Firstly why Garland, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Garland
• State: Texas
• Population: 238,000 people
• Garland’s quick summary would be Known for its family-friendly communities and the vibrant Downtown Garland district.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 25,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a diverse community and accessibility to Dallas attracting families

Perk #1: Garland Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Garland is $58,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Garland’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,059
• Property Tax %: 2.19%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,350
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Firewheel Town Center
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Garland, Sachse, Rowlett, Rockwall, and probably could include Plano
• Avg. Age of Homes in Garland: 46 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Garland’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Garland are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Garland Job Scene: stable job market focused on manufacturing and retail
• The General Tech Scene: diverse tech ecosystem focused on manufacturing, logistics, and services
• Garland Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Garland: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 14

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Garland

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: George Bush Turnpike connects Garland to surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Broadway Boulevard
• Transportation Score: 47 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Garland: 100,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 11 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Garland: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Dallas Love Field

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Garland’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Garland is best described as experiences hot summers and mild winters with significant rainfall
• Winter Weather in Garland i’d describe as mild with sunny days
• Spring Weather in Garland can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Garland are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Garland is usually warm with pleasant weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 43 days in summer
• Days in a row in Garland below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban density
• Garland Winter Air average air quality influenced by local traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Garland Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Garland 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Garlands’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Garland Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Garland Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Garland only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Garland only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Garland’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Garland’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Garland’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Garland

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area known for its diverse communities and local culture
• You might enjoy performances at the Granville Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Garland  features a variety of local bars restaurants and cultural events fostering an engaging atmosphere for all

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Garland

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes casual dining and a mix of local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Garland
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Garland can be described as diverse suburb with politically mixed influences
• Garland’s Longer standing religious establishment is Garland First Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Garland Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Garland has 20 Parks?
• Rowlett Creek Preserve is Garland’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Garland Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1:30pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Garland Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Garland can be described as moderately paced suburban life with access to urban amenities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Garland hiking local trails picnicking in parks attending community events
• The Cities people commute to from Garland are Dallas 13 miles away Grand-Prairie 9 miles away Coppell 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Garland or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Broadway Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Garland’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Firewheel Town Center is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Garland are Dallas 13 miles away Grand-Prairie 9 miles away Coppell 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Garland has 0 days in a row below freezing and 43 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Garland people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Garland. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse suburb with politically mixed influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Garland.

Retiree & Senior Life in Garland

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local tax credits aiding in property tax reductions
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Oaks
• Garland Senior Center features a variety of programs community resources and social events for older citizens

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Garland, Texas?

If Garland, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Garland, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!