Why is everyone moving to North Texas?

Texas added 391,243 residents in 2025, more than any other state for the third consecutive year, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in January 2026. The state’s total population now sits at 31.7 million.

Within Texas, the Dallas–Fort Worth region is where much of that growth lands. Denton County’s population hit 1.07 million in 2025 and is projected to reach 1.88 million by 2050 according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments. That’s a 76% increase in 25 years. The county adds roughly 86 people per day.

Three Factors Driving North Texas Growth

No state income tax. Texas is one of nine states that doesn’t tax personal income. For a household earning $150,000, the absence of state income tax can mean several thousand dollars more in take-home pay compared to California or New York. The exact savings depend on filing status and deductions.

Relative affordability. The statewide median home price sits around $331,000 as of early 2026. In North Texas suburbs, new construction ranges from under $350,000 in emerging areas like Aubrey to $600,000+ in established suburbs like Frisco and Prosper. That still buys significantly more square footage than coastal markets.

Job access. Dallas–Fort Worth is the fourth-largest metro economy in the country, with 4.3 million jobs across a diversified base. Unlike single-industry metros, DFW’s mix of healthcare, tech, logistics, energy, and corporate headquarters means no single sector downturn tanks the whole market.

What Does the Job Market in North Texas Look Like in 2026?

The Dallas–Fort Worth metro added 46,800 jobs in the 12 months ending May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That 1.1% growth rate outpaced most of the nation’s largest metros.

The job market has cooled from its peak pandemic-recovery pace, but it remains solid. Unemployment in DFW hovered around 4.1% through late 2025, roughly in line with the national average. The average weekly wage reached $1,483, about 6.4% above the national average.

The sectors adding the most jobs:

Education and healthcare led with 16,700 new positions, a 3.3% growth rate. Hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions continue expanding to serve population growth.

Construction employment increased 2.8% year over year, driven by residential development in suburbs north of Dallas and infrastructure projects across the region.

Tech continues to grow, particularly in Fort Worth, which has added over 20,000 tech jobs in 2025 alone according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Entry-level software and cybersecurity salaries now start around $105,000 in the metro.

The main employer concentration sits in the Dallas–Plano–Irving division, which accounts for 72% of the region’s total nonfarm employment at 3.1 million jobs. Fort Worth–Arlington–Grapevine holds the remaining 28% at 1.2 million jobs.

For remote workers, North Texas offers a specific advantage: no state income tax means more take-home pay than you’d keep doing the same remote job while living in a taxing state. If your employer is headquartered in California but you work from Denton, you’re not taxed by California. You’re not taxed by Texas either.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in North Texas in 2026?

Texas’s cost of living index sits at 93, meaning overall expenses run about 7% below the national average. That advantage shows up most clearly in housing and, for higher earners, the absence of state income tax.

Housing. The statewide median home price is around $331,000. In the Dallas–Fort Worth metro, prices range widely by location. Emerging suburbs in Denton County start in the mid-$300s for new construction, while established Collin County suburbs like Frisco and Prosper average $600,000 to $800,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in major DFW cities runs $1,200 to $1,450 per month.

Groceries and dining. Food costs track close to national averages. A casual meal out runs $15 to $18 per person. A dinner at a mid-range restaurant costs $60 to $75.

Transportation. Gas prices averaged around $3.20 per gallon through late 2025. Car insurance runs $1,600 to $2,200 annually depending on location and driving record. Public transit exists in urban cores but isn’t comprehensive. Most DFW residents need a car.

Utilities. Electric bills can spike in summer due to air conditioning demand. Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means you can shop rates, but it also means prices fluctuate. Budget $150 to $250 per month for a single-family home depending on size and usage.

The overall picture: North Texas is cheaper than California, New York, or Illinois by a meaningful margin, but it’s not cheap in absolute terms. The no-income-tax advantage is meaningful, but property taxes partially offset it. More on that below.

What Are Property Taxes Like in North Texas?

This is the part that surprises people. Texas has no state income tax, but it makes up for it with property taxes that rank among the highest in the country.

The statewide average effective property tax rate is around 1.6% to 1.8% of assessed home value. In Denton County specifically, the county portion of the tax rate is just $0.185938 per $100 of assessed value as of the 2025–2026 fiscal year. That’s the lowest it’s been since 1986.

