Firstly why Irving, Texas?

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

• City: Irving
• State: Texas
• Population: 248,500 people
• Irving’s quick summary would be Celebrated for the Toyota Music Factory, vibrant cultural scene, and the University of Dallas.

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: 17,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 18,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers diverse cultural experiences and proximity to Dallas attracting families

Perk #1: Irving Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $60,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Irving is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral 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 & Irving’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,654
• Property Tax %: 2.18%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Las Colinas
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Irving, Las-Colinas, Coppell, Valley-Ranch, and probably could include North-Irving
• Avg. Age of Homes in Irving: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

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 & Irving’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Irving are  Technology, Retail, and Logistics
• Irving Job Scene: strong job market in finance and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech landscape with focus on logistics and e-commerce , ,
• Irving Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Irving: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 140 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 16

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 Irving

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-30 connects Irving to the Dallas area and I-35E
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on Highway 183
• Transportation Score: 51 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Irving: 82,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Irving: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 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: Irving’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Irving is best described as features hot summers and mild winters with a fair amount of precipitation
• Winter Weather in Irving i’d describe as mild with dry conditions
• Spring Weather in Irving can be described as warm with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Irving are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Irving is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in Irving below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by regional traffic
• Irving Winter Air mixed air quality often impacted 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: Irving Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Irving 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Irvings’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Irving 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 & Irving Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Irving only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Irving only Police Officers is about 180
• 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

• Irving’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Irving’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Irving’s Water Quality Score: 67

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 Irving

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban community focusing on culture and business development
• You might enjoy concerts at the Irving Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Irving  features a diverse nightlife with local bars and restaurants appealing to families and social gatherings

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 Irving

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of local eateries and fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Irving
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Irving can be described as diverse community facing social issues and community engagement
• Irving’s Longer standing religious establishment is Ivoryville Baptist 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: Irving Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Irving has 20 Parks?
• Las Colinas Park is Irving’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Irving Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and picnicking

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: Irving Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Irving can be described as moderate suburban pace with a focus on diverse communities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Irving exploring parks community events picnics at lakes
• The Cities people commute to from Irving are Plano 6 miles away McKinney 17 miles away Frisco 12 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 Irving 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 slowing on Highway 183. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Irving’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Las Colinas is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Irving are Plano 6 miles away McKinney 17 miles away Frisco 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Irving has 0 days in a row below freezing and 25 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 Irving people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Irving. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse community facing social issues and 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 Irving.

Retiree & Senior Life in Irving

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from local tax breaks affecting property ownership costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Vista
• Irving Senior Center hosts recreational activities meal programs and health resources for older residents

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 Irving, Texas?

If Irving, 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 Irving, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!