Firstly why Richardson, Texas?

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

• City: Richardson
• State: Texas
• Population: 121,323 people
• Richardson’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its robust telecommunications industry and the historic Richardson Public Library.

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: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a tech-focused economy attracting professionals

Perk #1: Richardson Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $78,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Richardson is $73,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-5000 in negative 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 & Richardson’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,517
• Property Tax %: 2.2%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Canyon Creek
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Richardson, Plano, Garland, University-Park, and probably could include Murphy
• Avg. Age of Homes in Richardson: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

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 & Richardson’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Richardson are  Technology, Retail, and Healthcare
• Richardson Job Scene: growing job market primarily in tech and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community with strengths in telecom and computer technology , ,
• Richardson Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Richardson: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

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 Richardson

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 75 runs through Richardson creating significant access
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on 75
• Transportation Score: 46 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Richardson: 60,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Richardson: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: Dallas Love Field

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: Richardson’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Richardson is best described as hot summers mild winters with varied rainfall
• Winter Weather in Richardson i’d describe as mild with sunny skies
• Spring Weather in Richardson can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Richardson are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Richardson is usually warm with sunny spells
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 50 days in summer
• Days in a row in Richardson below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local emissions
• Richardson Winter Air average air quality with influences from urban factors

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: Richardson Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Richardson 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Richardsons’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Rosie M. Collins Searles African American Cultural and Heritage Center

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 & Richardson Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Richardson only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Richardson only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

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

• Richardson’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Richardson’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Richardson’s Water Quality Score: 72

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 Richardson

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area known for its diverse tech industry and parks
• You might enjoy live shows at the Richardson Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Richardson  provides a friendly nightlife scene with local bars and eateries showcasing a diversity of dining options

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 Richardson

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes casual dining and a variety of local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Richardson
• The Popular Sports Team is Richardson High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Richardson can be described as diverse suburb with a mix of political ideologies
• Richardson’s Longer standing religious establishment is Richardson 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: Richardson Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Richardson has 20 Parks?
• Richardson Parks is Richardson’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Rosie’s 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: Richardson Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Richardson can be described as moderate suburban lifestyle with a focus on technology and families
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Richardson community festivals hiking trails picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Richardson are Temple 25 miles away Killeen 50 miles away Belton 25 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 Richardson 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: backups on 75. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Richardson’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Canyon Creek is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Richardson are Temple 25 miles away Killeen 50 miles away Belton 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Richardson has 0 days in a row below freezing and 50 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 Richardson people have an average (positive or negative) $-5000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Richardson. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse suburb with a mix of political ideologies 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 Richardson.

Retiree & Senior Life in Richardson

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local tax credits improving financial standing
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Plaza at Richardson
• Richardson Senior Center hosts social activities arts programs and community engagement for older citizens

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 Richardson, Texas?

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