12 Pros and Cons of Living In Arlington, TX

Arlington is a city in the heart of North Texas, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

Known for being home to both the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and the Dallas Cowboys football team, Arlington attracts sports enthusiasts from across the country. However, Arlington is more than just a sports town. It also has a thriving business community, leading educational institutions, and various cultural attractions.

With a population of over 395,000 people, Arlington offers a diverse and dynamic living experience. Like any other city, living in Arlington has both advantages and disadvantages.

MORE: 13 Pros And Cons Of Living In Texas (2023)

Pros of Living In Arlington, Texas

Arlington, Texas, is a charming city that offers residents a high quality of life. The city is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and it is a vibrant community that boasts several benefits that make it an excellent place to live. Here are a few benefits to check on:

Livable Neighborhoods

One of the great things about Arlington is its diverse range of neighborhoods that cater to different preferences and lifestyles.

There are cozy, tree-lined streets in the quieter parts of the city, while the more urban areas offer upscale apartments, condos, and lofts. F

amily-friendly neighborhoods such as Woodland West, Interlochen, and Viridian offer excellent schools, parks, and shopping options.

Affordable Cost of Living

The cost of living in Arlington, Texas, is 4% lower than the national average, and the average salary in the city is around $18 per hour. This makes a salary of $19 an hour quite competitive and a good basis for a comfortable lifestyle.

Housing costs in Arlington are relatively affordable compared to other cities, with the median home price at $345,000.

Rent in Arlington is also affordable, with an average monthly rent of $1,346 for a one-bedroom apartment. Other expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs, align with the national average.

However, dining out and entertainment in Arlington can be relatively expensive compared to other cities in Texas. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, which reduces transportation costs for residents.

Top-Quality Education

Arlington is home to two well-regarded higher education institutions, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and Arlington Baptist University.

Both universities offer high-quality education, which has helped make Arlington one of the most educated cities in Texas.

Lots of Attractions

Arlington is packed with attractions that cater to different preferences. The city is home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and Six Flags Over Texas, some of the state’s most visited destinations.

There is also Arlington Music Hall, the Levitt Pavilion, The Parks Mall at Arlington, The Arlington Highlands, and many more.

An Amazing City for Sports Enthusiasts

Arlington, Texas, is a haven for sports lovers. The city has two major league sports teams: the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

Both teams play at luxurious venues outfitted with top-of-the-line amenities. Fans can also enjoy the College Park Center in Arlington, which hosts the UTA Mavericks basketball teams and other athletic events. 

Diverse Economy

Arlington has established itself as a hub for some of Texas’s leading industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

The city is home to GM, Texas Health Resources, Texas Instruments, J.P. Morgan Chase, and many other employers providing residents with diverse job opportunities.

This has led to a robust job market, which has been able to withstand an economic recession.

SEE: 3 Richest Towns In Texas (2023)

Cons of Living In Arlington, Texas

Just like any other place, Arlington has its downsides:

High Crime Rate

Arlington has a relatively high crime rate compared to the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout, the city’s crime rate is higher than 77% of the cities in the United States.

Residents have reported incidents of property crimes and violent crimes, including robbery, burglary, and assault.

While some areas of the city are safer than others, it’s essential to be cautious and take necessary precautions, such as installing alarm systems in any given location.

RELATED: 9 Safest Cities In Texas (2023)

Summer Heat

Texas is known for its hot summers, and Arlington is no exception. The city experiences sweltering temperatures from May to September, with highs typically in the 90s.

The heat can be unbearable for some residents, especially those not used to hot and humid weather. It can also be dangerous, with heat exhaustion and heatstroke reported yearly.

It is advisable to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, dress appropriately, drink plenty of water, and wear sunscreen.

Terrible Traffic on Weekends

Arlington is a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors pouring into the city every year. This influx of people can cause terrible weekend traffic, especially during peak hours.

Major roads and highways, such as Interstate 30 and State Highway 360, can be congested, resulting in longer travel times. It is best to avoid driving during peak hours as much as possible, plan your route, and use GPS apps to find the quickest route.

Urban Sprawl

Arlington is a sprawling city with low-density suburban housing and a lack of walkable neighborhoods.

The city’s urban sprawl makes walking, biking, or using public transport for everyday tasks challenging. Most residents rely on cars to get around, which can be costly and lead to traffic congestion.

The lack of walkable neighborhoods also means that people may be less likely to participate in physical activities or socialize with their neighbors.

Tornadoes

Texas is in “Tornado Alley,” a region that experiences a high number of tornadoes every year.

Arlington is no exception; residents must be prepared for severe weather conditions. The city has experienced several tornadoes in recent years, causing damage to property and posing a risk to residents.

Lack of Diversity

Arlington’s population is predominantly white, with a limited representation of other ethnicities. This can lead to a lack of cultural diversity and a sense of exclusion for minority groups.

While the city has made strides in recent years to celebrate diversity, some residents may feel isolated or marginalized due to their ethnicity or cultural background.

Conclusion

Arlington, Texas, is an excellent place to live, offering its residents a good quality of life. The city has a range of neighborhoods to cater to various preferences, while the cost of living is reasonable. With top-quality education, plenty of attractions, and excellent sporting facilities, it is an outstanding place for people to live and raise a family.

But like any other place, it has downsides. The high crime rate, hot summers, limited public transport options, terrible weekend traffic, urban sprawl, tornadoes, and lack of diversity are some factors to consider when deciding to move to Arlington.

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