8 Things to Know Before Moving to Addison, TX

With its prime location near Dallas and affordable housing, Addison, Texas has become an increasingly popular place to live. But before you pack your bags, there are a few key things you should know about living in this North Texas town. 

From its business-focused economy and infamous mosquito problem to its diverse dining and nightlife scene, Addison has plenty of pros and cons to consider. To help you make an informed decision about moving to Addison, here are 8 essential facts for potential residents. Learning about the job market, cost of living, outdoor spaces, transportation, and more can give you great insight into daily life in Addison.

1. A prime location

Addison is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Dallas, offering an easy commute to big city opportunities. It borders Dallas to the south, Carrollton to the west, and Farmers Branch to the north. This prime location gives Addison residents easy access to jobs, entertainment, sports, and culture in Dallas. 

The city’s strategic location near major highways like the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, and I-635 ensures convenient access to various destinations across the Metroplex. 

Additionally, DART bus routes are available throughout Addison, providing further transportation options.

2. Addison and the surrounding area are home to multiple businesses

With over 4,000 businesses located in just 6.4 square miles, Addison has a major commercial presence in the region. Top employers include the high-tech and aviation industries, call centers, business services, and more. 

Addison Airport Centre has over 100 companies including major corporations like Wells Fargo and Capital One. This business-focused, white-collar economy provides ample jobs but limited options for unskilled workers. Expect many employment opportunities but primarily in business and professional sectors.

3. Addison has a mosquito problem

Due to its fertile, marshy land, Addison and the DFW area are infamously home to swarms of mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months. The city has an extensive mosquito control program that sprays daily to reduce the pesky insects, but they still persist. 

While the mosquitoes may not carry major diseases, their bites and buzzing can put a damper on enjoying the outdoors. Make sure to have plenty of bug spray and repellent candles if you want to spend time in your yard or at parks.

4. Check out the Addison Athletic Club 

Since mosquitoes limit enjoyment of the outdoors, Addison prioritizes man-made recreation features over natural spaces. The city has over 30 parks with bike trails, sports fields, and amenities like tennis and sand volleyball courts. 

Addison Athletic Club and Lifetime Fitness in Dallas provide top-notch indoor recreation opportunities. With several public pools and aquatic centers, residents can swim and cool off during steamy Texas summers. Just don’t expect sweeping scenery or nature trails like parks in other metro regions.

5. Attend events like Taste Addison, Addison Kaboom Town!, and Addison Oktoberfest

Addison knows how to make a big impact with its small size, especially when it comes to throwing parties. Events like Taste Addison, Addison Kaboom Town!, and Addison Oktoberfest draw massive crowds from across DFW and beyond. 

Plus, the town hosts free, family-friendly themed events every month at Addison Circle Park, adding a fresh and exciting spin to its social scene.

6. Summers are hot and humid

Addison has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers are often long and hot, with average high temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit from June through September. The hottest months see highs around 96°F with abundant sunshine. Humidity levels can also be oppressive during the summer. 

Winters are relatively short and mild, with average lows around 40° from December to February. Winter lows occasionally dip below freezing but significant snowfall is rare. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather in the 60s and 70s, but this is also Texas’s severe storm season, with risks of tornadoes and hailstorms.

 7. Housing costs are on the rise

While Addison home values used to be well below metro Dallas pricing, the desirability of the area has caused a major jump in real estate demand. Median home values have risen over 15% in the last year to $468,000, and they are much more competitive. 

Rentals average around $1,500/month. If you need affordable housing, options are shrinking as costs continue to rise with Addison’s popularity. Prepare for housing to take a significant bite of your budget.

8. A higher-than-average crime rate 

The crime rate in Addison is above the national average. The violent crime rate is 31.6, notably higher than the US average of 22.7. Similarly, the property crime rate in Addison is 66.7, significantly surpassing the US average of 35.4. 

These figures indicate a higher likelihood of experiencing violent or property crimes in Addison compared to the national average. Residents and visitors should be aware of these elevated crime rates and take necessary precautions to keep themselves safe.

To Sum it All Up

Addison has a lot going for it – a prime location near Dallas, a thriving business community, and an abundance of dining and entertainment options. However, rising housing costs, pesky mosquitoes, and higher-than-average crime should give prospective residents pause. 

Addison is a good fit for those seeking an exciting suburb near city amenities, but may disappoint people wanting affordability, nature, and safety. Weigh Addison’s pros and cons against your own needs to decide if everything adds up for you.