Moving to Dallas, Texas: What Living in Dallas Is Really Like

After helping hundreds of people relocate to North Texas, Firehouse Movers has noticed a few patterns. Some folks thrive here, while others take time to adjust. If you’re wondering whether Dallas fits your lifestyle, this guide walks through what daily life is really like and what makes the city appealing. Come find out what to consider before moving to Dallas.

Why So Many People Move to Dallas

You’re thinking of moving to Dallas, and you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people relocate to North Texas for better jobs, lower taxes, and a strong sense of community.

After more than two decades helping families and businesses relocate across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Firehouse Movers has seen what makes this city special. From the energy of downtown Dallas to the family neighborhoods of Frisco and Plano, life here offers variety, opportunity, and genuine Texas pride.

If you’re considering the move to Dallas, this guide covers everything you need to know: what daily life is like, what it costs to live here, and how to make your move easier.

Life in Dallas, Texas: From Downtown to the Suburbs

When you first move to Dallas, you’ll notice the mix of big-city energy and Southern comfort.

Downtown Dallas feels busy and ambitious. The skyline glows with glass towers, coffee shops double as meeting spots, and there’s always traffic near Klyde Warren Park at lunch hour. It’s home to finance, tech, and legal professionals who keep the city’s economy thriving.

Many families moving to Dallas, Texas, choose the suburbs for their strong schools, spacious homes, and community atmosphere. Drive north, and the atmosphere shifts. Places like Frisco, McKinney, and Plano offer space, top-rated schools, and quiet communities that are perfect for families. This blend of urban living and country living is what makes life in Dallas so appealing; you can live near the excitement of downtown and still enjoy the calm of North Dallas evenings.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas

Like any city, Dallas has its perks and its trade-offs.

The Pros

• Strong Job Market: Dallas leads the Texas job market in corporate relocations and career growth. Companies like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments call it home.
• No State Income Tax: Texas offers one of the most business- and family-friendly tax environments in the country.
• Affordability: The cost of living in Dallas is lower than in coastal cities like Los Angeles or New York, especially in the suburbs.
• Entertainment and Culture: From live sports to world-class dining, there’s always something to do.

The Cons

• Traffic: Dallas is big, and commutes can be long, especially along I-635 and the Dallas North Tollway.
• Summer Heat: Expect 95°F days from June through September.
• Rising Housing Costs: Popular areas like Uptown, Bishop Arts, and Frisco have become competitive for buyers.

Still, for most, the pros and cons of living here balance out. The city’s momentum and opportunity make it worth it.

Things to Do in Dallas Year-Round

Dallas is a place to live well. You’ll find activities, events, and entertainment every month of the year. Dallas life blends career opportunity with a laid-back social scene; locals work hard during the week and spend weekends at Klyde Warren Park, live shows, or neighborhood cookouts.

Everyday Favorites

• Klyde Warren Park: A central green space lined with food trucks, live music, and weekend yoga.
• White Rock Lake: Great for biking, kayaking, or sunset walks.
• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: A scenic retreat for families and couples.
• Reunion Tower: Get a 360° view of the skyline from the GeO-Deck.

Arts & Culture

• Museums and Sculptures: Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum, and Nasher Sculpture Center keep creativity alive downtown.
• Murals and Music: Explore the murals and music venues of Deep Ellum or the local shops and eateries of the Bishop Arts District.

Sports and Entertainment

• Dallas Cowboys: America’s Team and a Sunday tradition.
• Dallas Mavericks: Basketball excitement at the American Airlines Center.
• Dallas Stars: Hockey action for fans of fast-paced games.
• Texas Rangers: Summer nights at Globe Life Field in nearby Arlington.

Food in Dallas

Dallas is known for barbecue, and for good reason. You’ll find pitmasters perfecting brisket, ribs, and sausage at every corner. Add legendary Tex-Mex, classic steakhouses, and food trucks that draw lunchtime crowds, and it’s clear why Dallas offers a diverse dining scene.

