Living in Dallas-Fort Worth
10 Cons of Living in Dallas-Fort Worth
10 Cons of Living in Dallas-Fort Worth
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"Is the glass half empty or half full?"
As you well know this is a proverbial phrase, used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for pessimism (half empty) or optimism (half full), or as a litmus test to simply determine an individual's worldview. In regards to deciding whether to and where to live, work, and play in Dallas-Fort Worth there are definitely pros and cons to moving to and living here, and your worldview will have an impact on your ultimate choice.
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Those of us who have lived in Dallas-Fort Worth, 30+ years for us, discuss them daily, often in jest, and other times in debates about the need for change or acceptance of the way things are in Texas.
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#1 The Weather
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While we think Dallas-Fort Worth has great weather, and it should be a pro, we will list it as a con as many people will find the heat and mosquitoes that come along with it, unpredictable winter day temperature changes, not very often threat of tornadoes and hail storms, and ice storms, unbearable! The summers are hot and muggy, the winters are cold and windy, and we have our share of partly cloudy days. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 39°F to 96°F and is rarely below 26°F or above 102°F.
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National Weather Service - Dallas-Fort Worth
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#2 Traffic & Construction
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Yes, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has traffic and lots, and lots, of road construction, and the dreaded orange cones and lane closure signs. Morning and evening drive times are challenging, and it is always best to have the local radio station tuned into the local traffic updates.
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For interactive traffic maps and conditions, check out Spectrum Local News, Dallas - Local Conditions.com, Fort Worth - Local Conditions.com, Dallas TXDOT, and Fort Worth TXDOT.
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#3 Property Taxes, MUDs, PIDs, PUDs, TIFs
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Texas has no state property tax. The Texas Comptroller's office does not collect property tax or set tax rates. That is up to local taxing units, which use tax revenue to provide local services including schools, streets and roads, police and fire protection and many others. The tax consists of two parts; a base amount, against which the tax is imposed; and a rate, a percentage that determines the amount of tax due. More than 4,796 local governments in Texas — school districts, cities, counties and various special districts — assess property tax to fund local public serviceBecause there is no state tax in Texas, property taxes and sales taxes are the funding mechanisms for all of these entities. Texas property taxes are high! The governor and legislature are working on legislation to reduce the property tax burden on Texas homeowners.
But wait, there is more!
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MUDs
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MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) finance the construction of public infrastructure that does not yet exist, typically utility facilities and roadways. Over time, developers within a MUD can be reimbursed for water, sewer, drainage and sometimes road infrastructure through property taxes. The purpose of a MUD is to provide a developer an alternative way to finance infrastructure. Homeowners in a MUD receive a monthly bill from the MUD for water and sewer usage as well as an annual tax bill. This MUD tax will be in lieu of a city tax. MUD taxes are a deductible property tax. The MUD is a political entity that can levy taxes overseen by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. There are over 900 MUDs in the state of Texas, approximately 65% of those are in the Houston area.
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PIDs
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PIDs (Public Improvement Districts) can be used for the same purposes as a MUD (i.e. water, sewage and infrastructure) however PIDs can also be used for sidewalks, roadways, landscaping, parks and recreation, public safety/security, parking facilities, affordable housing, etc. PIDs are utilized to make these improvements authorized by Chapter 372 of the Local Government Code. Unlike a MUD, a PID is not a political entity. Some developments use a PID instead of a HOA since PID assessments are tax deductible. Unlike tax rates for MUDs, these assessments are fixed once the bonds are sold.
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PIDs are funded through bonds secured by liens against the property. Bonds are issued based on the property’s appraised value. Once issued, bonds are paid back through the collection of special assessment taxes. This assessment is in addition to property taxes. These special assessment taxes are only levied for a set number of years established by the PID’s service plan which is a minimum of five years. It is important to note that a public hearing must be held before a PID can issue bonds.
PID or PUD?
Although the acronyms are often used interchangeably, PIDs and PUDs are not the same thing. In addition, they are often confused with HOAs. Here is the difference:
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A PID is an entity created by a city or county. A PUD (Public Utility District) is created by the community and operated under an elected board which may seem similar to a HOA, however it exists solely to provide electricity, water sewer and telecommunications. Although PUDs are controlled by the homeowners, they operate independently from the HOA.
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TIFs
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TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is a public financing method used to subsidize community improvements such as new public utility facilities and area improvements. TIF is authorized at the state level and administered by local governments. TIF is intended for local government to designate areas or redevelopment to encourage economic development to create jobs and to increase the tax base. Both TIFs and PIDs are components of a city and governed by a city council.
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Bottom Line on taxes...
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Be sure to speak to a knowledgeable real estate professional who should know the tax information for a property that reflects special tax circumstances for the individual property and neighborhood.
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#4 Allergies | Climate
All three are complex and some would say cons about living in Dallas-Fort orth. Here are several good sources for what you need to know about these topics and more when considering Dallas-Fort Worth as your home.
