Moving from Irving
to Arlington

Here is the Ultimate Moving Guide for relocating from Irving, Texas, to Arlington, Texas.

The Ultimate Moving Guide: Irving to Arlington

Welcome to your comprehensive blueprint for relocating from Irving to Arlington. While these two cities are both part of the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, moving the 15-20 miles west is not merely a change of address—it is a fundamental shift in lifestyle, cost, and culture. As a Relocation Expert, I have analyzed the data and the lived experiences of thousands of transplants to bring you an honest, comparative look at what you are leaving behind and what awaits you in Arlington.

1. The Vibe Shift: From Corporate Suburb to Sports-First City

You are moving from the "Las Colinas" urban center to the "Home of the Dallas Cowboys." This single distinction dictates the rhythm of your new life.

Irving is the corporate heartbeat of the Metroplex. It is defined by the gleaming towers of the Las Colinas Urban Center, the Toyota Music Factory, and a demographic that skews slightly older and more established. The vibe here is polished, professional, and diverse. It is a commuter’s city; people wake up, drive to Dallas or Fort Worth for work, and return to Irving’s quiet, manicured neighborhoods. The pace is steady, driven by the oil and gas industry (ExxonMobil headquarters) and legal firms. You are moving away from a city that values proximity to major corporate hubs and a slightly more cosmopolitan, international dining scene (thanks to DFW Airport’s influence).

Arlington is a city of spectacle and middle-class stability. It is the home of the Texas Rangers (Globe Life Field), the Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium), and Six Flags Over Texas. The vibe is louder, more energetic, and undeniably sports-centric. The demographic is younger families and long-term residents who take pride in their community events. The pace is less about corporate deadlines and more about the seasonal rhythm of sports and entertainment. You are gaining a city with a stronger sense of local identity but losing the immediate access to the high-end retail and luxury dining that clusters around Irving’s DFW corridor.

The People:
In Irving, you will find a highly educated, transient population often tied to the airport or corporate relocations. In Arlington, the population is more rooted. It is a "bedroom community" in the truest sense, but one with a distinct local culture. You will trade the buttoned-up professional networking of Irving for the backyard BBQ culture of Arlington.

What you will miss: The walkability and sophistication of the Las Colinas waterfront. The immediate access to the DFW Airport terminals (Arlington is closer to the highway, but Irving is on the airport).
What you will gain: A more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere and the electric energy of being near major sports venues.

2. Cost of Living Comparison: The Tax Advantage

The financial shift here is significant, primarily due to Texas’s lack of state income tax (a constant for both), but the housing market tells a different story.

Housing Market:
Irving, particularly the 75038 and 75039 zip codes (Las Colinas), commands a premium. The median home price in Irving hovers around $385,000 - $425,000, with luxury condos and townhomes pushing significantly higher. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a modern Las Colinas complex averages $1,600 - $1,900.

Arlington offers more square footage for your dollar, though prices have risen sharply due to its popularity. The median home price in Arlington is approximately $335,000 - $365,000. Rent is more forgiving; a comparable one-bedroom apartment averages $1,350 - $1,550.

• The Trade-off: You are trading the "prestige" and walkability of Irving’s Las Colinas for the extra bedroom and larger yard in Arlington. If you are a homeowner, your property tax rate will be a major factor. Both cities have high property taxes (often 2.0% - 2.4% of assessed value), but Arlington’s lower home prices generally result in a lower total tax bill than a similarly valued home in Irving’s prime areas.

Utilities and Groceries:
Texas utilities are volatile due to extreme summers. However, Arlington’s older housing stock (on average) can be less energy-efficient than the newer high-rises in Irving. Expect a slight increase in your electric bill unless you upgrade insulation. Groceries are nearly identical, with both cities served by the same chains (H-E-B, Kroger, Tom Thumb). Arlington has a slight edge with more discount options like Aldi and Walmart Supercenters concentrated along I-30.

The Critical Data Point: Property Taxes
While both cities rely heavily on property taxes, Arlington’s tax rate is historically slightly lower than Irving’s. For a $350,000 home, this can mean a difference of $500–$800 annually. However, always check the specific ISD (Independent School District) tax rate, as this is the largest portion of the bill. Arlington ISD and Irving ISD rates fluctuate year to year.

