Dallas County · Texas · DFW Urban Core
Living in Dallas, Texas
The city at the heart of DFW, walkable neighborhoods, world-class culture, downtown employers, and some of the best magnet schools in America.
"Dallas proper is for families who want urban walkability, world-class arts and dining, proximity to downtown employers, and the most genuinely diverse city in DFW, just go in with eyes open on schools and neighborhood-level crime data. The right neighborhoods here offer something no suburb can match."
Kristen Carpentier is a licensed Texas Realtor® and DFW family relocation specialist, brokered by eXp Realty. She's a mom of four and has helped hundreds of families, mostly relocating from California, New York, and Illinois, find their right home and school district before ever stepping foot in a house.
(602) 405-4115 · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · TREC #760457
U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023
Dallas, Texas: What Living Here Is Really Like
Before you visit, watch this. I walk through the neighborhoods, culture, urban reality, and the things most relocation guides gloss over.
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Where Is Dallas? Getting Around the Urban Core
Dallas is the urban center from which the entire DFW metro radiates outward. Unlike Frisco, Allen, or Flower Mound, which are suburbs of Dallas, the city proper spans roughly 385 square miles and sits at the intersection of the metro's major highway corridors. I-35E runs north-south through the heart of the city toward Fort Worth and south toward Waco. I-75 (Central Expressway) heads northeast toward Plano, Allen, and McKinney. The I-635 LBJ Freeway forms the outer loop, and the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) runs north from downtown toward Addison, Plano, and Frisco.
What separates Dallas from every suburb in DFW: DART light rail. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit system runs 93 miles of track with 64 stations, connecting 13 North Texas cities. If you live in Uptown, Lakewood, or near a DART station, you genuinely do not need a car for your downtown commute. That is simply not true of any DFW suburb.
Dallas ISD: Mixed Overall, Elite at the Top
Dallas Independent School District serves the city proper and is one of the largest districts in Texas with over 140,000 students. The district's overall Niche grade of B reflects a wide range, from nationally ranked magnet schools to underperforming neighborhood campuses. For families relocating to Dallas, the critical distinction is this: school quality here is determined by which campus you attend, not which city you live in. The best schools in DISD require research, sometimes an application, and in some cases a lottery. The reward is access to programs that no DFW suburb can match.
Top Campuses: Dallas ISD
| Campus | Grades | Type | GreatSchools | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School for the Talented & Gifted (TAG) | 9–12 | Magnet (Selective) | 10/10 | Ranked #1 high school in the US multiple years · competitive application |
| Booker T. Washington HSPVA | 9–12 | Magnet (Audition) | 10/10 | Performing & Visual Arts magnet · national reputation in arts education |
| Thomas Jefferson Science/Eng. Magnet | 9–12 | Magnet | 9/10 | STEM focused · strong college placement |
| Sudie L. Williams TAG Elementary | 2–5 | Magnet (Selective) | 9/10 | Gifted & Talented magnet · requires application & testing |
| Lakewood Elementary | PK–5 | Neighborhood | 9/10 | Highly sought-after neighborhood school · Lakewood area |
| Uplift Luna Preparatory | PK–12 | Charter | 8/10 | Uplift Education charter network · serves Oak Cliff / Bishop Arts area |
Where Do Families Actually Live in Dallas?
Dallas has more genuine neighborhood character than any DFW suburb. You're not just picking a city, you're picking a community with its own architecture, culture, walkability, school feeder, and price point. Here are the six neighborhoods I direct families to most often.
Search Current Dallas Listings →
Lake Highlands
Established family neighborhood in northeast Dallas with generous lot sizes, ranch-style homes, and strong DISD feeder schools. White Rock Lake Trail access and the Arboretum are practically in the backyard. One of the most family-first neighborhoods in the city, and more affordable than the Lake Highlands reputation suggests.
Preston Hollow
Dallas's most prestigious residential address. Large estate-style lots, towering hardwoods, and the kind of architectural variety (ranch to Colonial to contemporary) that makes every street interesting. Greenhill School, Parish Episcopal, The Hockaday School, and St. Mark's are all within 10 minutes. Quiet, private, central.
Lakewood
Craftsman bungalows and mid-century homes surrounding White Rock Lake, some of the most architecturally rich housing stock in all of DFW. Lakewood Elementary is among the most coveted neighborhood schools in Dallas ISD. The 9.3-mile White Rock Lake loop is steps away. This is the neighborhood that converts "I wanted a suburb" families into Dallas converts.
