Moving Out of Dallas: Where Should You Relocate to?

In recent years, Dallas has experienced a notable shift in its population dynamics. While the city continues to attract new residents, a significant number of people are choosing to leave as well.

In 2023, Dallas County lost 34,330 of its U.S. residents but, overall, experienced a net loss of 15,057 residents after accounting for its 19,000 inbound international relocations to the city. This meant Dallas County experienced the 8th-highest loss of residents in the nation.

This trend is part of a broader pattern observed in many major urban centers, where rising costs of living, changes in job markets, and lifestyle preferences are influencing people's decisions to relocate.

However, in Dallas, these factors are particularly pronounced, leading to a strong outflow of residents seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

Where Are Dallas Residents Relocating to?

When people leave Dallas, their destinations vary across Texas, the United States, and even internationally. The most common destinations include:

1. Austin - Austin has become a top choice for many former Dallas residents. Known for its tech industry, cultural vibrancy, and relatively laid-back lifestyle, Austin offers a distinct contrast to the fast-paced urban environment of Dallas.
2. Houston - As Texas's largest city, Houston boasts a diverse economy with strong sectors in energy, healthcare, and aerospace. Houston's cultural diversity, rich arts scene, and vibrant culinary landscape make it an appealing choice for those seeking a dynamic yet affordable urban environment.
3. Los Angeles - For those looking to venture beyond Texas, Los Angeles embodies the allure of California's entertainment and tech industries. While the cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than in Dallas, the opportunities in LA’s job market and its lifestyle appeal continue to attract a steady stream of migrants from Dallas.
4. Atlanta - The city's strong job market in finance, media, and technology, coupled with a lower cost of living compared to Dallas, makes it an attractive option.
5. Chicago - Chicago's rich history and extensive public amenities attract many individuals leaving Dallas. Despite its colder climate, Chicago offers a variety of urban experiences and relatively lower housing costs compared to Dallas.

Why Are Residents Leaving Dallas?

Home Ownership Costs

One of the primary reasons people are leaving Dallas is the rising cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. Over the past decade, housing prices in Dallas have increased significantly.

According to Dallas City Hall, the median sales price of a Dallas home rose from $133,300 in 2018 to $395,788 in 2023, which is a 196.91% increase in five years. The national average increase for this same time period was only 46.65%, making Dallas over four times higher.

This sharp increase has made homeownership less attainable for many residents. Additionally, the cost of home insurance has become unaffordable for many homeowners in Dallas.

Texas, in general, has some of the highest home insurance rates in the nation, largely due to the state's susceptibility to natural disasters such as hailstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. According to S&P Global's Analysis, in 2023, Texas's home insurance premiums increased by 23.3% year to date.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that between 1980 and 2023, Texas experienced an average of four natural disasters per year with damages in excess of $1 billion. This includes droughts, storms, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms.

Recently, natural disasters have become much more frequent and destructive. Between 2019 and 2023, Texas suffered an average of eleven billion-dollar events each year, with 2023 recording sixteen alone.

Sky-high insurance premiums, coupled with unprecedented home prices, are causing Dallas residents to seek home ownership elsewhere.

Job Market Shifts

While Dallas has a strong job market overall, certain sectors have seen fluctuations that may influence migration patterns.

The oil and gas industry, historically a significant employer in the region, has experienced volatility due to market fluctuations and a global shift towards renewable energy.

Conversely, while Dallas remains strong for finance and tech jobs, other cities like Austin and Atlanta are experiencing rapid growth in these sectors, offering competitive job markets that attract talent from Dallas.

Quality of Life

Dallas is known for its urban landscape, which often necessitates long commutes and heavy reliance on cars.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments reports that Dallas-Fort Worth residents spend an average of 52 hours a year stuck in traffic, a figure that continues to grow.

This is prompting some to move to cities with better public transportation systems and shorter commutes. On the other hand, some residents are tired of the hustle and bustle of a big city, turning to smaller and quieter cities for a more welcoming and relaxing environment.

The extreme weather conditions in Dallas, including scorching summers and severe storms, have been a deterrent for some residents. There may even be psychological factors at play.

