Moving to Irving, Texas: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Irving, Texas? This Dallas County city of approximately 258,000 residents sits at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, offering exceptional diversity, corporate employment opportunities, and convenient access to DFW International Airport. As 2025 unfolds, Irving continues attracting professionals and families seeking suburban quality of life with urban amenities minutes away.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Irving:

Irving ranks as Texas’s 12th-most populous city, positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth in the Mid-Cities region. The community is exceptionally diverse—recognized nationally as one of America’s most multicultural cities. The population includes 43% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 19% White, and 13% Black residents, creating a truly international atmosphere. The 75038 zip code was identified as the most diverse zip code in the United States in a 2012 study, a distinction that continues defining Irving’s character.

The median age of 33 years reflects a young, working-age population with substantial numbers of families and young professionals. Educational attainment runs high, with over 37% holding bachelor’s degrees. The Las Colinas area, a master-planned urban development, features office towers, upscale residences, and the iconic Mustangs at Las Colinas sculpture. Traditional residential neighborhoods span the city, offering housing options from modest starter homes to luxury properties. Irving’s diversity manifests in restaurants, cultural events, and community organizations representing dozens of nationalities and ethnicities.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Irving:

Irving’s cost of living aligns with the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex—moderately affordable compared to coastal metros but elevated relative to smaller Texas cities. Median household income of $79,641 provides solid earning power, while median home values vary by neighborhood, averaging around $313,600 for mortgaged properties. Las Colinas and newer developments command premium prices, while established neighborhoods offer more accessible entry points.

Rental market remains active with 62% of housing units occupied by renters, reflecting Irving’s appeal to young professionals and corporate relocations. Median rent runs approximately $1,521 monthly. Property taxes in Dallas County fund schools and services at typical Texas rates. The absence of state income tax benefits all income levels. Daily expenses for groceries, dining, and entertainment remain moderate. Irving’s proximity to major employers—particularly around DFW Airport and Las Colinas corporate offices—makes it attractive for dual-income households maximizing earning potential while maintaining reasonable housing costs.

Economy and Job Market:

Irving’s economy centers on corporate headquarters, healthcare, technology, and hospitality sectors. Major corporations including ExxonMobil, Kimberly-Clark, Fluor Corporation, and Vistra Energy maintain significant operations or headquarters in Irving, providing thousands of high-paying professional positions. The Las Colinas development hosts numerous corporate offices, creating a strong white-collar employment base.

DFW International Airport’s location partially within Irving drives substantial hospitality, logistics, and aviation-related employment. Las Colinas Medical Center and other healthcare facilities employ medical professionals and support staff. Retail, restaurants, and service industries thrive serving the diverse residential population. The University of Dallas provides educational employment.

Irving’s central Metroplex location enables residents to commute throughout Dallas-Fort Worth for work opportunities. The strong regional economy, low unemployment, and diverse industry sectors create a robust job market. Many Irving residents work in professional services, technology, finance, and management roles with competitive compensation.

Education:

Irving Independent School District serves much of the city with comprehensive K-12 education including traditional campuses, magnet programs, and career academies. Academic performance varies across schools, with several campuses earning strong ratings and others facing improvement challenges. Other districts including Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and Coppell ISD serve portions of Irving, offering additional public school options.

The University of Dallas, a private Catholic liberal arts institution, provides undergraduate and graduate programs in Irving. North Lake College, part of Dallas College system, offers associate degrees and workforce training. The broader Dallas-Fort Worth area includes major universities like Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Christian University, and University of North Texas—all within commuting distance. The extensive higher education options enable residents to pursue degrees and professional development without leaving the region.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Irving offers diverse recreational amenities serving its multicultural population. The Las Colinas area features urban parks, the Mandalay Canal Walk reminiscent of Venice, and upscale dining and shopping. Toyota Music Factory in Las Colinas hosts concerts, restaurants, and entertainment venues creating vibrant nightlife. The Irving Arts Center presents visual arts exhibitions, theater productions, and cultural programs.

Outdoor recreation includes Lake Carolyn for kayaking and paddleboarding, extensive hike-and-bike trails including the Campion Trail system, and numerous city parks with sports facilities, playgrounds, and green space. Irving Convention Center hosts events, conferences, and trade shows. The city’s location provides quick access to Dallas attractions including the Dallas Arts District, professional sports venues, Six Flags Over Texas, and Dallas Zoo.

Community festivals celebrate Irving’s diversity with events highlighting various cultures throughout the year. Shopping ranges from Irving Mall to boutique stores in Las Colinas. The dining scene reflects the international population with authentic cuisine from dozens of countries—Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Korean, and American restaurants thrive.

Healthcare and Services:

Irving residents access quality healthcare through multiple providers. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Irving offers full-service hospital care including emergency services, surgery, and specialty treatments. Las Colinas Medical Center provides additional hospital services and outpatient care. Numerous primary care practices, specialist offices, urgent care facilities, and diagnostic centers operate throughout Irving.

The broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex includes world-renowned medical institutions like UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center, ensuring access to cutting-edge treatments and specialists. Most residents maintain health insurance through employers or private plans, with community health centers serving uninsured and underinsured populations.

Transportation:

Irving’s transportation infrastructure provides exceptional regional connectivity. DFW International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, sits partially within Irving city limits, enabling convenient business and leisure travel worldwide. Major highways including Interstate 635 (LBJ Freeway), State Highway 114, and State Highway 161 traverse Irving, providing quick access throughout the Metroplex.

DART Orange Line light rail serves Irving with multiple stations including Las Colinas Urban Center Station, connecting residents to downtown Dallas, DFW Airport, and other rail lines throughout the DART system. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail provides service between Dallas and Fort Worth with stops in Irving. Local bus routes supplement rail service. The recently opened DART Silver Line extends rail connectivity further.

The Las Colinas APT System (Area Personal Transit), a people-mover, connects businesses and entertainment areas in Las Colinas. Most Irving residents drive personal vehicles for daily errands, with the extensive freeway network enabling commutes throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Average commute times run about 22 minutes, reasonable for a major metropolitan area.

Conclusion:

Moving to Irving in 2025 means joining one of America’s most diverse and dynamic communities. Exceptional cultural variety, strong corporate employment base, strategic location between Dallas and Fort Worth, and excellent transportation access via DFW Airport and DART rail make Irving attractive for young professionals, growing families, and anyone seeking opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The city balances suburban neighborhoods with urban amenities in Las Colinas, providing housing and lifestyle options for varied preferences and budgets. For those valuing diversity, career growth, and Metroplex connectivity, Irving delivers compelling quality of life in the heart of North Texas.