DFW vs Austin – which city is right for you

You’ve probably heard the expression “everything’s larger in Texas”. Quality-of-life standards in the Lone Star State’s largest cities are no exception. Dallas and Fort Worth, located on the state’s northern border, are the state’s major urban areas and a reason many companies are expanding to TX. A little farther south is Austin, Texas’ state capital and the unofficial epicenter of all things fashionable. That’s why the DFW vs Austin is a common battle.

Dallas and Austin are two of Texas’ most attractive real estate markets. Both native Texans and newcomers are fighting for houses and reshaping communities. But, if you’re a Texas homebuyer looking for a solid investment with plenty of opportunity for development, which city is best for you? There is a lot of research to be done on helpful websites and blogs, but we got some comparisons for you! Continue reading to discover more about these two cities, your spending power in each, and the desirable features of DFW vs Austin, and find out which city is right for you!

Real Estate markets

Austin’s cost of living is greater than Dallas’; it is thirty percent more than the national average and seventeen percent higher than Dallas’ cost of living. The greatest cost-related difference between Austin and Dallas is in real estate costs since the median house price in Dallas is cheaper than in Austin. Moving to both areas is extremely easy. DFW area has lots of great movers and storage companies to offer, like Heavenly Moving and Storage, and many more!

According to National Association of Realtors data from 2019, the median house selling price in Texas’ capital is presently about $350k. The median sale price for single-family houses in Dallas, according to the NAR, is $275k. The winner of the DFW vs Austin – real estate is DFW because of the more affordable costs of life!

Education

Three DFW high schools made U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top 10 high schools in Texas, while one Austin school made the list. Several public schools in Austin and Dallas have received scores of 8/10 or above, according to a list maintained by GreatSchools.org.

The Dallas region has 37 colleges and institutions, including Southern Methodist University and the University of Dallas, in terms of higher education. Despite having fewer institutions (only 15) in its metro area, Austin has a better image as a “college town” than Dallas, owing to the presence of the University of Texas’s flagship campus in Austin. The winner of the DFW vs Austin – Austin education is Austin because of the better higher education and sports programs.

Public transport

Both Austin and Dallas are car-centric cities, with the majority of commuters relying on personal automobiles to get about. These cities do, however, have mass-transit alternatives, which are becoming more popular as the population grows. According to data from the USCB, Dallas has the third-worst commute times in Texas. Austin isn’t much better, placing eighth among Texas’ worst commutes. Overall this isn’t a dealbreaker, and it doesn’t change Texans’ happiness compared to the people of Nevada.

Dallas operates the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which is a network of buses, light rails, trolleys, and streetcars that run routes within the city limits and out to the suburbs. In Austin, the CapMetro system comprises buses as well as MetroRail trains that travel between downtown Austin and suburbs such as Leander. The winner of DFW vs Austin – public transport is  Austin.

Culture and Food scene

Even within the state of Texas, Austin’s status as an iconic destination for regional cuisine favorites like breakfast tacos and BBQ is unrivaled. East Austin and South Lamar draw locals and visitors alike for their exceptional restaurants, which range from super-casual food trucks to high-end boîtes.

Food

Franklin Barbecue is a must-visit for barbecue fans; the iconic East Austin smokehouse sells out of its lauded brisket daily. Veracruz All-Natural in East Austin and South Lamar has the perfect morning taco, while those looking for a fine-dining culinary experience can try the famous sushi at Uchi in South Lamar or the super-seasonal New American food at Barley Swine in Crestview.

While it hasn’t yet gotten the same level of culinary attention as Austin, Dallas boasts a broad and unique restaurant scene. Barbecue enthusiasts can find plenty of brisket and ribs at nearby restaurants such as Pecan Lodge. Dallas locals like Tex-Mex—the city claims to have developed the frozen margarita—and restaurants like El Fenix are constantly crowded with spice connoisseurs looking for chile con queso and searing fajitas. Homewood, an innovative New American restaurant focused on locally sourced foods, is a good option for more premium dining in Dallas.

Culture

If you’re looking for cultural activities, you’ll immediately realize that Austin is a great fit. That’s why it is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Every week, bars, restaurants, and performance venues around the city feature local artists. East Austin, South Congress, and Zilker areas having particularly high densities of live-music locations.

The vibrant gallery culture in East Austin matches that of other large urban districts like Brooklyn and Silver Lake, Los Angeles, while museums like the Blanton Museum of Art and The Contemporary Austin-Jones Center provide significant permanent collections and visiting exhibits.

Many Dallas museums, both big and small, contribute to the city’s remarkable museum and gallery scene. Bishop Arts Sector and Deep Ellum also have creative scenes, as does the neighboring Expo Park, which has a small but strong arts district. The winner of DFW vs Austin – food, and culture are equal because both cities offer unique experiences.

Moving from DFW to Austin

Moving to DFW is a great idea. The city has a lot to offer and you won’t regret it if you hire long-distance movers. If you are ready to leave Austin and settle down here, the process won’t be too hard. There are many moving companies ready to do the job. Just hire reputable movers and get packing. The experts will do most of the work for you and the process will be almost stress-free!

It’s time to decide

Despite being both big Texas cities, Austin and Dallas have quite different advantages and disadvantages for potential purchasers. Dallas offers more tempting alternatives if you prioritize a bigger quantity of room for your buying price. It also offers a good chance of a successful financial investment. Austin may be a better fit for you if you’d rather pay more money for a smoother commute. Austin also has a plethora of top-notch food and entertainment options. So, make your decision and start packing for your interstate relocation asap!