Is Carrollton, TX, a Good Place to Live in 2025?

Carrollton keeps showing up on lists of top suburbs lately and it’s well deserved. While Carrollton is not trying to be the flashiest city in Texas, it nails the basics really well. You get actual yard space, schools that don’t make you panic, and a Korean grocery store that’ll change your cooking game forever.

Plus, when you tell people where you live, they nod approvingly instead of making that face. Want to know if Carrollton is for you? This detailed guide will give you answers as to whether Carrollton is a good place to live.

Is Carrollton, TX, a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Carrollton, Texa,s is a good place to live and the rankings back this up! Carrollton scored an overall A grade from Niche and landed at #28 in Best Dallas-Fort Worth Suburbs. The median household income here hits $100,080 while unemployment stays low at 3.5%.

You’re also looking at a crime rate that’s 25% below the national average. This means you can actually let your kids ride bikes around the neighborhood without constantly checking your security cameras.

There’s also diversity here. Carrollton earned an A+ rating and ranks #17 among Texas’s most diverse suburbs. The Korean community alone has created this super nice food scene that’ll have you planning dinner around H-Mart grocery runs.

What’s the Quality of Life in Carrollton, TX

Carrollton has that rare combination of suburban peace with big-city perks just minutes away. The community stays active with everything from neighborhood watch groups to weekend festivals. Plus, people here just seem genuinely happy to help each other out.

Population and Demographics

About 135,000 people live here and the median age of 37 will tell you everything. This is where young families come to put down roots. Nearly a quarter of residents are under 20, so expect plenty of school zones and soccer practices.

The marriage rate runs higher than average at 51.4%, which usually means more stable neighborhoods and better-funded schools. You’ll find a good mix of young professionals in their twenties and thirties alongside established families who’ve been here for years.

Community Feel and Diversity

The diversity here actually makes daily life more interesting. The Korean community has built this amazing strip along George Bush and Old Denton with authentic restaurants, H-Mart, and shops that transport you straight to Seoul.

Hispanic families add their own flavor with incredible Mexican spots and community celebrations throughout the year. New residents consistently say they felt welcomed within weeks, not months, which says a lot about the people who choose to live here.

Safety and Crime Rates

Carrollton earned a C+ for safety, which sounds average but actually translates to pretty good numbers. Crime rates sit 25% below national averages, with violent crime especially low. Assault happens at less than half the national rate.

Most residents feel comfortable walking around after dark and many neighborhoods have active crime watch programs where neighbors actually know each other’s names. The police department maintains solid community relationships. Response times also stay quick enough that you won’t spend your evening wondering if anyone’s coming.

Why is Carrollton, TX is a Good Place to Live

Why do people actually love living in Carrollton, Texas? Well, Carrollton is simply close to everything without the chaos and price tag that usually comes with it.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

You’ll love how connected you are without feeling trapped in traffic hell. DFW Airport is literally 20 minutes away, which means those work trips don’t start with a 6 AM panic drive across the metroplex.

George Bush Turnpike and Highway 121 will get you anywhere in North Texas and downtown Dallas is only 20 minutes when traffic cooperates. Since there are three DART stations here, you can actually take the train downtown for a night out and not worry about parking or driving home.

When your friends in other suburbs are spending an hour just getting to dinner, you’re already there ordering appetizers.

Cost of Living Benefits

Your money actually goes somewhere in Carrollton. The median home value sits around $369,000, which sounds like a lot until you compare it to other Dallas suburbs where decent houses start at half a million.

Your grocery bill won’t shock you, gas stations don’t require a second mortgage, and you can still afford to eat out occasionally. The tax situation is reasonable, too, especially when you factor in what you’re getting for your money.

When you sell your house fast in Texas, you’re not paying premium prices for a premium location, but you’re definitely not living in the middle of nowhere either.

Family-Friendly Environment

This place was basically designed for families who want their kids to have a normal childhood. The neighborhoods are walkable, parents actually let their kids play outside, and you’ll find yourself knowing your neighbors’ names within a few months.

Community events happen regularly without feeling forced or fake. The parks are well-maintained and the libraries are also pretty cool.

There’s this general feeling that people here actually care about making it a good place to raise kids. Plus, your teenagers won’t be completely bored. There’s enough going on to keep them busy without the sketchy stuff you worry about in bigger cities.

Public Schools and Education in Carrollton

The school situation here won’t keep you up at night. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD earned a solid B+ rating, with several elementary schools hitting 8 or 9 out of 10. Your kids will get a good education without you having to consider private school or moving to an even more expensive district.

