Relocating from California to Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth New Construction Guide

Your Guide to Relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth

Why Texas? Schedule Tour Best Areas Contact Agent

Beautiful new construction neighborhood in Frisco Texas

Why Families Are Choosing Dallas-Fort Worth

Families from across the country are relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth for booming job opportunities, NO state income tax, exceptional real estate value, top-rated schools, and the Texas lifestyle. Discover why North DFW's new construction communities are perfect for your fresh start in the Lone Star State.

8 Reasons Families Love Dallas-Fort Worth

Discover why Dallas-Fort Worth is one of America's fastest-growing metros and a top relocation destination.

Happy family moving into new home in Dallas-Fort Worth Texas

💰 Your Money Goes 30-50% Further

A $600,000 home in California or the Northeast might get you 1,200 sq ft and outdated fixtures. That same budget buys a brand new 2,800+ sq ft Texas-sized home in North DFW with modern finishes, a spacious yard, and resort-style community amenities.

📊 NO State Income Tax

Texas has ZERO state income tax—one of only a few states with this advantage. For California families paying up to 13.3% state tax, this can mean $10,000-$75,000+ saved annually. That's real money back in your pocket every single year.

🏡 Brand New Everything

North DFW's massive new construction boom means you're buying a 2024-2025 home with modern floor plans, energy efficiency, smart-home technology, and builder warranties—not someone's 1970s renovation project.

🏊 Master-Planned Communities

DFW's master-planned communities offer pools, splash pads, fitness centers, parks, trails, and community events—amenities that would cost hundreds extra monthly in California HOAs.

North DFW community amenity center with resort-style pool

📏 More Space for Your Family

California families are shocked by Texas-sized space. Three-car garages, 5-bedroom homes, covered patios, and RV parking are standard features here—luxuries that are rare and expensive in California.

🏷️ Lower Property Taxes

While Texas funds schools through property tax, the combination of NO state income tax plus lower home prices means most families still save thousands annually compared to high-tax states—especially with homestead exemptions.

💼 Business-Friendly Environment

Texas welcomes businesses with NO state income tax, less regulation, and business-friendly policies. Remote workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners enjoy more financial freedom and explosive growth opportunities in DFW.

☀️ Quality of Life Upgrade

Trade expensive coastal living for Texas-sized quality of life. North DFW offers shorter commutes, excellent schools, family-friendly communities, four seasons, and lower stress—all while living in a spacious brand new home.

Texas family enjoying outdoor lifestyle in North DFW master-planned community

Best Dallas / Fort Worth Areas for Relocating Families

Different DFW markets appeal to different family needs. Here's where most California transplants land—and why these communities are perfect for your fresh start in Texas.

🏙️ Frisco & Prosper

The gold standard for family living with top-rated schools and master-planned communities.

Frisco ISD & Prosper ISD: Consistently ranked among Texas' best school districts
Master-planned communities: Phillips Creek Ranch, Light Farms, Richwoods
Amenities: PGA golf, resort pools, fitness centers, parks, trails
Corporate presence: Major headquarters (Toyota, Liberty Mutual)
Why relocators love it: Excellent schools, family focus, new construction

Best Value & Growth

🚀 Celina & Anna

The fastest-growing areas in DFW with brand-new construction, master-planned communities, and unbeatable value.

Celina: Explosive growth with massive master-planned developments (Mustang Lakes, Light Farms)
Anna: Small-town charm meets new construction boom, excellent schools
Price range: $400K-$650K for large, brand-new homes
Why relocators love it: Best bang-for-buck, massive growth potential, new everything

Best for Families

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 McKinney & Allen

Established excellence with top-rated schools, strong communities, and proven resale value.

McKinney: Historic downtown charm with excellent schools, family-focused communities
Allen: Allen ISD (consistently top 10 in Texas), Stonebridge Ranch, mature neighborhoods
Craig Ranch (McKinney): Premier master-planned community with resort amenities
Why relocators love it: Proven schools, strong resale, family-friendly, great amenities

Luxury Living

💎 Plano West & The Colony

Upscale areas with premium amenities, lakefront living, and California-style sophistication.

Plano West: Legacy West mixed-use development, upscale shopping/dining, corporate HQs
The Colony: Lakefront lifestyle on Lake Lewisville, resort communities, water sports
Plano ISD: Nationally recognized schools, strong academics and sports programs
Why relocators love it: Sophisticated lifestyle, lake access, urban amenities, prestige

Fort Worth Side

🤠 Keller & Trophy Club

West DFW excellence with top schools, established neighborhoods, and authentic Texas charm.

Keller: Keller ISD (one of Texas' best), family-focused, strong community pride
Trophy Club: Exclusive master-planned community with country club lifestyle
Southlake (nearby): Ultra-luxury option with Carroll ISD (top 5 in Texas)
Why relocators love it: Best schools in Texas, less traffic than Dallas side, Texas feel

California vs. Texas Cost Comparison

See exactly how much you can save by relocating to Texas.

Category	California	Texas	Savings
Median Home Price (New)	$700,000 - $900,000+	$400,000 - $550,000	30-40% lower
State Income Tax	1% - 13.3%	0% (No income tax!)	$10,000-$100,000+/year
Property Tax Rate	~0.76%	~1.7%-2.0%	Higher rate, offset by no income tax
Gas Prices	$4.50-$6.00+/gallon	$3.00-$4.00/gallon	$1,200-$2,000+/year
Typical Home Size	1,500-2,000 sq ft	2,500-3,500+ sq ft	50-75% more space
Overall Cost of Living	140-160 (index)	105-110 (index)	30-40% lower

The CA-to-TX Relocation Process

Relocating from California to Texas while buying new construction requires careful coordination. Here's how to do it smoothly.

Step 1

Research & Virtual Tours

Start by researching Dallas-Fort Worth markets online and scheduling virtual tours of new construction communities. Your agent can provide live video tours, FaceTime walk-throughs, and detailed neighborhood information.

Step 2

Get Pre-Approved

Work with a Texas lender who understands California-to-Texas relocations and can factor in your California home sale proceeds. Get pre-approved so builders take you seriously.

Step 3

Schedule House-Hunting Trip

Plan a focused 2-3 day trip to Dallas-Fort Worth to tour communities, meet builders, and experience neighborhoods firsthand. Your agent pre-schedules tours to maximize your time.

Step 4

Choose Your Home

Select your new Texas home and sign the builder contract. Your agent ensures proper contingencies, protects your interests, and allows adequate time for your relocation timeline.

Step 5

Sell Your California Home

Work with your California agent to list and sell. Many buyers time their Texas new construction purchase (4-6 month build time) to align with their California sale timeline.

Step 6

Monitor Construction

Visit Dallas-Fort Worth periodically during construction for key walk-throughs and design center appointments. Your agent monitors construction progress and keeps you updated.

Step 7

Close & Move to Texas

Complete your final walk-through and attend closing. Then coordinate your California-to-Texas move with professional movers experienced in cross-state relocations.

Why You Need a CA-to-TX Specialist

Relocating across state lines while buying new construction requires specialized expertise.

⚠️ Never Visit Builders Without Your Agent!

Critical: If you visit Texas new construction communities without your agent and register with builder sales teams, you may permanently lose the right to have representation. Builders require you to register your agent on your first visit. Always bring your buyer's agent to your first builder visit to ensure proper representation throughout your purchase.