Are you thinking of living in Dallas? As with any major city, living in Dallas comes with its own set of unique advantages and challenges. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in Dallas, Texas.
Pros of Living in Dallas TX
1. No State Income Tax
One of the advantages of living in Dallas, Texas is the absence of state income tax. This means that you can keep more of your hard-earned money, making Dallas an even more attractive place to live, especially for those seeking tax savings. However, you will make up for it with the higher property taxes (which we will cover below!)
2. Robust Job Market
Another pro to living in Dallas is that Dallas has a robust job market, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Major corporations, including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Southwest Airlines, have their headquarters here, offering ample career opportunities.
Dallas has a healthy job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Dallas-Plano-Irving market gained 112,700 jobs in the past year (Aug 2022-Aug 2023).
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Another advantage of living in Dallas is the affordable cost of living. Compared to many other major cities in the United States, Dallas offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing, transportation, and groceries are reasonably priced, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
4. Low Housing Cost
It’s also cheaper to buy a house in Dallas. Compared to other big cities, it’s relatively inexpensive to buy a house in Dallas. In fact, when you compare Dallas to Austin, it’s not as expensive to buy a home in Dallas. The median home price in Dallas is $400,763 which is a lot lower than Austin’s median home price of $554,027.
5. Lots of Things to Do in Dallas
A major advantage of living in Dallas is that there are a lot of things to do in Dallas. Dallas is a cultural melting pot, with a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, theaters, and music venues. The city also hosts various annual events, such as the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas International Film Festival. You will never get bored living in Dallas!
6. Spectator Sports
If you’re a sports fan, Dallas is a great place to live in. The city is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB), providing plenty of opportunities to catch professional sports action year-round.
7. Schools
Dallas is home to great schools. Dallas offers a wide range of educational institutions, from prestigious universities like Southern Methodist University (SMU) to excellent public school districts. This makes it an ideal place for families with children.
In Niche.com’s ranking of the best public high schools in Texas, Dallas takes the first and second spots. In addition to that, Dallas suburban schools like Highland Park High School, Lovejoy High School, Westlake Academy, and Liberty High School frequently appear on national best schools lists.
8. Amazing Food Scene
Dallas is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse culinary scene offering everything from barbecue and Tex-Mex to upscale dining. The city’s food culture is continually evolving, and there’s always something new to try. There’s even a Dallas Chinatown that rivals the Chinatown in NYC!
9. Best Tex-Mex
If you are a foodie like us, a major pro for living in Dallas is the Tex-Mex food. In our opinion, Dallas is home to some of the best Tex-Mex in the country!
10. Two Airports
Dallas is served by two major airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Having access to two airports provides residents with a wide range of flight options, making travel more convenient and often more competitive in terms of airfares.
11. Warm Climate
Dallas enjoys a warm and sunny climate, with hot summers and mild winters. If you prefer a climate with relatively mild winters, Dallas might be the perfect fit for you. The annual average temperature in Dallas is a comfortable 68.2F.
Cons of Living in Dallas
1. Property Taxes
A major con of living in Dallas is the high property taxes. Texas has no state income tax, but it compensates for it with relatively high property taxes. Depending on the area, property tax rates can be a significant financial burden for homeowners.
Texas has one of the highest property taxes in the country with an effective real-estate tax rate of 1.74%.
2. Traffic Congestion
Another major disadvantage of living in Dallas is the traffic! Dallas is infamous for its traffic congestion and long commutes. The city’s rapid growth has led to ongoing infrastructure challenges, and rush hour can be frustrating.
The Woodall Rodgers Freeway from US Highway 75 to North Beckley Ave is one of the most congested roads in Dallas. And IH 345 / US 75 / IH 45 from US 75 to S. M. Wright Fwy / US 175 is another congested Dallas highway.
3. Limited Public Transportation
Dallas has a limited public transportation system, which can be inconvenient for those who rely on it for daily commuting. The city is largely car-dependent, so owning a vehicle is essential for most residents.
Even though Dallas has the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, including buses, light rails, streetcars, and trolleys that operate both within the city and extend into the suburbs, it’s still not enough to get around.
Bike Sharing is limited, and Dallas has struggled to establish successful bike-sharing programs. You will need a car if you live in Dallas.
4. Spread Out
Dallas is a big city! It takes a long time to get around anywhere. If you add the traffic congestion and the lack of public transportation- you need to give yourself plenty of time, especially during rush hour!
5. Extreme Summers
While the warm climate can be a pro, the scorching Texas summers can be a con for some. High temperatures, sometimes exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, can be challenging to endure.
6. Limited Walkability
Dallas is a sprawling city, and in many neighborhoods, walkability can be limited. If you prefer a city where you can easily walk to shops and restaurants then Dallas is not for you!
7. Lack of Green Spaces
While Dallas has some parks and green spaces, it lags behind other major cities in terms of public greenery and recreational areas. This can be disappointing for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Big Schools
One disadvantage of living in Dallas is that the schools are big. Dallas schools are known for their size and scale. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) alone accommodates an astounding 153,861 students across a network of 230 schools. However, if your child tends to be on the quieter or more reserved side, the sheer magnitude of these schools can sometimes make them feel like a small fish in a big pond.
9. Severe Weather in Tornado Alley
Severe weather is a disadvantage of living in Dallas. Dallas is located right in the “Tornado Alley”, a region prone to severe weather, including tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. While advances in meteorology and safety measures have mitigated some risks, living in Dallas means you should be prepared for occasional weather-related disruptions and take the necessary precautions.