Living in Dallas, TX — Relocation Guide

Dallas County County, Texas

Living in Dallas, TX

The urban core of the Metroplex world class arts, diverse neighborhoods, and a dynamic housing market.

Ask Your Advocate About Dallas

Dallas at a Glance

County

Dallas County

Population

Approx. 1.3 million+

To Downtown Dallas

You are in Dallas

To Downtown Fort Worth

Approx. 30–40 min via I-30

To DFW Airport

Approx. 20–30 min via SH-183 or I-635

To Love Field

Approx. 5–15 min (Love Field is within Dallas city limits)

Median Home Price

Approx. $280,000–$600,000+ (varies significantly by neighborhood)

Avg. Property Tax Rate

Approx. 2.0–2.5% (varies by location and taxing entities)

Year Incorporated

1856

ZIP Codes

75201–75254 and more (75+ ZIP codes)

Welcome to Dallas

Dallas is the anchor city of the DFW Metroplex and one of the most dynamic urban markets in the country. With a population of over 1.3 million, Dallas offers an extraordinary range of neighborhoods from the historic bungalows of Oak Cliff and the walkable energy of Uptown to the family oriented communities of Lake Highlands and the luxury estates of Preston Hollow. The city is home to a world class arts district, a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, and major employment centers spanning finance, technology, healthcare, and professional services. For buyers, Dallas represents an opportunity to own in a city with genuine urban character, strong long term appreciation, and a diversity of housing types and price points that few markets can match.

Housing in Dallas

Dallas offers one of the most diverse housing markets in the country. Buyers can choose from historic craftsman bungalows in Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff, mid century ranch homes in Lake Highlands and Casa Linda, luxury high rises in Uptown and the Arts District, and sprawling estates in Preston Hollow and Bluffview.

The city's housing stock spans every era and price point. Entry level buyers will find opportunities in South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, and parts of East Dallas. Move up buyers gravitate toward M Streets, Lakewood, and White Rock Lake. Luxury buyers target Preston Hollow, Devonshire, and the Park Cities adjacent neighborhoods.

New construction within Dallas proper is primarily infill townhomes and condominiums, particularly in Uptown, Deep Ellum, and the Design District. Single family new construction is more limited inside the city limits compared to the suburbs.

Lifestyle in Dallas

Dallas has a cosmopolitan energy unlike anywhere else in Texas. The city's restaurant scene is nationally recognized, with concentrations in Uptown, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and Lower Greenville. The Arts District one of the largest contiguous urban arts districts in the country anchors the city's cultural life with the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Winspear Opera House, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Neighborhoods have distinct personalities: Uptown is young and walkable with rooftop bars and boutique fitness studios; Oak Cliff has an artsy, independent character with vintage shops and local restaurants; Lake Highlands is family oriented with strong schools and established parks; Preston Hollow is quiet, tree canopied, and affluent.

Dallas is a car dependent city, though DART's light rail and bus network provides meaningful connectivity across the urban core and into the suburbs.

Things to Do

The Dallas Arts District offers world class museums, opera, symphony, and theater. Deep Ellum is the city's live music and nightlife hub. The Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff is a walkable neighborhood of independent shops, restaurants, and galleries.

White Rock Lake Park is one of the city's premier outdoor destinations a 1,015-acre park with a 9.3-mile trail loop, kayaking, and picnic areas. Klyde Warren Park, built over a freeway in downtown, hosts free events year round.

Sports fans have the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), FC Dallas (MLS), and the Dallas Wings (WNBA) playing within the city. AT&T Stadium (Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (Rangers) are a short drive west in Arlington.

Education

Dallas is served by Dallas ISD, one of the largest school districts in Texas. DISD includes a number of magnet and specialized programs including Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the Science and Engineering Magnet that draw students from across the city.

Private school options are extensive, including Jesuit College Preparatory, Ursuline Academy, St. Mark's School of Texas, Hockaday School, and many others.

Higher education institutions within Dallas include Southern Methodist University (SMU), University of Texas at Dallas (nearby in Richardson), University of North Texas at Dallas, and Dallas County Community College District campuses.

Major Employers

Dallas is home to the headquarters of AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, Kimberly-Clark, Comerica, and Tenet Healthcare, among many others. The city's financial district anchors a significant banking and professional services employment base.

