Mariela Lovo OlREALTOR® Español
(214) 952-7518Coldwell Banker Realty

Tarrant County · TX

Moving to Arlington, Texas

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

Living in Arlington, TX puts you in the middle of the Dallas–Fort Worth area. It is about 20 miles west of Dallas and 12 miles east of Fort Worth. Arlington is a large city of neighborhoods, and most people get around by car. It is home to the University of Texas at Arlington. It also has the stadium district where the Cowboys and Rangers play. This relocation guide explains the parts of town, schools, costs and first steps.

At a glance

County
Tarrant County[18]
Population (2020 Census)
394,266[1]
Population estimate (July 1, 2025)
402,134[1]
Land area
95.87 square miles[1]
Owner-occupied homes (2020–2024)
54.3%[1]
Average commute (2020–2024)
26.6 minutes[1]
School districts
Arlington, Mansfield, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Kennedale and Fort Worth ISDs[18]
Appraisal district
Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD)[4]
Public transit
Arlington On-Demand citywide rideshare[12]

What is it like to live in Arlington, Texas?

Arlington is one of the biggest cities in Texas. Yet day to day, it feels like a string of suburban neighborhoods tied together by freeways. Its location is the main draw. Wikipedia places it about 20 miles from Dallas and 12 miles from Fort Worth, so you can reach jobs on either side.

The city also has its own anchors. The University of Texas at Arlington sits next to downtown. The Entertainment District holds AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags Over Texas and Texas Live!. Expect heavy traffic near those places on game and concert days.

Big employers shape the city's rhythm. Wikipedia lists General Motors' assembly plant, Arlington ISD, UTA, Texas Health Resources and Six Flags among the largest. Census figures show a little over half of homes are lived in by their owners, so you will see a real mix of houses, townhomes and apartments.

Which parts of Arlington should I look at?

Start with where you will work and which school district you want. Both vary across this 95-square-mile city. Downtown and the UTA area have the most walkable streets. North Arlington puts you near the stadiums and River Legacy Park. It also has Viridian, a master-planned community.

South Arlington, around I-20, spreads into several school districts, including parts of Mansfield ISD. West Arlington borders Lake Arlington. Browse homes for sale in Arlington to see what each area has today.

How do you get around Arlington?

Plan on driving. Interstate 30 crosses the north side, and Interstate 20 crosses the south side. State Highway 360 runs north to south on the east side. Arlington has no bus or rail network of its own, so a car is the norm.

The city runs Arlington On-Demand, a shared ride you book in an app or by phone. It covers the whole city plus the Trinity Railway Express CentrePort Station. It runs weekdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check how walkable an address is at Walk Score.

How do schools work in Arlington?

Arlington addresses fall into five school districts: Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Kennedale ISD and Fort Worth ISD. Each district sets its own attendance zones, transfer rules and programs of choice.

You can find each school's state rating on TXschools.gov. This site is run by the Texas Education Agency. Check with the district to confirm which school serves any address.

Beyond K–12, UTA is a large public university next to downtown. That means student housing and campus events shape that part of town.

What is there to do in Arlington?

Sports and theme parks come first: Cowboys football, Rangers baseball, Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. For something different, visit the National Medal of Honor Museum or the International Bowling Museum.

For everyday time outside, try River Legacy Park. It covers 1,031 acres of forest along the Trinity River, on land that floods at times. It has trails and a nature center. Lake Arlington has fishing and a paddling trail.

What costs should I plan for in Arlington?

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are the big cost. Your bill combines rates from the city, county, school district and any special districts, so two homes a mile apart can pay different totals. Look up any address on the Tarrant Appraisal District site.

File your homestead exemption once you live in the home. School districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's value. Newer subdivisions may add a PID assessment or HOA dues. You will also pick your own electricity plan. Budget for a roof that holds up to hail, and for insurance.

Every spring, Tarrant Appraisal District mails value notices. If the value looks high, you can protest. The deadline is generally May 15 or 30 days after the notice was mailed. Use the home value tool to check what similar homes are worth.

What should I do next if Arlington is on my list?

Compare Arlington with its neighbors in our Grand Prairie guide and Fort Worth guide. Or see every Texas community guide.

