By Storrie Ferrell, Vice President | Director of Relocation | Director at DFW Apartment Locators
Dallas-Fort Worth is large — roughly 9,000 square miles — so where you work shapes where you look. This guide organizes the decision; our relocation team handles the rest.
Start with the commute
Identify the office or campus first. Downtown and Uptown employers point toward [Uptown](/communities/uptown-dallas), Turtle Creek, the Park Cities and [Lakewood](/communities/lakewood). Legacy West and the Plano/Frisco corporate corridor point toward [Plano](/communities/plano) and [Frisco](/communities/frisco). DFW Airport and Westlake employers point toward [Southlake](/communities/southlake) and the mid-cities.
Choose a housing type
High-rise or townhome for lock-and-leave living; single-family on a standard lot in established neighborhoods; or newer construction on larger lots in the northern suburbs. Each is covered in our [community guides](/communities).
Lease first or buy now
Many relocating households lease for six to twelve months before buying. Our [leasing agents](/lease) handle luxury rentals, and the same agent can continue as your [buyer's agent](/buy) when you are ready.
Timeline
Allow one scouting trip to shortlist two or three areas, then a focused tour of homes. Written buyer representation is required before touring homes in Texas; your agent will explain the agreement, and compensation terms are negotiable.
Practical items
Texas has no state income tax but higher property taxes than many states; homestead exemptions apply to a primary residence. Public school attendance zones are set by each district — verify any boundary directly with the district rather than relying on listings.
