Moving to Arlington, Texas: Your 2025 Entertainment Capital Guide

Moving to Arlington, TX? Discover AT&T Stadium, Six Flags, affordable housing between Dallas and Fort Worth, and big-city amenities in Texas’s entertainment hub.

Why Arlington Delivers Big-City Living at Mid-Sized Prices

Are you considering moving to Arlington, Texas? Strategically positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth with a population approaching 400,000, Arlington ranks as Texas’s seventh-largest city and offers something unique in the DFW metroplex: genuine big-city amenities—professional sports, major entertainment venues, diverse dining—at prices significantly below Dallas or Fort Worth proper. Home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags Over Texas, and the University of Texas at Arlington, this dynamic city combines entertainment industry jobs, educational opportunities, and central DFW access that makes commuting anywhere in the metroplex manageable.

Furthermore, Arlington’s diverse economy spanning entertainment, education, healthcare, and manufacturing creates employment stability while maintaining affordability often sacrificed in single-industry boom towns. Texas’s absence of state income tax makes this already accessible city even more financially attractive for families and professionals seeking DFW opportunities without premium costs.

Affordable Mid-Metro Housing

The median home price in Arlington averages around $310,000—substantially lower than Dallas ($340,000+) or nearby suburbs like Southlake or Colleyville while offering comparable square footage and amenities. This affordability allows families to own comfortable homes in established neighborhoods with mature trees, newer developments featuring modern designs, or properties near the Entertainment District providing urban lifestyle appeal.

Housing options span diverse neighborhoods accommodating various preferences and budgets, from historic areas maintaining mid-century character to contemporary master-planned communities with resort amenities. Rental prices typically range from $1,200 to $2,000 monthly, making Arlington accessible for UT Arlington students, young professionals, and families establishing themselves in the DFW market.

Beyond housing, overall living costs remain moderate with reasonable property taxes, affordable utilities, and dining and entertainment options at various price points allowing residents to actually enjoy the city’s attractions.

Diverse Entertainment-Driven Economy

Arlington’s economy combines entertainment industry strength with traditional sectors creating employment diversity:

• Sports and entertainment: AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and Six Flags Over Texas employ thousands in operations, hospitality, and management
• Higher education: University of Texas at Arlington with over 40,000 students serves as a major employer and economic driver
• Healthcare: Medical City Arlington and Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital provide regional care
• Manufacturing: General Motors Assembly Plant produces vehicles employing thousands
• Retail and hospitality: Major shopping centers and restaurants throughout the Entertainment District
• Corporate offices: Numerous companies maintain operations serving the central DFW market

Moreover, Arlington’s position equidistant between Dallas and Fort Worth employment centers means residents can access job opportunities throughout the entire metroplex with reasonable commute times, expanding options significantly beyond Arlington proper.

Education Options

Arlington Independent School District serves the city with numerous schools offering varied programs and facilities. The University of Texas at Arlington provides four-year degree programs with particular strengths in engineering, nursing, and business while creating vibrant college town energy. Tarrant County College offers associate degrees and vocational training supporting workforce development and continuing education.

Entertainment Capital of Texas

Arlington rightfully claims status as Texas’s entertainment capital. AT&T Stadium hosts not only Dallas Cowboys games but also concerts, college football championships, and major events. Globe Life Field provides state-of-the-art baseball experiences for Texas Rangers fans. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor offer family entertainment attracting millions annually.

The Entertainment District features restaurants, bars, sports venues, and the Arlington Convention Center creating year-round activity. Additionally, extensive parks including River Legacy Parks provide trails, nature areas, and outdoor recreation balancing urban entertainment with natural spaces.

Quality Healthcare Access

Medical City Arlington and Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital provide comprehensive healthcare including emergency services, surgical facilities, and specialty treatments. The concentration of medical resources ensures residents have convenient access to quality care, while Dallas and Fort Worth’s major medical centers remain easily accessible for specialized treatments.

Central DFW Connectivity

Arlington’s location offers unmatched DFW connectivity. Interstate 20 and Interstate 30 intersect in Arlington, while Highway 360 provides north-south routes. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport sits approximately 20 minutes away—closer than many Dallas or Fort Worth neighborhoods. The central position means commutes to either downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth take roughly 30 minutes, giving Arlington residents access to both cities’ employment markets.

Make Your Move to Arlington

Relocating to Arlington in 2025 means choosing central DFW value—where entertainment industry jobs meet diverse economy, where big-city amenities cost less than Dallas proper, where Cowboys and Rangers games happen in your backyard. Whether relocating for UT Arlington education, seeking affordable DFW living with entertainment access, or wanting central positioning between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington delivers exceptional Texas value.