Thinking about moving to Dallas, Georgia? You’re not alone. This charming town in Paulding County has become one of Metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing suburbs—but before you pack up and head this way, here are 10 essential things you need to know before moving to Dallas, GA.
1. A Small Town That’s Rapidly Growing
Dallas may be growing, but it hasn’t lost its small-town charm. With historic character, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace of life, Dallas still feels like a quiet Georgia town—just with more people moving in. But if you’re hoping for a walkable city full of nightlife and urban buzz, this probably isn’t it. Instead, think quiet neighborhoods, historic streets, and a community-oriented lifestyle.
2. Affordable Homes (Yes, Really!)
In a housing market where prices are sky-high, Dallas is still surprisingly affordable. You can find move-in-ready 3-bed, 2-bath homes starting in the low $300,000s, and 4-bed homes in the high $300Ks to low $400Ks. You might find something even cheaper if you’re up for a fixer-upper.
Another bonus? Less buyer competition. Homes stay on the market a little longer here, which means buyers often score incentives like closing cost assistance or appliance packages—something that’s rare in hotter areas like Alpharetta or Sandy Springs.
3. Utility Setup in Dallas, GA
If you’re moving to Dallas, here’s what you’ll need to know about setting up utilities:
- Electricity: Paulding EMC
- Water: Paulding County Water (be ready for long hold times—patience required!)
- Natural Gas: Most homes that use gas go with Gas South or Georgia Natural Gas, both reliable options.
These are just little details, but they’ll make your move much smoother!
4. The Commute to Atlanta is… Not Short
Let’s keep it real: if you work in Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, living in Dallas means you’re in for a long commute—typically 60 to 90 minutes one way, depending on traffic. Major routes like I-75 and Barrett Parkway get congested during peak hours, so many Dallas residents leave home by 6:30 AM to beat the rush.
If you work from home or have a flexible schedule, great. If not, this is something to seriously consider before making the move.
5. Not Much Nightlife or Shopping in Town
Dallas isn’t known for trendy restaurants or major shopping centers. You’ll find local favorites and a few chains, but most residents drive to nearby cities—like Marietta, just 20 minutes away—for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
But this is also a big reason people love Dallas: fewer strip malls, less traffic, and more peace and quiet near home.
6. Outdoor Living is a Big Deal Here
If you love the outdoors, Dallas won’t disappoint. There are tons of parks, trails, and green spaces:
- Silver Comet Trail – A paved walking and biking trail that stretches for miles through Dallas and beyond.
- Sara Babb Park – Local favorite for family fun, sports, and outdoor gatherings.
- Plus, there are dog parks, sports complexes, and places to hike all over Paulding County.
7. Lots of New Construction Homes
Dallas is one of the few places around Atlanta where new construction homes are still plentiful and relatively affordable. You can find brand-new builds starting in the $400Ks, which is unheard of in cities like Alpharetta or Sandy Springs where new homes start around $900K.
If you want a modern home with a yard in a community setting, Dallas is definitely worth checking out.
8. Schools are a Mixed Bag
Public schools in Dallas range from excellent to… not so great. Some areas are zoned for top-rated schools, while others are not. It’s important to do your homework—and I can help with that.
Check school ratings at:
Or just reach out—I’m happy to help you find a home in the right school zone.
9. Downtown Dallas is Small but Charming
The historic downtown district in Dallas has that “Hallmark movie” feel. It’s small, walkable, and full of locally owned shops, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re into supporting small businesses and enjoying a slower pace, you’ll love it here.
Check out the area around Main Street and Memorial Drive for some hidden gems!
10. Dallas Isn’t Perfect—But It Might Be Perfect for You
Every suburb has its pros and cons, and Dallas is no different. You’ll get affordable homes, a quiet lifestyle, and access to nature, but you’ll also trade some conveniences—like nightlife, short commutes, or immediate access to shopping.
Want the full breakdown of the pros and cons of living in Dallas, GA? I made a video just for you—click here to watch it now.
Thinking About Moving to Dallas, GA?
I’m Victor with Atlanta Suburban Living, and I help people just like you relocate to Dallas and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about life in this area, I’d love to help.
📞 Call | 💬 Text | 📧 Email — I’m always here to chat.