Trade high costs and tiny spaces for bigger homes, stellar schools, two major airports, and no state income tax. Use this step-by-step on how to move to Dallas from New York City —and learn about neighborhood picks, budgets, timelines, and checklists included.

Why DFW Wins for New Yorkers

• Lower overall cost of living vs. NYC—especially housing—and no Texas state income tax.
• Space & lifestyle: Larger homes, yards, and garages; lakes, trails, and year-round sun.
• Career momentum: Growing job market across tech, finance, healthcare, defense/aerospace, logistics, and corporate HQs.
• Connectivity: Two major airports—DFW International and Dallas Love Field—for easy domestic and international travel.
• Neighborhood variety: Urban walkable districts, master-planned suburbs, lake towns, and historic enclaves.

How to move to Dallas from New York City (30-Second Plan)

• Pick your DFW “equivalent”:
  • Brooklyn vibe (walkable, indie, historic): Bishop Arts, Lower Greenville, Oak Cliff, Near Southside (Fort Worth)
  • Uptown/Manhattan energy (amenities, high-rise, nightlife): Uptown Dallas, Victory Park, Las Colinas (Irving), West 7th (Fort Worth)
  • Family suburbs + schools: Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Southlake, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Keller
  • Leafy/lake living: Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Grapevine, Rockwall/Heath
  • Convenience to airports: Irving–Las Colinas (DFW), Love Field corridor, Grapevine, Euless
• Decide rent vs. buy: Many newcomers rent 6–12 months to learn school zones and commute patterns.
• Plan the move: Get 3–4 quotes (full-service, hybrid, or container); ship less, replace more.
• Transportation: A car makes life easier. DART/TRE helps in core corridors, but plan for driving.
• Taxes: No state income tax; if buying, budget for property taxes (homestead exemption helps).

Step-by-Step Timeline

60–90 Days Out

• Set a total housing budget (rent/mortgage + utilities + car + insurance + childcare).
• Shortlist 3–4 target areas aligned to commute/schools/lifestyle.
• Start role transfer or apply locally; align your address timing for offers.
• Request 3–4 mover/container quotes and compare insurance/valuation.
• Audit belongings; sell/donate bulky items that cost more to ship than replace.

45–60 Days Out

• Reserve movers or a container; book flights and short-term housing if needed.
• Buying? Get local pre-approval. Renting? Schedule virtual/in-person tours.
• Collect documents: IDs, titles, medical/school records, pet vaccines.

30 Days Out

• Lock housing; confirm elevator/loading logistics and parking for move-in.
• Set up DFW utilities (electric, water, trash) and internet to start on move-in day.
• Arrange car shipping or plan the drive; book pet care if needed.
• Submit USPS change of address; update banks, payroll, subscriptions.

14 Days Out

• Pack an essentials kit; photograph TV/PC cable setups.
• Confirm Certificate of Insurance (COI) if your NYC building requires it.
• Stage “first 48 hours” supplies for DFW (sheets, towels, basic cookware, tools).

Move Week

• Final walk-through and key/fob collection.
• Label boxes by room; keep documents/meds/electronics in carry-on.

First 10 Days in DFW

• Vehicle inspection/registration and Texas driver license (book early).
• Update auto/home/renter insurance and voter registration.
• Drive your commute at rush hour; adjust routes or WFH days.

Where New Yorkers Land in DFW (By Lifestyle)

Urban + Walkable
Uptown, Victory Park, Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville (Dallas); West 7th, Magnolia/Near Southside (Fort Worth). High-rise/loft options, restaurants, music.

Historic + Creative
Bishop Arts, Oak Cliff (Dallas); Fairmount (Fort Worth). Craftsman homes, indie shops, strong neighborhood identity.

Suburbs + Top Schools
Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen (north of Dallas); Southlake, Colleyville, Keller, Flower Mound (between Dallas and Fort Worth). Master-planned communities, community pools, youth sports, newer construction.

Lakes & Leafy
Lakewood, Lake Highlands (White Rock Lake access), Grapevine (lake + charming downtown), Rockwall/Heath (Lake Ray Hubbard).

