Why people are choosing North Texas.
Big-city jobs and culture, small-town squares, lakes, and more home for the money. Here's the honest picture, including the tradeoffs.
A major job hub
Dallas–Fort Worth is home to corporate headquarters and big employers in finance, tech, healthcare, logistics and more. Many sit along the Legacy (Plano), Frisco, Richardson and Las Colinas corridors, so where you work shapes where you'll want to live.
No state income tax, but know your property taxes
Texas has no personal state income tax, so more of your paycheck stays with you. Local services are funded heavily by property taxes, so combined rates are higher than many newcomers expect. New communities can add MUD or PID districts on top.
- Always compare the combined tax rate by address, not the city's base rate.
- File your homestead exemption once you own and live in your home.
- Budget the payment, not just the price. Our affordability tool includes Texas taxes.
Highways, toll roads, rail and two airports
Most North Texans drive. The Dallas North Tollway, SH 121 and the Bush Turnpike connect the northern suburbs, while US 75, I-35E and I-635 are free alternatives. DART rail reaches some suburbs, including Plano, Richardson, Carrollton and Addison. DFW International and Love Field cover the rest of the country.
Food, music, sports and history
From Deep Ellum's murals and live music to the Fort Worth Stockyards, plus the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars and FC Dallas. Closer to home, historic squares in McKinney, Plano, Carrollton and Celina make easy Saturdays.
Lakes closer than you think
Lewisville Lake borders The Colony, Little Elm and Frisco. Lake Lavon sits east near Wylie and Lucas. Trails, parks and marinas make lake life a real option without leaving the metro.
What to plan for
- Summers are hot. Budget for cooling, and look for good shade and insulation.
- Commutes depend on where you live. Map your real drive before you buy.
- Property taxes and insurance are meaningful parts of the monthly cost.
- Fast growth means construction and changing traffic patterns in newer areas.