🌴 From California to Texas: What Surprised This Homeowner About Moving from Orange County, California to Dallas-Fort Worth

👋 California-to-Texas Relocation - A Buyer's Story

A few years ago, Gina M., traded the beaches of Southern California for the wide-open skies of Texas. She had spent most of her life in Orange County, and less than 4 hours in Dallas, so she wasn’t sure what to expect when she moved to Dallas for a new job.

Spoiler alert: It wasn’t as different as I thought. In fact, in many ways—especially in places like Plano, Highland Park, and Frisco—DFW feels like California’s best, with way less traffic.

Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a lifestyle shift, here’s my honest take on what’s similar, what’s different, and what’s surprisingly better when moving from California to Texas.

🏘️ What Feels Familiar: Shopping, Homes & Lifestyle Vibes

Plano = Irvine/OC Suburb Energy

The Plano area (especially near Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy) immediately reminded me of Irvine or Newport Coast—walkable shopping, stylish restaurants, new homes, tech employers, and a polished suburban feel (I’m talking about you manicured medians and pristine streets). Some of the things that made me feel instantly at home included: 

• Stylish modern homes and townhomes

• Family-friendly communities with parks & trails

• Corporate HQs, tech campuses, and master-planned communities

• Luxury shopping and high-end restaurants\

• A new tollway that gets me into downtown Dallas in less than 15-minutes

Highland Park/Preston Hollow = Beverly Hills Meets Southern Charm

If you're coming from Palo Alto, West L.A., Beverly Hills, or Pasadena, you’ll find similar energy in Highland Park and Preston Hollow.

You’ll feel right at home with:

• Boutique hotels, high-end boutiques, walkable sidewalks

• Architecturally rich homes, old oaks, and timeless elegance

• Art galleries, wine bars, and Michelin-rated dining

NorthPark Center = South Coast Plaza Vibes

Love a day at South Coast Plaza? NorthPark Center in Dallas hits all the same notes:

• Flagship luxury brands (Chanel, Gucci, LV, Rolex)

• Museum-caliber art and floral installations

• High-end restaurants and well-dressed locals

Plus no need to worry about parking. Everywhere you want to go has valet. With delicious restaurants, home furnishings, the Apple Store and seasonal activities, it’s a destination, not just a mall.

☀️ What’s Different (for Better or Worse)

The Weather: Hotter Summers, Short Winters

No sugarcoating it—Texas summers are HOT. Think 100°+ days in July and August. And Dallas humidity can be rough–but not as bad as our southern neighboring towns (sorry Houston and Austin). But the upside? No wildfires, no Santa Ana’s, no droughts. You may experience some pollen-induced allergens in the spring, but the diverse and populous wildflowers are worth it! The sunsets are incredible, and the thunder and lightning storms are awe-inspiring.

Plus: Short, mild winters with very few snow days. (You’ll own a coat but rarely wear it.)

No Ocean... but Plenty of Lakes + Weekend Escapes

You’ll trade ocean breezes for lakeside living and pool culture. While you’ll miss Pacific breezes, there are tons of weekend escapes: Drive to Austin, Hill Country or Gulf Coast beaches; Fly to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico beaches within hours. 

• Grapevine Lake, White Rock Lake, Austin’s Ladybird Lake

• Boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside patios are big here

• A short direct flight puts you at dozens of tropical east coast and international beaches within hours, thanks to Dallas Love (domestic) and DFW international airports

Mountains? Not Exactly.

No hiking in the Redwoods or Malibu canyon here—but Texas offers:

• Hill Country hikes (Enchanted Rock, Lost Maples)

• Biking and running trails across DFW (especially in Plano, McKinney, Flower Mound, around White Rock Lake and through downtown Dallas on the Katy Trail)

• More focus on open skies, tree-lined neighborhoods, and lake views

💰 Why Many Californians Stay: Big Benefits of Life in DFW

Your Money Goes Way Further

Housing costs are dramatically lower:

• A $1.5M home in Orange County = $500–800K home in Frisco, Plano, or Southlake

• No state income tax = bigger paycheck immediately

• Lower property taxes than many expect (taxes vary based on city/county–and have you heard about the homestead exemption?) 

Less Traffic, Less Stress

The DFW Metroplex is spread out, but it’s shockingly easy to get around. The driving may be a little bit to adjust to (less aggressive, more erratic) but with one of the most extensive freeway infrastructure in the nation, you’ll get there faster. 

• Across DFW most commutes are pretty short—many under 30 minutes

• Wide freeways with fewer bottlenecks

• No 5, 405 or 101-level misery–I’ve yet to sit in more than 30-minutes of traffic in any direction at rush hour

Yes, there’s “rush hour” and those who have never lived in California complain about it. A lot. But it’s manageable—and predictable. It is nothing compared to LA. 

Travel Is So Much Easier

DFW International Airport is a dream compared to LAX:

• Easier check-in with many terminals offering TSA Precheck and Clear access

• Less expensive parking, and I’ve never seen someone getting a ticket for pausing to wait for a passenger pickup

• Much better lounge access in most terminals, not just International

• More direct international flights than LAX

• Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth

And if you’re on the Dallas side, Love Field (DAL) offers quick Southwest flights all over the U.S.

Incredible Arts, Culture, and Sports

This surprised me most: Dallas and Fort Worth have world-class culture. In fact, Dallas just made the top-10 list of best cities for creatives to live in, boasting 10 museums for every 100,000 residents 

• Winspear Opera House, Kimbell Art Museum, Dallas Museum of Art

• Broadway shows, symphony, jazz, ballet, and more

• Pro sports galore (Cowboys, Mavs, Stars, Rangers)

• Emerging foodie scene in Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville, Legacy West, and more

🏡 Considering a Move from California to DFW?

While the story above came from a client's perspective. I too lived in California and Georgia before becoming a proud DFW local. I specialize in helping people like you find the right place to land in North Texas. I’ll walk you through neighborhoods, schools, homes, and help you compare areas that match your lifestyle.

📥 Download My Free DFW Relocation Guide for Californians ✅ Neighborhood matches ✅ School comparisons ✅ Cost-of-living breakdown ✅ Home styles that feel like home

📞 [Let’s Schedule a California-to-Texas Relocation Call] 817-500-8280

You don’t have to sacrifice lifestyle to make a smart move. With the right guidance, Texas can feel more like home than you ever expected.