I can say with confidence that Dallas has captured my heart in more ways than one. While Texas is known for its big cities and bustling energy, there’s something special about Dallas that sets it apart from its fellow Texan metropolis, Houston. 

Don’t get me wrong, Houston is a great city in its own right, but today I’m here to tell you why it’s better to live in Dallas. 

So, whether you’re a native Texan considering a move or a curious out-of-towner, buckle up and get ready to learn why Dallas is the place to be! 

9 Reasons Why It’s Better to Live in Dallas than Houston

Dallas, Texas, is a bustling city that has become increasingly popular in recent years. People from all over the country are relocating to Dallas for a variety of reasons, and it’s easy to see why. 

With its thriving economy, diverse population, and unbeatable weather, there are plenty of reasons why living in Dallas is a smart choice. 

We’ll explore these nine specific reasons why living in Dallas is better than Houston. From the fantastic weather to the job opportunities, read on to discover why Dallas is the perfect place to call home. 

Climate 

In comparison to Houston, Dallas has a more pleasant climate. Houston experiences a humid subtropical climate as well, but it is more prone to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and flooding. 

Houston also has higher humidity levels and more rainy days than Dallas, which can make it uncomfortable to be outside during the summer months. 

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average relative humidity in Houston is around 77%, while in Dallas it’s around 63%. 

The same data reveals that Houston receives an average of 104 days of measurable precipitation per year (i.e., days with at least 0.01 inches of precipitation), while Dallas receives an average of 77 such days per year. 

Moreover, Houston has a longer and more intense summer than Dallas. The average temperature during the summer in Houston is around 94°F, but it’s not uncommon to see temperatures reach 100°F or more. 

The winters in Houston are mild as well, with the average temperature hovering around 54 °F.

In Dallas, the average temperature during the summer months is around 96°F, and temperatures can frequently reach over 100°F. The winters, on the other hand, are mild, with the average temperature hovering around 50°F.

One of the benefits of living in Dallas is that you can enjoy outdoor activities all year. Whether it’s jogging in one of the many parks, taking a dip in the pool, or playing a game of golf, the weather in Dallas is always conducive to these activities.

Unlike many other cities, you don’t have to worry about being stuck indoors during extreme weather conditions. 

The colorful foliage during the fall, the chilly winters, and the blooming flowers in the spring are all experiences that you get to enjoy while living in Dallas. 

More Family-Friendly 

According to the survey by WalletHub, Dallas ranked first out of 25 US cities in the family-friendliness category, while Houston ranked 14th. 

This survey is based on factors such as affordability, quality of schools, access to healthcare, and recreation opportunities for families with children. 

Dallas came out on top in the family-friendliness category, which specifically looked at factors such as the number of playgrounds and parks per capita, the availability of quality child care, and the affordability of housing.

Some of the factors that may have contributed to Dallas’ high ranking include the city’s extensive park system, which includes over 400 parks and 17 lakes. This includes the massive Klyde Warren Park, which spans 5.2 acres in the heart of downtown. 

Houston, on the other hand, has fewer parks, and most of them are smaller in size. This means that families in Dallas have more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

Another factor is Dallas’ thriving arts and culture scene, which offers numerous family-friendly events and activities throughout the year.

In addition, Dallas is home to several highly rated public and private schools, as well as world-class healthcare facilities.

While Houston also has many family-friendly amenities and attractions, it ranked 14th overall in the WalletHub survey, in part due to its lower scores in categories such as affordability and safety.

In the affordability category, Houston ranked 22nd out of the 25 cities surveyed, with a score of 45.39 out of 100. This category looked at factors such as the cost of living, housing affordability, and childcare costs. 

Dallas, on the other hand, ranked 5th in affordability with a score of 66.70 out of 100.

In the safety category, Houston ranked 18th out of the 25 cities surveyed, with a score of 48.53 out of 100. This category looked at factors such as crime rates, traffic fatalities, and natural disaster risk. 

