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Dallas County (part in Kaufman County) · TX

Pros and Cons of Moving to Mesquite, TX

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The pros and cons of moving to Mesquite, TX mostly come down to a few things. There is its freeway location east of Dallas, its parks and newer subdivisions, and its limited transit. Here is a balanced look before you decide.

Pro: How good is freeway access from Mesquite?

Four major highways cross Mesquite: I-30, I-635, I-20 and US 80. That puts most of eastern Dallas County within a short freeway drive, and I-30 heads west straight into downtown Dallas.

Pro: How many parks does Mesquite have?

The city runs 76 parks and several recreation centers. It has pools, including the City Lake Aquatic Center and a natatorium. There is also the Mesquite Golf Course and a trail system.

Pro: What arts and events does Mesquite offer?

The 36,700-square-foot Mesquite Arts Center hosts performing and visual arts. The Texas Legislature named Mesquite the Rodeo Capital of Texas. Yearly events include Christmas in the Park and Pumpkinfest.

Pro: Are there both established and new homes?

Yes. Central Mesquite and Town East have established neighborhoods. South and east Mesquite add new construction, including the 1,424-acre Solterra development. That range lets you compare an older home with no HOA against a newer one with an HOA or PID.

Con: Is public transit limited in Mesquite?

Mesquite is not a DART member. STAR Transit's on-demand rides and a weekday shuttle connect to DART, but most daily trips need a car. Budget for a vehicle per driver in your household.

Con: How long are commutes from Mesquite?

The Census puts the average commute at 32.1 minutes, and I-635 and I-30 get heavy at rush hour. Test your route at the time you would really drive.

Con: How high are property taxes?

For a Dallas County home in Mesquite ISD, 2025 rates add up to about $2.35 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions. Newer homes in a PID also pay an assessment.

Con: Do county lines complicate things?

Part of Mesquite is in Kaufman County. That changes your appraisal district, your taxing units and where you file exemptions. Check the county for every address, most of all in newer subdivisions on the east side.

Con: What weather risks should you expect?

North Texas sees spring hail, strong storms and occasional tornadoes, plus rare hard freezes. Roof age and your wind and hail deductible matter.

Weigh these points with the Mesquite cost of living and the Mesquite relocation guide. Then talk with Mariela about a home search that fits your timeline.

Common questions

What are the pros of living in Mesquite, TX?

Mesquite has four major highways, 76 city parks, the Mesquite Arts Center and yearly city events. It has both established neighborhoods and new construction, including the Solterra development.

What are the cons of living in Mesquite, TX?

Mesquite is not a DART member, so most trips need a car. The Census puts the average commute at 32.1 minutes. Property taxes and any PID assessment are big costs, and part of the city is in Kaufman County.

Is Mesquite a good place to live?

That depends on your commute, budget and the home you want. Mesquite suits buyers who drive to work and want freeway access, parks and a choice of older or newer homes. For crime information, contact the local police department or check its public data portal.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Mesquite city, Texas (with Arlington, Garland, 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. Mesquite, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Public Transportation, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Parks & Recreation, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Solid Waste and Recycling, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Residents, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Events & Culture, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Attendance Zones, Mesquite Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Mesquite ISD home page, Mesquite Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  17. 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rates for Dallas County (revised November 5, 2025), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  19. City Sales and Use Tax Rates, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Texas is open for small business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Valuing Property (10 percent homestead appraisal limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  22. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  23. A–F Accountability, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures, Texas Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  25. What to know about deductibles, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  26. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  27. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  28. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Permit Requirements & Information, City of Mesquite Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Swimming Pools Plan Review (handout, revised 06-23-23), City of Mesquite Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Permit Process, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  33. Solterra PID, City of Mesquite (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.