state has no state income tax, and Dallas has no local income tax. If you want to see how much money you’re taxed now compared to how much you’d be taxed in Dallas check out this neat little website: Texas Income Tax Calculator
Cons
1. Traffic & Tolls
As the population continues to grow, traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge in Dallas-Fort Worth. Commute times can be lengthy, particularly during rush hours, and the proliferation of toll roads adds to the frustration for motorists. While public transportation options like DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) are available, expanding and improving transit infrastructure remains a priority for addressing congestion issues.
2. Housing Costs
Housing costs in Dallas have risen significantly in recent years, outpacing the national average and presenting affordability challenges for many residents. The median price for a home in Dallas stands at $375,000 as of 2024, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year. Limited inventory and high demand contribute to the competitive housing market, making it difficult for prospective buyers to find affordable housing options.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this gives a you little insight into living in Dallas. The best advice I can give you? Come visit for a while and get a taste of everything Dallas has to offer. Dallas-Fort Worth is a huge metroplex with a variety of surroundings and it’s all about finding your “spot”.
If you’re planning on making the move here or want to learn more about the different areas, give us a call at (214) 662-1191. We’ve been here for a long time and we’d love to assist you with finding your spot and helping you with your local or long-distance move.