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Dallas County (small parts in Collin and Rockwall counties) · TX

Pros and Cons of Moving to Garland, TX

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The pros and cons of moving to Garland, TX center on its location northeast of Dallas, its city-owned utility and its older housing. Here is a balanced look at what works well and what takes planning.

Pro: Can you ride the train from Garland?

Yes. Garland is a DART member city, and the Blue Line stops at Downtown Garland and Forest/Jupiter with service into downtown Dallas.

Pro: How does city-owned electricity help?

Garland Power & Light has served the city since 1923 and serves about 85% of residents. If GP&L serves your address, you skip shopping for retail electric plans.

Pro: Is there a real downtown in Garland?

Downtown Garland's square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. The Granville Arts Center and the Plaza Theatre stage performances nearby.

Pro: What recreation is close to Garland?

Lake Ray Hubbard lines the city's eastern side. Garland also has Firewheel Town Center, the seasonal Hawaiian Falls water park, and city parks with trails, a dog park and disc golf.

Pro: Are there many kinds of homes in Garland?

Garland is mostly built out, so it offers homes from many decades, from older houses on large lots to newer HOA subdivisions in the north.

Con: How high are Garland's property taxes?

For a Dallas County home in Garland ISD, 2025 rates add up to about $2.39 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions. Texas has no state income tax, but property tax is a major monthly cost.

Con: Does school choice add steps?

Garland ISD uses districtwide choice with a lottery, so an address does not guarantee a campus. You need to track application windows, and some edge addresses are in other districts.

Con: Do older homes need more work?

Many homes are decades old, so expect to budget for sewer lines, foundations, wiring, windows or roofs. A thorough inspection matters here.

Con: Are commutes longer from Garland?

The Census puts the average commute at 29.7 minutes. I-30 and I-635 get busy, and the President George Bush Turnpike charges tolls.

Con: What weather risks come with North Texas?

Spring hail, severe storms and occasional tornadoes are part of life here, along with rare but serious freezes. Roof age and your wind and hail deductible deserve attention.

Weigh these points with the Garland cost of living and the Garland relocation guide. Then talk with Mariela about a search at the pace you prefer.

Common questions

What are the pros of living in Garland, TX?

Garland has DART Blue Line stations, a city-owned electric utility that serves about 85% of residents, a historic downtown square and Lake Ray Hubbard on its eastern edge. It also offers homes from many decades.

What are the cons of living in Garland, TX?

Property taxes are a major cost, Garland ISD's choice process adds steps, and many homes need updates. The Census puts the average commute at 29.7 minutes, and North Texas storms make roof condition important.

Is Garland a good place to live?

That depends on your commute, budget and the home you want. Garland suits buyers who value rail access and a range of home ages and who are ready to plan for school choice. For crime information, contact the local police department or check its public data portal.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Garland city, Texas (with Arlington, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville), U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Dallas Central Appraisal District (homestead filing, property search, uFILE protest), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Garland Power & Light: Home and About Us, City of Garland / Garland Power & Light (read 2026-09-24)
  9. New Resident Info, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  10. School Choice & Magnet Application Guide, Garland Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Garland ISD home page, Garland Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Garland, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Sanitation, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Parks & Recreation, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Downtown Garland, City of Garland Downtown Development Office (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Firewheel Town Center, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Lake Ray Hubbard, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  19. 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rates for Dallas County (revised November 5, 2025), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  21. City Sales and Use Tax Rates, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Texas is open for small business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Valuing Property (10 percent homestead appraisal limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  24. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  25. A–F Accountability, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures, Texas Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  27. What to know about deductibles, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  28. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Swimming Pool / Hot Tub / Spa, City of Garland Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Building Inspection, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  31. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  32. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.