Airport-Convenient
Irving–Las Colinas, Coppell, Grapevine for DFW; Bluffview/Love Field corridor for Dallas Love Field.

Housing Strategy for Ex-New Yorkers

• Try before you buy: Rent 6–12 months to learn ISDs (school districts) and commute flows.
• Pre-approval wins: Strong local pre-approval helps in competitive pockets (e.g., Plano ISD, Frisco ISD, Southlake-Carroll).
• Expect different floor plans: More single-family and townhomes; garages, bonus rooms, and backyards are common.

Transportation: Car, Rail & Airports

• Car recommended for daily life. DART rail/bus (Dallas side) and TRE (Dallas–Fort Worth) help along major corridors.
• Air travel: DFW International + Dallas Love Field = plentiful nonstops and easy coast-to-coast access.
• Test commutes at peak hours before finalizing a long lease or closing.

Cost-Smart Moving (What to Budget)

• Move less. Replace more. Big, low-value furniture often costs more to ship than to rebuy in DFW.
• Hybrid moves (pros handle heavy items; you pack boxes) can trim costs.
• Off-peak flexibility (mid-month/mid-week) may lower mover rates.
• Insurance/valuation: Confirm coverage for high-value items, instruments, art.

Schools, Daycare & Daily Setup

• ISDs matter: DFW schools are zoned; magnet/charter options exist metro-wide. Anchor your housing search to specific ISDs if schools are a priority.
• Daycare: Call 4–8 weeks ahead for waitlists; tour facilities early.
• Healthcare: Establish a primary care doctor, dentist, and urgent care; add a 24/7 pediatric/ER option to your map.
• Pets: Heat management, backyard security, and a nearby emergency vet are key.

Taxes & Paperwork (Leaving NYC)

• No Texas state income tax = instant paycheck lift vs. New York.
• Property taxes: Plan for them if buying; apply for the homestead exemption on your primary residence.
• Registrations: Driver’s license, vehicle inspection/registration, voter registration, and insurance updates after establishing residency.

Lifestyle Upgrades You’ll Notice

• Space & sun: Larger homes and more outdoor time—lakes, trails, golf, youth sports.
• Dining scene: Tex-Mex, BBQ, global cuisines, and an emerging chef-driven set across Dallas and Fort Worth.
• Community: Neighborhood groups, school events, and active HOA amenities make it easy to plug in.

Sample First-Year Budget Line Items

• Rent or mortgage + HOA (if applicable)
• Utilities (summer electric higher), water, trash
• Internet (fiber available in many areas)
• Car payment/insurance/fuel/maintenance or rideshare budget
• Property tax & homeowners insurance (if buying)
• Fitness/outdoor rec; youth activities
• Pet care (vet, grooming, boarding)
• Childcare/school expenses (if applicable)

NYC ➜ DFW Moving Checklist

• ☐ Choose 3–4 target neighborhoods/ISDs
• ☐ Get pre-approved (buy) or shortlist 6–8 rentals (rent)
• ☐ Book movers/container; confirm valuation coverage
• ☐ Set utility and internet start dates
• ☐ Ship or sell car / arrange transport
• ☐ Transfer medical, school, and pet records
• ☐ File change of address; update key accounts
• ☐ Schedule Texas ID + vehicle inspection/registration
• ☐ Register to vote and update insurance
• ☐ Test commute routes and airport access

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is DFW cheaper than NYC?
Generally yes—especially for housing—and Texas has no state income tax. Actual savings vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.

Do I need a car?
Recommended. DART/TRE support core corridors, but daily life is easier by car in most of DFW.

Rent or buy first?
If you’re new to DFW, rent 6–12 months while you learn ISDs, commute patterns, and micro-markets. If you know your area and time horizon, buying can make sense sooner.

Which DFW neighborhoods feel most “Brooklyn”?
Bishop Arts and Lower Greenville (Dallas) and Near Southside (Fort Worth) for historic character, indie shops, and food/music scenes.

Next Steps

• Want deeper neighborhood and school guidance? Request a FREE copy of DestinationDFW.
• Prefer to talk it through with a local expert? Contact us for tailored advice and moving discounts.