The 4-Step Checklist for Moving to Dallas: A Local Expert's Guide to Utilities, Licenses, and Housing
The idea of moving somewhere new sounds fun and exciting. At first. Then you start thinking about all that's involved with it. Finding a place to live. Setting up utilities. Getting the kids in school. And who has the best wi-fi?
Well, if you're moving to Dallas, we've got you covered! I'm Tiff, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for the DFW Metroplex and surrounding areas. I've been living my best life in DFW since 1990. Finished my degree here. Worked all over the entire Metroplex. Raised my kids here. Semi-retired here. I've lived every life from single girl about town to semi-retired. And I can tell you this: You're right to be excited if you're about to make Dallas home. Just a few reasons why:
- 9th-largest city in the U.S.
- DFW Metroplex is the 4th-largest metropolitan area in the nation
- Over 8 million new neighbors (you ready for us???)
- No state income tax
- More than 20 Fortune 500 headquarters
- DFW International Airport
- An average of 234 sunny days a year
- And our Dallas Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the country
Think of this guide as your step-by-step playbook to making Dallas home.
Step 1: Deciding Where to Live
Before you do anything else, you've gotta figure out where in this sprawling wonderland you're gonna be going home to every night. And keep in mind, where you live will play a huge role in how you experience this city.
For example, like much of Texas, you need a car for many parts of Dallas. And most people don't think spending hours parked in congestion on I-35, I-635, or the Dallas North Tollway adds to your quality of life. But there are plenty neighborhoods that are perfect for people who prefer to talk or cycle to work and leisure activities. It's all about being careful where you decide to call home.
Renting in Dallas
Renting and owning a home are both really accessible options in Dallas. When you're new, it's smart to rent first. Or if you're not exactly sure where you'll eventually end up. Renting gives you time to learn the neighborhoods before you commit. As of March 2026, median rent for a one-bedroom hovers around $1,200 to $1,500 depending on the area, and a two-bedroom will run you $1,500 to $2,200.
Lease Terms and Housing Costs
While you'll likely be signing a 12-month lease for renting in most of Dallas, sometimes you can find short term Dallas housing options for six months or even month-to-month if you are looking for a little shorter stay. You'll also need to be aware of all the upfront costs and fees that go into renting. Plan on likely paying a security deposit, usually one month's rent, as well as any other fees that the property may have. Fees can vary from property to property, so be sure to look at the fees details on their listing page here on our site AND also ask the leasing representative what fees may be necessary to rent there. A lot of rentals like apartment complexes run credit checks. Some even run a background check. Just something to be aware of.
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Dallas's Most Popular Neighborhoods
Dallas has an almost absurd variety of neighborhoods. From high-rise living to quiet, tree-lined streets with 1940s bungalows, you can find pretty much whatever you're looking for if you know where to look.
Downtown Dallas Area
Downtown Dallas is where the action happens during working hours in the Big D. Tons of lofts, high-rises, converted warehouse spaces. And it's so much fun to live in Downtown. I've never had the pleasure, but my sister did for a long time. We had such a blast on the weekends. Just so much to do.
The West End Historic District has seen a lot of growth for rentals in the last few years. And Victory Park is right next to the American Airlines Center. If lively and artsy is your vibe, you'll love Deep Ellum. Main Street District is known as the "spine" of downtown Dallas. Very pedestrian-friendly. Downtown is also home to the Government District.
Uptown / Turtle Creek / Oak Lawn Area
Uptown is the go-to hub for young professionals who want to live near where they work, but not directly in downtown. You'll find world-class restaurants and bars. And it's right next to Oak Lawn, one of the most established LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the Southwest. Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs have more delicious food joints than you'll be able to enjoy in a lifetime. And I feel like I say this in every guide I write, but Oak Lawn has Eatzi's Market & Bakery. Seriously, if you never eat anywhere else, you still won't get bored.
Turtle Creek is where you need to be if you want to spend your weekends relaxing in a luxury high-rise overlooking the creek. Knox-Henderson is in this area, too. Boutique retail and quaint little sidewalk cafes.
East Dallas Area
Lakewood is one of my favorites. Gorgeous old houses. Huge ancient trees. Lower Greenville is the place to go in East Dallas if you want to be near the fun.
White Rock Lake neighborhood is the place Dallas goes to unwind outside on the weekends. Imagine living there! Biking and walking trails, kayaking, so much green space. For super affordable homes, look into Old East Dallas.
Northeast Dallas Area
Lake Highlands is well-known for its excellent public schools. Vickery is a small pocket between 75 and Greenville Avenue that's been getting a lot of attention. Another great option in this area is Town Creek. Or Buckner Terrace.
Casa View and Casa Linda are older, established neighborhoods. Mid-century homes at prices that make a lot of sense for people on a budget. And by the way, I know a little bit (OK, a lot) about Casa View. My grandparents owned a home there for 50 years! And I rented just around the corner from them. A shabby little house (mine, not theirs), but I sure did love that neighborhood. You won't find better thrift store shopping than in Casa View and Casa Linda.
Park Cities Area
University Park and Highland Park are actually independent cities of their own, but completely surrounded by Dallas. This means they both have their own police, their own schools. But also, some of the highest property values in the state.
If you can afford a pricier area and have kids, put a pin in this one. Highland Park ISD is one of the highest-rated school districts in the state.