Uptown / Oak Lawn
The most walkable neighborhood in DFW, full stop. Walk Score 95+, world-class dining along McKinnon and Henderson, Katy Trail for running and cycling, and 15-minute DART access to downtown employers. Primarily townhomes and condos rather than single-family. Some families, especially those who moved from Chicago or San Francisco, prefer the urban density intentionally.
M-Streets / Greenland Hills
A grid of Craftsman bungalows and Tudor cottages with deep block-association roots, one of Dallas's most beloved historic neighborhoods. Central location between Lower Greenville Avenue and White Rock Lake. Mature tree canopy, alley-access garages, sidewalk culture, and a genuine sense of community identity. Not flashy, just deeply livable.
Oak Cliff / Bishop Arts
The most affordable family-friendly neighborhood on this list and one of Dallas's most authentic communities. Bishop Arts District has some of the best independent restaurants in the entire city, Cuban, Mexican, Vietnamese, New American, all within walking distance. Culturally rich, racially diverse (Niche A+), and appreciating steadily. Crime varies significantly by street, research specific blocks before committing.
What Dallas Costs: vs. Where You're Coming From
For families relocating from California, New York, or Illinois, Dallas proper offers a significant cost reduction even compared to DFW suburbs, with the added advantage of zero Texas state income tax. The median SFR price of ~$492K is lower than Frisco ($692K), Southlake ($800K+), or Allen ($540K).
| Location | Median SFR | Est. Property Tax/Yr | State Income Tax | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF Bay Area, CA | $1,400,000+ | ~$14,000 | 9.3% | 87 |
| NY Metro, NY | $850,000+ | ~$12,000 | 6.9% | 88 |
| Chicago Suburbs, IL | $385,000 | ~$9,200 | 4.95% | 35 |
| Dallas, TX | ~$492,000 | ~$9,500 | 0% | 93 |
Property Tax Breakdown: Dallas
Texas has no state income tax but funds local services through property taxes. Here's how Dallas's rate breaks down:
| Taxing Entity | Rate per $100 AV | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas ISD | $1.1133 | One of the lower ISD rates in North DFW |
| City of Dallas | $0.7458 | Homestead exempts $105,000 of value (City policy) |
| Dallas County | $0.2271 | County-wide rate |
| Dallas College | $0.1174 | Community college district |
| Combined Rate | ~$2.20 / $100 | Before homestead exemptions |
Texas homestead exemption applies on your primary residence. With City of Dallas's $105K exemption on the city portion and DISD's $40K exemption, effective rates on a $492K home are typically closer to $1.85–$1.95/$100 after all exemptions are applied. Source: Dallas CAD / Texas Comptroller, 2024 certified rates.
Who's Hiring in and Around Dallas
Major Employers in Dallas
| Employer | Details |
|---|---|
| AT&T | Global HQ, downtown Dallas |
| JPMorgan Chase | Southwest regional HQ |
| Southwest Airlines | Corporate HQ, Love Field |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center | 22,000+ employees |
| Parkland Health | Major public hospital system |
| Baylor Scott & White | Large healthcare network |
| Comerica Bank | Corporate HQ |
| Match Group | Global HQ (Tinder, Hinge, Match) |
| Neiman Marcus | Corporate HQ, Knox District |
| AECOM | Engineering & infrastructure |
Within 20–30 Min of Dallas
| Employer | Details |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | HQ near DFW Airport (~25 min) |
| Toyota North America | Plano campus (~25 min via DNT) |
| Charles Schwab | Westlake HQ (~30 min) |
| State Farm | Richardson campus (~20 min via US-75) |
| Liberty Mutual | Plano campus (~25 min) |
| Ericsson | Plano campus (~25 min) |
| Raytheon / RTX | McKinney campus (~35 min) |
| Medical City / HCA Healthcare | Multiple DFW sites |
| Amazon | DFW fulfillment & corporate roles |
| Goldman Sachs | Dallas office (~5 min downtown) |
What Life Actually Looks Like in Dallas
Pro Sports Capital of DFW
Dallas is the sports hub: Cowboys at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, 20 min), Mavericks and Stars at American Airlines Center (downtown), FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium (Frisco, 35 min), Rangers at Globe Life Field (Arlington, 20 min), Wings (WNBA), and the Dallas Rattlers (lacrosse). Your kid will grow up with live professional sports accessible at least once a month.
