20 Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas Texas

Planning to move to Dallas, Texas? Here's what you need to know about the perks and drawbacks. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Dallas attracts travelers with its cultural richness, vibrant lifestyle, and strong economy. However, like any city, Dallas also has its advantages and disadvantages that newcomers must know before they shift here. In this article, you will get to know about the pros and cons of living in Dallas Texas. So whether you are considering a move to Dallas or simply curious about life in this city, this article has got you covered.

Pros of Living in Dallas Texas

1- The Housing is Affordable

Compared to other major cities, the housing options in Dallas are relatively affordable, which allows residents to find a home that suits their taste and budget. According to Zillow, the average home value in Dallas Texas is $307,990, which is three times lower than Seatlle and two times lower than Washington DC. Coming to rental values, here are some figures from Numbeo’s reports:

1 bedroom apartment inside City Centre - $1,776/month
1 bedroom apartment outside City Centre - $1,451/month
3 bedrooms apartment inside City Centre - $3,776/month
3 bedrooms apartment outside City Centre - $2719/month

2- Great Food Scene

Dallas is perfect for people who like to try different foods. You can start with Tex-Mex cuisine to experience the Mexican flavors with Texas techniques and ingredients. Many restaurants here embrace the farm-to-table philosophy and you can also have a great dining experience with your family. Whether you’re feeling like having some comforting food or want to explore new gourmet delights, Dallas’s dining caters to every taste and preference. Here are some of the best options:

Goldee’s - If you want to experience Off the Bone in the Cedars.
El Carlos Elegante - If you want to try authentic Mexican with exotic wine.
The Mansion Restaurant- If you want to enjoy modern-day classics and bold flavors.

3- The Sports Scene is Vibrant

The passionate sports culture makes Dallas a perfect place for sports enthusiasts. Since Dallas is home to many sports teams, including Dallas Mavericks (NBA), FC Dallas (MLS), and Dallas Cowboys (NFL), you will get various opportunities to attend games and support local teams. For Golf lovers, TopGolf Dallas is a great place to be or you can go to Dallas sports bars to enjoy games with food and drinks.

4- Job Opportunities are Easily Available

Another good thing about Dallas is that it offers a dynamic and diverse job market, so you will get opportunities across multiple industries. Many top companies like Salesforce, and Texas Instruments have offices in Texas. So whether you are into tech, healthcare, energy, finance, or any other industry, you won’t have trouble finding employment.

5- Cost Of Living is Reasonable

The living costs are generally high in US cities but Dallas is often considered to have a relatively low cost of living. The essentials like groceries and utilities are in line with the national average, so you won’t have to work two jobs and get a roommate to live comfortably here. Here is some more data from Numbeo’s reports:

1L Milk - $0.93
500g Loaf of Bread - $3.38
1kg Rice - $4.43
12 Eggs - $2.35
1l Gasoline - $0.81

So if you are making a list of the pros and cons of living in Dallas Texas, then the cost of living would definitely be in the pro section.

6- No State Income Tax

Since Dallas is in the state of Texas, you won’t have to pay any state tax on your salaries, wages, or any other source of income. Although you may still be subject to other taxes such as sales and property tax, it becomes easier to save on tax liabilities. On average, you can save up to 10% if you move to Dallas from a city like New York.

7- Pet Friendly

Dallas offers a wide range of services and amenities for pet owners, making it a perfect city for people with furry companions. You can easily find pet-friendly housing, dog parks, advanced veterinary care, and many outdoor spaces. There are also various pet-friendly restaurants such as Cane Rosso and Hunky’s. Also, if you are a single pet parent, there are many pet day care centers where you can safely leave your pet.

8- Good Community Support

Dallas is known for its strong sense of community and supportive networks that contribute to a welcoming environment. There are many community groups, neighborhood associations, and volunteer options to keep everyone connected.