According to Karen Magruder, assistant professor of practice at the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work, the extreme heat experienced by North Texans each year can lead to "significant mental impacts," including heightened anxiety and stress. Extreme heat can also worsen aggression, leading to a lower overall quality of life.

Cities with milder climates, such as Los Angeles or Atlanta, may offer a more appealing and peaceful living environment as well.

A View of Living in Other Similar Cities

Moving from Dallas to Austin

Austin is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and booming tech industry. The city hosts numerous music festivals, which contribute to its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World."

The presence of major tech companies like Dell, Apple, and Google has made Austin a significant tech hub, cited as the 7th hottest job market in the country and the highest-ranked market in Texas by The Wall Street Journal.

The median home price in Austin is approximately $470,000, similar to Dallas' average price of $479,000. However, Austin has a more dynamic real estate market with rapid appreciation rates.

Dining and entertainment in Austin are also comparable to Dallas. Both cities offer a wide range of culinary options, from food trucks to fine dining. Groceries and everyday amenities are similarly priced.

Pros

• Austin offers a more laid-back lifestyle than Dallas, with a strong focus on outdoor activities and sustainability.
• The city’s tech industry provides numerous job opportunities, and its many cultural events can enhance the quality of life.
• Austin is further South than Dallas, leading to more mild winters and a lower chance of freezes.

Cons

• Austin's rapid growth has led to increased traffic congestion and rising housing costs.
• Since Austin is located south of Dallas, the city is warmer in the summer, and it poses a higher fire hazard risk to homes.

Moving from Dallas to Houston

Houston shares a climate similar to Austin, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The city has strong job sectors in the energy, healthcare, and aerospace spaces.

Houston is also home to a rich arts scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and a vibrant food culture.

In terms of housing costs, Dallas's average price of $479,000 far exceeds Houston's median home price of $340,000, making it significantly more affordable. The rental market is also less expensive, with average rents lower than those in Dallas.

When it comes to cost of living, Houston is generally lower than Dallas, with cheaper dining, entertainment, and grocery costs.

Pros

• Houston offers a more affordable cost of living and a rich cultural scene.
• Houston is great for international business. The Financial Times-Nikkei Investing in America labeled Houston as the best city in the U.S. to conduct foreign business.
• Housing and rental prices are significantly lower.

Cons

• Houston's traffic congestion can be severe.
• The city is very vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding.

Moving from Dallas to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is famous for its entertainment industry, but it also has a growing tech sector and opportunities in finance, healthcare, and education. The city’s lifestyle is heavily influenced by its mild, sunny climate and diverse offerings.

Los Angeles is also known for its high cost of living and sky-high home prices. The median home price in Los Angeles averages around $1M, which is over double Dallas's $479,000.

Rental prices are also steep, with average rent around $2,810 per month. Not surprisingly, dining out, entertainment, and groceries are all more expensive in Los Angeles compared to Dallas.

Those who move to Los Angeles almost never do so for cost-saving reasons but rather for career opportunities, weather, and entertainment options.

Pros

• Los Angeles offers abundant job opportunities across various industries.
• The city has a mild climate, averaging between 50-85 degrees year-round.
• Beaches, outdoor activities, and a mass amount of public spaces offer many ways to enjoy the fresh air.

Cons

• The high cost of living, including housing and everyday expenses.
• Long commutes due to high population.
• Natural disaster events, including earthquakes.

Moving from Dallas to Atlanta

Atlanta is known for its Southern hospitality and strong sports following. The city has an ever-growing economy with opportunities in finance and media while boasting a rich history and vibrant community life.

In terms of Atlanta vs. Dallas's quality of life, Atlanta has the upper hand compared to Dallas. Ranking over 26 spots higher on average for "the world's best city to live in", five more large arenas for sports and entertainment, and a significantly higher GDP, Atlanta is only outranked by Dallas in terms of number of universities.

The median home price in Atlanta is around $414,000, which is slightly lower than Dallas' $479,000. Rental prices are also more affordable, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,564 per month.

Pros

• Atlanta provides a lower cost of living and historical offerings.
• The city’s public transportation system is more extensive than Dallas’s, making it easier to navigate without a car.
• More entertainment arenas and sports events.
• A higher city ranking than Dallas.
• Generally, temperatures are cooler, with a lower risk of tornadoes and wildfires.