Dallas, on the other hand, ranked 9th in safety with a score of 57.53 out of 100.

According to NeighborhoodScout’s data, the crime rate in Dallas is 2,596 per 100,000 residents, while in Houston it is 4,181 per 100,000 residents. This means that the crime rate in Houston is approximately 38% higher than in Dallas.

This is a significant difference, especially when it comes to keeping families safe. 

Lastly, Dallas has a stronger sense of community than Houston. While both cities have a diverse population, Dallas has a reputation for being more welcoming and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on family values. 

This is reflected in the city’s numerous family-friend events and festivals, as well as its many community organizations that support families and children. 

Economy 

First and foremost, Dallas has a more diversified economy compared to Houston, which relies heavily on the energy sector. 

While the energy industry has historically been a major driver of economic growth in Houston, it is also more vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and global demand. 

On the other hand, Dallas has a diverse mix of industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, among others. This diversity has helped to insulate the local economy from the shocks that can hit single-industry towns. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the unemployment rate in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area was just 3.8% as of March 2023, compared to Houston’s unemployment rate of 5.1%. 

This indicates that the job market in Dallas is stronger and more robust than Houston’s. 

In addition, Dallas has experienced strong job growth in recent years, adding nearly 140,000 new jobs in 2022 alone. 

This growth is fueled by the city’s pro-business environment, which includes low taxes, a relatively low cost of living, and a skilled and educated workforce. 

Crime Rate

Dallas has a lower overall crime rate than Houston, making it a generally safer place to live. In 2020, the crime rate in Dallas was 3,326 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 3,812 per 100,000 residents. 

In contrast, the crime rate in Houston was 4,215 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than both the national average and Dallas’ crime rate.

One of the main benefits of living in a city with a lower crime rate is the increased sense of security it provides. 

Dallas residents can feel safer walking around the city, enjoying outdoor activities, and participating in community events without worrying about their safety as much as Houston residents.

Moreover, Dallas has taken proactive steps to address crime, which has contributed to the city’s declining crime rate over the years. 

For instance, the Dallas Police Department has implemented community policing programs that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. 

This approach has been effective in reducing crime in many Dallas neighborhoods.

While Houston has also implemented similar programs to address crime, the city’s overall crime rate remains higher than Dallas’. 

This means that Houston residents may face a higher risk of being victims of crime compared to their counterparts in Dallas.

Higher Average Salary 

When it comes to comparing Dallas and Houston, one aspect that stands out is the difference in average salary. 

According to recent data, the median household income in Dallas is $63,812, while in Houston, it is $62,799. Although the difference may seem negligible, it is worth noting that Dallas residents earn slightly more than Houston residents.

One reason for this disparity is the job market in Dallas. As mentioned earlier, the city is home to several large corporations that provide ample employment opportunities. 

In comparison, Houston’s job market is mainly dominated by the energy sector, which can be volatile and subject to fluctuations in oil prices. Therefore, Dallas residents may have more job security and higher-paying job opportunities than Houston residents.

Furthermore, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate than Houston, making it easier for job seekers to find employment opportunities. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of March 2023, Dallas had an unemployment rate of 3.3%, while Houston’s unemployment rate was 3.7%. 

This small difference may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in the overall job market and economic opportunities for residents.

In addition to the higher average salary, living in Dallas can also provide a more affordable cost of living compared to Houston. 

According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living between cities, the cost of living index in Dallas is 62.17, while in Houston, it is 64.67. This means that it’s easier for residents to save money and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Better Public Transportation 

As mentioned earlier, Dallas has the largest light rail system in the United States, which serves a vast area of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

The system includes both buses and trains, providing convenient and comfortable transportation options for commuters. In contrast, Houston’s transportation system primarily consists of buses, with only a few light rail options.

