Moving to Dallas: A Complete Guide
Say hello to one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Dallas, Texas! You better get on your horse, because there is a reason they call this city Big-D. Dallas is massive and filled to the brim with things to do. With the city being giant, moving here can be hectic without the right knowledge.
At U-Haul, whether you’re moving to Texas or going from Frisco to Arlington, we know that moving can be a wild ride. With our decades of moving expertise, we know that moving the right way is done by extensive planning and the right equipment.
Before Dallas becomes your new dwelling, here are some tips that could save you time, money, and distress.
Cost of Living Overview
Due to the lack of income tax, looser property regulations and business friendly corporate structures, housing costs on average for the Dallas metro are $311,000, only four of the top 15 metro areas in the country are cheaper when it comes to housing.
Housing: Dallas is a saving grace when it comes to large city housing. One-bedroom apartments range all the way from $800-$1200 a month, and only increase in price by around $100-$200 per bedroom.
Utilities: With Dallas being at the top of the Sun Belt, summer temperatures can get up to the low 100 degrees, while winter temperatures around January-March hover around 55 degrees. Your average utility bill will be around $150 throughout the year, including electricity, gas, water, and trash.
Transportation: Dallas is a car haven with miles and miles of long, wide, and fast highways. With free street parking and lots abundant in Dallas, it’s not difficult to find free parking. One of Dallas’ most underrated transportation systems is their Dart, TRE, and TEX rails. These rails span 93 miles across the Dallas area, reaching large suburban neighborhoods with eight different rail lines.
Where to Live
Due to the friendly commuter style of Dallas and available housing options, there are plenty of choices to make. There are high rise apartments downtown, but mostly you’ll find two story houses, duplexes, condominiums, and townhomes to rent or buy.
Young Professionals: Highlighted by the “money green” of the Bank of America Plaza and international companies all headquartered in Downtown, Dallas is a great spot for people looking to start their careers. With bars, parks, local events and the Dallas Mavericks and Stars arena in the heart of downtown, this area is nothing short of things to do.
Families and Long-Term Residents: Expansive and quiet suburbs are concentrated in mostly North and East Dallas. Cities like Lake Highland, Northwest Dallas, Lakewood, and Whiterock are full of neighborhoods to settle down in and raise a family. Whiterock Creek close by and has a large walking/biking path around it. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden are also along the creek.
Dallas Housing, and What to Expect
Due to the vast housing market in Dallas and new homes being built at the drop of a cowboy’s hat, options are plentiful and there is something for everyone. According to U-Haul's Growth Metro, Dallas is the city seeing the most amount of growth. Whether it’s a townhome, condominium, or duplex, with ease of transportation, you can pick the home you want.
Types of Housing: Dallas is home to large suburbs with multi-level single family homes, but also small apartment complexes in-between larger suburban centers. Getting from one side of Dallas to the other takes around 30 minutes, so depending on where you work it could loosely impact your housing choice.
Don't Forget Dart: Dart offers free park-and-ride stations all over Dallas which will save you on gas, maintenance costs, and the stress of driving on Dallas highways.
The Heat: Throughout April to October, Dallas is HOT. Make sure wherever you live to get the air conditioning checked and properly maintained. Texas heat is no joke.
Planning the Move
Before Signing: Make sure you have a place to live at least two months prior to the move. Whenever you move to a new place, start looking three to four months before your current lease ends or when you plan to sell. With Dallas, options are everywhere and make sure to do extensive research.
Get Your Ducks in a Row: Make sure you get all the boxes, tape, and moving blankets you need. U-Haul’s Moving Supplies Calculator is a great way to estimate costs and tools you need for your move. Also, six to eight weeks before the move, make sure to reserve and purchase any moving equipment you need, such as trucks, trailers, and auto-transport.
What to Get: Because of the size of Dallas, you don’t have to worry about a moving truck fitting where you need it and can get the right vehicle for you, unless you are moving to Downtown Dallas. For those narrow streets, U-Box Containers are a great solution.
Pro Tip: If you are moving in the summer months, make sure to plan the move before or after the sun goes down, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Life After the Move
See a Game: Dallas is one of the top sports cities in the world, with 20 different teams spanning seven different sports across semi and the professional sports leagues. There is always an opportunity to get together with friends and family to enjoy local bars, food, and of course, the game.
High-Five Highway: If you are going to live in Dallas then be prepared for one of the biggest highway interchanges you’ve ever seen. The High-Five interchange is where Interstate 635 and U.S. Highway 75 meet. This five-level interchange comprises of 43 bridges (with the tallest being 120 feet above ground level) and 710 concrete columns.
Enjoy the Arts: For the past two years, the Dallas Arts District has been voted number one overall by USA Today 10 Best. Go and participate in the Dallas Arts District Architecture tour, saunter through the Nasher Sculpture Museum, and ogle at the captivating art in the Dallas Art Museum.
Know Your Routes: Whenever moving to a new place it is important to know where you need to go and when you need to get there. Plan out routes to work, research where traffic is, and try and not backtrack. Using an app for navigation is a great way to get around, but make sure you remember the street names in case you need to go without it.
Make Moving Easier to Dallas with U-Haul
More Storage Solutions: If you need storage in the Dallas area, U-Haul has your back. With 20 self-storage locations close to major highways in Dallas, you’re never too far from what you need.
Getting the Basics for your Move: When it comes to your keepsakes and special items, no one is more accommodating than U-Haul. With kits, boxes and supplies for any item, you can ensure a safe and secure move. If you order too many boxes and leave some unused, U-Haul will buy back those boxes at 100% with your receipt at any U-Haul center.
Moving Help can be a Lifesaver: Moving in the hot summers of Dallas, be sure to go through U-Haul’s Moving Help and get connected to high-rated movers in your area at a low cost.
Getting the Right Truck: With the diverse housing sizes in Dallas, make sure to get the right rig for your move. On the U-Haul Trucks page lists all the facts about every truck, so you know exactly what you need.
Another Moving Solution: Don’t want to drive or deal with Dallas highways just yet? U-Haul has the solution. With U-Box Containers, you can pack them up and have them shipped wherever and whenever you need them.
Moving Made Easier®
U-Haul has the largest selection of trucks for your move.
Do I need a car in Dallas?
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Dallas is very spread out. While public transportation stretches to the far corners of the city, having a car can make grocery runs and errands much easier.
How hot is Dallas?
Dallas is in the upper 90’s for most of the year, so bring your sunscreen and crank up the air conditioning. Dallas does cool down from October to March and may experience a cold spell and hailstorm every now and then.
Why is everyone moving to Dallas?
Due to abundant housing and lower than average cost of living when it comes to other metro areas and warm weather, Dallas is becoming a premier place to call home.