Thinking about a move to the Dallas–Fort Worth area and wondering where to start? Relocating is a big step, especially when you are choosing a new home base in a large, fast-growing county like Tarrant. You want clear steps, local know-how, and zero guesswork. This guide walks you through a simple, practical plan tailored to Tarrant County so you can land smoothly, set up quickly, and feel at home faster. Let’s dive in.
Why Tarrant County works for many movers
Tarrant County sits at the heart of the DFW Metroplex and is home to more than 2 million residents. The local economy is diverse, with strong aviation and aerospace, healthcare, education, logistics, manufacturing, and professional services. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport serves as a major hub, which makes work travel and visiting family straightforward.
Texas has no state personal income tax, which can help your long-term budget. Keep in mind that property taxes carry more weight here, and you will see annual appraisals. The combined state and local sales tax can reach up to 8.25 percent in many areas of Texas, so plan purchases accordingly.
Your step-by-step relocation plan
8–12 weeks before your move
- Define your priorities. List commute needs, housing type and price range, school preferences, and amenities that fit your lifestyle.
- Map commute options and test drive times during peak hours for realistic expectations.
- Build a moving budget. Include deposits, movers, travel, temporary lodging, closing costs if buying, or rent and security deposit if renting, plus utility setup and pet transport.
- If buying, get pre-approved and start house-hunting with a local agent. Review property tax history and recent appraisal notices for homes you like.
- If renting, compare lease terms, pet policies, HOA rules, and what utilities are included.
4–6 weeks before your move
- Book a moving company. Get written estimates and verify licensing and insurance.
- If buying, schedule inspections. Common inspections in Texas include general home, HVAC, termite, sewer scope, and roof.
- Begin transferring records. Request school records, medical and dental files, and pet vaccination records.
2 weeks before your move
- Line up utilities and services.
- Electricity. Many addresses are in a deregulated market, which means you can choose a retail electric provider. Verify by address.
- Water, sewer, and trash. Usually city or utility district. Set your start date.
- Internet and TV. Book install appointments early since schedules can fill up.
- Prepare for Texas driver’s license and vehicle registration requirements. Check state and county guidance so you know what documents you need.
- Pack an essentials box with medications, chargers, documents, and basic tools.
1 week out and moving day
- Confirm movers, arrival window, and any parking or elevator needs.
- Do a final walk-through. Note meter readings, collect keys and codes.
- Complete change-of-address with USPS and update employers, banks, insurance, and subscriptions.
- For buyers, coordinate closing and funds with the title company and ensure your final settlement statement is accurate.
First 30–90 days after arrival
- Apply for your homestead exemption with the Tarrant County Appraisal District if the home is your primary residence. Review deadlines and benefits.
- Obtain a Texas driver’s license and register vehicles per state and county requirements.
- Register to vote with the county voter registrar.
- Transfer medical records and choose local providers.
- Enroll children in school. You will typically need proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school records.
- If your property is in an HOA, review the CC&Rs, fee schedule, and contact information.
Choose your Tarrant County neighborhood
Tarrant County offers urban energy in Fort Worth, established suburbs with mature neighborhoods, and newer communities with a range of amenities. Consider how you want to live day to day. Think about yard size and upkeep, HOA rules, distance to parks and shopping, access to hospitals, and your comfort with commute length.
Areas within the county vary widely in price, lot size, and housing style. Fort Worth’s urban districts offer cultural attractions and older homes. Suburbs such as Southlake, Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, Arlington, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, and the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area provide a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments. Check flood risk for any property and confirm the school district that serves the address.
Commute and transit basics
Most residents drive, and freeway access matters. Key routes include I-35W, I-20, I-30, SH 183, and SH 121 and 360. Public transit options include Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, the TEXRail line that connects downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport, and the Trinity Railway Express between Fort Worth and Dallas. DART expands access in parts of the Metroplex, but a car is still common for most daily trips in many suburbs.