The healthcare sector is a major employer UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Health, Baylor Scott & White, and Children's Medical Center Dallas collectively employ tens of thousands.

The technology sector has grown substantially, with companies including Match Group, Perot Systems (now NTT Data), and numerous startups and mid size tech firms based in the city and the broader Metroplex.

Transportation and Commuting

Dallas is served by an extensive highway network including I-35E, I-30, I-45, I-635 (LBJ Freeway), US-75 (Central Expressway), and the Dallas North Tollway. Traffic congestion is significant during peak hours on most major corridors.

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) operates four light rail lines Red, Blue, Orange, and Green connecting downtown Dallas to Plano, Garland, Rowlett, Irving, and other destinations. The system is the longest light rail network in the country.

Dallas Love Field Airport is within the city limits and serves Southwest Airlines and other carriers. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes northwest.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

White Rock Lake Park is Dallas's premier outdoor destination a 1,015-acre park with a 9.3-mile trail loop, kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas. The Katy Trail is a 3.5-mile urban trail connecting Uptown to Highland Park along a former railroad corridor.

Klyde Warren Park in downtown hosts free yoga, concerts, food trucks, and community events year round. The Trinity Forest Trail system in southern Dallas offers mountain biking and hiking.

Dallas has over 400 parks and more than 100 miles of trails throughout the city.

Annual Events

The State Fair of Texas at Fair Park (September–October) is one of the largest state fairs in the country, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. The Dallas Arts District hosts numerous free outdoor events throughout the year.

Deep Ellum Arts Festival (spring), the Bishop Arts District's events calendar, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science's programming reflect the city's cultural depth.

The Cotton Bowl Classic (New Year's Day) and various professional sports seasons keep the city's event calendar full year round.

Homeownership in Dallas

Dallas homeowners benefit from a market with genuine long term appreciation potential, driven by the city's population growth, job market strength, and continued investment in urban infrastructure.

Property taxes in Dallas are among the higher rates in the Metroplex typically 2.0–2.5% of assessed value but the homestead exemption provides meaningful relief for primary residents. File with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (dallascad.org).

The city's diverse neighborhood character means that homeownership in Dallas is not a single experience it ranges from urban condo living to quiet, tree lined residential streets, depending on the neighborhood you choose.

Utilities and Services

Everything you need to set up before your move date in Dallas.

Internet Providers

Common providers in Dallas. Availability varies by address. Always verify before committing.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
Frontier FiberFiber800-921-8101Visit site
Google FiberFiber866-777-7550Visit site
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997Visit site
Verizon 5G Home5G Wireless800-922-0204Visit site
Nextlink (limited)———
Rise Broadband (limited)———

Electricity

Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site
CoServ Gas940-321-7800Visit site

Water and Sewer

Water service in Dallas is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU)214-651-1441Visit site

Trash and Recycling

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Dallas Sanitation Services311 or 214-670-3111Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV and Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site
Sling TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site
Hold MailOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

CountyAppraisal DistrictWebsite
Dallas CountyDallas Central Appraisal DistrictVisit site

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular neighborhoods in Dallas for homebuyers?

Popular neighborhoods include Lakewood, M Streets, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Uptown, Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts, and White Rock Lake. Each has a distinct character and price range.

How do Dallas property taxes compare to the suburbs?

Dallas property tax rates are generally comparable to or slightly higher than many suburbs, typically ranging from 2.0–2.5% of assessed value. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value for primary residents.

Does Dallas have good public transportation?

Yes DART operates the longest light rail network in the country, with four lines connecting Dallas to Plano, Garland, Rowlett, Irving, and other destinations. Bus service is also extensive throughout the city.

What school district serves Dallas?

Most of Dallas is served by Dallas ISD, which includes numerous magnet and specialized programs. Some neighborhoods near the city limits may fall within Highland Park ISD, Richardson ISD, or other districts always verify the school district for a specific address.

Is Dallas a good place to invest in real estate?

Dallas has historically shown strong long term appreciation driven by population growth, job market diversity, and continued urban investment. As with any market, specific neighborhood selection and timing matter consult a local REALTOR® for current market conditions.

Thinking About Moving to Dallas?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance, no pressure, just answers.

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