The nightlife in Dallas ranges from rooftop lounges in Uptown to live music in Deep Ellum, with dozens of bars and restaurants staying open late across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. From weekend brunch in Uptown to evening tacos in Bishop Arts, living in Dallas, Texas, means never running out of flavor.

The Job Market and Corporate Life in Dallas-Fort Worth

If opportunity is what brings people here, the Dallas job market is what keeps them.

The Dallas–Fort Worth area has become a magnet for Fortune 500 headquarters, tech startups, and logistics companies. Low business taxes, affordable real estate, and a central location in the state of Texas make it ideal for growth.

Major employers include:

• AT&T
• Southwest Airlines
• Texas Instruments
• American Airlines
• Bank of America
• Toyota North America

Career paths here range from engineering and IT to healthcare, finance, and real estate. Whether you’re a student from the University of Texas at Dallas or a professional relocating for a promotion, Dallas offers steady job growth and a strong business community.

The Cost of Living in Dallas

What to Expect

The cost of living in Dallas remains competitive for a major U.S. city. Housing costs vary depending on location, with downtown condos averaging higher than suburban homes. If you’re moving to Dallas, TX, plan your move for spring or fall when the weather is milder and moving companies have more flexible availability.

• Housing: Affordable compared to Austin or Houston.
• Utilities: Slightly above average due to hot summers.
• Taxes: No state income tax but higher property taxes.
• Transportation: Most residents drive, but the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system connects key neighborhoods.

Overall, most residents find that Dallas offers a lower cost of living with big-city opportunities.

Schools and Education in Dallas

Families moving to Dallas will find excellent options across both public and private systems. The Dallas Independent School District covers much of the city, while suburbs like Plano and Frisco feature top-rated campuses.

Higher education is another local strength. The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Dallas, and the University of North Texas all attract students from around the country.

For families and professionals alike, the schools in Dallas make education a key advantage of living here.

Weather in Dallas

What to Expect Year-Round

Dallas weather is classic North Texas: long, hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. Most residents enjoy year-round outdoor living, but it’s smart to be prepared for a few local extremes.

• Spring: Warm and breezy, great for outdoor events and moving days. However, spring also marks the start of tornado season in North Texas. Dallas lies within Tornado Alley, so residents should stay weather-aware and follow local alerts when severe storms approach.
• Summer: Long, sunny, and humid. Highs can climb into the upper 90s, and summer droughts sometimes lead to water restrictions. Keep hydration and shade in mind if you’re planning outdoor activities or a mid-summer move.
• Fall: Comfortable and colorful, ideal for moving or exploring Dallas parks and festivals.
• Winter: Short and mild, with only a few chilly days and rare ice events.

When planning your move to Dallas, the best seasons are spring and fall, with comfortable weather, fewer storms, and less demand for moving services.

Country Living Meets City Life in North Dallas

One of the best parts about Dallas is its flexibility. You can enjoy downtown convenience one year and move to suburban peace the next.

North Dallas, Collin County, and Denton County balance space, affordability, and access. Many homes have yards, trails, and parks while remaining just a short drive from shopping and restaurants.

It’s the perfect mix of country living and urban comfort that gives Dallas its charm.

Make Your Move With Firehouse Movers

Choosing a local Dallas moving company ensures your relocation goes smoothly. Professionals who know the neighborhoods, timing, and routes can make all the difference. When you’re ready to move to Dallas, trust locals who know the city inside and out. 

Firehouse Movers is a firefighter-owned company offering Dallas moving services for homes, apartments, and offices. Our Dallas movers handle everything from packing and transportation to setup, serving the entire Dallas–Fort Worth area, including Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and beyond.

Whether you’re relocating from another part of Texas or across the country, we’ll make your move efficient and stress-free. Call (972) 412-6033 or request a free moving quote online to make your move with confidence.

FAQs: Things People Ask Before Moving to Dallas