The Ultimate Guide to Moving to DFW
Everything You Need to Know About Living, Working, and Finding Home in North Texas
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Welcome to the Metroplex
Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth! Spanning over 9,000 square miles across 13 counties, the DFW Metroplex is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Whether you are relocating for career growth, top-rated schools, lower cost of living, or vibrant community lifestyles, North Texas offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
DFW at a Glance
Major Corporate Headquarters: American Airlines, AT&T, Charles Schwab, Toyota North America, McKesson, and many more.
Popular Suburbs & Neighborhood Profiles
Tarrant County & Southern Suburbs (Fort Worth, Burleson, Mansfield)
Relaxed, community-oriented, rich Texas heritage with modern growth.
Fort Worth Stockyards, cultural districts, excellent acreage properties, and top-rated suburban school districts.
Families wanting space, strong community feel, and quick access to downtown Fort Worth.
Northern Suburbs (Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina)
Rapidly expanding, modern master-planned communities, corporate hubs.
PGA Headquarters, The Star in Frisco, luxury shopping, brand-new schools.
Commuters seeking suburban luxury, new build construction, and master-planned amenities.
Mid-Cities & Northeast Tarrant (Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller)
Established, upscale, central location.
Grapevine Main Street, Southlake Town Square, Lake Grapevine.
Quick access to DFW Airport, luxury estates, and top-tier school ratings.
Understanding Texas Property Taxes & Homestead Exemptions
Property taxes in Texas fund local school districts, county services, and infrastructure. Understanding how they work is essential when planning your housing budget.
Higher property taxes balance out the lack of state income tax.
DFW effective property tax rates typically range between 1.8% and 2.7% of assessed home value per year, depending on the municipality and ISD.
Once you occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1st, applying for the Homestead Exemption caps annual assessed valuation increases and reduces school tax assessment values.
School Districts & Education Overview
DFW is home to many of the highest-ranked public independent school districts (ISDs) in Texas, continuously evaluated under the Texas Education Agency (TEA) A–F Accountability Rating System.
Open Enrollment vs. Boundaries
Most Texas ISDs enforce strict geographical boundaries; verify school zones before placing an offer on a home.
Specialized Academies
Many districts offer STEM academies, IB programs, and CTE (Career and Technical Education) centers.
Private & Charter Options
DFW features an extensive network of accredited private prep schools and public charter networks.
Relocation Checklist
(30-60-90 Day Timeline)
90 Days Before the Move
- Schedule a 15-minute Strategy Call with The Davis Team.
- Establish budget, mortgage pre-approval, and target neighborhood criteria.
- Plan a 2-to-3 day DFW home hunting trip.
60 Days Before the Move
- Finalize home purchase or lease agreement.
- Research local school registration deadlines and vaccination records requirements.
- Gather quotes from reputable interstate moving companies.
30 Days Before the Move
- Connect local utilities (electricity is deregulated across most of DFW—shop via PowerToChoose.org).
- Schedule water, trash, gas, and internet installations.
- Transfer medical, dental, and pet care records.
After You Arrive
- Transfer out-of-state driver's license and vehicle registration (within 30-90 days of moving to Texas).
- File for your Texas Homestead Exemption (applicable to your primary residence).
Ready to Make Your
Move to DFW?
Navigating the DFW real estate market doesn't have to be overwhelming. Let local market experts guide your journey from start to finish.
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