9- More Fun Opportunities

If you are always looking for things to do, then Dallas can be a perfect city for you. With so many fun opportunities available, it offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether you love culture, food, adventure, sports, or family-friendly entertainment and experiences. If you wanna have some family-friendly fun, you can visit Klyde Warren Park, go to West Village to shop & dine, or visit the AT&T Stadium to enjoy sports.

10- Airports are Easily Accessible

One big reason people like to live in Dallas is the easy accessibility to airports. Not only international flights, you also have various options for general aviation, cargo services, and private aircraft operations. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the main international airport. If you wanna take domestic flights, then Dallas Love Field Airport is the perfect option. If you need aviation or flight training services, then Dallas Executive Airport would be the ideal choice.

Cons of Living in Dallas Texas

1- Traffic Congestion

When you talk about Dallas living pros and cons, traffic congestion will always be on the cons list. Since this city offers so many opportunities, more and more people are coming here, which is leading to increased traffic volume on roads and highways. As per NBCD reports, an average North Texas driver loses 56 hours in congestion while the national average is 51 hours.

2- Extreme Summer Conditions

Dallas is known for its extreme weather conditions. During the summer, Dallas experiences extreme heat and humidity, and temperatures in the mid-months can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So to cope with these conditions, you will have to heavily rely on air conditioning.

3- High Healthcare Costs

According to Unbiased’s reports, the healthcare costs in Dallas are 12% more than the national average. Although residents get access to renowned medical resources and facilities, it is best to opt for good health insurance to prevent unexpected burdens. As per DallasNews, health spending and costs in Dallas are among the highest category anywhere. However, there are ways you can beat the medical costs.

4- Boring Landscape

Unlike some other parts of Texas, Dallas does not have mountainous or hilly landscapes. The absence of significant mountain ranges contributes to the overall flatness of the area. Although many efforts are being made to enhance access to nature, you will feel the lack of scenery if you like to go for rides.

5- High Property Taxes

Over the years, the property value in Dallas has experienced significant growth due to factors such as real estate demand, population growth, and economic development. Because of this, property taxes are also getting higher, which is a concern for many residents and business owners. As per WFAA reports, the 5-year property tax is the highest in Dallas than any other major city. In 2016, the property tax bill was $2,851 but in 2021, it jumped to $4,671, a 63.8% increase.

6- Access to Recreational Activities is Limited

As compared to other cities in the US, Dallas has fewer natural features, which impacts the availability of outdoor, recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and water sports. Although the driving distance to attractions is not too far, you might have to go to the outer parts of the city to access good lakes and enjoy recreational activities.

7- Bugs Are Everywhere

If you are planning to move to Dallas, then be ready for bugs and cockroaches. The hot and humid weather makes the city’s environment perfect for insects that thrive in most conditions such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, and ants.

8- Urban Sprawl

Most people who move to Dallas complain about its crazy urban sprawl. According to DallasNews, since 2012, Dallas has added over 40 million sqft of new industrial and commercial space to its inventory. So if you like walking, then you won’t get the same relaxing experience because of the vast occupancy of highways and parking lots.

9 - Cultural Divide & Crime Rate

Dallas is a diverse city with people from different ethnicities. Although the community is welcoming and people are friendly, you will get to see a cultural divide. Apart from this, the crime rate in Dallas is higher than the national average. As per Neighborhoodscout’s reports, the crime rate per 1000 residents is 46 in Dallas Texas.

10 - It Is Getting Overcrowded

Dallas has been attracting a growing number of residents due to factors such as job opportunities, a strong economy, and affordable housing, leading to concerns about overcrowding. According to Texastribune, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth were in the top 10 list of metro areas with the biggest population increase from 2022-23. Both international and domestic migration patterns have played a big role in this population increase. So these were the pros and cons of living in Dallas tx. This city is known for its vibrant lifestyle and food scene. Although the friendly community and affordable housing make it a good place to live, it’s better to research the things important to your lifestyle and needs. If you decide to make this place your new home, you can easily find reliable Dallas, TX movers to make the moving process smooth and quick.