Moving to Irving TX 2026 Guide

Irving is the geographic and corporate heart of DFW. Home to roughly 256,000 residents in 2025, it borders DFW International Airport on the west and downtown Dallas on the east. Headquarters for ExxonMobil, Kimberly-Clark, Fluor, and many others sit in Irving's Las Colinas district. With strong international diversity, the Toyota Music Factory entertainment district, and one of the few DFW suburbs with real walkability, Irving is where many corporate transplants land first. Here's your complete 2026 moving guide.

Key Takeaways

Population: ~256,000 in 2025; one of DFW's most diverse cities, with sizable Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Filipino communities.
Median home price: Around $380,000 — affordable for a central DFW city with strong corporate base.
Schools: Three districts cover Irving — Irving ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (north Irving/Valley Ranch), and Coppell ISD (north of MacArthur Blvd).
Commute: 15–25 minutes to downtown Dallas, 10–15 minutes to DFW Airport. DART Orange Line provides rail access.
Big advantages: Central location, Las Colinas amenities, walkable Music Factory district, school district variety.

What makes Irving TX worth moving to?

Irving's killer feature is location, location, location. You're 15–25 minutes from downtown Dallas, 10–15 minutes from DFW Airport, 20–30 minutes from Fort Worth, and 20 minutes from Plano. No other DFW city offers this convergence. For frequent travelers, corporate employees, or anyone wanting to balance Dallas and Fort Worth lifestyles, Irving's central position is unmatched.

Irving also offers Las Colinas — a master-planned urban district with the Mandalay Canal, Williams Square (home of the famous Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture), the Toyota Music Factory entertainment complex, and DART Orange Line rail access. Walking and bike-friendly Lake Carolyn, water taxis between hotels and restaurants, and a corporate-driven art and event scene make Las Colinas feel more urban than most DFW suburbs. The Toyota Music Factory hosts major concerts, has 20+ restaurants, and is the closest thing in DFW to a walkable downtown entertainment district.

What are the best neighborhoods in Irving?

Irving's strongest neighborhoods include:

Las Colinas Urban Center — High-rise condos and luxury apartments around the Mandalay Canal and Williams Square. $400K–$1.5M+ for condos; rentals from $1,800–$5,000/month. Walkable to restaurants, gym, water taxi, DART rail.

Valley Ranch — Master-planned residential community in north Irving (zoned Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD). $475K–$900K. Strong family neighborhood with multiple HOA pools, golf, and walking trails. Established trees.

Hackberry Creek — Gated luxury community in Las Colinas. $750K–$2.5M. Estate homes, golf course, very strong privacy.

Cottonwood Valley — Established golf course community. $475K–$1.2M. Older established homes with tree-lined streets.

Song / Bluebonnet — More affordable subdivisions near Belt Line Road. $325K–$500K.

Downtown Irving / Heritage District — Historic homes near the original Irving downtown. $275K–$475K. Walkable to MLK Park and the heritage district.

Coppell-zoned northern Irving (north of MacArthur) — Coppell ISD-zoned addresses are highly sought after for their A+ rated schools. $475K–$900K. Higher prices reflect school quality premium.

For best schools, target Coppell ISD addresses (highest-rated) or Valley Ranch in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. For walkability and amenities, target Las Colinas Urban Center. For affordability, target older south Irving subdivisions.

How do Irving schools compare?

Irving's school situation is unusually complex — three different districts cover the city:

Irving ISD covers most of central and south Irving. The district has improved significantly over the past decade but rates B+ to A on average. MacArthur High School, Irving High School, and Nimitz High School are the three main campuses.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD covers Valley Ranch and some northeastern Irving. Rates A consistently. Newman Smith High School is the main feeder.

Coppell ISD covers north Irving above MacArthur Blvd. Rates A+ — among the top districts in Texas. Coppell High School is one of the highest-rated in the state.

If schools drive your move, identify which of the three districts covers any home you're considering before making an offer. The district can change from one block to the next. This is the single most important pre-purchase research step for school-focused families relocating to Irving.

How much does it cost to move to Irving?

Local moves into Irving from elsewhere in DFW run $550–$1,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $1,200–$2,800 for a 3- to 4-bedroom home. From Dallas proper, expect 4–6 hours total. From Plano or Frisco, 5–6 hours. From Fort Worth, 5–7 hours.

