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

Dallas County · TX

Pros and Cons of Moving to Duncanville, TX

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The pros and cons of moving to Duncanville, TX reflect a small, established suburb in southwest Dallas County. It is easy to learn and close to the lake, but it is car-dependent and most homes have some age. Here is a balanced look.

Pro: Is Duncanville easy to get to know?

Yes. The city covers about 11 square miles, so most errands and parks are a short drive. About 66% of homes are owner-occupied, according to the Census.

Pro: How long are commutes from Duncanville?

The Census puts the average commute at 25.5 minutes. I-20 runs along the north side and US 67 along the east, with routes into Dallas, Grand Prairie and Arlington.

Pro: What parks and recreation are nearby?

The city maintains 17 parks, the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve and a bike path. The Duncanville Fieldhouse hosts youth sports, and Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake is next door.

Pro: Are there established homes on larger lots?

Central neighborhoods often have mature trees and larger lots. If you like an established street and are ready to update, Duncanville offers that. City Hall, the public library and the recreation center are all close to these central streets.

Con: Is transit limited in Duncanville?

Duncanville is not a DART member. STAR Transit's on-demand rides run weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so most trips need a car, especially on weekends.

Con: Do older homes need work?

Most homes are established, so roofs, sewer lines, foundations and HVAC may need attention. A careful inspection and repair budget matter here. The city also requires permits for work such as fences, pools and system replacements, which adds time to projects.

Con: How high are property taxes?

Combined 2025 rates for a Duncanville home add up to about $2.24 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions. Texas has no state income tax, but property tax is a major cost.

Con: Is there much new construction?

Not much. The city is largely built out, with only some newer pockets, so buyers who want a brand-new home may need to look in nearby cities.

Con: What weather risks should you expect?

North Texas sees spring hail, strong storms and occasional tornadoes, plus rare hard freezes. Roof age and your wind and hail deductible matter.

Weigh these points with the Duncanville cost of living and the Duncanville relocation guide. Then talk with Mariela about a search that moves at your speed.

Common questions

What are the pros of living in Duncanville, TX?

Duncanville is compact at about 11 square miles, with an average commute of 25.5 minutes, 17 city parks, a nature preserve and Cedar Hill State Park next door. Many central streets have mature trees and larger lots.

What are the cons of living in Duncanville, TX?

Duncanville is not a DART member, so most trips need a car. Most homes are established and may need updates, there is little new construction, and property taxes are a significant cost.

Is Duncanville a good place to buy a home?

That depends on your commute, budget and the home you want. Duncanville suits buyers who want an established home in a compact city near I-20 and US 67. For crime information, contact the local police department or check its public data portal.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Duncanville city, Texas (with Arlington, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie), 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. Dallas Central Appraisal District (homestead filing, property search, uFILE protest), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Duncanville, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  9. City of Duncanville home page (newcomer packet, utilities, alerts), City of Duncanville (read 2026-09-24)
  10. STAR Transit, City of Duncanville (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Duncanville Parks, City of Duncanville (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Trash, Waste & Recycling, City of Duncanville (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Duncanville ISD home page (enrollment, choice programs, School Finder), Duncanville Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Duncanville Fieldhouse, Duncanville Fieldhouse (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Cedar Hill State Park, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  17. 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rates for Dallas County (revised November 5, 2025), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  19. City Sales and Use Tax Rates, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Texas is open for small business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Valuing Property (10 percent homestead appraisal limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  22. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  23. A–F Accountability, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures, Texas Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  25. What to know about deductibles, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  26. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  27. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  28. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Permit and Inspection Services, City of Duncanville (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Building Inspections, City of Duncanville (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.