The schools actually prepare students well for college and the teachers seem to genuinely care about what they’re doing. You’re not getting the top schools in Texas, but you’re getting schools that work well for most families without the stress and cost of the “top” districts.

Real Estate Market in Carrollton, Texas

The housing market here moves fast, but not extra fast. Houses sell quickly because people want to live here, but you’re not dealing with the madness of places like Plano or Frisco.

You can find starter homes for young families, larger houses for growing families, plus plenty of townhomes and condos if you want less maintenance.

The older homes have character and bigger lots, while newer developments offer modern conveniences. Foundation issues are a thing here like everywhere in North Texas, but most buyers know to get inspections and budget for potential repairs.

Job Market and Economic Opportunities

The job market here is also amazing without being overwhelming. The median household income is $100,000 and unemployment stays low at 3.5%.

You’re close enough to major employment centers in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco that commuting is manageable. The area attracts companies that want to be near the action but not pay downtown prices, so there are good opportunities locally, too.

Many residents work in tech, healthcare, and business services, and the proximity to DFW Airport makes it great for people who travel for work. You’re not going to struggle to find decent employment here.

Things to Do and Entertainment in Carrollton

There’s also enough entertainment in Carrollton if you’re looking for things to do during downtime. You’re also 20 minutes from everything happening in Dallas and Plano, so you get the best of suburban peace with city access.

Parks and Recreation

Carrollton has nice outdoor spaces and you’ll actually want to use them instead of just driving past.

1. Greenbelt Trails: These connect throughout the city and are perfect for morning runs or evening walks without dodging traffic.
2. Sandy Lake Amusement Park: This offers old-school carnival vibes with reasonable prices and plenty of shade.
3. Rosemeade Recreation Center: This features a newly renovated gym, fitness classes, and family programs.
4. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: This one sits right next door with hiking trails, rock climbing, and scenic overlooks.
5. Neighborhood Parks: Multiple locations with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas that actually get used.

Downtown Carrollton and Local Attractions

The historic downtown area has spots that locals genuinely enjoy, not just tourist traps.

1. Historic Downtown Square: This features a gazebo surrounded by American flags, perfect for photos and community events.
2. 3 Nations Brewery: This serves craft beer in a laid-back atmosphere where locals actually hang out.
3. Babes Chicken Dinner House: This is the kind of family restaurant that’s been packing people in for decades.
4. Antique Shops and Boutiques: The shops change inventory regularly, so there’s always something new to find.
5. The Chocolate Walk: During the winter holidays, they turn downtown into a sweet wonderland.

Cultural Diversity and Dining Scene

Carrollton’s food scene rivals much bigger cities.

1. H-Mart Korean Grocery Store: This doubles as entertainment, where you’ll spend hours exploring new ingredients and snacks.
2. 85 Degree Bakery: This bakery offers fresh Korean pastries and bread that disappear by noon.
3. Gen Korean BBQ and Kura Sushi: These represent just the tip of the authentic Asian food iceberg.
4. Koreatown Area: This is found along George Bush and Old Denton Road, feels like a mini Seoul with karaoke, spas, and specialty shops.
5. Mexican and Tex-Mex Spots: These are scattered throughout neighborhoods and serve the kind of authentic food that locals guard like secrets.
6. Community Festivals: Throughout the year, there are celebrations of different cultures with food trucks, live music, and family activities.

Transportation and Commuting

Getting around is surprisingly easy for a suburb. The DART light rail connects you to downtown Dallas and other parts of the metroplex, which means you can actually leave your car at home sometimes.

The major highways don’t turn into parking lots every single day and you can usually get where you need to go without wanting to scream at other drivers.

Toll roads are a thing here, but they’re worth it for the time savings and less stressful drives. Walking and biking work well within neighborhoods and most errands can be handled within a few miles of home. The airport proximity is a huge win if you travel for work or vacation frequently.

Potential Drawbacks of Living in Carrollton

Every place has its issues, that’s for sure. But honestly, these problems are manageable compared to what you’ll deal with in other suburbs.

Traffic and Toll Roads

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: those toll roads will bankrupt you to death if you’re not careful. George Bush Turnpike and Highway 121 are the main ways to get anywhere quickly and they both charge you for the privilege.

You’ll either need to budget for a monthly toll tag or get really good at taking the long way around.

Rush hour traffic isn’t terrible compared to other Dallas suburbs, but the main streets definitely get clogged up when everyone’s trying to get to work or pick up kids. The DART rail helps, but it’s not going to solve all your commute problems.

Foundation Issues and Infrastructure Challenges

Living in North Texas means the clay soil hates your house’s foundation. Carrollton is situated in one of the worst spots for this, according to surveyors, so budget for foundation repairs at some point. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when.

