Dallas is one of the best places to live in the South! Many residents are drawn to the Dallas lifestyle for its top jobs, diverse culture, and variety of attractions—though some aren’t as fond of this Texas city’s traffic congestion or extreme summer heat. Before relocating, take a look at these pros and cons of living in Dallas!
Quick Facts About Dallas
| Population | 1,338,846 |
| Average Home Price | $476,573 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,554 |
| Median Household Income | $54,747 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% |
Statistics from AreaVibes & Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
Pros of Living in Dallas
Benefits of living in Dallas include access to a strong economy, vibrant arts scene, delicious cuisine, and more. Learn more about the many advantages of living in Dallas below!
Pro: Fantastic Jobs in Dallas
Those moving to Dallas will be happy to know that the city’s income per capita is 19% above the national average, while the unemployment rate is below the national average at around 3.4%! In fact, the Big D is considered one of the best U.S. cities for jobs. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area is home to over 20 Fortune 500 companies. There are also several start-up companies in Dallas, thanks in part to the presence of accelerators and incubators like Impact Ventures, Health Wildcatters Accelerator Program, and Tech Wildcatters, as well as organizations like DEC Network, which provides support for local entrepreneurs. Prospective employees can also find jobs in healthcare, education, local government, and more with major employers like:
- UT Southwestern Medical Center or Methodist Dallas Medical Center for jobs in the healthcare industry
- Dallas Independent School District for educational opportunities in the Dallas area
- City of Dallas for a career in local government
- Southwest Airlines to get started in the aviation industry
- AT&T, HF Sinclair Corporation, Jacobs, Texas Instruments, or Tenet Healthcare to work at a Fortune 500 company
Pro: Quality Dallas Colleges
One of the best reasons to live in Dallas is for its wide variety of higher education options. If you’re looking to earn a degree, enroll in one of the best Dallas universities, such as:
- The University of Texas at Dallas, which ranks among top public schools & offers 160 academic programs
- Southern Methodist University, a top 100 national university
- Dallas Baptist University, offering over 75 undergraduate programs across various disciplines
- University of North Texas at Dallas, where you’ll find four online degree programs
- Criswell College, perfect for those seeking a theologically-based bachelor’s or master’s degree
- University of Dallas, ranked within the top ten best-value universities in the region
- Dallas College, one of the largest community colleges in Texas—with seven campuses across the city
Pro: Dallas’ Diversity
Looking for reasons to move to Dallas? The city’s cultural diversity is a big draw for many! Often described as a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles, the diversity in Dallas is reflected in its music scene, culinary options, street art, year-round festivals, and more. From Latin American and African American communities to Asian influences, Dallas’ culture is rich—which has resulted in a great mix of distinct, thriving neighborhoods throughout the city, including:
- Deep Ellum, once a landing spot for African-American & European immigrants—now a cultural & live music hub
- Lower Greenville, filled with eateries offering everything from Italian classics to Creole favorites, Asian dishes, & more
- Downtown Dallas, home to the Crow Museum of Asian Art & diverse local restaurants
- Oak Cliff, known for its strong Hispanic roots & vibrant arts district
Pro: Active Dallas LGBTQ Community
Scoring a 93 out of 100 on the 2025 Municipality Equality Index, Dallas is a place for everyone to call home. While Oak Lawn is the main Dallas LGBTQ hub, there are great LGBTQ resources and amenities throughout the city, including:
- The Resource Center, offering physical & mental health services
- Turtle Creek Chorale, a chorus group of more than 250 men based in Oak Lawn
- Round-Up Saloon, one of the best gay bars in Dallas—with line dance lessons, karaoke, & live DJs
- JR’s Bar & Grill, with great food & fun events like drag shows
- Sue Ellen’s, “Texas’ oldest lesbian bar”, offering a two-floor nightclub with great music & social mixers
- Annual events like the Teddy Bear Party, Toast to Life, & more
- Dallas Pride at Fair Park to enjoy the Family Pride Zone, rock out at the Pride Festival, & gather for the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade
Pro: Plenty of Dallas Attractions for Families
One of the biggest draws to the city is the number of family-friendly things to do in Dallas! From up-close animal encounters to museums that take you back in time, there are plenty of all-ages attractions in Dallas for the family to enjoy, such as:
- Old City Park to explore 19th-century pioneer & Victorian homes & find educational programs for kids
- Dallas Children’s Theater for live performances of shows like Life Doesn’t Frighten Me: I Am Fearless Royalty & The Magician’s Nephew, or kids’ acting classes
- Dallas Firefighter’s Museum for a look at an 1880s steam engine & local firefighter history
- Perot Museum of Nature & Science, where you’ll find rare dinosaur fossils & interactive stargazing stations
- Dallas World Aquarium to spot aquatic life like the colt coral, Moorish idol, & blackeye goby
- Dallas Zoo to see exotic animals, try the Virtual Reality Wild Explorer, or attend Wild Adventures Camp
- State Fair of Texas for outdoor concerts, carnival rides, food vendors, & more
Pro: Vibrant Dallas Arts & Culture
When you move to Dallas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fine and performing arts. Whether you’re after live performances or quaint local galleries, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the Dallas Arts District and beyond. Here are some great ways to immerse yourself in the Dallas art scene:
- Dallas Contemporary to admire modern art and rotating exhibitions like Pam Evelyn: Salvaged Future & Riso Rama Archive
- Music Hall at Fair Park to see Broadway Dallas productions like The Lion King, Back To The Future, & Peter Pan
- The Majestic Theatre, which hosts acts ranging from comedians like Ronny Chieng to magicians like Justin Willman
- Dallas Theater Center to immerse yourself in the Dallas performing arts scene with shows like Dial M For Murder, The Rocky Horror Show, & Every Brilliant Thing
- Winspear Opera House to attend live shows like Romeo & Juliet, The Billy Goats Gruff, & Giselle
- Wyly Theatre, a venue with Contemporary dance shows from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Pro: Great Spots for Shopping in Dallas
If you’re wondering why you should move to Dallas, the wide variety of retail options might be a big motivator! When you live in Dallas, you’ll find stores that are hard to find anywhere else. Check out these spots to shop to your heart’s content:
- Highland Park Village, the first shopping center in America—which features modern retail stores like Frame, Chanel, & Tom Ford
- NorthPark Center, with more than 200 stores like Alo Yoga, Ann Taylor, & Gucci
- Galleria Dallas for ice skating or browsing stores like Aldo, American Eagle, & Buckle
- Dallas Design District for antique stores, art galleries, interior design showrooms, & other hidden gems
- Mockingbird Station to visit stores like Urban Outfitters & Bath & Body Works before catching the latest blockbuster films in the Angelika Film Center
- Neiman Marcus‘ flagship location, Stanley Korshak, & Wild Bill’s Western Store for top Dallas-based stores
Pro: Dallas Sports Teams to Cheer For
Feel the roar of the crowd as you immerse yourself in the deep culture centered around sports in Dallas! If there’s one thing residents love to do, it’s support local sports, from high school football teams to star-filled Dallas professional sports games, including:
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL) at AT&T Stadium
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA) & Dallas Stars (NHL) at American Airlines Center
- Texas Rangers (MLB) at Globe Life Field
- Dallas Wings (WNBA) at College Park Center
- FC Dallas (MLS) at Toyota Stadium
Pro: Top Restaurants in Dallas
Every day of the week offers a chance to try out new cuisine or Tex-Mex favorites thanks to the great variety of restaurants in Dallas! This foodie city offers something for every palate. For the best food in Dallas, stop by these local eateries:
- Shug’s Bagels for some of the best breakfast in Dallas
- Ellen’s for a cozy brunch atmosphere with Southern comfort foods
- Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano for gourmet Tex-Mex in Dallas in an upscale setting
- Pecan Lodge for delicious Dallas BBQ plates
- TJ’s Seafood Market for fresh seafood in Dallas, tasty cocktails, & daily specials
- Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen for authentic Vietnamese cuisine & patio seating
- Al Biernat’s for a classic steakhouse in Dallas
Pro: Exciting Dallas Nightlife
There are plenty of Dallas nightlife options to discover, so the fun doesn’t stop once the sun goes down! From rooftop bars to live comedy shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy about the nightlife in Dallas!
- Visit Gallery Rooftop Lounge, one of the best rooftop bars in Dallas, for a beautiful view of downtown and unique cocktails.
- Enjoy dancing along to music like Latin pop, Salsa, and more at Cafe Salsera.
- Try dance lessons, two-step dancing, and live music at Cowboys Red River Dancehall & Saloon.
- Revel at Midnight Rambler, a subterranean Dallas speakeasy with live DJs and delicious cocktails.
- Find nationally touring comedic acts and open mic nights at Hyena’s Comedy Club.