Common seasonal allergies in North Texas
February to June: Tree pollen
March to September: Grass pollen
Year-round, but peaking in July through late summer: Mold
August to November: Ragweed
December to February: Mountain cedar pollen
Fox 4 Weather & Your Health - DFW Allergies
Pollen Count in Dallas-Fort Worth – Pollen Pal - Kleenex
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
National Weather Service – Dallas-Fort Worth Climatology
#5 Not Very Walkable
If you are thinking about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth or are already here, note you will probably need your own transportation. Car is the best way to get around the metroplex. Public transportation is available, however not everywhere and were it is requires switching, waiting, and walking.
Moovit offers insights into available public transportation in Dallas-Fort Worth.
North Texas Daily offers insights into DFW and the transportation system plaguing it.
Here is a UT Arlington Report to the NCTCOG (North Central Texas Council of Governments. Climate Change/Extreme Weather Vulnerability and Risk for Dallas-Fort Worth.
#6 Tolls, Tolls, Tolls
Tolls are a problem in Dallas-Fort Worth if you commute or drive a lot. And, the access roads tend to be crowded, especially during rush hours.
Planning to live in Dallas-Fort Worth or already here, you will want to understand the dynamics of life with toll roads in Dallas-Fort Worth.
TollGuru offers a guide to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Toll Roads in Texas.
CHECKOUT DFW offers a good Q&A on toll roads in Texas.
#7 Traveling in and around and out of and into Texas
There are pros and cons to traveling into and around Dallas-Fort Worth and out of Dallas-Fort Worth. We have already talked about traffic and construction and weather. One of the biggest challenges though is distance and time.
There are many destinations in and around Dallas-Fort Worth and all over Texas and surrounding states. One of your biggest challenges will be drivetime if you are driving. Dallas-Fort Worth is big! Texas is big!
Plan to spend a lot of your time travelling when visiting, and even more if you are planning to live, work, and play in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Check out JETSET Christina for The Ultimate Dallas/Fort-Worth Travel Guide.
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Flightview.com Flight Tracker - Dallas-Fort Worth
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#8 Utilities
Electric Service is Deregulated!
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Electric service in Dallas-Fort Worth changed dramatically in January of 2002 when electricity was deregulated. This can be good or bad, depending upon the contract and the rates and the terms. Make sure you check them out and compare all the offerings and understand your commitment before signing anything.
For most of the area this means that residents have a choice when it comes to who provides their electricity. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has a website at www.powertochoose.org to help you find the options available in your zip code. You will find a list of participating retail companies and the plans they offer. Find the same information by calling 866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839).
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It is confusing and complex to say the least as not all areas of Dallas-Fort Worth offer retail electric choice. The city of Garland and other municipal utilities provide only one source. Electric cooperatives such as COSERV which serves parts of Denton Collin and Tarrant counties don’t offer competitive electric plans either. Instead, electric rates are set by the cities or cooperatives.
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Regardless of who provides your electricity you will need to supply some basic information when you call for set-up including your previous address and electric provider new address and phone number place of employment driver license number and Social Security number. You may also need to provide a letter of credit from your previous electric company.
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Most companies require a non-refundable set-up fee and a refundable deposit. Most deposits and fees are billed on your first statement. Be sure to call at least 2-3 business days before your move-in date to ensure that service is activated in time.
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Phone / Internet / Cable is Confusing!
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Depending upon where you choose to live in Dallas-Fort Worth, these services are different. Some areas don’t offer choices, others offer some choices, and still others offer most all of the services. Confusing? Be sure to ask your real estate professional to help you understand the complex and confusing services and providers in areas around Dallas-Fort Worth.
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There are many choices, each with its own pros and cons. Be sure to check them out and read their reviews.
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#9 Bugs & Mosquitoes
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Dallas-Fort Worth summers are hot and muggy and winters don't get too cold. That means the area is a perfect environment for bugs and mosquitoes. In fact, Dallas-Fort Worth is the 5th worst city in the country for bugs and for mosquitoes according to HouseBeautiful.
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These Are the Top 10 Most Bug-Filled Cities in the United States
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What To Know About Mosquitoes In The Dallas-Fort Worth Area – Bug Busters
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#10 Natural Disasters
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The warmer temperatures in Dallas-Fort Worth increase the likelihood of sever weather. Large storms and hail occur suddenly, straight-line winds and and tornadoes are not uncommon.
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National Weather Service – Dallas-Fort Worth Climatology
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Natural Disasters in Texas - Infoplease
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National Weather Service - Dallas-Fort Worth
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Bottom Line
For more insights and information on the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, its counties and cities, and what they each have to offer, check out NeighborhoodWired.
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Dallas-Fort Worth is a great place to live, work, and play! However, it is not for everybody. Hopefully we have given you a realistic view of the pros and cons.
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If you didn't find what you were looking for or want more information, contact us! We love to talk about Dallas-Fort Worth, and we can help you make Dallas-Fort Worth your special place to live, work, and play!
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