Dallas 81 Exceptional
Dallas Livability #24 ranked city in Texas#1,380 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
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Dallas, TX - The Big D

Living in Dallas, TX, known as 'The Big D,' offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern sophistication. Located in north-central Texas, Dallas is a large city that serves as a major economic and cultural hub. Major nearby cities like Fort Worth and Arlington enhance its status as a central point in the region. Dallas's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Dallas is home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Reunion Tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which showcases beautiful seasonal displays, to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, perfect for family outings. Dallas's dining scene is renowned for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Annual events such as the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas International Film Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Dallas's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Major institutions like Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Dallas is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Theater Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Dallas provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and theater, making it an exciting place to call home.

Dallas’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Stars (NHL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Dallas include finance, technology, and healthcare, with significant employers such as AT&T and Texas Health Resources driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including DART buses and light rail, making it easy for residents to navigate.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

What's it like Living in Dallas?

Dallas, Texas is a big city with a population of 1,391,819 people. Dallas has a population density of 4,094 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Dallas identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 37% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Dallas could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Dallas population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Dallas, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Dallas is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Dallas and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.

With a livability score of 81/100, Dallas is ranked #1,200 in the United States and #25 in Texas. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Dallas could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Dallas ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Dallas ranks well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Dallas, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).

Living in Dallas offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Dallas provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Dallas are: The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, Dallas World Aquarium, and Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Dallas apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Dallas real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Dallas. Median real estate prices in Dallas come in at $379,405, which is 47.8% higher than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dallas, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 43.8% higher than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dallas

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      Dallas transportation information

      Statistic Dallas Texas National
      Average one way commute27min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.3%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.3%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.1%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home7.5%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Dallas, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.