Moving to Arlington
Arlington, Texas, is one of the most exciting cities in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. With a population of nearly 400,000, it’s the seventh-largest city in Texas and a hub for sports, entertainment, and suburban living. Known worldwide for being home to the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field, Arlington combines a love for sports with family-friendly neighborhoods, major universities, and a strong local economy.
Moving to Arlington means enjoying the benefits of a central location between Dallas and Fort Worth. It provides easy access to the entire metroplex while maintaining its own unique identity. Families appreciate its affordable housing compared to Dallas, while professionals are drawn to its job opportunities in education, healthcare, and logistics.
However, Arlington has challenges: traffic congestion, car dependency, and fewer cultural amenities compared to Dallas or Fort Worth. But for many newcomers, Arlington provides the perfect balance of affordability, suburban comfort, and access to big-city opportunities.
Why More People Are Moving from Other States to Arlington
Arlington attracts newcomers for several reasons. The first is affordability. Compared to Dallas or Austin, housing costs in Arlington are more manageable, allowing families to purchase homes without stretching their budgets. This makes it particularly appealing for people relocating from expensive states like California or New York.
Location is another strong factor. Arlington sits in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, giving residents access to one of the largest job markets in the U.S. It’s a short drive to downtown Dallas or Fort Worth, while DFW International Airport connects residents to the world.
Lifestyle is another draw. Arlington has branded itself as an “Entertainment Capital of Texas,” thanks to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Six Flags Over Texas. Residents enjoy world-class sports and attractions without leaving their city.
Finally, Arlington’s diversity and community spirit make it welcoming. With strong Hispanic, African American, and Asian populations, the city celebrates multiculturalism through festivals, food, and community events. For newcomers, Arlington provides both opportunity and a sense of belonging.
Pros of Living in Arlington
Affordability is the top advantage. Arlington offers lower housing costs than Dallas or Fort Worth, making homeownership more attainable.
Another benefit is location. Being situated between Dallas and Fort Worth allows residents to access both cities’ job markets, culture, and amenities while living in a more affordable, suburban setting.
Sports and entertainment are also major pros. Residents can attend Cowboys and Rangers games, concerts at AT&T Stadium, and roller coasters at Six Flags — all within their city.
Arlington is also family-friendly. The city has parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented events, making it attractive to parents raising children.
Finally, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) adds to the city’s vibrancy. With more than 40,000 students, it provides educational opportunities, research innovation, and cultural activities that enrich the community.
Ready to get moved? Get a FREE quote now
Cons of Living in Arlington
The most obvious drawback is traffic. With major stadiums and amusement parks, game days and weekends often bring congestion. Daily commuting on I-30 and I-20 can also be frustrating.
Car dependency is another issue. Arlington lacks a comprehensive public transportation system. While buses cover some areas, most residents need a car to get around.
Cultural amenities are fewer compared to Dallas or Fort Worth. While Arlington has entertainment options, it doesn’t match the arts, dining, or nightlife scenes of its larger neighbors.
Weather is another challenge. Summers are hot and humid, with frequent days over 100°F. While winters are mild, occasional ice storms can disrupt life.
Finally, Arlington’s identity is sometimes overshadowed by Dallas and Fort Worth. While it has sports and entertainment, some professionals and young people prefer the bigger-city vibes nearby.
What Life is Like in Arlington
Life in Arlington is a mix of suburban comfort and big-event excitement. Families enjoy quiet neighborhoods with access to parks and schools, while weekends often center around sports or entertainment.
Neighborhoods vary in character. North Arlington offers proximity to stadiums and Six Flags, with more apartments and condos. South Arlington has suburban subdivisions, newer schools, and larger family homes. Downtown Arlington is revitalizing, with restaurants, breweries, and cultural venues tied to UTA.
Food culture is diverse, reflecting the city’s population. From Mexican taquerias and barbecue joints to Asian restaurants and craft breweries, Arlington’s dining scene is growing.
Community spirit is strong. Local festivals, sports leagues, and school events create a family-friendly atmosphere. Residents also take pride in their connection to major teams, with game days often feeling like citywide celebrations.
For families, students, and professionals, Arlington provides a lifestyle that balances suburban living with access to some of Texas’s biggest attractions.
Living Costs in Arlington
Arlington is more affordable than Dallas or Austin, though costs are slightly higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest advantage.
| Category | Arlington | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent per Month) | $1,500 | $1,570 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $330 | $330 |
| Transportation | $160 | $140 |
| Healthcare | $420 | $440 |
Salaries in Arlington are competitive, especially in education, healthcare, and logistics. Many professionals commute to Dallas or Fort Worth for higher-paying jobs while enjoying Arlington’s lower housing costs.
Ready to get moved? Get a FREE quote now
Schools and Education in Arlington
Arlington is served by Arlington Independent School District (AISD), which educates over 55,000 students. The district includes magnet and specialty programs in STEM, arts, and dual-language learning. Performance varies by school, with South Arlington often having higher-rated campuses.
Private schools also serve the city, providing additional options for families seeking religious or independent education.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a major asset. With more than 40,000 students, it’s one of the largest universities in Texas. UTA is known for strong programs in engineering, business, and nursing, contributing to the city’s educational and economic strength.
Together, AISD, private schools, and UTA create an educational ecosystem that supports families and students from K-12 through graduate school.
Transportation and Getting Around
Arlington is heavily car-dependent. I-30 and I-20 run east–west through the city, connecting residents to Dallas and Fort Worth. While traffic is manageable most days, it spikes on game days and during rush hours.
Public transportation is limited. Arlington is the largest city in the U.S. without a comprehensive public transit system. VIA Rideshare offers on-demand service, but most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Cycling and walking are possible in downtown and near UTA but less practical in suburban neighborhoods.
For air travel, DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field are both within 25 miles, making air travel convenient.
United Local Movers: Our Services
Relocating to Arlington is easier with movers who know the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. United Local Movers specializes in smooth, professional moves tailored to Texas lifestyles.
We offer full packing, secure storage, and long-distance relocations. Whether moving into a suburban home in South Arlington, an apartment near UTA, or a condo close to AT&T Stadium, our crews have the expertise to manage every detail.
With transparent pricing and customized plans, United Local Movers ensures peace of mind throughout your relocation.
Average Cost to Move to Arlington
Moving costs in Arlington depend on home size and distance but are typically more affordable than relocations in major coastal cities.
| Move Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local Move (1-2 Bedrooms) | $950–$2,000 |
| Cross-Country Move | $3,200–$6,500 |
| Full Packing Services | + $400–$900 |
| Storage Options | $120–$250 per month |
United Local Movers provides clear, upfront estimates so clients know exactly what to expect.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company
When relocating to Arlington, it’s important to choose a mover with experience in Texas relocations. Always check licensing, insurance, and request written estimates.
Customer reviews are valuable in gauging professionalism and reliability. Movers should be transparent about fees and experienced with both apartments and suburban homes.
United Local Movers combines national reach with local expertise, making it the trusted choice for Arlington relocations.
Final Thoughts
Arlington is a city of sports, entertainment, and family-friendly living. While it lacks extensive public transit and can face traffic issues, its affordability, location, and lifestyle make it an attractive option for families, students, and professionals.
For those who want suburban comfort with big-city access and world-class attractions, Arlington delivers. And with United Local Movers, your move to Arlington can be smooth, professional, and stress-free.
