Living in Dallas: 7 Things to Know, Pros & Cons

Living in Dallas promises diverse neighbors, warm weather, and plenty of great Tex-Mex. Here are 7 lesser known things to consider before relocating.

Everyone’s flocking to Dallas, Texas. In 2023, the Dallas-Fort Worth area attracted more new residents than any other city in the nation, pushing its combined population above 8.1 million. Residents, both new and old, enjoy a robust economy, mouthwatering food and drink scene, and family-friendly atmosphere.

But like any metropolis, there’s a lot to consider before making the move. Here’s everything you need to know about living in Dallas.

Is Dallas a Good Place to Live?

Dallas has something to offer everyone. A healthy job market and diverse recreational activities bring work-life balance for people who want to pair their professional lives with the excitement of city life. Plenty of green parks, lakes, and nature preserves offer respite from the hustle and bustle for families and retirees. Plus, Dallas is safe to live in, with down-trending violent crimes.

Whether or not moving to Dallas is the right decision depends on your ideal lifestyle. If you love the mix of Southern hospitality and fast-paced living, the Big D might be the place for you. But if you yearn for a quiet community, daily life in Dallas could be overwhelming.

Pros & Cons of Living in Dallas, TX

There are many reasons why so many people choose to move to Dallas. Here are a few benefits of living in this Texan city. Plus, one important downside to consider.

Pro: Diversity

Despite being in cattle country, Dallas was always a city of merchants. As Dallas staked its claim as an important American economic hub, many cultures followed. According to a 2024 study by Wallethub, Dallas is the 8th most diverse city in the country. The melting pot is home to strong communities of Black, Latin, and Asian residents that add their unique stamp to Dallas’ distinct neighborhoods.

The influence that each community brings is palpable across Dallas’ vibrant culinary landscape (including its famous Tex-Mex), arts community, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to raise a family or build a strong network of friends, Dallas embraces diversity in a way that will help everyone feel right at home.

Pro: Food, drinks, and experiences

Like any big city, Dallas is a city with innovative ranch-to-table eateries, diverse restaurants (from Ethiopian injera to Chinese dim sum), and everything in between. Plus, Dallas is one of the best places in the world for BBQ and authentic Tex-Mex.

It’s a good thing Dallas has so many food and drink options, because after a long day of activities, you’ll need a good meal to refuel for the next. There’s a vibrant music scene full of jazz bars, honky tonks, and rock venues alongside an arts community spread across Uptown, Highland Park, Deep Ellum, and downtown Dallas Arts District.

Plus, there’s always a tailgate to attend. The Dallas-Fort Worth area boasts several professional sports teams — including the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Tornado, and nearby Arlington Rangers — alongside local rodeos and college sports.

Pro: Parks system, preserves, and green spaces

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including their nature preserves and parks. Dallas has one of the most ambitious park systems in the country, and it’s only getting better. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is built along Trinity Park, and for the last two decades, the Trinity River Corridor Project has slowly built more greenspaces along the water. Upon completion, it’ll cover 10,000 acres — more than 10 times the size of Central Park.

But what does Dallas look like now? There are already plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy across the city while the Corridor Project continues. Locals head to White Rock Lake for fishing, the Dallas Arboretum to view blooming botanicals, or kid-friendly activities at the Dallas Zoo or Fair Park.

Con: Traffic

With so many people relocating to Dallas, it makes sense that city planning struggles to keep up with the city’s growing traffic problems. According to Walk Score, Dallas is a car-dependent city with poor public transportation infrastructure. Dallas commuters spend an average of 117 hours a year in their cars, and nearly half of that is stuck in a traffic jam.

If you’re looking for a car-free experience, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) supports a four-line rail system and 91 bus lines that concentrate heavily around downtown Dallas, making it the most convenient area to live in.

More about Dallas 

Although we’ve covered some pros and cons, we also have answers to some of the biggest questions you might have before moving — like how much it costs and what to pack.

Cost of Living in Dallas

People from all over the country moved to Dallas for its low cost of living, which in turn created price hikes. The cost of housing, groceries, and gas steadily increased, making it less affordable than other Texan cities, including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

According to Living Wage, a single adult with no children needs to earn $22.78 an hour, compared to $40.64 needed to support a single-income household with two children. 

Here’s a silver lining: Despite high costs compared to other Texan cities, Dallas is considerably more affordable than other large American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

Dallas Housing

According to RentCafe, the average Dallas rental is 850 square feet and costs $1,559 a month. In a sprawling city with so many unique neighborhoods, there’s a lot of diversity of housing that varies by location, size, and amenities. Downtown Dallas, Uptown Dallas, and Deep Ellum all average about $2,000, whereas Irving and Arlington have more affordable options.

The Weather Forecast

Sun chasers and snowbirds will find a sunny home in Dallas, which has generally mild, warm winters and temperate springs. January is the coldest month, with highs in the mid-50s. The summers test your resilience to heat, though. June to August temperatures sit firmly in the 90s with high humidity, prompting locals to escape to nearby lakes and rivers to cool off.

Best Neighborhoods in Dallas

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly suburbs or all the big city amenities in a bustling downtown neighborhood, there’s an incredible Dallas neighborhood for every lifestyle. If you want to live like a local, here are Landing’s top choices. 

1. Frisco

Located 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco is ideal for families or remote workers who want access to the downtown amenities in a slow-paced environment. With so much to do, you might never head to downtown Dallas. Frisco has plenty of incredible coffee shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. And if you’re a sports fan, this is the neighborhood to be. The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, and FC Dallas all play in Frisco.

2. Uptown

If you’re looking for vibrant city living, Uptown is your neighborhood. Airy tree-lined streets are the backdrop to an eclectic mix of shopping, bars, and restaurants. In Uptown, you’ll find a little bit of everything within walking distance, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Katy Trail and parks for jogging and biking, and the Discovery District for regular live music. Being a center of nightlife, look for housing on quieter streets to avoid the noise of late-night bar-goers.

3. Oak Lawn

Dallas’ gayborhood, Oak Lawn, is a tight-knit, inclusive community just north of Uptown. Cedar Springs Road is the main artery of the city’s gay scene with dozens of bars and clubs hosting karaoke, drag shows, and western dance nights. The rest of the neighborhood is walkable, and you’ll likely be able to do grocery shopping and other errands by foot. It’s also a quick drive to other fun areas, like Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, and the Design District.

Ready to Move to Dallas?

Great food. Diverse population. Tons of green spaces. What’s not to like about Dallas? Whether you want to give the city a test run or relocate to this Texas metropolis, Landing has you covered with fully furnished Dallas apartments with temporary or long-term contracts. Become a Landing member today and let us help you find a place to hang up your cowboy hat.