Moving to Richardson

Richardson is located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, offering suburban tranquillity and urban connectivity. Bordering prominent cities like Dallas, Plano and Garland, Richardson boasts excellent accessibility through major highways. With four light-rail stations, getting around is a breeze.

Richardson was settled in the 1840s and has grown exponentially since. The town saw its population boom post-World War II and continued to expand with the establishment of the University of Texas at Dallas in the 1960s. This historical growth trajectory has laid a strong foundation for the city’s modern, thriving community.

Cost of living in Richardson

Housing in Richardson is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the DFW area, and the median home price is lower than in some neighbouring cities like Plano. Grocery prices are notably lower than the national average, and transport costs are also competitive, with lower gas prices and manageable annual costs for car owners. Doctor visits and energy bills are more expensive, but this is balanced by the city’s overall high standard of living and quality services.

Texas’s lack of state income tax is a significant advantage for Richardson residents. Coupled with a higher-than-average median household and individual income, this makes Richardson an attractive place for financially savvy individuals and families.

Getting around in Richardson

In Richardson, most residents rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute. Services like Uber and Lyft are widely used, providing convenient transport options within the city and to nearby areas. Traffic in Richardson is manageable, with an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.

Richardson is well-connected to the DFW area through major highways and DART light rail services, making travel to downtown Dallas and other nearby cities convenient. Major highways, including Interstate 635, US Highway 75 and State Highway 190, facilitate easy travel, although they can experience typical urban congestion during peak hours. Public transport is robust, with DART offering extensive bus and light-rail services that connect Richardson to the broader DFW area.

The city is also accessible to Dallas Love Field Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, both within a reasonable distance and reachable via ride-sharing services.

Useful links

• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Healthcare in Richardson

Richardson boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, ensuring residents can access excellent medical services. These include comprehensive services offered by Baylor Scott & White Health, including primary care, women’s health, and specialised treatments such as heart and vascular care, orthopaedics and cancer care.

Eminent Medical Center’s advanced surgical technologies and specialised care also stand out. UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano offers leading-edge therapies and innovative treatments, providing exceptional care. Methodist Richardson Medical Center is a hospital renowned for its comprehensive services, including cardiology and stroke and trauma care.

Read our comprehensive guide to Understanding Health Insurance in the USA.

Useful links

• Baylor Scott & White Health
• Eminent Medical Center
• UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Methodist Richardson Medical Center

Schools in Richardson

Richardson Independent School District (RISD) is a prominent educational provider with over 40 elementary and high schools. Parts of Richardson are served by the Plano Independent School District (PISD), which includes over 75 schools covering elementary, middle, and high school education.

For those seeking private education, Richardson offers over 20 private schools, serving nearly 3,000 students, with options catering to various religious and educational preferences.

Charter and magnet schools provide specialised education in Richardson. Schools like Arapaho Classical Magnet, Math/Science/Tech Magnet, and Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet offer focused curricula.

Families looking for international education in the DFW area can consider institutions like the Dallas International School, which offers the French and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

Useful links

• Richardson Independent School District
• Plano Independent School District

Weather in Richardson

Located in Dallas and Collin counties, Richardson experiences a humid subtropical climate. It has hot, damp summers and cool, windy winters. The summers can get particularly warm and muggy, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s°F (about 24°C) to the upper 90s°F (37°C), with August typically being the hottest month.

Winters in Richardson are cooler and often windy, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid-50s°F (13°C) to upper 60s°F (20°C). January is the coldest month. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 1 inch (25mm) per year. The city receives an average of 40 inches (1,016mm) of rain annually, with the wettest months being from April to October.

Residents of Richardson enjoy about 230 sunny days each year, which is above the national average. The clearest part of the year extends from late May to mid-November, with October being the clearest. February tends to be the cloudiest month.

Working in Richardson

Strategically located in the DFW metroplex, Richardson is one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. Key industries here include technology, telecommunications and property management. Major employers in Richardson include Lennox International, RealPage, IDG, Safety-Kleen and Zyvex, offering many job opportunities.

The work culture in Richardson reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the DFW area, making it an excellent place to start a business. The corporate environment varies widely; some companies have a more driven and aggressive culture, while others are more laid-back. Overall, the work culture here is less demanding than in cities like New York but still competitive.

Remote work is becoming increasingly common in Richardson, mirroring trends across the broader North Texas region. With nearly 40 percent of the working population in nearby Frisco working remotely, many Richardson residents also benefit from flexible work options.

Commuting in Richardson is facilitated by its strategic location and robust transport infrastructure. Many residents work locally, given the high job density within the city, but commuting to other parts of the DFW area is common, thanks to the city’s excellent connectivity to nearby business hubs.

Useful links

• Telecom Corridor Richardson
• Richardson Chamber of Commerce

Accommodation in Richardson

Whether you’re looking for a cosy one-bedroom house or a larger three- to four-bedroom home, Richardson has options to suit every need, including homes with special features like finished basements, fenced yards and locations in gated communities. For those needing temporary accommodation, fully furnished, move-in-ready houses are available for short-term stays.

Rental prices in Richardson are competitive within the DFW metro area. That said, other cities in the DFW area, such as Fort Worth and Arlington, also present strong rental markets due to their growing populations and economic opportunities.

Richardson boasts a variety of residential neighbourhoods, each offering unique characteristics to suit different lifestyles. Crowley Park is perfect for families and young professionals and is known for its walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas. Greenwood Hills is another family-friendly neighbourhood, renowned for its well-maintained parks, excellent schools and convenient access to shopping and dining.

Heights Park offers a mix of mid-century homes and modern new builds. This neighbourhood has excellent schools, vibrant community events and is close to the Heights Recreation Center. Canyon Creek is ideal for families and retirees. This well-established neighbourhood features the Canyon Creek Country Club and Golf Course, tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and an active homeowners’ association. 

Useful links

• Apartments.com: Richardson
• Realtor.com: Richardson

Lifestyle in Richardson

Richardson offers an abundance of recreational activities for everyone. Shopping in Richardson is an adventure in itself. The city boasts a mix of boutiques and speciality shops scattered throughout. For antique lovers, Cottonwood Market offers a treasure trove of vintage collectables. Major shopping centres nearby, like NorthPark Center and Allen Premium Outlets, ensure you have access to a wide array of retail options.

When it comes to dining, Richardson's culinary scene is diverse and vibrant. You can find a variety of cuisines, from Chinese and Indian to Ethiopian and Italian. Whether you're in the mood for a fine dining experience or a casual meal, Richardson has something to satisfy every palate.

Richardson is also home to a plethora of events and attractions that cater to a variety of interests. The city’s annual Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is a highlight, drawing crowds with its impressive lineup of live music, art displays and food vendors. The Cottonwood Art Festival, held biannually, celebrates visual arts with a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures and more.

For those interested in history, the Interurban Railway Museum, located in a historic 1908 Texas Electric Railway station, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Another must-visit is the Four Bullets Brewery, where you can enjoy hand-crafted English Ales with a Texan twist. If you're interested in the arts, the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts regularly hosts a variety of performances, ranging from theatre and dance to music.

Richardson offers a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene, catering to various tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy a laid-back environment, Richardson’s pubs and dive bars offer a cosy setting that often features pool tables, karaoke nights and an extensive selection of drinks. 

For those willing to venture further, nearby Dallas neighbourhoods like Deep Ellum, Uptown and Lower Greenville offer an even broader array of nightlife options. These areas are known for their eclectic mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues, ensuring an exciting experience just a short drive from Richardson.