Finding the right home in the right neighborhood is one of the most important things when moving into a new city.
An affordable home in a good neighborhood, with good amenities, and somewhere not too far from where we work or study is what most of us look for when buying or renting a home.
Dallas is a huge city with many different choices for all types of budgets. However, if you’re looking to move to this diverse, fast-growing city, and want to know what the most affordable suburb of Dallas is, I’ve got you covered.
What Is The Most Affordable Suburb of Dallas?
The most affordable suburb of Dallas is Wilmer, located 16.8 miles south of Downtown Dallas. The general cost of living, rental and home prices as well as the crime rate are lower than the Texas average.
Wilmer — A Suburb Just 20 Minutes from Downtown Dallas
It’s hard to believe that the most affordable suburb of Dallas is not hours away from the city center but just 20 minutes away.
Wilmer is a small city of 5,332 residents located south of Downtown Dallas, about 16.8 miles away. It is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the county of Dallas.
It is most known as being a global distribution hub for many top companies like Amazon, Unilever, Ace Hardware, Whirlpool, and Proctor and Gamble. Its proximity to many important interstate and regional highways, as well as the presence of a Union Pacific intermodal facility within the city, has made it a popular and practical choice for companies with big distribution and logistics operations.
Wilmer has the feel of a small town but with easy access to the attractions and amenities of the Dallas City Center. Being just 20 minutes away, you wouldn’t miss out on anything happening in the city center but will be able to save a ton on housing and other living costs.
Cost of Living
According to data acquired from Payscale, the overall cost of living in Wilmer is 7% lower than the average nationally. Compared to Dallas, the cost of living is 10.6% lower.
The cost of living pertains to housing, utilities, healthcare, groceries, and transportation.
- Groceries: 3% lower than the national average
- Healthcare: 13% higher than the national average
- Transportation: 12% lower than the national average
On all items except for healthcare, which includes doctor’s visits and the price of medicines, the costs in Wilmer are lower compared to the national average.
Median Home Value and Rental Price
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median price of homes in Wilmer is $73,900, compared to $230,000 in Dallas.
The median rental price, on the other hand, is $956 per month, compared to $1,178 in Dallas.
Crime Rate
According to data from Area Vibes, the crime rate in Wilmer is 6% lower than the state average. Below are the statistics of total crimes per 100,000 people acquired from 2020.
- Wilmer: 2,541
- Dallas: 4,291
- State Average: 2,692
- National Average: 2,346
Wilmer is a relatively safer city compared to Dallas, which has a crime rate 59% higher than the state average.
Schools
Schools in Wilmer are part of the Dallas Independent School District, which is considered among the fastest-improving school districts in the whole country. It is the 16th largest school district in the U.S. and the second biggest in the whole state of Texas.
Attractions Near Wilmer
1. Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve
Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve is a place to enjoy views of the Trinity River, and experience natural wildlife. At over 500 acres, it is the second-largest preserve in Dallas County.
It also has over 8 miles of trails for walking, hiking, running, and biking.
2. Xtreme Raceway Park
A premier drag racing facility south of Wilmer. The track is 1/8 miles, the location is clean and organized, food and concessions are offered at reasonable prices, and special events are held throughout the year.
3. Commemorative Air Force
Located in Lancaster Airport about 3.6 miles west of Wilmer, it is where you can learn about the country’s aeronautical military history.
It is where you can see and touch real WWI and WWII planes and other decommissioned aircraft, and can even book a 20-30 minute ride if you wish on the still-flying planes. It is a must-visit for those who love history, and love planes.
Wilmer is close enough to Dallas that all of the attractions of the Dallas City Center are within easy reach.
Other Affordable Dallas Suburbs
Aside from Wilmer, there are other affordable suburbs in Dallas. I’ll list a few of them below along with some useful information.
Data was obtained from Area Vibes and The U.S. Census Bureau.
1. Mesquite
Mesquite is located 15 minutes east of Dallas Downtown. It’s known for being Texas’ Rodeo Capital.
- Distance from Downtown Dallas: 13.7 miles
- Median Home Value: $170,600
- Median Rent: $1,211
- Population: 143,711
- Crime Rate: 3,974 per 100k people (State: 2,692) – 48% higher than the state
- Cost of Living: 3% higher than the state average
2. Duncanville
Duncanville is located 14.2 miles southwest of Downtown. It is known as the “City of Champions” because of its academic and athletic excellence.
- Distance from Downtown Dallas: 14.2 miles
- Median Home Value: $178,800
- Median Rent: $1,333
- Population: 39,599
- Crime Rate: 2,590 per 100k people (State: 2,692) – 4% lower than the state
- Cost of Living: 3% higher than the state average
3. Lancaster
Located 16.5 miles south of Downtown Dallas, Lancaster is known as “The Shining Star of Texas”. It is a vibrant and growing community with award-winning parks, attractions, and recreational facilities, as well as an awarded school district.
It is also where the Commemorative Air Force Museum is located.
- Distance from Downtown Dallas: 16.5 miles
- Median Home Value: $161,600
- Median Rent: $1,258
- Population: 38,426
- Crime Rate: 2,910 per 100k people (State: 2,692) – 8% higher than the state
- Cost of Living: 1% higher than the state average
4. Grand Prairie
Located west of Dallas Downtown, Grand Prairie is known for its many family-friendly attractions and affordability. It was named one of the best cities in Texas by Money Magazine.
- Distance from Downtown Dallas: 13.2 miles
- Median Home Value: $203,600
- Median Rent: $1,243
- Population: 185,631
- Crime Rate: 2,170 per 100k people. (State: 2,692) – 19% lower than the state
- Cost of Living: 5% higher than the state average
5. Irving
Irving is located 12.8 miles northwest of Downtown Dallas, between Fort Worth and Dallas. It is known as being one of the most diverse areas in the whole country.
Many Fortune 1000 and Fortune 500 companies and many multinational companies are headquartered here. It’s considered one of the best places to live around Dallas. (Read: 11 Best Areas Around Dallas to Live (Suburbs) 2022)
- Distance from Downtown Dallas: 12.8 miles
- Median Home Value: $218,900
- Median Rent: $1,277
- Population: 232,013
- Crime Rate: 2,882 per 100k people(State: 2,692) – 7% higher than state
- Cost of Living: 7% higher than the state average
Conclusion to What is The Most Affordable Suburb of Dallas?
The most affordable suburb of Dallas is Wilmer, Texas. It is located 16.8 miles from Downtown Dallas, or about 20 minutes away. The cost of living in Wilmer is 10.6% lower than in Dallas, and 7% lower than the national average.