Whether you're relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, understanding where and how to live in Dallas is the first step toward settling in successfully. This guide explores Dallas's key neighborhoods, rental norms, average housing costs, and essential tips for securing a lease—helping newcomers navigate the city's varied housing landscape with confidence.Â
Overview of Dallas
While Texas may bring to mind rodeos and country music, it's also home to several big cities, including Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Among these cities, Dallas stands out for its strong corporate presence, particularly in finance, tech and telecommunications, earning it the nickname "Silicon Prairie". A big revitalization project in downtown Dallas has brought about an opera house, an urban park, and a buzzing new restaurant scene, adding to its burgeoning cosmopolitan feel.
Unlike other big US cities, homes in Dallas are bigger and comparatively cheaper than elsewhere in the US, and it is much easier to find one to buy or rent compared to New York, San Francisco, or DC.
Dallas is a sprawling city, and public transportation isn't suitable for most commutes. However, recent expansions and improved bus routes have made public transit more viable in central neighborhoods. Nonetheless, almost all Dallasites drive, and you, too, will likely own a car if settling in Dallas, so don't be afraid to venture a bit further from the CBD to find the perfect neighborhood, as you're likely to be driving regardless.
Where to live in Dallas: Your neighborhood guide
Be aware that Dallas is commonly grouped within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Metroplex is an umbrella term for the larger North Texas region and encompasses several distinct cities, so make sure you are searching for housing within Dallas. The diverse neighborhoods of Dallas itself present an extensive range of options for expatriates, catering to various budgets. To aid your decision-making process, consider walkability, access to quality schools, and financial considerations. The neighborhoods outlined below are situated either within Dallas or near its city limits.
Uptown
Uptown, situated just north of downtown Dallas, stands out as one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods. Restaurants and boutiques characterize its vibrant atmosphere. Lofts, apartments, and townhomes can all be found in Uptown.
Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow, an upscale, family-oriented neighborhood in North Dallas, boasts some of the city's most exclusive housing prices. The area is synonymous with sprawling estates, renowned schools, and upscale shopping centers.
M Streets
M Streets' tree-lined avenues attract young families and couples searching for single-family homes while still being close enough to downtown activities.
Lake Highlands
Comprising primarily single-family homes, Lake Highlands is convenient for people employed in Dallas, Richardson, and Plano. Its key draw lies in its moderate housing costs and proximity to a top school district, Richardson.
Richardson
Nestled between Dallas and Plano, Richardson is a suburban haven near Telecom Corridor, a hub for the tech industry. Richardson mostly appeals to professionals seeking a strategic location—it has an exceptional public school system and is connected to downtown Dallas through the DART light rail.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is famous for its lively nightlife and vibrant art scene. Cultural events, street fairs and festivals, as well as trendy brunch spots, theaters, and galleries, can all be found in Deep Ellum. Deep Ellum is both hip and affordable, and housing options include cool modern lofts.
The Bottom/Southern Gateway
Major infrastructure improvements and new affordable housing projects are underway in The Bottom, meaning this neighborhood could be a good opportunity for investment.
Accommodation prices in Dallas
Like many urban areas, square footage tends to shrink, and costs increase as you get closer to the center of town, and Dallas is no different in this respect. In Dallas' urban center, many people live in apartments or compact townhomes; however, apartment sizes tend to be larger than those in other urban centers.
Rent prices in Dallas currently average USD 1,785, with 1-bedroom apartments at approximately USD 1,522 and 2-bedroom apartments at USD 2,084. Neighborhoods like Uptown average USD 3,113, while more affordable areas like Lake Highlands average USD 1,272.
Dallas renters need to make USD 71,413 a year to afford rent, which is significantly less than the national average of USD 81,000
Generally, an apartment lease in Dallas includes charges such as water, gas, trash service, and building maintenance. Monthly utility costs (including water, gas, and electricity) for a typical apartment now range from USD 150 to USD 250, depending on usage and season.
The average residential electricity bill in Dallas is USD 155.34 per month.
Because of the hot climate, most accommodations will have air conditioning and also include significant appliances like a refrigerator and stove/oven. As noted, Dallas is a driving city, and most apartments and houses will generally include at least one parking space.
Renting accommodation in Dallas
There are several things you should consider before signing a lease in Dallas:
- Check the property: It's always a good idea to walk through the apartment/house you are about to rent. This will give you a chance to check the condition of the place and note down any damage that may already be present. If, for some reason, you can't do the walk-through personally, consider asking a friend or colleague for help;
- Review the guest policy: Make sure to check if you can have long-term guests: your partner, family members, etc. It's also a good idea to get these rules in writing in case of future disputes;
- Check the guarantor clause (for student housing): Students who are renting apartments off-campus are sometimes required to have a guarantor mentioned in the lease. In case the student/students are unable to make rent payments, the guarantor listed in the lease will be responsible for handling the due payments. This is why it is a particularly important clause for parents to be aware of.
- Get all rules and regulations in writing: If any specific rules come with renting the property, make sure to get these in writing in case of possible disputes.
- Tenant rights: Texas law ensures its tenants have the right to timely repairs, and return of security deposits within 30 days of lease termination (minus deductions for damages).
- Digital leasing: Many landlords now offer virtual tours and digital lease agreements, making the rental process more convenient.
- Get a professional consultation: If you have more questions or doubts about renting accommodation in Dallas, it's best to get a professional consultation from a real estate lawyer. This can help you make an informed decision and avoid various potential problems in the future.
Life in Dallas
Dallas offers expats a huge amount, whether you're interested in the arts, fine dining, or sports. Texans, known for their fervor for American football, passionately embrace sports at all levels—high school, college, and professional. If you're drawn to culture, Dallas continues to expand its arts district, with new galleries and performance spaces opening in the near future.
The food scene is also vibrant, with new restaurants opening regularly and chefs adopting the trend of more creative and seasonal menus. There is also a great deal of Tex-Mex cuisine on offer, showcasing the delicious fusion of Texan and Mexican dining.
Being located in the Southern Plains, Dallas experiences distinct seasons. Summers, especially during July and August, bring high humidity and scorching temperatures, often exceeding 35°C. Winters can be chilly, with temperatures dipping below freezing, and are frequently accompanied by significant storms that bring freezing rain, snow, and hail.
An important facet of Dallas' climate is its location at the southern extremity of Tornado Alley—an area susceptible to frequent tornadoes. While most of these storms are not overwhelmingly destructive, the community is well-prepared, with alert systems that spread information through various media channels, including TV, radio, and SMS notifications. For comprehensive information on tornadoes and preparedness, consult .
Good to know:
Dallas is also a relatively safe city, especially since it introduced a focused deterrence program. Violent crime is down by 13.5%.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