Family Events All Year
The State Fair of Texas at Fair Park (October, the largest state fair in the US) is a Dallas institution. The Dallas Arboretum runs family programming nearly every weekend from spring through fall. Klyde Warren Park hosts free outdoor concerts, fitness classes, and children's events regularly. The Dallas Zoo, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Children's Aquarium are all close.
Dallas Arts District
The largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, 68 acres in downtown Dallas anchored by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Museum of Asian Art, and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Family memberships to these institutions are practical investments here, not occasional splurges.
Dining Scene Unmatched in DFW
Over 2,100 restaurants mapped within city limits, by far the deepest food scene in the metro. Bishop Arts District for independent dining. Knox/Henderson for upscale casual. Uptown for rooftop bars and patio culture. Deep Ellum for late-night and live music. Dallas has James Beard-nominated chefs, Michelin-caliber tasting menus, and authentic ethnic neighborhoods representing cuisines you simply won't find in Frisco.
Genuine Urban Diversity
Dallas earns Niche's A+ for diversity, the highest grade in DFW. The city has deep cultural communities: deep-rooted Hispanic neighborhoods in Oak Cliff and East Dallas, Vietnamese communities along Greenville, Korean and Indian communities in North Dallas, and one of the largest Ethiopian/Eritrean populations in Texas. For families relocating from cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York, Dallas feels culturally familiar in a way no suburb does.
Neighborhood Identity
Dallas is a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the bungalows of M-Streets to the estates of Preston Hollow to the condos of Uptown. Each has its own block associations, social culture, farmers markets, and local businesses. You're not moving to a master-planned community; you're joining a neighborhood with a 40-year identity. For families who want to belong to a place rather than just a zip code, that matters.
Recreation, Walkability & City Amenities
Dallas is the only DFW city that earns its walkability score genuinely. The Katy Trail, Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake, Deep Ellum, and the Uptown corridor deliver car-free experiences that simply don't exist in the suburbs. DART light rail connects to 12 neighboring cities. That said, Dallas covers 385 square miles, walkability is real in some neighborhoods and non-existent in others. Where you live within the city determines your walkability experience as much as the city's overall score does.
Walkability & Transportation Scores
Citywide average scores vary significantly by neighborhood. Source: Walk Score® 
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Dallas maintains over 600 parks and green spaces citywide, more absolute park count than any DFW suburb, though per-capita access varies by neighborhood.
White Rock Lake Park
1,015 acres of lakeside parkland in East Dallas. 9.3-mile perimeter trail for running, cycling, and skating. Dallas Arboretum on the eastern shore. Boating, fishing, dog-friendly trails. The closest thing to a true nature escape inside city limits.
Klyde Warren Park
5.2-acre park built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in downtown Dallas. Free fitness classes, concerts, food trucks, children's park, and weekend events. Steps from the Dallas Arts District. One of the best urban public spaces in Texas.
Katy Trail
3.5-mile urban rail-trail connecting Uptown to Highland Park. One of the most-used urban trails in Texas. Paved, well-lit, popular for morning runs, cycling commutes, and evening walks. Connects directly to McKinney Avenue's restaurants and bars.
Flag Pole Hill Park
105 acres in Lake Highlands with a large trail network, amphitheater for summer concerts, natural grass hills, and one of the few actual "sledding hills" in Dallas after rare winter weather events. Family-sized weekend programming.
Reverchon Park
45 acres in Oak Lawn near Uptown. Baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, a community center, and a large open field. One of Dallas's oldest parks, a neighborhood anchor for the Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs communities.
Bachman Lake Park
3-mile loop trail around Bachman Lake in northwest Dallas. Fishing pier, playground, picnic areas, and a newly renovated recreation center adjacent. Popular with families in the Love Field and Northwest Highway corridors.
City Recreation Centers & Facilities
| Facility | What's Inside | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Dallas Recreation Centers (30+) | Pools, gyms, fitness equipment, multi-purpose rooms | Many free or very low-cost for residents |
| Samuell-Grand Recreation Center | Tennis courts, pool, fitness, gym | East Dallas · major hub |
| Fretz Recreation Center | Aquatic center, full gym, senior center | Far North Dallas · modern facility |
| Klyde Warren Park Pavilion | Free fitness classes, events, concerts | Downtown · no membership needed |
| Dallas Public Library (37 branches) | Books, maker spaces, digital media, programming | Free to all residents |
| Dallas Arboretum (White Rock Lake) | 66 acres of gardens, family programming | Membership recommended for frequent visits |
Youth Sports & Organized Recreation
Dallas offers more total youth sports programs than any single suburb, across city-run leagues, private clubs, and school athletics. The challenge is navigation across 385 square miles.
