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Why Dallas is a Top Destination for Seniors Looking to Retire and Move from Chicago

  • Writer: Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
    Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
  • Feb 26
  • 4 min read





For seniors in Chicago considering a warmer climate, lower taxes, and a better cost of living, Dallas is one of the top destinations for retirement. With year-round sunshine, no state income tax, high-quality healthcare, and plenty of active adult communities, Dallas offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle compared to the harsh winters and higher taxes of Chicago.


Here’s why Dallas is an ideal retirement destination for Chicago seniors:



☀️ 1. Warmer, Milder Climate – Say Goodbye to Harsh Chicago Winters

  • Chicago: Freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and long winters.

  • Dallas: Mild winters with average January temperatures around 40-60°F (4-15°C).

✅ Why It’s a Big Deal:

  • No more shoveling snow or dealing with icy sidewalks.

  • More outdoor activities year-round – golf, walking trails, and parks.

  • Less seasonal depression from dark, cold months.

📌 Best Areas in Dallas for Outdoor Lovers:

  • White Rock Lake (Dallas) – Great for scenic walks & birdwatching.

  • Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano) – Perfect for hiking and biking.

  • Grapevine Lake (Grapevine) – Boating, fishing, and relaxing lakeside views.



💰 2. Lower Taxes & Cost of Living Compared to Chicago

Expense

Chicago (IL)

Dallas (TX)

Savings in Dallas

State Income Tax

4.95%

0%

100% savings

Property Tax (Annual on $500K Home)

~$12,500

~$10,000

Lower in Texas

Sales Tax

~10.25%

~8.25%

Lower in Texas

Gas Prices (Per Gallon)

~$4.00

~$3.00

25% cheaper

✅ Why It’s a Big Deal:

  • No state income tax means more money stays in your pocket.

  • Property taxes can be higher in Texas, but many 55+ communities offer tax breaks.

  • Lower everyday costs (groceries, dining, and transportation).

📌 Best Tax-Friendly Cities Near Dallas for Seniors:

  • Frisco – High-end, active senior communities with great amenities.

  • McKinney – A balance of affordability and luxury living.

  • Rockwall – Lakeside views with lower cost of living than central Dallas.



🏥 3. World-Class Healthcare & Senior Living Communities

✅ Top-Ranked Hospitals in Dallas:

  • Baylor University Medical Center – Ranked #1 in North Texas.

  • UT Southwestern Medical Center – Nationally recognized for senior care.

  • Medical City Dallas – Specializes in cardiac, orthopedic, and senior health.

✅ Best 55+ Retirement Communities Near Dallas:

  • Del Webb at Union Park (Little Elm) – Resort-style 55+ active community.

  • Robson Ranch (Denton) – Golf, fitness centers, and social clubs.

  • The Tradition (Dallas & Plano) – Luxury independent living.

📌 Why It’s a Big Deal:

  • Lower healthcare costs compared to Chicago.

  • More senior-focused communities with active lifestyles.

  • Access to top-tier medical specialists.



🎭 4. More Entertainment, Dining & Cultural Activities

  • Chicago has an amazing food scene, but Dallas has top-rated BBQ, steakhouses, and international cuisine.

  • Dallas offers Broadway shows, museums, and pro sports teams.

  • No extreme cold means more festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor events year-round.

✅ Best Areas for Dining & Culture:

  • Legacy West (Plano) – Upscale restaurants & shopping.

  • The Star (Frisco) – Dining, live music, and sports.

  • Downtown McKinney – Small-town charm with boutique shopping & cafes.



🏡 5. More Affordable & Spacious Housing Options

Home Type

Chicago (IL)

Dallas (TX)

Savings in Dallas

Luxury Condo (2,000 sq. ft.)

$1M+

$500K – $800K

50%+ cheaper

Single-Family Home (3,000 sq. ft.)

$800K – $1.5M

$500K – $900K

40%+ cheaper

55+ Community Home

$600K – $1M

$350K – $600K

30%+ cheaper

✅ Why It’s a Big Deal:

  • Bigger homes & yards for lower prices than Chicago.

  • Many gated 55+ communities with low maintenance homes.

  • More modern housing compared to Chicago’s older homes.

📌 Best Affordable Areas for Seniors Near Dallas:

  • Rockwall – Waterfront homes & lower cost of living.

  • Allen – Top-ranked schools & senior-friendly neighborhoods.

  • Flower Mound – Small-town feel with city conveniences.



🚗 6. Easier Transportation & Less Traffic Than Chicago

  • Chicago: Heavy traffic, expensive parking, and reliance on public transport.

  • Dallas: More highway access, larger parking spaces, and affordable Uber/Lyft.

✅ Why It’s a Big Deal:

  • No more high parking fees or long public transit commutes.

  • Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) offers direct flights worldwide.

  • Senior-friendly suburbs with walkable shopping & medical facilities.

📌 Best Walkable Areas Near Dallas for Seniors:

  • The Village at Allen – Senior-friendly retail, dining, and medical centers.

  • Southlake Town Square – Upscale, walkable community with great restaurants.

  • The Shops at Legacy (Plano) – Dining, retail, and entertainment in one place.



🏆 Final Verdict: Why Dallas is a Great Retirement Spot for Chicago Seniors

Factor

Chicago

Dallas

Winner

Weather

Harsh winters

Mild year-round

Dallas ☀️

Cost of Living

High

Lower

Dallas 💰

Taxes

4.95% state tax

0% state tax

Dallas ✅

Healthcare

Expensive

Affordable & top hospitals

Dallas 🏥

Entertainment & Dining

World-class

Diverse & growing

Tie 🎭

Housing Costs

Expensive

More affordable & spacious

Dallas 🏡

Traffic & Transport

Congested

Easier driving & access

Dallas 🚗


📍 Should You Retire in Dallas from Chicago?

✅ YES! If you want lower taxes, affordable housing, warm weather, and a vibrant, active lifestyle.❌ MAYBE NOT if you prefer public transit & a more walkable city like Chicago.

Would you like help finding the best senior-friendly communities in Dallas? 😊



 


About us: Dallas Senior Real Estate Expert: Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) - Dallas Senior Realtors


As a Senior Real Estate Specialist in Dallas, I help seniors navigate the sale of their home by providing a patient, specialized, and compassionate one-stop service from start to finish. My full team eliminates all of the extra phone calls, interviewing, hiring, stress and costs that you’ll have to endure.A REALTOR® who knows how to help seniors and their families through this transition of selling their home and downsizing is very important.The National Association of Realtors created a special designation for Realtors who work with seniors. The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)  credentials guarantees that a Realtor has learned how to be the best in servicing the needs of seniors who are selling their home. To qualify for this certification, a licensed real estate agent must complete a training program that helps them learn more about the challenges of moving when retired.



What is most important to you in your new home in Dallas? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas communities that you can use to help make your home buying decision.








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