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.

    Public School Districts Families Commonly Compare in DFW

    School access is highly address-specific. These are several districts families commonly compare while planning a DFW relocation.

    Highland Park ISD

    Serves: Highland Park, University Park, and a small part of North Dallas

    Eight current campuses; verify the exact property address and current attendance assignment directly with HPISD.

    Carroll ISD

    Serves: Southlake and nearby service areas

    Use the district’s current boundary and campus-assignment tools before making a housing decision.

    Prosper ISD

    Serves: Prosper and nearby north-DFW growth areas

    Rapid residential growth can affect campus assignments, so verify the exact address with the district.

    Frisco ISD

    Serves: Frisco and portions of nearby communities

    A large multi-campus district where the exact address determines the assigned schools.

    Plano ISD

    Serves: Plano and portions of nearby communities

    Check the district’s current attendance boundary information for the specific home under consideration.

    McKinney ISD

    Serves: McKinney and nearby service areas

    Confirm current zoning and campus assignment directly with the district before a move.

    Allen ISD

    Serves: Allen and district service areas

    Use the district’s official enrollment and boundary information for current school assignments.

    Lovejoy ISD

    Serves: Lucas, Fairview, and district service areas

    Attendance depends on the exact property address; verify eligibility directly with the district.

    Explore the Dallas Private Schools Relocation Guide Explore the Highland Park ISD Schools Guide

    Compare 30 Dallas-area independent and private-school profiles with campus geography, neighborhood context, and family move planning.

    Explore the Highland Park ISD Campus Guide

    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.
    Which Dallas-area communities do families often compare when school access matters?+
    Families often compare Highland Park, University Park, Southlake, Prosper, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Lucas and Fairview depending on school, work and housing needs. Exact school eligibility and campus assignments vary by property address and should be verified with the relevant district.
    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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