If you’re considering living in Dallas NC, you’re in for a charming experience! According to the town’s website, Dallas North Carolina is known for its deep roots in the textile industry and historic downtown area. It also boasts a small-town atmosphere and close-knit community, making it a great place for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Incorporated in 1883 as Dallas, the town’s name is believed to come from George M. Dallas, the 11th Vice President of the United States, although some locals attribute the name to other regional influences. The town boasts several landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Old Gaston County Courthouse.
Moving to Dallas NC means gaining the benefits of modern amenities and historic charm. It’s ideal for families, has a low crime rate and excellent schools, and plenty of green spaces to explore.
If you’re considering one of the other cities near Charlotte, Make A Move can still help—we’re full-service Charlotte movers serving various communities in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA.
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Where Is Dallas NC?
Located in Gaston County, Dallas North Carolina is the county seat, positioned northwest of Charlotte. It’s 26 miles from Dallas NC to Charlotte NC, via I-85 north. Living in Dallas NC is great thanks to its location and accessibility.
Dallas NC Population & Demographics
The town of Dallas NC has a population of 4,851, per the 2020 census. It has the 10th highest median income ($57,755) in Gaston County and the 5th highest median age (38.8).
57% of its residents are female, while only 43% are male; the town’s poverty rate is 8.8%, which is well below the US average of 11.1%. Although it’s a suburb, 40% of people living in Dallas NC rent their homes. The people who call Dallas home are highly educated, with 84.7% boasting high school diplomas and 21.6% having bachelor’s degrees or higher.
While its other demographics are unique, its racial and ethnic makeup is not incredibly diverse:
- 75.3% White (58.4% non-Hispanic or Latino)
- 19.5% Hispanic or Latino
- 13.7% Black or African American
- 6.4% Asian
- 3.1% Two or more races
- 1.3% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 0.3% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
10.9% of the population is foreign-born, and 6.7% are US veterans—you will experience various cultures after moving to Dallas NC.
Is Dallas NC Safe?
When deciding if living in Dallas NC is right, you should consider its crime rate. According to the data provided by the FBI, Dallas, North Carolina is a very safe place to live!
- Dallas NC crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,103
- North Carolina crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,469
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
There is a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime when living in Dallas NC.
- Dallas NC violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 214
- North Carolina violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 405
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
The murder rate in Dallas is 100% lower than the state and national average.
- Dallas NC property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,890
- North Carolina property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,064
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
One hundred and fifteen property crimes were reported in Dallas NC, between 2022 and 2023.
The violent crime rate in the city of Dallas NC is more than 40% lower than the national average and almost 50% lower than the country, with its property crime falling 8% below the state and 3% below the national average.
For additional information or any questions regarding the city’s overall safety, look to the Dallas Police Department. You can call their non-emergency number at (704) 922-3116 or visit their station at 207 W. Church St Dallas, NC 28034 -1625.
Cost of Living in Dallas NC
According to PayScale, Dallas North Carolina is a highly affordable place to live, with a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 86—that’s 14% below the average US city! Housing here is 42% more affordable than the average city in the US, and utilities are 5%.
Are you wondering how much you’ll save on daily expenditures? Here’s a sneak peek:
*Typical living expenses
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $18.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.82
- Pound of white rice: $2.08
- Loaf of white bread: $3.51
- Dozen eggs: $4.39
- Average utilities for a small apartment: $162.26
- Bottle of wine (mid-range): $15.00
- 1 month of private preschool (or kindergarten) for one child: $1,328.67
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Charlotte, meaning prices may differ when living in Dallas NC.
Homes for Sale Dallas NC – Market Overview
Buying a house in North Carolina is exciting, whether in Dallas or another Charlotte suburb. If you do decide that living in Dallas NC is your next step, you should consider its real estate market. According to RedFin, the median home price in Dallas North Carolina is $173,250, which is well below the US median ($419,200) and the state median ($367,600).
The average price per square foot in Dallas NC is $155, and homes sit on the market for an average of 45 days (somewhat competitive). Keep in mind that 50% of homes for sale in Dallas NC sell above the listing price, meaning if you find one you love, consider acting fast!
Homes for rent in Dallas NC are equally affordable; the average rent in Dallas NC is $1,843 per month for a 1,212-square-foot rental. These figures are more affordable than Charlotte’s $1,653 and Raleigh’s $1,569.
Dallas NC Neighborhoods
Before living in Dallas NC can become a reality, you must find the perfect neighborhood to call home. Whether you plan to rent or buy, here are the best neighborhoods in Dallas NC, and what they have to offer!
Rosewood Village – New Construction
Rosewood Village is a new construction community by DR Hortan, an award-winning builder that provides affordable and stylish housing options. The prices in this community start at $319,00, which is quite a bit higher than the town’s median home price.
Most homes range from 1,613 to 2,164 square feet, and there are four-floor plans. It’s located east of the town’s heart and near the notable Pita Wheel and Brookside Elementary School.
Davis Hills – Affluent Community
Located in the northern part of Dallas, Davis Hills boasts uniquely built estates that range from $330,000 to $380,000, making it an affluent place to live. The homes are between 1,549 and 2,983 square feet, making them ideal for any family size! The community provides easy access to I-85 and proximity to George Poston Park’s hiking trails, recreational fields, biking trails, kayaking, rock climbing, and playgrounds.