North Dallas / Far North Dallas Area
North Dallas stretches along the Dallas North Tollway corridor and includes a huge swath of apartment complexes and office parks. Also, plenty of retail. Think Galleria Mall. Get even further from the big city rush by moving to Far North Dallas.
Preston Hollow is old-money Dallas, with large estate homes and deep lots. If you see news about a $10 million residential sale in Dallas, odds are good it happened in Preston Hollow. For example, none other than Mark Cuban has a house there.
Northwest Dallas / Bluffview Area
Bluffview is a quiet residential neighborhood close to Love Field Airport. Has almost a suburban feel but minutes from downtown. The Love Field neighborhood itself is a good area to live if you have to fly a lot. And also, this is super close to my beloved Oak Lawn, which I love because of all the good eating.
Oak Cliff / South Dallas Area
North Oak Cliff has been a rising star for years now. But the Bishop Arts District? That's the crown jewel of this area. Local shops, galleries. Restaurants that draw people from all over the city. Kessler Park has beautiful homes on hilly, wooded lots. South Oak Cliff is rougher around the edges but has been seeing investment and new development.
Wynnewood and Elmwood have bungalows and apartments that are some of the cheapest in the city. And I know from personal experience that Wynnewood is huge on community. One of the apartment complexes there let my workforce team office there for free so we could serve the kids in their community. I fell in love with the community. Huge trees there, too.
Southeast Dallas Area
Pleasant Grove is one of the most affordable areas inside Dallas city limits. Large spread-out community with a working-class identity. The trade-off is fewer amenities and longer drives to the parts of Dallas for shopping and entertainment.
Medical / Design District Area
Lots of folks end up in Dallas because they're in the medical field. The Medical District anchors the campuses of UT Southwestern and Parkland Hospital. In the Design District, you'll find breweries and restaurants. All of which you can enjoy from the area's loft-style apartments.
South Dallas
South Dallas includes the Fair Park neighborhood. Home to the famous State Fair of Texas that happens every year. Hello, Big Tex! The Fair Park neighborhood has a deep cultural history. And at Fair Park, there are tons of museums that are open year-round.
Step 2: Planning Your Move to the Big D
Planning is everything when it comes to moving. Putting in the time to get it done right will save you lots of money and your sanity.
Moving Company vs. DIY Moving
If you're moving from another state, get quotes from a couple of licensed long-distance movers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration makes it easy to verify their credentials. A huge bonus.
If you're moving from closer, you can rent a U-Haul or similar for a cheaper option. Just keep in mind the labor, whether or not you can do it or you'll need help. The money you save might not be worth the backache for a week.
Tips for Long-Distance Moves
Ship what you can. You can mail books and other media via USPS Media Mail for super cheap. And for other stuff, it's often cheaper to ship via UPS Ground than to rent and load a truck.
Keep in mind, too, that it may be cheaper to buy some stuff than to move what you already have. When you're packing stuff up, label it by which room it goes to. Plus what's in the box.
Step 3: Set Up Utilities and Essential Services
OK, if you're new to Texas, buckle up, pardner. This is where the ride gets interesting.
Electricity Providers in Dallas
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means you shop for your own electricity plan from competing retail providers. You can compare the various plans at PowerToChoose.org. It's run by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Just enter your zip code and you'll see all your options.
My advice is to look for fixed-rate plans with 12-month terms. And always read the Electricity Facts Label before you sign. Too many Dallasites have been shocked when some plans advertise low rates that only kick in at specific usage levels.
Water, Trash, and Sewer Services
The City of Dallas handles water, sewer, and trash pickup. I think that's a good thing. Out here in the country where I live, we have to pay separately for all three (hello, septic tank...). Set up your account through Dallas Water Utilities. One of the many things I miss about living in the city. Trash and recycling pickup is included with your water bill.
Setting Up Gas Service
Atmos Energy. provides natural gas for folks who live in Dallas. Gas is still regulated in Texas, so you don't have any other options. You'll need to have your account set up before you move in. It takes a couple days to activate service. That's important to know if that quaint old house you're renting in Casa View has a gas hot water heater. Enjoy those cold showers if you don't plan!
Step 4: Driver's License and Vehicle Registration
Texas gives you 30 days to get your driver's license registered, 30 days to register your vehicle. Make this a priority. None of us love getting tickets for this stuff that's just too easy to put off.
Getting a Texas Driver's License
Take your current license to a Texas DPS office, plus a passport or birth certificate and Social Security card. These establish your identity. You may also need something to show you live in Texas. This might be a copy of your lease or a utility bill. You'll have to surrender your old license.
I recommend booking an appointment online. Being a walk-in at a Dallas DMV takes just as long as it does in other states. The good news is that your license is good for six years. And you can renew it online.
Vehicle Registration
To register your vehicle, you'll need your title and proof of liability insurance. It costs between $50 and $75 per year. The Dallas County Tax Office is where you do this.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move to Dallas
One thing that will help you stay on top of things during your move is to carefully monitor and plan your budget. Dallas is more affordable than a lot of major cities, but it's still pricey in some areas. And housing costs have gotten even higher over the past decade. And yes, there's no income tax, but Texas property taxes take away some of the advantage that gives you.
And finally, leave some time in your schedule to relax and meet some people. I think you'll find us Texans very welcoming.
