Home to an estimated 1.3 million people, Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. Moving to Dallas is a dream for many retirees. The city’s plentiful sunshine makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities all year long, and the state’s lack of income tax means a retirement budget can stretch farther here than in many other cities.
Is Dallas a good place to retire? Big D (as the city is known) is a bustling metropolitan area with endless things to do, see, and explore. Dallas is home to the nation’s largest urban arts district as well as the original Neiman Marcus store, which has been selling upscale items since 1914. One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, Reunion Tower, offers 360-degree panoramic views from “The Ball,” which also houses the refined steakhouse, Crown Block.
People choose a Dallas retirement for all kinds of reasons. Some want to live closer to family, while others are drawn to the city’s unique appeal. Dallas offers an alluring blend of Southern hospitality with urban sophistication. Here, you can explore farmers’ markets and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors at the State Fair of Texas. You can also experience sophistication at esteemed venues like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Meyerson Symphony Center.
If you’re considering moving to Dallas, we’ll cover what you should know about the city, from the climate to the taxes. We also highlight some 55+ communities in the Metroplex. Read on to learn if a Dallas retirement is a good fit for you.
Retiring in Dallas-Fort Worth: Pros and Cons
Pros
- A reasonable climate – Summers are hot in Dallas, but the heat is offset by mild winters. The city seldom sees snow, so you won’t need a snowblower or ice scraper here.
- A vibrant culture – Dallas features numerous festivals and events all year, from the annual State Fair of Texas to the Dallas Pride Festival.
- An affordable cost of living – Compared to many major cities, Dallas offers a relatively low cost of living. Your retirement dollars stretch further here than in places like New York and Los Angeles.
Cons
- The traffic – If you’re considering a Dallas retirement, bring your patience when you’re out and about. Traffic is often at a standstill on major freeways like I-35 and I-75, and frequent construction makes it difficult to navigate side roads.
- Air quality issues – If you’re prone to allergies or respiratory issues, moving to Dallas might be challenging at first. Dallas often struggles with air quality issues, especially when pollen levels are high.
Dallas-Fort Worth Climate
Living in the Metroplex means you can enjoy a mostly pleasant climate that blends toasty summers with mild winters. Summer temperatures soar into the 90s and often well into the 100s, but winters typically range from the 40s to 60s.
If you’re into golf or you look forward to your daily walks, the Dallas climate means you can usually enjoy your favorite outdoor activities all year long. Dallas gets more sunshine than many cities, averaging 234 days of sun compared to the U.S. average of 205 days. Dallas also experiences varying amounts of precipitation, with annual rainfall amounts ranging from 20 inches to more than 50 inches.
You should also be aware of the severe weather that can strike Dallas any time of year. The city experiences severe storms every year, with some producing hail, high winds, and tornadoes. However, you’ll usually have plenty of time to get indoors or move your vehicle under cover. While occasional storms can add some drama to your day, they don’t overshadow the overall pleasant climate that Dallas offers. Living here just means you need to stay weather-aware—particularly in the spring.
Dallas-Fort Worth Taxes
When it comes to taxes, living in the Metroplex is easier on your wallet than living in many other major cities. Texas has no state income tax, which means you get to use more of your hard-earned money how you want.
Dallas-Fort Worth Property Taxes
Property taxes in Dallas-Fort Worth (and all of Texas) are some of the highest in the nation. Depending on where you live in Dallas, you could have a property tax rate of 1.8% to 3.5%. This is something to keep in mind as you contemplate, “Is Dallas a good place to retire?” Although property taxes are higher than average here, the lack of a state income tax helps offset those costs.
Dallas-Fort Worth Retirement Income Taxes
Dallas’ tax-friendly environment is a big draw for many retirees. There’s no state income tax which means retirement income—including Social Security, pensions, and withdrawals from retirement accounts—is not taxed at the state level.
Dallas-Fort Worth Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Moving to Dallas can be a great way to lighten your financial load. When it comes to tax exemptions for seniors, Texas offers a homestead exemption for those age 65 and older. This exemption lowers the amount of property taxes owed on their primary residence. Plus, several local jurisdictions offer other exemptions to further reduce your property tax bill.
Dallas-Fort Worth Health Care
Retiring in Dallas gives you access to some of the nation’s best medical facilities, including UT Southwestern Medical Center, a prestigious academic medical center, and Methodist Dallas Medical Center, which features more than 250 physicians and nearly 600 beds. Whether you need specialized treatment, support during recovery, or help maintaining your health, you can find the expert care you need in Dallas.
Where to Live in Dallas-Fort Worth
Big D offers many different areas, each with a unique charm. For example: In Plano, you can enjoy scenic parks, shopping centers, and exciting restaurants. In Sachse, you can enjoy a quieter pace of life while still being close enough to enjoy big-city attractions.
Here’s a look at some 55+ communities in the Dallas area.
