Living in
Terrell.

If you're considering a move to the Dallas area but want something more affordable and less hectic than the city itself, Terrell deserves serious consideration. Located about 32 miles east of Dallas with easy access to Interstate 20, this city of roughly 17,500 residents offers a genuine small-town feel while keeping you within reasonable commuting distance to major job centers—most residents are looking at about a 25-minute drive to Dallas proper. The housing market here is genuinely accessible, with median home values around $219,000 and median household income sitting at about $66,000, which means your paycheck actually stretches further than it would in surrounding areas.

The job market is solid with unemployment at 4%, and the community itself skews toward families (37% of households have children under 18), so you'll find a stable, established population rather than transient renters. Summers are hot and humid—classic Texas humid subtropical climate—while winters are mild, so if you're escaping northern winters, this works in your favor. Community life actually matters here: the Terrell Jubilee in April brings the whole town together for BBQ, crafts, and music at Ben Gill Park, and the annual World War II air event in October draws visitors from around the world while giving locals legitimate pride in their city's history.