3. Logistics: The Move Itself

The Distance:
The drive from Irving (e.g., 75038) to Arlington (e.g., 76018) is approximately 18 miles via I-30 W or TX-360 S. Without traffic, this is a 25-minute drive. With rush hour traffic, specifically crossing the Trinity River into downtown Fort Worth, this can easily stretch to 50+ minutes. This is a crucial factor if you are commuting back to Irving or Dallas for work.

Moving Options:
For a move of this distance, you have two viable options:

1. Professional Movers (Recommended for 3+ Bedrooms): The average cost for local moving services (3 movers + truck) ranges from $800 to $1,500. Given the humidity and Texas heat (see below), hiring professionals is often worth the investment to avoid heat exhaustion.
2. DIY (Rental Truck): A 15-20 foot U-Haul costs roughly $150 + mileage. This is feasible for 1-2 bedroom apartments. However, parking in Irving’s garages and navigating Arlington’s older, narrower streets requires precision.

What to Get Rid Of:

• Heavy Winter Gear: While Arlington can dip into the 20s, it is rare and brief. Donate heavy down coats, snow boots, and ice scrapers. You will rarely use them.
• Excessive Office Furniture: If you are moving from a corporate Irving condo to a suburban Arlington house, you may have less need for compact, minimalist furniture. However, if you are moving from a large Irving single-family home to a smaller Arlington rental, measure your new space carefully.
• Snow Equipment: Shovels, sleds, and salt spreaders are useless here.

4. Neighborhoods to Target: Finding Your New Home

This is where the comparison becomes personal. Use this guide to translate your Irving lifestyle into Arlington terms.

If you loved the "Urban Luxe" of Las Colinas (Irving):
You value high-end finishes, walkable restaurants, and a modern aesthetic.

• Target in Arlington: The Entertainment District (76011). Specifically, look for luxury apartment complexes near Globe Life Field or the Lincoln Square shopping center. While not as dense as Las Colinas, this area offers newer builds, proximity to restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Alternative: North Arlington (76006). Areas near the River Legacy Parks offer a more upscale, wooded feel with larger custom homes that rival the prestige of Irving’s Hackberry Creek area.

If you loved the "Quiet Suburb" of Valley Ranch (Irving):
You prefer established neighborhoods, mature trees, and a secluded feel.

• Target in Arlington: South Arlington (76018). This is the heart of "Old Arlington." Look near Johnson Creek or The Parks at Arlington mall area. The homes here are older (1970s-1990s), but the lots are generous, and the neighborhoods are quiet and family-centric. It mirrors the feel of Irving’s quieter residential pockets away from the airport.

If you loved the "Family-First" vibe of Coppell (bordering Irving):
You prioritize top-rated schools and community parks.

• Target in Arlington: West Arlington / Viridian (76016). This is a newer master-planned community bordering Fort Worth. It offers modern homes, walking trails, and a distinct community vibe. While the schools (Arlington ISD) are generally rated well, research specific zoning, as Arlington ISD is larger and more diverse than the smaller Coppell ISD.

The Commuter Check:
If you work in Dallas, living in North Arlington (76006) or East Arlington (near TX-360) will minimize your commute. If you work in Fort Worth, South Arlington or West Arlington is ideal.

5. The Verdict: Why Make This Move?

Moving from Irving to Arlington is a move toward affordability and space, and away from corporate polish.

You should make this move if:

1. You want more house for your money. Arlington offers significantly more square footage and yard space for the same budget as Irving.
2. You crave a non-commuter lifestyle. Arlington is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it a strategic hub if you work in either city, whereas Irving leans heavily toward Dallas.
3. You prefer a sports and entertainment-centric social life. The energy of the stadiums and Six Flags is unmatched.
4. You want a strong sense of local community. Arlington feels like a "real" city with its own identity, rather than a satellite of Dallas.

You should stay in Irving if:

1. You prioritize airport access. Living in Irving puts you 10 minutes from DFW terminals.
2. You value walkability and luxury amenities. Las Colinas offers a density of high-end dining and shopping that Arlington cannot yet match.
3. You work in the Las Colinas/Irving corporate corridor. The daily commute from Arlington to Irving can be grueling against traffic.

Final Thought:
The move is geographically short but culturally distinct. You are trading the shadow of the airport for the shadow of the stadium. It is a move toward a more traditional, suburban Texas life with a distinct edge of excitement.