Crime in Dallas: Citywide Numbers & What They Mean
Dallas has higher crime than any DFW suburb, this is simply true and worth stating plainly. The citywide averages reflect a city of 1.3 million people with significant variation by neighborhood. Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and the M-Streets neighborhoods have crime rates far below the citywide average, comparable to some DFW suburbs. East Oak Cliff and some parts of Southeast Dallas have higher rates. Always research the specific neighborhood and street before buying, not just the city-level statistic.
Sources: Niche.com (2026 grades), FBI Uniform Crime Report (2022 data), Dallas Police Department CrimeMapping.
Dallas Housing Market: Current Data
In Dallas, the heart of the market is the starter band: 41% of homes sold in the past year landed under $400K, where a median of about $267K buys roughly 1,518 square feet. About 35% of sales were $700K or more, so move-up and luxury buyers have real selection. Price per square foot climbs from about $176 at the entry level to $425 at the top, which is what you are paying for in larger lots, newer builds, and higher finish levels.
Median Sale Price
$498K
12-month rolling avg · single-family
Average Sale Price
$745K
12-month rolling avg · single-family
Price per Sq Ft
$246
Median · 12-month rolling
Sale to Original List
96%
12-month rolling · share of original list price
Days on Market
31 days
Median · 12-month rolling
Months Supply
4.4 mo.
Balanced market · 12-month
Active Inventory
2,902
Current active supply · single-family
Closed Sales
7,777
12-month total · single-family
A few more numbers worth knowing if you are weighing an offer in Dallas. Over the trailing 12 months, single-family homes sold for a median of $498K and an average of $745K, which works out to about $246 per square foot. Homes here sold for roughly 96% of their original list price, which gives you a sense of how much room buyers have typically had to negotiate. As of the latest data, about 2,902 single-family homes were actively listed. These are NTREIS figures (the price metrics are 12-month rolling, inventory is current active supply), and your own price per square foot and negotiating room will vary by neighborhood, age of home, and finish level.
Search Current Dallas Listings →
Source: NTREIS (North Texas Real Estate Information Systems). Data as of 2026. Single-family residential only.
Dallas is the largest single-family housing market in DFW by transaction volume, 7,813 closed sales in the trailing 12 months, nearly double Frisco or Plano. At a 4.5-month supply, the market is balanced: neither the frenzied seller's market of 2021–22 nor a buyer's market. Median prices at ~$492K sit meaningfully below the northern suburbs, partly because the urban core includes more diverse price points (from Oak Cliff's $280K starter homes to Preston Hollow's $2M+ estates). Smart buyers can find exceptional value in transition neighborhoods; working with an agent who knows the specific blocks matters here more than in any suburb.
Condo & Townhome Market
Condo data as of 2026. Source: NTREIS.
Dallas vs. Top DFW Suburbs
| Factor | Dallas | Frisco | Plano | Allen | Flower Mound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median SFR Price | ~$492K | ~$692K | ~$574K | ~$540K | ~$620K |
| Dallas ISD / School District | Dallas ISD (B) | Frisco ISD (A+) | Plano ISD (A) | Allen ISD (A) | Lewisville ISD (A) |
| Walk Score | 93 | 48 | 44 | 34 | 31 |
| DART Light Rail | Yes (84 stations) | No | Partial (some) | No | No |
| Niche Safety Grade | C- | A+ | A | A+ | A+ |
| Niche Diversity | A+ | B+ | A- | B+ | B |
| Urban Amenities | World-Class | Suburban | Suburban | Suburban | Suburban |
| Downtown Employer Access | 0–15 min | 35–45 min | 25–35 min | 35–45 min | 35–45 min |
New Homes in Dallas — 2 Active Communities
New construction in Dallas is limited — just 2 active communities currently listed. This is a suburb where most buyers are focused on resale, which means the new builds that do exist often attract serious attention quickly. The upside: a new home here comes with a builder warranty, modern energy standards, and floor plans designed for how families actually live today — harder to find in an established resale market. One thing many families don't realize: you can bring your own Realtor to any new construction purchase at no cost to you — the builder pays the commission. Having an experienced DFW relocation specialist in your corner (someone who isn't on the builder's payroll) can make a real difference when it comes to contract terms, upgrade negotiations, and closing incentives.