Schools and enrollment
School district boundaries follow address, not always city lines. Verify the ISD and campus zoning for your home search. The Texas Education Agency provides accountability information you can review as part of your decision-making. When you enroll, districts typically require proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunizations, and records from your child’s previous school.
Housing types and taxes
Expect variety in housing stock, from historic homes to master-planned communities. Property values are assessed annually by the county appraisal district, and local entities set tax rates. Many homeowners apply for a homestead exemption to reduce taxable value on a primary residence. If you believe your valuation is high, there is a protest process with deadlines to follow.
Renting vs. buying in Tarrant County
Both paths can work well depending on your timeline and goals.
If you rent:
- Read the lease for maintenance responsibilities, early-termination rules, and pet policies.
- Complete a move-in inspection with photos or video.
- Consider renter’s insurance for liability and contents coverage, which many landlords require.
If you buy:
- Work with a local agent to weigh neighborhood trends, property taxes, and HOA costs.
- Plan for inspections and an option period that lets you evaluate the home and negotiate repairs.
- Review flood risk and insurance needs before closing.
Weather, insurance, and safety planning
North Texas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Severe thunderstorms and hail are part of the seasonal pattern, and tornado risk is not zero. Talk with your insurance provider about wind and hail coverage since that can affect rates and deductibles.
Check FEMA flood maps for any property you consider. Flood insurance is separate from homeowner insurance and is required with many loans if a property lies in a high-risk flood zone. Keep a simple emergency kit on hand and sign up for local weather alerts.
Utilities and services setup
- Electricity. Many addresses are in a competitive market. Compare retail electric plans if eligible, or confirm if your city uses a municipal electric utility.
- Water, sewer, and trash. Typically city or special district. Ask about deposit amounts and service start dates.
- Natural gas. Providers vary by area, and service may require an in-home appointment.
- Internet and telecommunications. Fiber and cable coverage can vary block by block. Book your install window early if you work from home.
Healthcare and employment essentials
Major hospital networks serve Tarrant County, including large regional systems and specialty centers. Choose providers within your health plan network once you have settled on a neighborhood. The job market is broad, with strengths in aviation and aerospace, healthcare, education, logistics, manufacturing, and professional services. Regional workforce programs can support job search and training if you are switching roles.
How Lake & Country Realty supports your move
When you relocate to North Texas, you deserve a team that combines local insight with hands-on service. Lake & Country Realty is a boutique brokerage with deep roots in nearby markets. You get buyer representation, relocation assistance, and high-quality marketing assets that make remote touring and decision-making easier.
If your goals include lifestyle properties, the team’s experience with lakefront, ranch, acreage, and upscale homes helps you focus fast on the right fit. You can expect responsive guidance on HOA rules, taxes and exemptions, land use questions, and introductions to trusted local service providers. From first tours to closing and move-in, you have a steady partner at every step.
Ready to make your move with confidence? Talk to a Lake & Ranch Specialist at Unknown Company.
FAQs
What should I know about Tarrant County cost of living?
- Texas has no state personal income tax, sales tax can reach up to 8.25 percent in many localities, and property taxes are a key budget item due to annual appraisals.
Do I need a car in Tarrant County?
- Many residents drive for daily travel; transit options exist through Trinity Metro, TEXRail, and TRE, but a car remains common in most suburbs.
How do property taxes and homestead exemptions work?
- The county appraisal district assesses value annually and local entities set rates; a homestead exemption can reduce taxable value on a primary residence and has filing rules and deadlines.
How do I enroll my child in a Tarrant County ISD?
- Confirm the ISD and campus by address, then provide proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records per district requirements.
What weather and insurance issues should I plan for?
- Expect severe thunderstorms and hail, with some tornado risk; review wind and hail coverage and check FEMA flood maps to assess whether flood insurance is recommended or required.
What paperwork should I handle first after moving?
- Complete USPS change-of-address, apply for homestead exemption if eligible, update insurance and banking, register to vote, and follow state rules for driver’s license and vehicle registration.
