Thinking about a move to Dallas/Fort Worth? Thanks to the area’s ample employment opportunities, many others are as well. Texas is the nation’s most popular destination for interstate moving. And, Dallas/Fort Worth is the most popular spot within the Lone Star State.
Before your move, you might be asking yourself some questions. What will it cost to live in Dallas/Fort Worth? What type of employment opportunities are available there? And how can I enjoy the best that the Lone Star State has the offer?
Here are five key things to consider.
1. Cost of Living
What does it cost to live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area? Even though Dallas/Fort Worth is one of America’s largest urban centers, its rent-to-income ratio is competitive. In fact, rents are often quite affordable in relation to income. For example, when rent.com ranked the 25 best cities by rent-to-income ratio, nearby Frisco, TX ranked 13th with a ratio of 14.2%. Compare that to over 40% percent in places like Miami and Los Angeles.
It costs less to rent a two-bedroom apartment in DFW than in many other major urban areas. On average, apartment dwellers in New York City and Los Angeles pay more than $2,700 per month. In Dallas, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,692. This is less than in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego, Boston, and Seattle. In Fort Worth, the average rent for a two-bedroom unit is lower still, at $1,366.
2. Employment Opportunities
The sheer number of corporate headquarters multiplies the employment opportunities for Dallas/Fort Worth residents. For example, AMR, the parent company of American Airlines, employs more than 25,000 individuals here. DFW hosts the largest number of such headquarters in the country, more than 10,000. The headquarters of more than 20 Fortune 500 companies are here.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights a positive employment outlook across many sectors. In November 2021, the rate of job gain was 5.6% at a time when the national average was 4.1%.
The tech sector is particularly strong in DFW. According to the Tech-30 2021 report, the metroplex is #8 in high-tech software and service jobs. This employment sector grew at 12.7% for the period 2019-2020.
3. Sports, Culture, and Sightseeing
Almost every professional sports league is represented in the metroplex. Local can attend games played by the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Texas Rangers (MLB), and the Dallas Stars (NHL). If you prefer college sports, you’re in luck. The metroplex is home to 38 universities. This includes perennial sports powerhouses like Texas A&M and Southern Methodist University (SMU).
Arts and culture are varied and vibrant. Some of the state’s best-known museums are here. The Dallas Museum of Art, the Kimbell Museum, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science are examples. The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the country.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the leading facilities of its kind in the world. The 66-acre cornucopia of flowering plants borders White Rock Lake. Fort Worth Water Gardens is another sensory treat. This spectacular 4.3-acre urban plaza made an appearance in the sci-fi thriller Logan’s Run.
Public transportation makes it easy to get around. Dallas is home to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Its 72 miles of light rail make it the nation’s longest light rail system. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connects downtown Fort Worth to downtown Dallas. Hundreds of bus routes also serve the metroplex.
4. Dining and Entertainment
The profusion of craft breweries has made DFW a leader in designer brews. You’ll find several of them in the historic Deep Ellum entertainment district. This haven for jazz lovers spans 19 blocks. Dallas is the home of the first frozen margarita. Take on the “Margarita Mile,” and you will not be disappointed.
The Dallas Morning News highlights exciting new restaurants and bars opening in 2022. Gayot also ranks some of the best DFW restaurants for 2022. Al Biernat’s, an upscale steakhouse that has been operating since 1998, tops the list. Check out hundreds of Dallas restaurants conveniently organized by neighborhood or visit OpenTable, which notes the ratings of some of the top Fort Worth restaurants.
5. Weekend Getaways
Escape to nature and small-town charm the way DFW residents do: by enjoying weekend getaways just an hour or two outside of the metroplex. Here are a couple of examples.
Glen Rose is 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth. During this getaway, cool off in the Paluxy River during a visit to Big Rocks Park. Go way back in time at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Giraffes and ostriches are long-necked citizens of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Dinosaur World features 150 dinosaur replicas along with a fossil digging area.
Denison is 75 miles north of Dallas. The historic downtown covers some 30 blocks. Enjoy visits to eclectic destinations like the Blue Moon Antique Mall and the Southern Bling Boutique. Tour the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower or enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and more at Lake Texoma in Eisenhower State Park.
Luxury Apartment Living in DFW
Those in search of luxury living in DFW will find Draper and Kramer properties like The Crest at Las Colinas and St. Paul’s Square in the area.
In Irving, Crest at Las Colinas is conveniently located next to a DART station. The community features studio, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartment residences. Residents enjoy in-unit amenities like island kitchens and stainless steel appliances. Shared amenities include a pool, outdoor kitchen, and grilling station.
In McKinney’s Adriatica Village, St. Paul’s Square offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes. Upscale amenities include an oversized swimming pool replete with cabanas and a spa. Residents prepare meals in gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned and operated real estate services firm founded in 1893. Visit our website to browse our entire selection of luxury apartment homes.