Active Builders in Dallas
Browse Communities
Showing all 2 communities.
| Community | Builder | Price Range | Beds | Sq Ft | Avail. | Promo |
|---|
Note: 1 of the sampled communities currently have active builder promotions or incentives — ask your agent to confirm before touring.
Builder inventory, pricing, and availability change frequently — the data above reflects a recent snapshot. Browse the live portal for current listings.
Dallas Pros & Cons for Families
✓ Pros
- Walkability no DFW suburb can match, 93 Walk Score, DART light rail, real pedestrian infrastructure in multiple neighborhoods
- World-class magnet schools, TAG, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Jefferson Science/Engineering, nationally ranked, in-district options
- Largest arts and cultural district in DFW, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, State Fair of Texas
- Lower home prices than northern suburbs, ~$492K median vs. $692K in Frisco or $800K+ in Southlake
- Downtown employers 0–15 minutes, AT&T, JPMorgan, UT Southwestern, Southwest Airlines, Match Group
- Niche A+ for diversity, authentic cultural neighborhoods, food from every corner of the world, genuine community variety
- Cons
- Crime is elevated citywide, Niche C-; varies dramatically by neighborhood, but requires serious homework before buying
- Dallas ISD requires active school navigation, best campuses are competitive magnets, not guaranteed by address
- Rush-hour traffic on I-35, Central Expressway, and downtown connector loops is genuinely slow, plan commutes accordingly
- Urban lot sizes, most family neighborhoods have 6,000–10,000 sq ft lots; large backyards are exceptions, not the standard
- Higher combined property tax at ~$2.20/$100, effective rate after homestead exemptions closer to ~$1.85–$1.95, still above some suburbs
Dallas vs. Nearby Suburbs
Scores computed from Niche, NTREIS, WalkScore, and Census ACS · Updated 2026 · Compare all DFW suburbs →
Questions Families Ask About Moving to Dallas
Dallas can be an excellent place to raise a family, with the right preparation. The city offers world-class magnet schools, a rich cultural and arts scene, incredible dining diversity, and proximity to downtown employers. It also requires more active decision-making than a master-planned suburb: school selection involves research and sometimes applications, neighborhood-level crime data varies significantly, and traffic during rush hours is real. Families who do their homework on neighborhoods and schools consistently love living in Dallas. Families expecting the same ease-of-entry as Frisco or Allen sometimes feel the city requires more management. Knowing which kind of family you are before you decide is the most important step.
The most consistently family-friendly neighborhoods are Lake Highlands (established homes, good DISD feeder schools, White Rock Lake access), Lakewood (craftsman bungalows, Lakewood Elementary, White Rock Lake trail), Preston Hollow (estate-style homes, top private schools nearby, quiet streets), and the M-Streets / Greenland Hills area (historic Craftsman homes, central location, strong block-association culture). Uptown and Oak Lawn attract younger families who prioritize walkability and urban access. Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts offer affordability and cultural richness at a lower price point. The best neighborhood for your family depends on your school strategy, budget, and lifestyle priorities, and I'm happy to walk you through that comparison.
Dallas ISD has a Niche overall grade of B, but that average hides enormous variation. At the top, Dallas ISD contains some of the best schools in the country: the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) was ranked #1 high school in the US by U.S. News & World Report in multiple years. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is nationally recognized for arts education. Thomas Jefferson Science/Engineering Magnet is a strong STEM pathway. The challenge: these campuses require competitive applications. Families who secure a spot in a magnet school get access to exceptional education. Families relying on neighborhood school assignment will experience much more variation. If you're relocating to Dallas, I recommend building your school strategy before you pick your neighborhood, and I can help you with that process.
The median single-family home price in Dallas is approximately $492,000 based on NTREIS trailing 12-month data. This is meaningfully lower than northern DFW suburbs, Frisco's median is ~$692K, Southlake exceeds $800K. Dallas's median reflects the full range of the city's housing market: from $280K entry-level homes in Oak Cliff to $3M+ estates in Preston Hollow. The market is currently balanced at 4.5 months supply with 31 median days on market, properties priced correctly in desirable neighborhoods are still moving relatively quickly. The condo and townhome market (1,506 closed sales, $268K median) is a buyer's market at 8.7 months supply.
