- Article By:
- Wan Bridge
- September 30, 2026
- Moving to Dallas, TX: Your 2026 Relocation Guide
Dreaming about moving to Dallas? As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, including the lifestyle waiting for you in Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the country with 1,329,491 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, July 2025).
What to Know About Moving to Dallas
But before you pack up and make your move, you might have a few questions. This Wan Bridge guide, on what to know about moving to Dallas, will give you the answers you need, including what job opportunities you’ll find there, where to live, how to get around, and more.
Quick Highlights About Dallas (DFW)
The Dallas-Fort Worth region has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new residents in recent years, offering up a flourishing job market, great weather, and plenty of things to see, do, and experience.
The revitalized Downtown area is flourishing, and you can find local highlights and events to pique just about any interest you can imagine. Dallas really does have it all, from microbreweries and gourmet dining to outdoor adventure and modern art.
Dallas Job Market, Business & Employment Opportunities
As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metroplex, Dallas is a business hub for countless corporations and local businesses. Dallas led the 20 largest U.S. metros in job growth from 2005 to 2025, adding 51.7% more jobs (Houston Facts 2026).
And DFW added another 14,600 jobs over the 12 months ending August 2026 (Texas Workforce Commission data via Hoodline). It’s easy to see why so many people move here hoping to find their dream job.
The diverse economy of Dallas includes fast-growing sectors such as financial services, information technology, transportation, defense, and telecommunications.
Industries such as professional/business services, healthcare, and logistics have seen strong growth in recent years, presenting many open jobs.
DFW is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies (Dallas Morning News via Yahoo Finance), including AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, and McKesson.
How Affordable Is Dallas?
Dallas is more affordable than many newcomers expect: the overall cost of living runs about 1.5% below the national average, and housing is roughly 11% cheaper.
For a full budget breakdown, see our guide to the cost of living in Dallas, and for rent by neighborhood, bedroom count and home type, see the average rent in Dallas, TX.
The Neighborhoods & Places to Live in Dallas
You might be wondering, “I’m moving to Dallas – where should I live?” The good news is that there’s no shortage of fabulous places to live in neighborhoods and communities throughout Dallas.
Whether you’re moving to Dallas with a family with children, as a young, single professional, or with plans to retire, you can find a neighborhood that suits you. Here’s a quick overview; for a deeper look, see our guide to the best neighborhoods in Dallas.
Central Dallas
In Central Dallas, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment in town. The area is well served by DART light rail and the free M-Line Trolley along McKinney Avenue in Uptown.
Central Dallas contains Uptown and Oak Lawn, anchored by Downtown Dallas. It’s a large area that encompasses many popular districts, including the Reunion District, West End Historic District, Main Street District, Farmers Market District, the Dallas Design District, and the Arts District.
Park Cities
In the Park Cities area (Highland Park and University Park), you’ll find some of the most luxurious – and expensive – homes in Dallas, with median home values well over a million dollars.
So, if you’re searching for the ultimate in luxury living, you could consider Park Cities. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful place to shop, dine, and enjoy the finer things.
Oak Cliff
Oak Cliff is one of the most diverse areas of Dallas and is connected to Downtown by the Dallas Streetcar. So, you’ll have the flexibility to get Downtown whenever you’d like, as well as to explore the Bishop Arts District right in your own neighborhood.
East Dallas
Searching for one of the trendier places to live in Dallas? Look no further than East Dallas.
Here, you can choose from the artsy district known as Deep Ellum, the cozy Lakewood neighborhood, or historic communities such as Bryan Place, Vickery Place, and Munger Place.
There are tons of parks and public lands perfect for outdoor exploration, including White Rock Lake.
West Dallas
If you’d like to be in close proximity to Arlington and Fort Worth, West Dallas might be the area for you. Many of the neighborhoods in West Dallas are undergoing revitalization, so many exciting changes are coming to the area.
Prefer more space? Many newcomers choose the best suburbs of Dallas, such as Denton, Forney and Waxahachie.
Moving to Dallas, TX: Pros and Cons
Like any city, moving to Dallas has its advantages and its drawbacks. For many Dallas locals, any cons don’t even come close to measuring up against the many perks of living here. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide.
The Pros of Moving to Dallas
- Dallas has no state income taxes. You won’t have to pay state income taxes if you’re working in Dallas. However, there are sales and property taxes for state and local projects, so budget for those.
- An amazing food scene. From barbecue and Tex Mex to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy your cravings here in Dallas. Every Dallas local has their favorite local taco joint – and usually, a barbecue spot, too – so be prepared to debate the details of tortillas, carne asada, and the like.
- Outdoor adventure is everywhere. Even though Dallas is a metropolitan area, there are tons of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Whether you like hiking, kayaking, biking, or even just nature walking, the parks in Dallas have it all.
