College Town • Live Music • Tight-knit Community
Moving to Denton, Texas
The closest thing to Austin you’ll find in North Texas.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
The Big Picture
Overview
Denton doesn’t feel like the rest of North Texas. Two universities, UNT and TWU, anchor a walkable downtown built around a historic courthouse square. The live music scene here predates the relocation boom by decades.
The median home price sits around $350,000, which makes Denton one of the more accessible markets in the corridor. You’ll find remote workers, university employees, and families who want proximity to DFW without Frisco prices. The housing stock is mixed, with historic bungalows near the square, established neighborhoods from the 1970s through 2000s, and newer master-planned communities on the outskirts.
The tradeoff is the commute to other major cities and suburbs. Plan on about 40 to 60 minutes to downtown Dallas via I-35E at peak hours. The A-Train commuter rail connects to DART’s Green Line, but the full trip to downtown takes about 90 minutes.
Denton is growing fast. The population has grown almost 30% since 2020, and the city is projected to continue growing for at least the next couple of decades. Road expansions along I-35E and US-380, new communities, continued commercial and retail investment in the area are testaments to this. Despite the rapid growth, Denton has kept its downtown character intact — the courthouse square, the live music scene, and the university culture that predates the relocation boom.
The Honest Take
Pros and Cons
What Works
- Walkable downtown with local coffee shops, independent restaurants, and live music venues on the Square
- Two universities drive cultural events, dining diversity, and consistent housing demand
- Denton County property tax rate is the second lowest among the 15 most populous Texas counties
- One of the most price-accessible markets in North Texas
- A-Train commuter rail connects to Dallas DART for commuters
Tradeoffs
- Longer commute if your job is in the DNT corridor, Frisco, or Plano
- Older housing stock in core neighborhoods; new construction is concentrated on the outskirts
- I-35E traffic at peak hours, with ongoing construction projects
- Fewer high-end retail and dining options compared to Frisco or The Colony
- Population growth is outpacing infrastructure in many areas
Local Life
Things to Do
Denton Square
Historic courthouse, local coffee, Beth Marie’s ice cream, LSA Burger, and bars.
Dan’s Silverleaf
One of the best live music venues in North Texas featuring local and touring acts.
North Lakes Park
70+ acres with trails, a disc golf course, fishing, and a recreation center.
Lake Lewisville / Lake Ray Roberts
Both within easy reach for fishing, boating, and weekend trips.
Did You Know
Fun Facts
UNT became the first university in the U.S. to offer a jazz studies degree
Denton is the only city in Texas powered entirely by renewable energy
Denton has officially been named the Halloween Capital of Texas
New Construction
Top Communities
- Landmark by Hillwood High $500s+
- Eagle Creek $300s–$400s
- Agave Ranch by Mattamy Mid $300s–$500s
- The Meadows $350s–$500s
Common Questions
FAQ
What is the property tax rate in Denton, Texas?
The total effective rate is typically around 2.0% in established Denton neighborhoods. This includes city, county, and school district levies. Denton County’s portion ($0.186/$100) is the second lowest among Texas’s 15 most populous counties and the lowest it’s been since 1986. Newer developments on the outskirts may carry MUD or PID assessments that push rates higher.
How long is the commute from Denton to Dallas?
Plan for 40 to 60 minutes to downtown Dallas at peak hours via I-35E. Off-peak can be closer to 40 minutes. The A-Train commuter rail connects to DART’s Green Line and takes about 90 minutes total to downtown, but avoids traffic. Fort Worth is a shorter 40 to 50 minute drive via I-35W.
What’s the cost of living like in Denton compared to other DFW suburbs?
Denton is one of the most price-accessible markets in the North Texas corridor. The median home price is around $350,000, compared to $605,000 in Frisco and $815,000 in Prosper. Property taxes are competitive at around 2.0%, though newer developments with MUD/PID districts may be higher.
What makes Denton different from other North Texas suburbs?
Two universities, a walkable historic downtown, and a live music scene give Denton an identity most North Texas suburbs lack. The population is also diverse in age and background. It’s the closest thing to Austin in North Texas, but smaller and more affordable.
Is Denton growing too fast?
The population in Denton has increased almost 30% since 2020 and is projected to hit 200,000 residents by 2030. Road expansions along I-35E and US-380 are ongoing, and the city is investing in downtown revitalization and other major projects. Despite the rapid growth, Denton has managed to keep its core identity intact.
Is Denton a good place to live?
Denton has a college-town energy that no other North Texas suburb offers — live music, local restaurants, a walkable square, and two universities that keep the culture young. It’s also more affordable than suburbs closer in, with a median home price around $250,000 and new construction starting in the low 300s. The tradeoff is a longer commute to Dallas, but if you value character over proximity, it’s hard to beat.
Watch
Explore Denton
Statistics accurate as of early 2026. Data sourced from Denton CAD, U.S. Census Bureau, Niche.com, and local MLS records. Market conditions change frequently. Contact Jeremiah for current figures.