When you are ready, estimate a payment with the mortgage calculator. Then schedule a call with Mariela to plan a tour of the areas that fit.

Parts of town to know: Arlington

  • Downtown and the UTA areaThe most walkable part of Arlington. It is next to the University of Texas at Arlington, with the library, museum, theater and event lawn nearby.
  • North Arlington and the Entertainment DistrictNorth of I-30 you are close to the stadiums, Six Flags and River Legacy Park. Freeways lead quickly toward Dallas and Fort Worth.
  • ViridianA master-planned community in far north Arlington. It has lakes, pools, an HOA and trails that connect to River Legacy.
  • Southwest ArlingtonOlder subdivisions and parks south and west of downtown. Some addresses are in Mansfield ISD or Kennedale ISD.
  • South and southeast ArlingtonA growing south side near I-20 and SH 360. It is home to Medical City Arlington and many Mansfield ISD addresses.
  • West Arlington and Lake ArlingtonNeighborhoods near Lake Arlington on the Fort Worth side. There is fishing, a paddling trail and boating by permit.

School assignment can change and differs by address. Verify with the school district, and see official ratings at TXschools.gov (TEA). Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Kennedale ISD, Fort Worth ISD.

Homes for sale now — Arlington

Search all homes in Arlington

Common questions

Which part of Arlington should I live in if I work in Dallas or Fort Worth?

Arlington sits about 20 miles from Dallas and 12 miles from Fort Worth, so most of the city works for either direction. North Arlington is closest to I-30. South Arlington connects most directly to I-20. Test your real commute at rush hour before you choose, because freeway traffic varies by direction and time.

Does Arlington have public transportation?

Arlington does not have its own bus or rail lines. The city runs Arlington On-Demand, a shared ride you book by app or by calling 817-784-7382. It covers the whole city and the CentrePort TRE commuter rail station. It runs weekdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

How much is the electric bill in Arlington?

There is no single number. It depends on your home's size and insulation, your plan and the summer heat. In most of Arlington, you choose a retail electricity provider on the state's Power to Choose website. Before you sign, compare each plan's Electricity Facts Label. Also check the contract length and the fee to cancel early.

Which school district is my Arlington address in?

Arlington addresses can be in Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Kennedale ISD or Fort Worth ISD. The Tarrant Appraisal District record for a home lists its school district. Check with the district to confirm which school serves any address.

How can I lower my property taxes in Arlington?

Once the home is your main residence, file a residence homestead exemption. You file it with the Tarrant Appraisal District. School districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's value. Owners who are 65 or older or disabled get an added $60,000. You can also protest your appraised value. The deadline is usually May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed.

What is there to do in Arlington besides the stadiums?

River Legacy Park has 1,031 acres of forest along the Trinity River, with trails and a nature center. Lake Arlington has fishing and a paddling trail. Downtown adds the Arlington Museum of Art, Theatre Arlington and a farmers market. The National Medal of Honor Museum is in the Entertainment District.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Arlington city, Texas (with Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville), U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Tarrant Appraisal District (homestead exemption, property search, online protest), Tarrant Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Moving to Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety (read 2026-09-24)
  6. New to Texas, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Register to Vote, Texas Secretary of State (VoteTexas.gov) (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  11. What to Know: Arlington's Outdoor Warning Siren System, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Arlington On-Demand, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  13. River Legacy Park, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Viridian Amenities, Viridian (community developer site) (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Attractions in Arlington, TX, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, Texas Health Resources (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Medical City Arlington, Medical City Healthcare (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Arlington, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Garbage & Recycling, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Lake Arlington, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Downtown Arlington, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Winter Weather, Ready.gov (FEMA) (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Tornado Preparedness, National Weather Service (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, DFW International Airport (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Dallas Love Field, City of Dallas (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Arlington ISD, Arlington Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Water Utilities: My Water Account / Start New Water Service, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.

More community guides

Dallas · Fort Worth · Plano · Southlake · Irving · Farmers Branch · Carrollton · Garland · Mesquite · Grand Prairie · Lewisville · Duncanville · Frisco · McKinney · Prosper · Grapevine · Flower Mound · Denton · Little Elm