The extreme weather swings from drought to flooding, which makes the soil expand and contract, which means your concrete driveway might crack and your foundation might shift. Most homeowners here just accept it as part of life and plan accordingly. Get a thorough inspection before buying and keep some cash set aside for eventual repairs.

Limited Nightlife and Entertainment Options

If you’re looking for a buzzing nightlife scene, Carrollton might leave you wanting more. Sure, there are some decent restaurants and the downtown area is cute, but you’re not going to find trendy rooftop bars or late-night entertainment venues.

Most of the action shuts down pretty early and your weekend entertainment options lean heavily toward family-friendly activities.

You can only buy beer and wine in Carrollton. If you want the hard stuff, you’ll need to drive to neighboring cities. For serious nightlife, you’ll be heading to Dallas or Addison regularly.

Sell Your Carrollton Property to Cash Buyers

Ready to move on from your Carrollton home? The local real estate market is hot and cash buyers are specifically targeting this area because they recognize what residents already know: Carrollton provides exceptional value in the Dallas metroplex.

Your home in those tree-lined neighborhoods near the Korean district or close to the DART stations has caught the attention of investors who understand this market inside and out.

Cash home buyers in Carrollton know exactly what they’re getting into. They’re aware of the clay soil foundation realities, the premium that comes with being near quality schools, and the diverse dining options.

They won’t balk at the older homes that need updates or get scared off by the typical North Texas foundation settling. These buyers move fast because they know Carrollton properties don’t sit on the market long. This  is especially true for homes near the recreation centers, close to major highways, or in those established neighborhoods where families put down roots.

The process is simple. No waiting for loan approvals, no inspection surprises that derail deals, and no months of uncertainty while your house sits empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the average commute time from Carrollton to downtown Dallas?

You’re looking at about 22 to 25 minutes during normal traffic, which is better than most other Dallas suburbs. The DART Green Line takes 30 to 35 minutes if you skip driving altogether. Rush hour adds another 10-15 minutes, but that’s not terrible for a major metro area.

You’ve got multiple route options, too. George Bush Turnpike, Highway 121, or surface streets depending on traffic.

How much should I budget for foundation repairs in Carrollton?

Plan on $3,000 to $15,000 for foundation work, with most homeowners hitting the $7,000 to $10,000 range. The clay soil here expands and contracts like crazy, so minor settling is just part of homeownership.

Most experienced residents set aside $200 to $300 per year for this stuff. It sounds scary, but it’s predictable and home prices already factor this reality in.

What’s the property tax rate in Carrollton compared to other Dallas suburbs?

Carrollton runs about 2.1% to 2.3%, which puts you in the middle of Dallas-area suburbs. You’re paying less than Plano or Frisco (2.5% to 2.7%) but slightly more than the outer suburbs.

Most homeowners pay $6,000 to $12,000 annually, depending on home value, which is reasonable for what you get access to.

Are there any HOA fees in most Carrollton neighborhoods?

About half of Carrollton neighborhoods have HOAs, with fees typically $200 to $800 per year for single-family homes. Older neighborhoods often don’t have HOAs at all, while newer developments usually do. The fees are generally reasonable compared to other Dallas suburbs and most residents feel they get decent value.

What’s the best time of year to move to Carrollton?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to move for pleasant weather. Summer gets really hot with 100+ degree days and winter might bring the occasional ice storm.

Plus, most Korean festivals and community events happen during these pleasant months, so you’ll have more opportunities to explore the area.

How does Carrollton’s flooding risk compare to other North Texas cities?

Carrollton is in a relatively good spot. Most of the city is outside the 100-year flood plain. The city has invested heavily in drainage infrastructure and most residential areas handle heavy rains well.

Some low-lying areas might see street flooding during major storms, but flood insurance isn’t required for most homes and isn’t expensive if you want peace of mind.

Key Takeaways: Is Carrollton a Good Place to Live?

Living in Carrollton means you get the perks of big-city proximity without the chaos or the wallet-crushing costs. The Korean food scene alone makes it worth considering, but throw in solid schools, reasonable home prices, and diverse neighborhoods, and you’ve got one of the best places to live in Texas.

Sure, you’ll deal with some toll roads and foundation repairs, but honestly, that’s just North Texas life, and the trade-offs are totally worth it for most families.

If you’re ready to sell your Carrollton property and want to skip the traditional real estate hassles, connect with us at Ready House Buyer at (214) 225-3038. We understand the local market and can help you move forward quickly if you’re upgrading within Carrollton or heading somewhere completely new!