Las Colinas high-rise moves require elevator reservations 48–72 hours ahead. Loading-zone permits are required for many Las Colinas buildings — confirm with the property manager before move day. Long-distance moves into Irving typically run $4,500–$13,000+; corporate transfers from California, the Northeast, and international relocations (especially from India) are common. For seasonal pricing trade-offs, see our best time of year to move in Dallas guide.

What's the commute from Irving to Dallas?

The commute from Irving to downtown Dallas runs 15–25 minutes off-peak via SH-114, I-635, or surface streets and 30–50 minutes during rush hour. The DART Orange Line runs through Irving with stations at Las Colinas Urban Center, Irving Convention Center, North Lake College, and University of Dallas. Total rail commute to downtown Dallas: 25–35 minutes. The Orange Line is also the rail link directly to DFW Airport — 8 minutes from Las Colinas to terminal A/B.

For DFW Airport itself, the drive is 10–15 minutes from most Irving neighborhoods. Fort Worth is 20–30 minutes via I-30 west or SH-360. Plano and Frisco are 25–35 minutes via I-635 east and US-75. Few DFW suburbs offer this kind of central connectivity — it's the main reason Irving households often skip car ownership entirely for one or both drivers.

What about taxes and cost of living in Irving?

Irving property taxes run around 2.3–2.5% effective, blending Dallas County, the relevant school district (Irving ISD, C-FB ISD, or Coppell ISD), the City of Irving, and special-district levies. Sales tax is 8.25% statewide. Texas has no state income tax. Most Irving residents pay $6,500–$11,000/year in combined property taxes on a typical single-family home.

Utility costs are deregulated under ERCOT for electricity. Irving uses a city-owned utility for water and sewer with bills running $80–$140/month. Home insurance averages $1,800–$3,000/year. Irving's cost of living is roughly 15% lower than Frisco or Plano for equivalent housing, with the upside being central location. The downside: property taxes run slightly higher than Collin or Denton county equivalents.

When is the best time to move to Irving?

The best time to move to Irving is March–April or September–October. Mild weather, lower mover demand, and easier apartment-listing turnover. Avoid June–August unless work or family timing forces it — peak Texas heat, peak summer demand, 25–30% pricing premiums. Irving ISD typically starts around August 13 in 2026; Coppell ISD around August 12; C-FB ISD around August 12 — confirm exact dates as they vary by district.

Mid-week moves save 10–20% versus Saturday bookings. For more on monthly DFW moving costs, see our best time of year to move in Dallas guide.

Ready to make Irving home?

Our electric-truck crews handle Irving moves weekly, including Las Colinas high-rises, Valley Ranch homes, and Coppell-zoned luxury subdivisions. We coordinate elevator reservations, building loading-zone permits, and HOA truck-access codes. Our crews know which Las Colinas streets have water-taxi-related restrictions and which Music Factory area complexes need 72-hour move notices.

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Irving TX 2026 neighborhood home price ranges and school districts

Neighborhood	Price Range	School District
Las Colinas Urban Center	$400K–$1.5M+	Irving ISD
Valley Ranch	$475K–$900K	Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
Hackberry Creek	$750K–$2.5M	Irving ISD
Song / Bluebonnet	$325K–$500K	Irving ISD
Downtown Irving / Heritage	$275K–$475K	Irving ISD
North of MacArthur Blvd	$475K–$900K	Coppell ISD

Top reasons families choose Irving TX

Irving sits 15–25 minutes from downtown Dallas and 10–15 minutes from DFW Airport.
Three school districts serve Irving, including highly rated Coppell ISD in the north.
Las Colinas offers walkable amenities like the Mandalay Canal, water taxis, and DART rail access.
The Toyota Music Factory hosts major concerts and over 20 restaurants in a walkable district.
The median home price of around $380,000 is affordable for a centrally located DFW city.
Irving's population of roughly 256,000 includes sizable Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Filipino communities.
Neighborhoods like Valley Ranch and Hackberry Creek offer master-planned living with strong HOA amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Irving TX safe to move to in 2026?

Generally yes, with neighborhood variation. Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, and Coppell-zoned north Irving consistently have low crime rates. Some south Irving and central Irving areas have higher property-crime rates. The Irving Police Department is active and responsive. Most incidents are property-related; violent crime rates remain below state averages for cities of Irving's size.