Recommended 55+ Communities in Dallas-Fort Worth
Everleigh Forestwood – Dallas, TX
Rent Starting At: $2,100
If you love the idea of low-maintenance living, check out Everleigh Forestwood in Dallas. This 55+ apartment community handles all landscaping and maintenance needs. Each new resident also gets handyman services when they move in. Residences range from 598 to 1,400 square feet and feature high ceilings, large windows, and designer lighting.
Everleigh Forestwood is located just north of Downtown Dallas and about 20 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Amenities in this community include a clubhouse with a fitness center and yoga studio, a reading lounge, a hair and nail salon, and a massage room.
Recommended 55+ Communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Gatherings at Mercer Crossing – Farmers Branch, TX
High $300ks – Mid $400ks
Gatherings at Mercer Crossing is another great option for low-maintenance living. This 55+ community in Farmers Branch features 81 condo homes across three four-story buildings. Four floor plans are available, each with garage space. Many residences include spacious kitchens, walk-in closets, and formal dining rooms, and some include private balconies.
Located about 20 minutes outside of Dallas, Gatherings at Mercer Crossing offers amenities like a pool, patio, and bocce ball court. Other amenities include a fitness center, community greenhouse, dog park, and ample greenspace.
Mira Lagos Villas – Grand Prairie, TX
Mid $300ks – Low $400ks
If you want to live in a new community with resort-style amenities, take a look at Mira Lagos Villas. This active adult community in Grand Prairie is slated to contain 123 attached homes in numerous floor plans. Residences range from 1,373 to 1,888 square feet and feature open-concept floor plans, patios, and walk-in closets.
Residents can take advantage of a variety of amenities within the clubhouse, including an exercise room, kitchen, and multipurpose gathering spaces. The amenities continue outdoors with a resort-style pool and a covered patio, bocce ball courts, and a dog park.
Elements at Viridian – Arlington, TX
Low $400ks – Mid $700ks
Situated about 25 minutes from Downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, Elements at Viridian gives residents convenient access to both cities. Upon completion, this community will contain 700 single-family homes in various floor plans. Residences range from 1,746 to more than 3,000 square feet, with some homes featuring covered porches, fireplaces, and utility rooms.
Homeowners can enjoy amenities like a clubhouse with a fitness center and demonstration kitchen. The amenities continue outdoors with a variety of sports courts, including volleyball, pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis. Residents can also enjoy the community’s putting green, ample greenspaces, and dog park.
Overture Plano – Plano, TX
Rent Starting At: $1,650
Overture Plano offers 169 apartment homes that range from 553 to more than 1,500 square feet. Residents feature wood-style plank flooring, large windows, under-cabinet kitchen lighting, and glass-tiled backsplashes. Each residence also includes a full-size washer and dryer, so no need to visit the laundromat.
If you’re a pet lover, you’ll feel right at home in this community, which features “yappy hours” for residents and their pets. You can meet new people in all kinds of ways at Overture Plano, from attending movie nights and game nights to participating in book clubs and crafting events.
The Orchards at Market Plaza – Plano, TX
Rental Price Range: $1,800s – $2,700s
If you’re looking for maintenance-free apartment living near Dallas, check out The Orchards at Market Plaza. This 55+ community features 180 apartment homes that range from 759 to 1,127 square feet. All residences include in-home washers and dryers, granite counters, and stainless-steel appliances. Some residences feature wine storage and glass-enclosed showers. A full-service property management company covers all residents’ maintenance needs, including amenities, security, and even valet trash pickup.
A clubhouse contains a theater room, fitness center, and craft space along with a salon and spa. There’s also a pet spa, which is a unique offering among 55+ communities. Outdoor amenities include a fire pit, grilling area, dog park, putting green, and a pool and patio.
Amberlin at The Station – Sachse, TX
Rent Starting At: $1,500
Amberlin at The Station is a gated 55+ apartment home community that offers homes to rent. Established in 2021, Amberlin at The Station contains 193 apartment homes in mid-rise buildings with elevators. Residences range from 615 to 1,285 square feet, with the option of carport or detached garage parking. All homes feature an open-concept design, high ceilings, and granite countertops in the kitchen. Some homes feature flex space and wrap-around patios.
A 9,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse contains wellness and fitness studios that residents can access 24 hours a day. Other amenities include a community kitchen with a coffee bar and wine fridge. Outdoor amenities include a community garden with raised beds, a firepit, an event lawn, and courts for pickleball and bocce ball. Residents can lounge in the Texas sun at the outdoor pool and sun deck.
Imagine a Dallas Retirement
Is Dallas a good place to retire? The city certainly has much to offer, from parks to museums to top-notch hospitals and more. Dallas also offers a diverse variety of 55+ communities to suit all kinds of budgets and lifestyles.
Contact 55places.com today to learn more about homes for sale in Dallas-Fort Worth!
