21 Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas in 2024

2. Con: Heavy Traffic

One of the biggest disadvantages of living in Dallas is congested traffic. During peak times on some of the most traveled freeways, reaching your destination can take much longer. Travel time doubles during rush hour (7 AM-9 AM and 4-6 PM)

The most congested place in North Texas is the TX 366 Spur, where 366 converges with 35E in Dallas. This stretch of highway alone causes more than a million annual hours of delays per 1.6 km (1 mile)! 

You will also need to be a strong defensive driver because, despite the traffic, people drive very fast and aren’t great at using blinkers. 

3. Pro: Tons of Things to Do

One of the benefits of living in Dallas is there’s so much to do. Dallas has an excellent restaurant scene, many bars, and events throughout the year. You can catch a pro sports game, go on a mural hunt in Deep Ellum, grab coffee at Bishop Arts, or visit an art gallery downtown! 

As a Dallas resident, you will also be very close to Fort Worth, which has a variety of “Texan” experiences like honky tonks, rodeos, and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

4. Con: DFW is Huge

Dallas is part of the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) metroplex. 

The DFW area comprises 19 counties and around 40,403 square km (15,600 square miles) and will soon be the 3rd largest metro area in the United States. 

Even without traffic, it can take a long time to drive from one end of the metroplex to the other. 

5. Pro: Mild Winters 

The coldest months of the year in Dallas are November to February. Winter is usually mild, with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F). 

Once per winter, there is usually a period of sub-freezing temperatures and snow where everyone worries about their pipes freezing and the power grid failing. But it usually doesn’t last more than a week or two. 

6. Con: Extremely Hot Summers

On the other side of the coin, the summers are warm.

From June to September, Dallas experiences temperatures above 38°C (100°F). This can be a significant adjustment.

Outdoor activities are strongly discouraged in the summer, especially in direct sunlight. If you need to be outside, stay well-hydrated and wear sunscreen daily.

7. Pro: People are Direct

Texas is undoubtedly a unique place to live, and Dallas is no different! 

People have larger-than-life personalities. They are bold and speak directly, although usually in a friendly manner. But don’t expect people to beat around the bush.

Depending on where you hail from, this could be eye-opening. For example, if you’re from the Midwest of the United States, this may come as a shock.

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8. Con: Rapidly Growing Cities

People moving to Texas from out of state are, for the most part, moving to Austin or Dallas. Dallas’s population is growing at a rate of 0.81% annually, resulting in a population density of 10,106 people per square km (3,902 people per square mile). 

The growth of Dallas impacts the overall quality of life of those living there by raising housing costs and increasing the need for additional infrastructure. 

9. Pro: No State Income Tax

A significant financial advantage of moving to Dallas is that you won’t pay personal income tax. 

This is offset by higher property tax rates and local sales taxes in some jurisdictions, but overall, not having a state personal income tax allows people to keep a larger portion of their overall earnings.

10. Con: High Property Taxes

Dallas has some of the highest property taxes in the entire United States. 

If you are renting in Dallas, this won’t affect you too much, but it’s important to note for people considering putting down roots in Dallas long-term.

11. Pro: Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dallas is low compared to other urban areas in the United States. Dallas is the most affordable of nearly all major cities in the US, and it is cheaper than NYC, San Francisco, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, and Boston. 

Considering the city’s size, this is a major benefit to living in Dallas. Housing and utilities are more than the national average, but you will save a ton of money on groceries, transportation, and entertainment. 

13. Pro: Buying a Home is Attainable

Despite high property taxes, many homes are affordable in Dallas, one of the perks of living in Dallas. The home market can be very competitive. The median home price in Dallas as of December 2022 was $399,900 USD ($234 USD per square foot.)

Neighborhoods in Dallas are distinctly different, and the differences affect the cost of homes. The Highland Park (or Park Cities) area is known to be bougie. 

But you can find more affordable homes in rapidly urbanizing neighborhoods like Downtown Dallas or the Fair Park district. 

15. Pro: Amazing TexMex & Texas barbecue

With Dallas’ proximity to Mexico, Texas is one of the best places to get a delicious taco, burrito, or margarita. Across Dallas, there are great places to have authentic Mexican dishes. Located in Dallas, you can even visit the restaurant that invented the frozen margarita machine!

Equally as famous is Texas Barbeque, which includes heaps of smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage links. They will typically offer additional meat selections, but those three are the staples in Dallas.  

16. Con: Vehicle Registration & Toll Roads

Vehicle registration in Texas is a flat fee of $50.75 for a passenger vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs or less. You will also need a yearly vehicle inspection, and you cannot renew your registration without proof of your up-to-date inspection.

Some roads in Dallas have tolls, which residents can save money on by purchasing a toll tag that gives them a small discount on tolls. The tag will scan you pass the toll booths and send you a bill later, which saves you time and money on the road. 

17. Pro: Dallas is Pet friendly

One of the best perks to living in Dallas is not having to leave your best friend at home! There are many parks and off-leash parks to visit with your dog and many bars and restaurants that allow dogs on the patio.

But be wary of the summer heat and ensure plenty of shade and water for your best friend.

18. Con: Many people move to Dallas from elsewhere

This could be either a pro or a con. Many people are flocking to this Northern Texas city from other states.

Some people see this as “watering down” the Texas culture and atmosphere. If you’re moving to have Texas vibes with the modern amenities of Dallas, you may find more new residents in your neighborhood than people born and raised in Texas. 

20. Con: Creepy crawlies

There are so many insects and reptiles in Texas. Dallas is less known for them than other cities, but you may still encounter scorpions or the occasional snake. 

The Dallas Parks and Rec Department shares that snakes are active once the air temperature averages 18°C (65°F). Once temps are 32°C (89°F) and above, snakes are less active during the day. 

Be aware of this while participating in outdoor activities, and be sure to hire a good pest company if you plan to become a homeowner!

21. Pro: Texas pride and patriotism

Texas, at one time in American history, was an independent republic. 

Texas is also the only state that can independently support itself from the United States of America. Because of that, there is deep-rooted patriotism and a sense of pride many locals and transplants associate with saying they live in Texas.

If you move to Texas, embrace the differences, and you will grow to love the state just as much as those born and raised there!