Why does Irving have three school districts?

Historic district boundaries from before the city consolidated. Coppell ISD was formed when Coppell was a separate town; the boundary remained when Irving annexed nearby areas. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD covers Valley Ranch because it was developed as part of that district's catchment. Always verify the assigned district for any specific Irving address before signing a lease or making an offer.

Is Las Colinas worth the cost premium?

For walkability and lifestyle, yes — Las Colinas Urban Center is the closest thing in DFW to a walkable urban experience outside downtown Dallas. Water taxis, canals, restaurants, gym, DART rail, and quick airport access make it unique. The trade-off: higher rents and condo prices, plus higher property taxes on assessed value. Best for corporate professionals, frequent travelers, and adults without school-age kids.

How long does it take to get to DFW Airport from Irving?

Most Irving addresses are 10–15 minutes from DFW Airport terminals A, B, C, and D. Las Colinas residents can take the DART Orange Line directly — 8 minutes to terminals. Even south Irving and Valley Ranch are within 15–20 minutes off-peak. This is the single best DFW Airport access of any city in the metroplex.

Are property taxes really 2.3%+ in Irving?

Yes. Dallas County rates run slightly higher than Collin or Denton county due to city, school district, and special-district levies. Irving's combined rate typically lands at 2.3–2.5%. The exact rate depends on which school district covers your address. The Texas homestead exemption reduces taxable value of your primary residence by $40,000–$100,000.

Should I buy in Irving ISD or pay extra for Coppell ISD?

For school-prioritized families, Coppell ISD is worth the premium — it's one of the top-rated districts in Texas. The price premium for Coppell-zoned Irving addresses typically runs 15–25% above equivalent Irving ISD homes. For families without school-age kids or wanting more affordable options, Irving ISD has been steadily improving and the savings can be substantial.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move to Irving TX from elsewhere in DFW?

Local moves into Irving from elsewhere in DFW run $550–$1,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $1,200–$2,800 for a 3- to 4-bedroom home. From Dallas proper, expect 4–6 hours total. From Plano or Frisco, 5–6 hours. From Fort Worth, 5–7 hours. Long-distance moves into Irving — common for corporate transfers from California and the Northeast — typically run $4,500–$13,000+.

What is the commute time from Irving to downtown Dallas by car and by rail?

Driving from Irving to downtown Dallas takes 15–25 minutes off-peak via SH-114 or I-635, and 30–50 minutes during rush hour. The DART Orange Line offers a 25–35 minute rail commute, with stations at Las Colinas Urban Center, Irving Convention Center, North Lake College, and University of Dallas. The same Orange Line reaches DFW Airport in 8 minutes from Las Colinas.

How much are property taxes in Irving TX?

Irving property taxes run an effective rate of 2.3–2.5%, combining Dallas County, the applicable school district, City of Irving, and special-district levies. Most Irving residents pay $6,500–$11,000 per year on a typical single-family home. The exact rate depends on which of the three school districts — Irving ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, or Coppell ISD — covers your specific address.

Is Irving TX housing cheaper than Frisco or Plano?

Yes. Irving's median home price is around $380,000, and its overall cost of living runs roughly 15% lower than Frisco or Plano for equivalent housing. The trade-off is that Dallas County property tax rates run slightly higher than Collin or Denton county equivalents. The central location — 15–25 minutes from downtown Dallas and 10–15 minutes from DFW Airport — offsets much of that gap for many buyers.

When is the best time of year to move to Irving to avoid peak pricing?

March–April and September–October offer the best combination of mild weather and lower mover demand in Irving. Avoid June–August — peak Texas heat and peak moving season bring 25–30% pricing premiums. Mid-week moves save an additional 10–20% versus Saturday bookings. Irving ISD, Coppell ISD, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD all start around August 12–13 in 2026, making late summer moves the most compressed window.

Do I need to reserve an elevator before moving into a Las Colinas high-rise?

Yes. Las Colinas high-rise moves require elevator reservations 48–72 hours in advance. Many Las Colinas buildings also require loading-zone permits, which must be confirmed with the property manager before move day. Some complexes near the Toyota Music Factory area require 72-hour move notices. Failing to arrange these in advance can delay or block access on move day.