- Shoot some pool, playg music on the jukebox, and jam to live music at Adair’s Saloon.
- Head to Peticolas Brewing Company, a tri-level taproom with in-house and limited release brews.
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to Dallas
Cons of Living in Dallas
Some disadvantages of living in Dallas include traffic congestion, scorching summers, and higher-than-average property taxes. Consider these cons before making the move.
Con: High Dallas Property Taxes
Texas property taxes are already some of the highest in the country, but Dallas, specifically, is known for its high property tax rates. That said, Dallas’ cost of living generally remains on par with the national average—so many still see it as a bargain considering the amount of amenities for residents to enjoy. Not to mention, Dallas is a relatively affordable place to live compared to other large U.S. cities like San Diego, Chicago, and New York. Employees in Dallas also get the benefit of not having to pay individual state income tax, which can also help to balance out the state’s high property taxes. And for those who want to buy a home in Dallas, housing costs are 9% lower than the national average—and eligible locals can even take advantage of the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Con: Traffic Congestion
You’ll likely need to practice patience during your daily drive, as Dallas is a car-dependent city with some of the worst traffic in the country. Some of the traffic might be caused by the fact that only 3% of Dallas residents use public transportation. However, though public transit in Dallas is limited, there are still options available, including:
- M-Line Trolley for free rides in the Uptown or Arts District areas
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), offering buses, a streetcar, a rail system, & paratransit services in the city & surrounding areas
- Trinity Railway Express (TRE) for easy travel between Dallas & Fort Worth
- Shared Dockless Vehicle Program to rent scooters & bikes for shorter commutes
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for further travels
Con: Above-Average Crime Rates in Dallas
Like other large metros in the U.S., crime rates in Dallas are higher than the national average. This could be of concern to you if you’re trying to find somewhere safe to live in Texas. However, it’s worth noting there has been a reduction in violent crime in recent years, potentially assisted by the passing of Proposition U, which increased funding and hiring for the local police department. Additionally, Dallas is still safer than other major cities like Houston and San Antonio. And prospective residents will find several safe neighborhoods in Dallas with particularly low crime rates, like Oak Lawn, Lake Highlands, Winnetka Heights, and more.
Con: Extreme Dallas Weather
While the city boasts beautiful, sunny conditions, the weather in Dallas can reach extreme highs from June to September, forcing residents to contend with uncomfortable heat and humidity levels. As Texas is located in the Tornado Alley region, the area is also at risk for some natural disasters, with Dallas residents often seeing one or two tornadoes each year.
To mitigate this, be prepared for hazardous weather! Some tips for tornado preparedness include paying attention to weather reports and emergency alerts and knowing where you can take shelter in the event of a tornado. Despite all this, Dallas’ climate is still a haven for those who don’t want cold winter weather and love basking in the sun. In fact, residents can expect 234 sunny days each year and minimal snowfall during winter in Dallas.
Con: Lots of Bugs to Deal With
The subtropical climate in Dallas is an ideal environment for bugs to flourish. In fact, D-Town is one of the top ten buggiest cities in the U.S. Some of the most common pests in Dallas include bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches. However, residents can follow pest control tips like keeping their homes clean, sealing entry points, and removing standing water to help avoid bug problems. And if you do get an infestation, there are plenty of professional Dallas pest control companies available for hire.
Con: Poor Air Quality in Dallas
If you deal with respiratory conditions or love spending time outside, it’s important to be aware of Dallas’ air quality issues. Dallas ranks among the most ozone-polluted metro areas in the U.S., struggling to meet federal air quality criteria. The region sees a high number of Ozone Action Days—when the concentration of ground-level ozone is so high that prolonged exposure can lead to negative health effects.
However, there are some actions you can take to stay healthy when Dallas’ air quality is poor—including spending more time indoors, keeping windows and doors sealed, and avoiding high-energy outdoor activities. You can even participate in events like Clean Air Action Day or Engine Off North Texas to help move Dallas toward cleaner air!
Con: Challenging Allergy Season
Dallas is one of the top 20 allergy capitals in the U.S., which can make it difficult to live comfortably if you struggle with severe allergies. Dallas’ allergy season is year-round, and main contributors to the city’s high pollen counts include Bermuda grass, ragweed, cedar, and oak.
Thankfully, there are some ways to manage seasonal allergies in Dallas—including showering immediately after outdoor exposure, keeping your home clean, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed. Additionally, know when to get professional help—there are some great allergists in Dallas that can help ease your symptoms.