Cons

• Atlanta's complex traffic patterns.
• Some areas have faced challenges with crime rates.

Moving from Dallas to Chicago

Chicago offers the epitome of big-city experience with its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and extensive public transit system.

The city is a major center for finance, education, and business. Overall, whether due to its population size or architecture, Chicago has more to offer than Dallas.

With seaside beaches, fourteen additional universities, thirty more museums, and four additional sports arenas, there is a plethora of entertainment and education options in Chicago compared to Dallas.

In general, Chicago is more walkable, has better public transport, and offers more retail stores and grocery options. However, Dallas seems to generate more job opportunities and has less crime overall.

The median home price in Chicago is around $375,900, making it more affordable to purchase a home than in Dallas. Rental prices are higher in the city center, though, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,842 per month in Chicago and $1,541 in Dallas.

Pros

• Chicago offers extensive public transportation and diverse job opportunities.
• The city’s architectural beauty and vibrant neighborhoods are significant attractions.
• Purchasing a home is more affordable.
• With more museums, arenas, and universities, there is a wider variety of options for entertainment and education.
• Seaside beaches.
• A colder climate for those who want to escape the heat.

Cons

• Chicago's cold winters can be harsh.
• The city’s crime rates in certain areas can be a concern.
• Property taxes in Chicago are relatively high compared to Dallas.
• Renting close to downtown is more expensive.

Choosing a Reliable Dallas Moving Company

A reputable Dallas moving service not only ensures the safe and timely transport of your belongings but also provides peace of mind throughout the relocation process.

Here are some reasons why choosing reliable Dallas movers is essential:

1. Safety and Security - Professional movers have the expertise to pack, handle, and transport your belongings safely. They use high-quality packing materials and techniques to prevent damage during transit.
2. Efficiency - Experienced movers can expedite the moving process, handling logistics, packing, loading, and unloading efficiently. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of your move.
3. Insurance and Liability - Reputable moving companies offer insurance coverage for your belongings. In the unlikely event of damage or loss, this ensures you are compensated.
4. Familiarity - Choosing a local Dallas moving company, like the Atlas agents Alexander's Mobility Services or Imlach & Collins Brothers, means your movers are familiar with your neighborhood. This is a huge advantage for traffic routes, unpredictable weather, city permits, or any other roadblocks that may come up.

Tips for Selecting the Right Moving Company

Not only should you choose a moving company with decades of experience, but you will also want someone with a great reputation. Here are some checklist items while searching for your mover:

• Know What You Are Moving - Before calling a mover, it is always best to know exactly what you need to be moved. Will some items be donated or left behind? Do you know the approximate square footage of your current home? This can help you receive a more accurate moving quote.
• Assess the Mover's Reputation - Check reviews and testimonials and ask about their area-specific experience. Ideally, your moving company will have many years of experience, a proven track record of successful relocations, and positive reviews from multiple relocatees.
• Confirm Service Offerings - Ensure the moving company offers any additional moving services you may need, like special item moving or temporary storage.
• Get a Local Moving Quote - Once you verify the company's reputation and service offerings, get a moving quote to estimate the overall cost of your move. If you get multiple quotes, be wary of a company quoting you significantly less than others in your area. This can be a sign of a moving scam.
• Review Paperwork and Documentation - Review your moving estimate, determine if it is binding or non-binding, and carefully read over any paperwork you are signing to ensure it matches your expectations.
• Schedule Your Moving Day - Select your moving day based on you and your movers availability. Begin to create a timeline and start checking boxes on your moving checklist to stay organized.

As Dallas residents continue to relocate elsewhere, professional, local Dallas movers, like Atlas, play an essential role in local, long-distance, or commercial moving with the full-service relocation experience you expect.

With over 75 years of expertise in packing, transportation, and logistics, local Atlas agents offer unique moving solutions for those beginning a new adventure.

Whether it's a transition to a nearby Texas city or a cross-country relocation, you can count on our trusted movers to prioritize your belongings, your time, and your journey. Get your free quote today!