Your Definitive Relocation Resource

    Relocating to Dallas–Fort Worth

    Neighborhoods. Schools. Cost of living. Utilities. Everything you need — curated by the moving company trusted by DFW's top real estate firms.

    Why People Are Moving to Dallas

    Texas is the #1 destination for domestic migration in the U.S. — and DFW leads the state. Here's why.

    No State Income Tax

    Keep 100% of your paycheck. Texas is one of nine states with zero state income tax.

    Booming Job Market

    24 Fortune 500 HQs. Toyota, Goldman Sachs, Charles Schwab, AT&T, PGA — and the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) just received SEC approval to open in downtown Dallas, making it the 29th registered national securities exchange in the U.S.

    234 Sunny Days/Year

    Mild winters, long growing seasons, and an outdoor lifestyle year-round.

    Quality of Life

    Top-ranked schools, world-class dining, professional sports, and a 30-minute average commute.

    DFW Neighborhood Guide

    From estate-lined boulevards to master-planned communities — find your fit.

    Cost of Living: Dallas vs. National Average

    DFW delivers a premium lifestyle at below-average cost. Here's how it stacks up.

    Category
    Dallas–Fort Worth
    U.S. Average
    Median Home Price
    $380,000
    $420,000
    State Income Tax
    0%
    4.6% avg
    Average Rent (2BR)
    $1,650/mo
    $1,850/mo
    Gas (per gallon)
    $2.85
    $3.30
    Groceries Index
    96
    100

    Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow, AAA, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Data as of Q1 2026.

    Top-Rated School Districts in DFW

    DFW is home to some of the highest-rated public school districts in the country.

    Highland Park ISD

    A+

    Serves: Highland Park, University Park

    Highland Park High School ranks in the top 1% of all U.S. public high schools. Free public school — you just have to live in the district.

    Southlake Carroll ISD

    A+

    Serves: Southlake, Westlake

    National Blue Ribbon schools

    Prosper ISD

    A+

    Serves: Prosper, Celina

    Fastest-growing district in Texas

    Frisco ISD

    A+

    Serves: Frisco

    10 high schools, championship athletics

    Plano ISD

    A

    Serves: Plano, Richardson (partial)

    National Merit Scholar pipeline

    McKinney ISD

    A

    Serves: McKinney

    Strong STEM and arts programs

    Allen ISD

    A

    Serves: Allen

    Single high school, 6,000+ students

    Lovejoy ISD

    A+

    Serves: Lucas, Fairview

    Small district, elite academics

    Your DFW Move-In Checklist

    Everything you need to set up after arriving. Bookmark this page and check them off.

    1. Set up electricity (deregulated — choose your provider)→ PowerToChoose.org
    2. Activate water service through your city's utility department
    3. Transfer or set up internet (AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier)
    4. Register for trash/recycling pickup (city-specific)
    5. Set up natural gas (Atmos Energy for most of DFW)→ Atmos Energy
    6. Obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days→ Texas DPS
    7. Register your vehicle and get a Texas inspection
    8. Update your voter registration→ VoteTexas.gov
    9. Forward your mail through USPS→ USPS Change of Address
    10. Update your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions
    11. Find a new primary care doctor and dentist
    12. Register kids for school (enrollment periods vary by district)

    Weather, Culture & Lifestyle

    Climate

    • Summers: Hot. 95–105°F from June–August. Pools are a lifestyle, not a luxury.
    • Winters: Mild. Average 37–55°F. Snow is rare (maybe once a year).
    • Spring/Fall: Perfect. 65–85°F. Best time to move.
    • Severe weather: Tornado and hail season runs March–June. Have a plan.

    Things to Know

    • You need a car. Dallas is a driving city. Public transit exists but isn't comprehensive.
    • Food is a religion. BBQ, Tex-Mex, and a booming chef-driven restaurant scene.
    • Sports matter. Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Stars, FC Dallas — pick your teams.
    • Community is real. Neighbors introduce themselves. People wave. It's genuine.
    • Growth is explosive. 1,000+ people move to DFW every week. Get settled before it gets more competitive.
    • The Texas Stock Exchange is coming. The SEC approved TXSE in September 2025 — the first new national securities exchange in decades, headquartered in downtown Dallas. This is going to supercharge real estate across the entire metro.

    Realtors: Share This With Your Clients

    Bookmark this page and send it to every out-of-state buyer. It's the most comprehensive DFW relocation resource online — and it's free.

    stonebriarmoving.com/relocating-to-dallas

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the cost of living in Dallas compared to other major cities?+
    Dallas offers a cost of living roughly 2-5% below the national average. Housing is significantly more affordable than coastal cities — the median home price in DFW is around $380,000 compared to $1M+ in San Francisco or New York. And there's no state income tax, saving residents 5-13% compared to states like California or New York.
    What are the best neighborhoods in Dallas for families?+
    Highland Park, University Park, Southlake, Westlake, Prosper, and Frisco consistently rank among the best. These communities offer top-rated school districts (Highland Park ISD, Southlake Carroll ISD, Prosper ISD, Frisco ISD), low crime rates, and walkable town centers.
    How do I transfer my driver's license to Texas?+
    Visit your local DPS office within 90 days of establishing residency. Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of SSN, and two documents proving your Texas address. You'll also need a Texas vehicle inspection and registration.
    What is the weather like in Dallas?+
    234 sunny days per year. Mild winters (average 37-55°F), hot summers (95-105°F), and beautiful spring and fall seasons (65-85°F). Severe weather season runs March through June — tornadoes and hail are real but manageable with preparation.
    Is Dallas a good place to raise a family?+
    Absolutely. DFW offers some of the best public school districts in the country, affordable housing compared to other major metros, a booming job market with 24 Fortune 500 headquarters, and a strong sense of community. It's why over 1,000 people move here every week.
    How do I set up electricity in Texas?+
    Texas has a deregulated energy market — meaning you get to choose your electricity provider. Visit PowerToChoose.org to compare rates and plans. You'll want to have service activated before your move-in date.

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