Dallas NC Weather & Climate
Like Charlotte’s climate, Dallas NC has a Koppen classification of Cfa, characterized by warm-to-hot summers and mild winters with four seasons. The summers are hot and humid, with July having an average daily high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and an average humidity level of 81%. The winters are cold and fridged; the average daily high in January is 51 degrees, and March experiences an average rainfall of 3.5 inches. The snowiest month is January, with an average of 2.8 inches.
According to WeatherSparks, the best time to visit Dallas NC is from early May to mid-June and from mid-August to early October. The temperatures are the most pleasant in April, and the wet days are few and far between. Late summer to early fall boasts cooler temps and beautiful fall foliage. Living in Dallas NC provides an enjoyable climate most of the year!
Things to Do in Dallas NC
Are you looking for the top things to do in Dallas North Carolina? Check out our activities guide below on the best activities to check out when living in Dallas NC.
Gaston County Museum
Gaston County Museum is a history museum showcasing the region’s history in the textile industry and how it affected its overall development. This is a great educational activity for adults and children alike.
131 W Main St, Dallas, NC 28034, (704) 922-7681
Dallas Park
Dallas Park is highly reviewed and below amongst the town locals. It provides walking paths, baseball fields, a splash pad, a pond, and a fenced-in area for pets, making it one of the town activities in the community.
1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034, (704) 922-2160
Regal Franklin Square
Whether you’re looking for an activity where you can beat the heat or get out of the cold, attending a movie at the Regal in Gastonia is a great option.
3778 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, (844) 462-7342
More on What to Do Near Dallas North Carolina
- Altitude Trampoline Park – Located 7.2 Miles south of Franklin
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – Top things to do in Charlotte with kids
- The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium – Located 6 miles south in Gastonia
- The Barnyard Flea Markets – Widely referred to as the Dallas NC Flea Market
Dallas NC Parks and Recreation Department plays a pivotal role in community togetherness. They host an array of recreational sports and events and maintain all city-owned public spaces in the area. From parks to festivals and proximity to larger cities, you’ll never run out of things to do in Dallas NC.
Residents have tons of attractions to check out when living in Dallas NC. Keep track of everything this community has to offer with its special events calendar; its most popular event is Cotton Ginning Day.
Restaurants in Dallas NC
Are you looking for the tastiest Dallas NC restaurants? We’ve done all the research for you, so you know just where to try when living in Dallas NC!
Papa’s & Beer
If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Papa’s & Beer is the place to be. Reviewers rave about their margaritas, bean dip, and impeccable service, making it one of the best restaurants in Dallas NC.
3150 Dallas High Shoals Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034, (704) 675-8927
Country Kitchen
Country Kitchen serves delicious American cuisine such as burgers & fries, pancakes, and cheesy grits.
116 E Main St, Dallas, NC 28034, (704) 922-9597
Riverside Fish House
One of the most-reviewed eateries in town, Riverside Fish House provides some of the best food in Dallas NC! Their menu consists of fresh seafood dishes like fried flounder, hush puppies, and catfish.
1341 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034, (704) 922-8360
Jobs in Dallas NC
Living in Dallas NC provides proximity to Charlotte’s diverse job market, making it a great place to settle down. Many residents commute to Queen City for work, as multiple Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters there, including Bank of America, Sealed Air, Nucor Corp, and Duke Energy.
As for Dallas’s local economy, it’s primarily driven by small businesses, education, manufacturing, and services. While Dallas NC jobs are abundant, you may have great luck looking into the county’s major employers: Gaston County Public Schools, Caromont Health Corporation, Freightliner Health Corporation, and County of Gaston. If you work in the public sector, you’re in luck, as the town of Dallas NC jobs offer competitive pay and great benefits!
As you can see, living in Dallas NC provides a great job market and access to a diverse job market.
Dallas NC Schools
Do Dallas NC schools have the resources to support your child? Let’s take a deeper look at the area’s education system and if it fits your family’s needs!
Gaston County Schools (GCS) serves K-12 public school students living in Dallas NC, with the following schools being zoned for the town:
- Carr Elementary School
- Costner Elementary School
- W.C. Friday Middle School
- North Gaston High School
The school your child will attend depends on your home address; you can find the exact schools that serve your neighborhood with the GCS school locator.
According to US News, 85% of the district’s educators are certified, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. There are 63 full-time counselors spanning the 56 schools!
If you prefer a private education for your children, Community Christian Academy is widely used among Dallas residents and has 233 students.
College Students
You can live in Dallas and earn your degree! Dallas North Carolina is located just 1.9 miles from Gaston College, a local community college that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; you can get an Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degree.
Gaston County Public Library
While a great place for avid readers, Gaston County Public Library provides additional educational resources for eager-to-learn students. From its countless book clubs to various events for adults and children, this is a great place to find community and ignite your love for learning. People living in Dallas, NC, adore the sense of community and togetherness that attending events at the community library provides.
Dallas NC Map
Explore more to do when living in Dallas NC with this handy map.
Dallas NC Statistics & Information
- Dallas NC county: Gaston County
- Dallas NC area: 3.06 square miles
- Dallas NC zip code: 28034
- Dallas NC area code(s): 704, 980
Dallas NC time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5) - Dallas NC elevation: 787
- Closest airport to Dallas NC: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 19.2 miles from Dallas North Carolina.
Moving to Dallas NC With Make A Move
As you can see, living in Dallas NC is great! If you’re ready to take the big leap to this lovely city, call Make A Move, the top Dallas NC movers, at (704) 378-8588 for a free estimate on your upcoming move.
