Firstly why Grand-Prairie, Texas?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Grand-Prairie
- State: Texas
- Population: 194,543 people
- Grand-Prairie’s quick summary would be Celebrated for the expansive Lone Star Park and vibrant shopping and dining options.
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: 9,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
- Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
- Number of Homeless people: 400
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features diverse housing options and proximity to Dallas appealing to families
Perk #1: Grand-Prairie Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 61%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
- The median income is (and growing) $61,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Grand-Prairie is $62,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 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 & Grand-Prairie’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,281
- Property Tax %: 2.2%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
- Rent for an average house: $2,100
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Grand Prairie
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Grand-Prairie, Arlington, Cedar-Hill, Lancaster, and probably could include Duncanville
- Avg. Age of Homes in Grand-Prairie: 36 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%
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 & Grand-Prairie’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Grand-Prairie are Retail, Transportation, and Manufacturing
- Grand-Prairie Job Scene: diverse job market primarily in logistics and healthcare
- The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence engaged primarily in logistics and manufacturing , ,
- Grand-Prairie Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Grand-Prairie: 8.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 180 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 9
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 Grand-Prairie
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-30 runs through Grand Prairie providing access to Dallas
- Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on I-30
- Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Grand-Prairie: 100,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Grand-Prairie: txdmv.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
- Local Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International
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: Grand-Prairie’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Grand-Prairie is best described as features hot summers with mild winters and significant rainfall
- Winter Weather in Grand-Prairie i’d describe as mild with sunny weather
- Spring Weather in Grand-Prairie can be described as warm with chances of rain
- Summer’s in Grand-Prairie are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Grand-Prairie is usually warm and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 39 days in summer
- Days in a row in Grand-Prairie below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality mainly influenced by urban activities
- Grand-Prairie Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban development
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: Grand-Prairie Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Grand-Prairie 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Grand-Prairies’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Grand Prairie Public 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 & Grand-Prairie Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Grand-Prairie only Doctors is about 50
- Local Hospitals here is 5
- Full-time Grand-Prairie only Police Officers is about 200
- Crime Rate Index: 45/100
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
- Grand-Prairie’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
- Grand-Prairie’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Grand-Prairie’s Water Quality Score: 71
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 Grand-Prairie
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: urban area with a mix of parks and cultural places
- You might enjoy concerts at the Grand Prairie Theatre
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Grand-Prairie has a friendly atmosphere with bars and local dining suitable for relaxed social outings
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 Grand-Prairie
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local eateries and fast food options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Grand-Prairie
- The Popular Sports Team is Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Top Level Political Climate in Grand-Prairie can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on community engagement
- Grand-Prairie’s Longer standing religious establishment is Grand Prairie First United Methodist 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: Grand-Prairie Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Grand-Prairie has 20 Parks?
- Grand Prairie Entertainment District is Grand-Prairie’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Grand Prairie Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and outdoor sports
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: Grand-Prairie Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Grand-Prairie can be described as active urban lifestyle with diverse shopping and entertainment
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Grand-Prairie attending fairs exploring parks picnicking
- The Cities people commute to from Grand-Prairie are Texas-Tech-University 5 miles away Wolfforth 6 miles away Littlefield 29 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 Grand-Prairie 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.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: slowdowns on I-30. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Grand-Prairie’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Grand Prairie is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Grand-Prairie are Texas-Tech-University 5 miles away Wolfforth 6 miles away Littlefield 29 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Grand-Prairie has 0 days in a row below freezing and 39 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Grand-Prairie people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
400 homeless people living in Grand-Prairie. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed area with a focus on community engagement 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 Grand-Prairie.
Retiree & Senior Life in Grand-Prairie
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive financial support targeted at property tax reductions
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
- Grand Prairie Senior Center features diverse programs including arts classes and fitness activities
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 Grand-Prairie, Texas?
If Grand-Prairie, 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 Grand-Prairie, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!