Dallas’ public transportation is more convenient and time-saving than Houston’s. With frequent services and regular schedules, commuters can plan their journeys ahead of time and arrive at their destinations promptly. 

This is particularly helpful during rush hour when traffic can be hectic in Houston.

Better Job Opportunities 

According to Forbes, Dallas has been consistently ranked among the top 10 US cities for job growth over the past decade. It has a lower unemployment rate than Houston, which means that finding employment in Dallas is generally easier.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the unemployment rate in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area was just 3.8% as of March 2023, compared to Houston’s unemployment rate of 5.1%. 

This means that the unemployment rate in Dallas is over 1% lower than in Houston.

Dallas is also home to many Fortune 500 companies, which offer high-paying jobs with opportunities for career advancement. AT&T, ExxonMobil, and American Airlines are among the major employers in Dallas. 

Houston has some Fortune 500 companies as well, including ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, but they are more concentrated in the energy industry.

Furthermore, Dallas has a lower cost of living compared to Houston, which means that residents can stretch their paychecks further. The cost of housing, transportation, and healthcare is generally lower in Dallas than in Houston.

Better Education 

Dallas has a stronger school district than Houston, with the  Dallas Independent School District ranking 14th in Texas out of over 1,030 districts, while Houston ranks 128th. 

Dallas also has a lower student-to-teacher ratio, which is just 14:1 compared to Houston’s 18:1. It means students receive more individual attention and support from their teachers, which can lead to better academic performance and overall success.

Furthermore, Dallas has a higher concentration of top-ranked universities compared to Houston. 

Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Dallas Baptist University have strong academic programs and research opportunities. 

SMU ranks 64th, UT Dallas ranks 145th, and Dallas Baptist University ranks 298th among National Universities. 

In contrast, Houston’s top universities, such as Rice University (ranked 16 among National Universities) and the University of Houston (ranked 176 among National Universities), are not as highly ranked as the universities in Dallas. 

While Rice University in Houston has a higher ranking than any university in Dallas, when considering all the institutions in each city, the overall ranking of universities in Dallas is higher than that of Houston.

Apart from traditional education, Dallas also offers a more diverse range of educational opportunities. 

The city has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions that offer a wealth of resources and programs for people of all ages. 

For example, the Dallas Museum of Art offers free admission to its permanent collection, making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn more about art and culture. 

Additionally, the city has a robust public library system, with 29 branches throughout the city that offer free access to books, movies, and other resources.

Better Downtown Skyline 

While Houston has a notable downtown skyline of its own, it doesn’t quite match the iconic status of Dallas’ skyline. 

According to various rankings and surveys, Dallas consistently outranks Houston in terms of its skyline. 

In a study conducted by the online real estate company Zillow, Dallas ranked first among the top ten skylines in the US, while Houston was not even in the top ten. 

Dallas’ downtown is home to some of the tallest buildings in the state, including the Bank of America Plaza, which stands 72 stories tall and is the tallest building in the city. 

Houston’s tallest building, the JPMorgan Chase Tower, is also impressive at 75 stories, but it doesn’t have the same level of recognition as Dallas’ skyline.

According to data from the Skyscraper Center, the visual impact and recognition of a skyline are not solely based on the height of a single building. 

Dallas’s skyline is known for its distinctive architecture and the clustering of tall buildings in a compact downtown area, which makes it visually striking and recognizable. 

The buildings are arranged in a way that creates an impact, with the Bank of America Plaza serving as the centerpiece. 

On the other hand, Houston’s skyline is more spread out and lacks the same level of architectural coherence and unity. It has a more scattered and disjointed look due to the city’s rapid growth and development over the years.

Another advantage of Dallas’ skyline is the stunning sunsets that can be enjoyed from various vantage points around the city center. The combination of the city’s unique architecture and natural beauty creates a truly breathtaking sight. 

Houston, on the other hand, is known for its humid climate and occasional fog, which can obstruct views of the skyline.