If you have been considering a relocation to the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, you can cut down on living costs by opting to reside in one the first-class suburb towns located around the two major cities. The area is comprised of dozens of small suburbs and towns, each with its own unique personality and individual amenities. Although each town runs into the next along the populated metro, you will find that each community has its own Texas-sized personality.
This week we took a look at the top four Dallas/Fort Worth suburbs for affordable rent. To make our list, each community was required to provide average one bedroom rent prices under $1,000, livability scores above 70, and convenient access to at least one of the two major cities. With booming economies, thriving communities, and lower living costs than most of the nation, the Dallas/Fort Worth area might be the perfect place for your next move.
Starting at position four and working our way down to TurboTenant’s top pick for the best DFW suburb for affordable rent, check out the novel amenities of each community.
Best Commutable City: Dallas
#4: Grapevine
- Livability Score: 84
- Average 1 bedroom rental prices: $944
- Average 2 bedroom rental prices: $1,253
Best Commutable City: Dallas
Located between Fort Worth and Dallas, this northern town is situated adjacent to Grapevine Lake and borders the DFW International Airport. With an extremely convenient location, Grapevine makes landing a job in either Dallas or Fort Worth feasible. Traveling out of state or even out of the country only requires a quick trip to the airport.
Grapevine provides residents with a small-town charm, access to an array of world-class amenities and stunning outdoor activities. Take a walk down the main street of Historic Downtown Grapevine and you will be transported to a collection of art galleries, local shops, and charming restaurants. For wine lovers, Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail and GrapeFest are worthwhile experiences.
Not only does Grapevine boast a charming centralized downtown, it is also the mecca of shopping and attractions in the northern DFW area. From the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark to the Gaylord Texan Resort, there is no shortage of high-end and stunning lodging choices in the area. The local Grapevine Mills Mall, over 1,6000,000 square feet, offers not only hundreds of places to shop but also hosts unique attractions such as the Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium and the renowned Legoland Discovery Center.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the town’s location along the banks of Grapevine Lake will provide an unlimited supply of outdoor activities. This 8,000-acre lake is the perfect in-town getaway with hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and more all available within the town’s limits.
TurboTip: If you are thinking of relocating to Grapevine, you will find a varied choice of single-family homes and upscale apartments for rent. With low costs of living and high median household incomes, even a single person can afford a one-bedroom luxury apartment for under $1,000 a month. For those seeking a strong economy with a low cost of living, Grapevine is a sure win.
#3: Hurst
- Livability Score: 76
- Average 1 bedroom rental prices: $779
- Average 2 bedroom rental prices: $1,007
Best Commutable City: Dallas or Fort Worth
Dead in the center of the metroplex, Hurst is an affordable option for renters with easy access to almost any location in the DFW metro area. With low crime rates and a family-centered community, this suburb is perfect for those looking to raise a family. The low rent prices in this suburb make it affordable for anyone from a single person to a family in need of a four bedroom to find a place to live.
Highlights of the local area include access to the NRH20 Family Water Park and an array of first-class shopping at the North East Mall. Food options abound with restaurants catering to every palate. For a local cup of Joe, head to the community-centric cafe Roots Coffeehouse. Those looking to further their education will enjoy the close proximity to the Northeast Campus of Tarrant County College.
Hurst is part of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford community (HEB). These three suburbs focus on economic development and shared resources, including the HEB Independent School District (HEB ISD). For those looking to raise families, the location of the HEB ISD is a huge draw as the district ranks in the top 10 percent of school systems nationwide.
TurboTips: True to the DFW market, the economy in Hurst continues to thrive. For those in administrative or sales careers, Hurst is an excellent market. The good news is that due to the centralized location of Hurst, landing a job in Dallas or Fort Worth is a feasible option.
#2: Arlington
- Livability Score: 74
- Average 1 bedroom rental prices: $749
- Average 2 bedroom rental prices: $910
Best Commutable City: Fort Worth
For those who love sports, Arlington is the suburban town of choice. Home to the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium and the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park, Arlington has no shortage of activities the whole family will enjoy. Nearby attractions also include the original Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, and the International Bowling Campus.
Beyond being the home of world-renowned attractions, Arlington is also a Texas city with diversity, culture, and a focus on the arts. Take a walk around the 1,300 acres of River Legacy Park for a beautiful view of Texas nature. Craft beer drinkers can stop in for a pint at local breweries, such as Division Brewing and Legal Draft Beer Co.
Home to the University of Texas at Arlington, this town provides excellent education and vocation options. With a job growth rate of 5.2 percent, Arlington gives residents access to both the local job market and the nearby job market of Fort Worth. With two bedroom rental averages under $1,000, it is hard to beat the cost of living in Arlington.
TurboTip: Healthcare and education are a big sector of employment in Arlington. When it comes to choosing where to rent, opt for a location that will be convenient for your work commute as traffic can quickly become congested due to the centralized location of Arlington along many of the major thoroughfares of the DFW metro.
#1: Mesquite
- Livability Score: 73
- Average 1 bedroom rental prices: $726
- Average 2 bedroom rental prices: $935
Best Commutable City: Dallas
If you are looking for a little more of that country Texas feel, Mesquite might be the perfect suburb for you. This DFW suburb takes top place on our list as the number one DFW suburb for affordable rent. With one bedroom rentals averaging under $800 a month and two bedrooms under $1,000, Mesquite offers a lifestyle you can afford on a budget without sacrificing a quality of living.
With their slogan of “Real. Texas. Flavor.”, this suburb located east of Dallas strives to create a community built upon the values of Texas. Currently, the city has a population of 144,788 with continued growth every year. Host to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, this town is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a laid-back, family oriented life. Families will also enjoy the renowned Devil’s Bowl Speedway, home to action-packed race-car competitions. For those who enjoy the arts, this small town provides access to some of the best culture around. The Mesquite Arts Center is home to a symphony, theater programs, and youth activities.
Not only does Mesquite offer a plethora of activities, this DFW city also provides unprecedented levels of safety and quality living. The following statistics demonstrate the upward trend Mesquite, Texas, is currently on:
- The local Police Department reported the lowest crime rates in 30 years
- The community remains an ISO 1 for low insurance rates for homeowners
- The city boasts 76 parks, 5 recreation centers, 3 senior centers and 13 miles of walking/biking trails
Families will also be pleased by the premium level of education offered in Mesquite. The education is the best you will find in DFW. The town has seen a 107 percent increase in students passing Advanced Placement Exams. Almost 400 Industry Certificate and Licenses were earned last year, translating into immediate job placement. For those looking to further their education on a budget, the presence of Eastfield College will prove beneficial. This thriving college boasts 15,000+ students with a 92 percent transfer to higher education or immediate employment.
The close proximity to cosmopolitan Dallas means access to world-class amenities is only a short drive away. For those seeking time in nature, Lake Ray Hubbard is the perfect day trip. Visit Rockwall Harbor to enjoy live music, shopping, dining, and beautiful Texas sunsets. When looking for work, tap into the booming job market in Dallas.
With a low cost of living but a high level of quality of life, Mesquite is a true Texas prize for those who choose to call it home.
TurboTip: If you are a landlord considering purchasing a property in Mesquite, the number of renters is actually growing in the area. With only 58.8% of homes occupied by their owners, Mesquite has a higher number of renters than the national average.
** Livability scores based upon AreaVibes data set