But here’s what trips people up: the county rate is only about 10% of your total property tax bill. The rest comes from school districts, cities, and special districts. A home in Denton ISD pays a different total rate than a home in Northwest ISD or Lewisville ISD. A home in a Municipal Utility District (MUD) pays additional taxes on top of the base rate to fund infrastructure.

For a home valued at $510,000, the average assessed value in Denton County, the county portion alone is about $949 per year. But the total annual property tax bill, including school district and other entities, typically runs $10,000 to $14,000 depending on exact location.

Two things reduce that number:

Homestead exemption. Texas homeowners who use a property as their primary residence receive a $140,000 exemption from the school district portion of their assessed value. That was increased from $100,000 by the Texas Legislature in 2025 (SB 4), and it saves roughly $1,700 per year in school taxes alone. Seniors 65+ and disabled homeowners receive an additional $10,000 school district exemption, plus an optional freeze on school district taxes.

Protest your appraisal. The Denton Central Appraisal District revalues all properties annually. Mass appraisal methods frequently overvalue individual properties. Filing a protest before the May 15 deadline is free and often results in a lower assessed value.

The bottom line: property taxes are higher than you’re used to if you’re coming from a low-tax state. But they’re predictable, and the total tax burden, when you factor in no state income tax, often comes out lower than what you paid in California or Illinois.

Best Suburbs in North Texas for Relocation Buyers

North Texas has hundreds of suburbs. Most relocating buyers narrow their search based on commute, school district, and budget. Here’s a quick orientation to help you filter.

Denton County is the fastest-growing county in the region by percentage and where much of the new construction activity is concentrated. The county seat, Denton, is a university town with a younger median age (31.4 years) and a mix of historic neighborhoods and new development. Population: 178,000 and growing at 3.6% annually.

Cities like Aubrey, Little Elm, and The Colony offer more affordable entry points into Denton County, with new construction starting in the high $300s to low $400s.

Argyle and Northlake sit in the southwest portion of Denton County and are growing rapidly. Both saw double-digit population increases in recent years. Northlake’s population grew over 400% in the past decade. These areas feed into Northwest ISD (A on Niche) and Argyle ISD (A on Niche).

Prosper and Celina straddle the Denton–Collin county line and represent the premium end of the market. Celina’s population increased 757% since 2013. Median home prices in Prosper exceed $800,000. Both feed into Prosper ISD (A+ on Niche) and Celina ISD (A on Niche).

Frisco, in Collin County just east of Denton County, is one of the most amenity-rich suburbs in the region: PGA headquarters, Dallas Cowboys practice facility, extensive shopping and dining. It also has the price tag to match, with median home values well above $600,000.

If you’re relocating with a job in Dallas proper, commute times matter. Suburbs along the I-35E corridor (Denton, Corinth, Lewisville, The Colony) offer the most direct route into Dallas. Suburbs along the 380 corridor (Aubrey, Cross Roads, Prosper) are farther north and require more planning around traffic patterns. Not sure which corridor fits your situation? Book a free strategy call and we’ll walk through it together.

What Surprises People After Moving to North Texas?

Every relocating buyer I work with hits at least one of these. Knowing them in advance makes the transition smoother.

Summer heat runs June through September. Expect 100°F+ days regularly during that stretch. It affects how you plan outdoor activities, how much you budget for electricity, and whether you prioritize a covered patio or pool. Most people adapt within a year, but don’t underestimate it.

Property taxes show up differently. If you’re coming from a state with high income taxes but moderate property taxes, the math feels inverted here. Your paycheck is bigger, but your annual property tax bill is bigger too. It often nets out favorably, but the cash flow timing is different.

MUD districts add to your tax bill. Many new construction communities sit in Municipal Utility Districts that add an extra tax layer to fund infrastructure. The rate can add $0.20 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value on top of your base property taxes. Some communities also use Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) for similar purposes. Always ask whether a home is in a MUD or PID before you fall in love with the price point.

School assignments depend on address. Texas school districts are large and cover wide geographic areas. A home in Lewisville ISD feeds into different campuses than another home in the same district. Verify the specific campus assignments for any address you’re considering.

The car is non-negotiable. Public transit exists in urban Dallas and Fort Worth but doesn’t reach most suburbs. If you’re used to walking to errands or commuting by train, that changes here. Budget for a vehicle and the associated costs.

Thunderstorms and tornadoes. North Texas sits in the southern edge of Tornado Alley. Severe weather season runs from March through June. Most homes have safe rooms or interior closets designated as shelter spots. It’s manageable, but worth understanding.