Dallas has a Niche safety grade of C-, reflecting a citywide crime rate that is higher than DFW suburbs. But "Dallas" encompasses 385 square miles and significant neighborhood variation. Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, and the M-Streets area have crime rates much closer to DFW suburb levels, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to families relocating from any major city. East Oak Cliff and parts of Southeast Dallas have higher rates. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on which neighborhood you're evaluating. I always pull block-level crime data for any neighborhood my clients are considering in Dallas. Never rely on the citywide statistic alone.
Significantly lower, especially on housing and state income tax. A $492K home in Dallas would cost $1.4M+ in the SF Bay Area. There is no Texas state income tax, which saves a household earning $250K approximately $23,000–$26,000 per year compared to California. Property taxes in Dallas run approximately $2.20/$100 assessed value before homestead exemptions, higher than California's 1% cap, but the absence of state income tax more than offsets this for most households earning over $100K. Cost of living overall is roughly 30–40% lower than the Bay Area and 20–30% lower than greater Los Angeles.
Traffic in Dallas proper is real, I-35E, I-75 (Central Expressway), and the downtown connector loops slow significantly during rush hour (7–9am and 4:30–7pm). If you work downtown or near a DART station, the commute is genuinely manageable, light rail eliminates the traffic entirely for many residents. If you commute outbound to DFW Airport (~25 min), Las Colinas (~20 min), or Plano/Legacy West (~25 min), the routes are typically more predictable than inbound traffic. The toll road network (DNT, Hwy 114, SH 183) provides faster alternatives at a cost. Budget for tolls if your commute uses the DNT regularly.
For gifted and high-academic tracks: Sudie L. Williams TAG Elementary (selective magnet, grades 2–5) is one of the best in the nation but requires testing and application. For neighborhood schools: Lakewood Elementary (9/10 GreatSchools) is one of the most coveted in Dallas, located in the Lakewood neighborhood near White Rock Lake. Uplift Luna Preparatory (charter network, PK–12) has strong academic results and serves the Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts area. Highland Park ISD borders Dallas to the north but is a completely separate school district, technically accessible only to residents of Highland Park and University Park. Charter options through Uplift Education, KIPP, and Momentous Schools provide additional strong alternatives throughout the city.
Dallas is in a different category entirely, a Walk Score of 93 (Walker's Paradise) compared to 31–48 for most DFW suburbs. Neighborhoods like Uptown, Oak Lawn, Lakewood, Greenland Hills, and Knox/Henderson genuinely allow residents to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, and parks without a car. DART light rail connects Dallas to 13 surrounding cities with 64 stations and 93 miles of track, the largest light rail system in the US. If walkability and urban mobility matter to your family, Dallas is the only DFW city that can deliver them. This is a meaningful quality-of-life difference, especially for families relocating from cities like Chicago, New York, or San Francisco.
Dallas is home to several major corporate headquarters: AT&T (global HQ), Southwest Airlines (Love Field HQ), JPMorgan Chase Southwest regional HQ, Comerica Bank, Match Group (Tinder, Hinge, Match), Neiman Marcus, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, one of the largest and most prestigious academic medical systems in the US. Within 20–30 minutes: American Airlines (near DFW Airport), Toyota North America (Plano), Charles Schwab (Westlake), State Farm (Richardson), and Liberty Mutual (Plano). The entire DFW metroplex is consistently ranked in the top 3–5 metro areas in the US for corporate headquarters relocations, with Texas's business environment driving continued growth.
The Free DFW Family Relocation Guide
Not sure if Dallas is right for your family, or still comparing it to Frisco, Plano, and the northern suburbs? Download the guide, it compares all the major DFW communities side by side on schools, commutes, taxes, neighborhoods, and family lifestyle.
Get the Free Guide →Ready to Explore Dallas or the Surrounding Suburbs?
I help relocating families find the right neighborhood, the right schools, and the right home, whether that's in Dallas proper or one of the DFW suburbs. Start with a conversation.
Call (602) 405-4115Kristen@whymovetodallas.com
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Kristen Carpentier · Licensed Texas Realtor® · TREC License #760457 · Brokered by eXp Realty · 15950 Dallas Pkwy #400, Dallas, TX 75248
Information provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. School ratings and grades sourced from Niche.com and GreatSchools.org, verify current ratings directly. Market data sourced from NTREIS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Crime statistics sourced from Niche.com and FBI UCR data. Tax rates from Dallas CAD / Texas Comptroller, 2024 certified rates, verify current rates with Dallas Central Appraisal District.
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