Con: Limited Variety of Outdoor Activities in Dallas
Dallas’ flat scenery can leave much to be desired for some outdoor enthusiasts. Compared to other large cities like Seattle or Denver, the natural scenery is limited in Dallas—and with no beaches or mountains, residents have to travel farther for these natural wonders. However, with 410 parks and more than 200 miles of trails, there are still plenty of fun outdoor things to do in Dallas, like:
- Great Trinity Forest for boating, exploring 6,000 acres of Dallas green space, & visiting the Trinity River Audubon Center
- White Rock Lake to picnic, kayak, & reel in fresh fish
- Katy Trail for bike rides, runs, or leisurely strolls
- Klyde Warren Park to appreciate the stunning Nancy Best Fountain, take a yoga class, & let your dog mingle with other furry friends
- Dallas Farmers Market to buy fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, & more in an open-air pavilion
- Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden to stroll alongside colorful seasonal plants, explore the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, & attend the Food & Wine Festival
Should You Move to Dallas?
You should move to Dallas if you’re seeking big-city living for a relatively affordable price, a strong job market, and a variety of entertainment options. Dallas is usually a good fit for ambitious young professionals and those looking for family-friendly neighborhoods. Before deciding to relocate, consider your tolerance for heat, transportation needs, and health concerns, as Dallas experiences air quality issues, traffic congestion, and hot weather. These factors can help you decide if life in Dallas makes sense for you.
Dallas may be the right fit for you if…
- You’re looking for career opportunities in industries like healthcare, education, or local government.
- You’re seeking a city with thriving arts, entertainment, and sports scenes.
- You want a big-city lifestyle without the price tag of major metros like New York or Chicago.
- You love warm weather and don’t mind skipping a traditional winter.
- You’d like to live in a diverse city with a strong LGBTQ community.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You dislike traffic or prefer a car-free lifestyle.
- You find a flat landscape boring and want easy access to mountains or beaches.
- You struggle with seasonal allergies or have strong reactions to air quality issues.
- You want to avoid intense heat and humidity.
- You’re concerned with above-average crime rates.
Dallas Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering whether Dallas is better than Houston, San Antonio, or Austin? If you’re not sure which Texas city is right for you, check out the chart below to compare your options.
| Factor | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX | Houston, TX | San Antonio, TX |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,554 | $1,829 | $1,329 | $1,524 |
| Average Home Price | $476,573 | $501,645 | $397,435 | $359,091 |
| Average Commute Time | 27 minutes | 24 minutes | 27 minutes | 24 minutes |
| Walk Score | 46/100 | 42/100 | 47/100 | 37/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 3.2% | 4.2% | 3.8% |
| Major Industries | Government, education, healthcare | Technology, healthcare, education | Energy, business, biotechnology | Bioscience, financial services, manufacturing |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), BestPlaces, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Dallas
What salary lets you live comfortably in Dallas?
A livable Dallas salary for a single adult with no children is typically just over $50,000. With an income per capita that’s 19% above the national average—and a median household income of $54,747—many residents find it relatively easy to make a comfortable living in Dallas, especially with the variety of great jobs available.
Is Dallas safe?
Dallas is generally considered a safe place to live—but as with most other metros with large populations, crime rates in Dallas are higher than the national average. That said, the city remains safer than 3% of cities in Texas and 5% of cities across the country. Plus, there are a variety of especially safe neighborhoods in Dallas—as well as suburbs—with lower-than-average crime rates, tight-knit communities, and great amenities.
What is the average temperature in Dallas?
Dallas temperatures cover a wide range, with summer highs reaching around 95 degrees and winter lows getting as cool as 36 degrees. The city is considered to have a humid subtropical climate, perfect for those who prefer mild winters—as Dallas only receives about one inch of snow per year.
What’s the distance from Dallas to Houston?
Dallas is located approximately 240 miles from Houston, so commutes between these two Texas cities often take around four hours by car or bus. Dallas residents enjoy visiting Houston to explore the Houston Museum District, see major attractions like the Space Center, and more.
Is Dallas a good place to live?
Dallas is considered a good place to live, attracting interest from those seeking top job opportunities, a fast-paced lifestyle, or top-tier cuisine, entertainment, and sports. With relative affordability, diverse cultures, and amazing amenities, Dallas appeals to a variety of lifestyles, budgets, and demographics.
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