Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026: A Local’s Guide to Relocating to North Texas

Thinking about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth?

The first thing to understand is that DFW is not one lifestyle, one city or one housing market.

The Metroplex includes urban Dallas neighborhoods, established suburbs, rapidly growing communities, lake-oriented areas, major employment centers, two commercial airports and vastly different housing choices.

That’s why choosing where to live in DFW should start with the way you want your everyday life to work.

Are people still moving to Texas?

Yes.

According to the 2026 Texas REALTORS® Relocation Report, 7.8% of all U.S. state-to-state moves went to Texas in 2024—the second-highest share in the country.

Texas recorded a net gain of approximately 73,000 residents through state-to-state moves, with California continuing to be the largest source of new Texas residents.

The data is statewide, but it illustrates why relocation continues to be an important part of the Texas housing market.

What should you consider before moving to DFW?

Start with these five factors.

1. Commute

Do not judge a DFW commute solely by mileage.

Where you work and when you commute can dramatically affect which locations make sense.

Major corridors include the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, US-75/Central Expressway, I-635, I-35E and I-30.

If possible, test the commute during the time you would actually be driving it.

2. Your total housing cost

Purchase price is only one number.

Compare potential property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, utilities, maintenance and commuting or toll costs.

Texas has no state property tax; local taxing units levy property taxes. The Texas Comptroller provides additional property-tax information.

3. Home age and style

Established Dallas neighborhoods can offer architectural styles and locations very different from new master-planned communities farther north.

A relocation buyer may compare Lakewood, East Dallas, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow or North Dallas with Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Fairview, Melissa, Anna or Wylie.

Those aren’t simply different addresses. They can represent very different housing stock, lot sizes, commute patterns and daily routines.

4. Airport access

Frequent traveler?

DFW has two major commercial airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field.

Where you live can substantially change the convenience of getting to either airport.

5. What you actually enjoy doing

Think about your normal Tuesday—not just your Saturday.

Do you want quick access to restaurants and entertainment? Parks and trails? White Rock Lake? A larger lot? A master-planned community? New construction? An easier airport drive?

Location should support the things you actually do.

Dallas or the suburbs?

This is one of the most common questions relocation clients ask.

But there isn’t one correct answer.

An established Dallas location may provide convenient access to certain employment centers, restaurants, cultural attractions and long-established neighborhoods.

Suburban communities may offer more newer construction, master-planned amenities or proximity to major suburban employment corridors.

Neither is inherently better.

They’re different.

The right choice depends on your priorities.

What about schools?

School information is important to many homebuyers, but it should be researched objectively.

Buyers should confirm attendance boundaries and information directly with the appropriate school district and official sources because boundaries and assignments can change.

Your REALTOR® can help identify resources, but you should determine which educational factors matter to your household.

What should relocation buyers know about property taxes?

Texas does not impose a state property tax.

Instead, local taxing entities determine property taxes. That means two similarly priced homes in different communities can have different tax obligations.

When comparing properties, examine the estimated total monthly ownership cost—not just the mortgage principal and interest.

Should you rent before buying in Dallas?

Sometimes.

Renting can give someone unfamiliar with DFW time to understand commute patterns and different communities before purchasing.

Buying may make more sense for someone with a clear location strategy, longer expected stay and finances that support ownership.

The right decision depends on your timeline, financial position and knowledge of the area.

Is new construction a good option when moving to DFW?

It can be.

DFW has significant new-construction opportunities, particularly in growing northern and outer suburban communities.

But new doesn’t eliminate due diligence.

Buyers still need to evaluate:

• Builder contracts
• Lot premiums
• HOA requirements
• Property taxes
• Special taxing districts when applicable
• Upgrade costs
• Construction timelines
• Warranty provisions
• Inspections
• Future development

Remember: a builder’s sales representative represents the builder. Buyers can choose their own representation and should understand how representation works before beginning the process.

A local perspective matters when relocating

Google Maps can show you how far a house is from Downtown Dallas.

It cannot tell you how two areas feel different in the context of your personal priorities.

That’s where hyper-local knowledge becomes valuable.

Mary Beth Harrison was born and raised in Dallas and has watched the Metroplex grow firsthand during more than 30 years in real estate.

Dallas Native Team serves buyers throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, including Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Midway Hollow, Lake Highlands, North Dallas, Richardson, East Dallas, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Fairview, Melissa, Prosper, Anna, Rockwall, Wylie and communities throughout North Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Dallas

Does Texas have a state income tax?

Texas does not impose an individual state income tax. Your complete tax situation is personal, so consult a qualified tax professional when comparing the financial implications of relocation.

How early should I start looking before moving to DFW?

Several months can be helpful, particularly if you need to sell another property, secure financing, plan a scouting trip or learn DFW geography before making a decision.

Can I purchase a home remotely?

Yes. Video tours, electronic signatures and remote communication make this much easier, although buyers should still conduct careful due diligence and verify information important to their decision.

Where should I live if I am moving to Dallas?

Start with your budget, employment location, commute tolerance, housing preferences and the amenities you use regularly. Then compare locations that satisfy those needs. There is no single “best” Dallas neighborhood or suburb for everyone.

Planning a Move to Dallas-Fort Worth?

Start with your work, lifestyle, housing preferences, budget and timeline. Then build your location strategy around those priorities.

Mary Beth Harrison is a Dallas native with more than 30 years of real estate experience helping buyers and sellers throughout North Texas.

Mary Beth Harrison | Dallas Native Team
mbh@dallasnative.com
DallasNative.com