Dallas, TX, is the cultural and economic center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. You’ll find this modern, cosmopolitan city is a major center for the arts, technology, and business. Dallas is also home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in the country, a vibrant arts scene, thriving nightlife, and its world-renowned Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex cuisine, and upscale restaurants.
As much as Dallas has to offer, it may not be the right city for you. And even if your job is in Dallas, that doesn’t mean you have to live in the city. There are plenty of cool cities near Dallas to live in that don’t have the same traffic, cost of living, and city noise.
To help you find the right place to buy or rent in, we’ve gathered a list of 10 great cities near Dallas to consider instead.
#1: Richardson, TX
Miles from Dallas: 15
Population: 118,500
Median home sale price: $451,354
Average 1-bed rent: $1,872
Walk Score: 44
Bike Score: 33
Transit Score: 53
Richardson is home to a number of large businesses and organizations, including the University of Texas at Dallas. The city has a variety of parks and recreation facilities, as well as a number of schools and colleges.
When living in Richardson, make sure to visit the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, take a walk or bike ride through the Breckinridge Park, and explore the University of Texas at Dallas campus.
Homes for sale in Richardson, TX
Apartments for rent in Richardson, TX
#2: Garland, TX
Miles from Dallas: 19
Population: 239,000
Median home sale price: $330,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,379
Walk Score: 40
Bike Score: 29
Transit Score: 41
Garland is a large manufacturing city and Dallas suburb that’s home to around 239,000 people. The city is famous for its signature firewheel, a wildflower that flourishes during the spring and summer. The nearby Spring Creek Forest Preserve is home to over 600 plant species and trees, and some of which are over 300 years old.
You can visit the Garland Landmark Museum, the Historic Downtown Garland, or the Garland Symphony Orchestra if you’re looking for something to do in the city. You can also enjoy the many parks and recreation areas, including the Firewheel Town Center, the Garland Golf Course, and the Rowlett Creek Preserve.
Homes for sale in Garland, TX
Apartments for rent in Garland, TX
#3: Plano, TX
Miles from Dallas: 20
Population: 289,000
Median home sale price: $527,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,751
Walk Score: 41
Bike Score: 15
Transit Score: 52
If you’re looking to move to one of the cities near Dallas and experience some of the best authentic cuisines the state has to offer, then Plano is the city for you. With a population of just 289,000 you’ll get all the benefits of living in a city without overcrowding. Plus, Plano is only 19 miles north of Dallas, making it a great location for commuting or exploring everything Dallas has to offer.
There’s plenty to keep you occupied in Plano, such as visiting the Plano Balloon Festival, attending the Plano International Festival, going to the Plano Symphony Orchestra, and touring the Heritage Farmstead Museum.
Homes for sale in Plano, TX
Apartments for rent in Plano, TX
#4: Arlington, TX
Miles from Dallas: 21
Population: 397,500
Median home sale price: $353,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,072
Walk Score: 38
Bike Score: 0
Transit Score: 40
Arlington offers a wide variety of amenities and activities, whether you’re interested in sports, the arts, or simply enjoy the outdoors. The city is also conveniently located near Dallas and Fort Worth, making it easy to explore what each city has to offer.
Arlington is a great city for nature lovers, with plenty of parks and green spaces, as well as stellar restaurants. The city is also home to popular museums such as the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame, International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame, and Arlington Museum of Art. Performing arts venues like Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and Arlington Music Hall are popular among locals. For a quick taste of the town, stop by Tandoor Indian Restaurant or Pioneer Restaurant.
Homes for sale in Arlington, TX
Apartments for rent in Arlington, TX
#5: Carrollton, TX
Miles from Dallas: 22
Population: 137,500
Median home sale price: $439,446
Average 1-bed rent: $1,627
Walk Score: 36
Bike Score: 20
Transit Score: 39
Carrollton is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is another one of the great cities near Dallas you may want to move to. A vibrant corporate and residential community, you can find abundant parks, schools, and charming neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for things to do in Carrollton, you won’t be disappointed whether your household is filled with nature lovers, history buffs, or foodies. Be sure to add the A. W. Perry Homestead Museum, City of Carrollton Museum, and Art of this World to your list of must-see attractions. And don’t forget to sample the cuisine at some of Carrollton’s most popular eateries, including Cristina’s Mexican Restaurant, Casa Vieja Restaurant, and Zocados Mexican Restaurant.
Homes for sale in Carrollton, TX
Apartments for rent in Carrollton, TX
#6: Grapevine, TX
Miles from Dallas: 23
Population: 54,000
Median home sale price: $517,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,716
Walk Score: 30
Transit Score: 38
Grapevine is a historic city located between Dallas and Fort Worth. The charming historic Main Street is the heart of Grapevine’s authentic living history, with its renovated 19th- and 20th-century buildings that house art galleries, shops, and and restaurants.
Home to Dove Park, Parr Park, and Oak Grove Park, and there are many parks where you can spend a relaxing evening. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at local favorites like Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano Grapevine and Thai Riverside Restaurant for a small taste of what this city has to offer.
Homes for sale in Grapevine, TX
Apartments for rent in Grapevine, TX
#7: Allen, TX
Miles from Dallas: 26
Population: 104,000
Median home sale price: $570,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,604
Walk Score: 35
Transit Score: 58
Allen is a great city to live that’s just north of Dallas. The city blends local charm and hospitality with world-class amenities.
There are many things to do in Allen including shopping at the Allen Outlets, visiting the Allen Heritage Village, and hiking at the Allen Nature Preserve. Allen has a lot of popular museums, including the Play Street Museum and the Allen Heritage Depot Museum. Parks are plentiful in Allen and you can find green spaces like Celebration Park and Bethany Lakes Park.
Homes for sale in Allen, TX
Apartments for rent in Allen, TX
#8: Frisco, TX
Miles from Dallas: 30
Population: 188,500
Median home sale price: $672,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,662
Walk Score: 25
Transit Score: 39
Frisco is a city that’s well-connected to the rest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. There are many things residents can do in Frisco including shopping at Stonebriar Centre, visiting the Frisco Heritage Museum, cheering on the Frisco RoughRiders minor league baseball team, or hiking and biking on one of the many trails in the city.
Homes for sale in Frisco, TX
Apartments for rent in Frisco, TX
#9: Fort Worth, TX
Miles from Dallas: 32
Population: 892,500
Median home sale price: $357,750
Average 1-bed rent: $1,380
Walk Score: 35
Bike Score: 22
Transit Score: 39
It goes without saying that Fort Worth is a great city to consider living in near Dallas. Fort Worth has a vibrant downtown area, an exciting city center, and many things to do, including experiencing the “western heritage” at the Stockyards National Historic District.
Other things to do in the city include visiting the Fort Worth Zoo, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. If you’re looking to experience one of the best downtowns in the country, Sundance Square is the place to be. You’ll find the perfect combination of cowboy culture and sleek modernity.
Homes for sale in Fort Worth, TX
Apartments for rent in Fort Worth, TX
#10: McKinney, TX
Miles from Dallas: 33
Population: 191,000
Median home sale price: $525,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,623
Walk Score: 27
Transit Score: 42
McKinney offers a unique blend of small town charm and big city living. It’s home to the tallest building in Texas north of San Antonio, the Collin County Courthouse built in 1874.
There are a number of things to do in McKinney. For example, residents can spend time in the historic downtown area or visit the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Additionally, there are a number of parks and recreation areas in McKinney, and such as Bonnie Wenk Park and Erwin Center Park.
Homes for sale in McKinney, TX
Apartments for rent in McKinney, TX
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Dallas. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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