- There are arts and entertainment galore. Are you a sports fan? Dallas is home to several iconic teams, including the Cowboys and Mavericks. Or, is arts and culture more your style? The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the nation. Shopping, sightseeing, and many other activities are available when you’re a Dallas resident.
The Cons of Moving to Dallas
- Dallas traffic. Although the Dallas traffic isn’t as bad as the infamously horrific Los Angeles traffic, it can still get congested. There are ample freeways, but residents tend to do a little more driving here because the city is spread out. However, there are options for public transit.
- Summers are hot. Many people out there love the sweltering summers in Dallas, but others count down the days until fall arrives. Depending on which camp you’re in, you might find yourself sweating it out once the temperature hits the 90s and beyond – but don’t worry, there are more than enough air-conditioned spaces to enjoy!
- Higher utility bills. Air conditioning adds up. Dallas utility costs run above the national average, so it pays to compare electricity plans.
Education in Dallas
From preschool to college, education options in Dallas are rich and varied, with hundreds of public schools, close to 100 private schools, and dozens of colleges throughout the area.
Most residents in Dallas are within the Dallas Independent School District, one of the largest school districts in Texas.
It’s home to the School for the Talented and Gifted, consistently named one of the country’s best public high schools, and other award-winning campuses such as the Science and Engineering Magnet.
There is also a multitude of private and charter schools in Dallas, including faith-based campuses.
Major colleges and universities in and around Dallas include Southern Methodist University (SMU), the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas at Dallas, and Dallas Baptist University.
Health Care System and Facilities
Several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities are located in Dallas, such as the prominent UT Southwestern Medical Center just northwest of Downtown, Baylor University Medical Center and Parkland Health.
There are also medical facilities that serve children, U.S. veterans, and more.
Public Transportation in Dallas
For most people in Dallas, their cars are the primary mode of transportation. However, you do have other options – and public transit in Dallas keeps improving. The city has built additional biking and walking paths, light rail lines, and an extensive bus and trolley system.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the primary public transportation authority in Dallas, managing light rail, buses, and HOV lanes. DART’s four light rail lines serve 73 stations across roughly 119 miles of track (DART Rail), and the new Silver Line, which opened in October 2025, connects DFW Airport to Plano across about 26 miles (NBC DFW).
Real Estate in Dallas
After years of bidding wars, the Dallas housing market has leveled off. The median home price across DFW is about $390,000, flat compared with last year (MetroTex, August 2026), so buyers have more negotiating room than they did a few years ago.
Many newcomers also choose to rent first in build-to-rent communities in Dallas, including options in neighboring suburbs like Forney and Denton.
Moving to Dallas FAQs
Is Dallas a good place to move to in 2026?
Dallas offers one of the strongest job markets in the country (No. 1 in job growth among large metros from 2005 to 2025), no state income tax and a cost of living about 1.5% below the national average.
How many people live in Dallas?
The city of Dallas has 1,329,491 residents (July 2025 Census estimate), making it the ninth-largest U.S. city. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro has more than 8 million people.
Where should I live when moving to Dallas?
When considering where to live when moving to Dallas – Uptown and Oak Lawn suit young professionals, East Dallas and Lakewood offer character and parks, and suburbs like Denton, Forney and Waxahachie offer more space for families.
Does Dallas have good public transportation?
Yes, Dallas has great public transportation -the DART runs four light rail lines with 73 stations, an extensive bus network, the Dallas Streetcar and the Silver Line to DFW Airport, which opened in October 2025.
- Cost of living in Dallas – utilities, taxes, home prices and salary needed
- Average rent in Dallas, TX – rent by bedroom, neighborhood and home type
- Best neighborhoods in Dallas
- Best suburbs of Dallas, TX
- Dallas vs. Houston
Is Moving to Dallas Worth It?
There’s no doubt about it: becoming a Dallas resident can be your first step towards the Texas-sized lifestyle you love. With its rich culture, fantastic food, ample opportunities, and friendly locals, Dallas is a one-of-a-kind Southern city with something to offer everyone.
Of course, your experience living in Dallas largely depends on your home, so make sure you love where you live. Wan Bridge has communities with homes for rent in Dallas and the surrounding suburbs, with more planned in the future.
Choose between large, single-family homes for rent in Forney, TX, spacious new homes for rent in Waxahachie, TX, or chic, modern townhomes in Denton; whichever you pick, you’ll be within easy reach of the hustle and bustle of the Dallas metropolitan area.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Dallas – you’re going to love it here. For more information about our Dallas rentals, including pricing and availability, please contact Wan Bridge today!
Image Credit: dibrova / Shutterstock
