The C-Suite Guide to Relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth

By Kim Assaad, The Assaad Group at Compass | Southlake, TX

Every week, I get a call that starts the same way: "Kim, we just accepted an offer in Dallas. We need to find a home in 60 days." The caller is usually a senior vice president, a chief financial officer, or a managing director whose company is expanding its Texas footprint. They are leaving Manhattan, San Francisco, or Chicago. They know almost nothing about the housing market here. And they need someone who understands what executive relocation Dallas Fort Worth actually looks like from the inside.

Over the past decade, I have guided hundreds of executives and their families through this exact transition. What I can tell you is this: relocating to DFW is not just a real estate transaction. It is a life upgrade that touches your taxes, your children's education, your commute, your weekend routine, and your long-term wealth strategy. This guide covers everything a C-suite professional needs to know before making the move.

Why Executives Are Choosing Dallas-Fort Worth

The migration of senior leadership to North Texas is not a trend. It is a structural shift. Between 2020 and 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth attracted more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other metro in the country. Today, 24 Fortune 500 companies call the region home, including household names like ExxonMobil, AT&T, and McKesson. Goldman Sachs, Charles Schwab, and Deloitte have all made significant expansions here. American Airlines is headquartered minutes from my office in Southlake.

The reasons are straightforward and compelling:

No state income tax. Texas is one of only nine states with no personal income tax. For an executive earning $800,000 or more, that translates to six figures in annual savings compared to California (13.3% top rate) or New York (10.9% top rate). Over a five-year period, that is potentially half a million dollars or more staying in your pocket rather than going to a state government.

Cost-of-living advantage. The overall cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth runs 15 to 25 percent below comparable metros on the coasts. Housing is where the difference becomes dramatic. A 6,000-square-foot estate on an acre lot in Southlake costs roughly what a 2,200-square-foot condominium costs in Manhattan or a modest four-bedroom in Pacific Heights.

Business-friendly environment. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for business climate. No corporate income tax for most pass-through entities, streamlined permitting, and a regulatory framework that allows companies to move fast. For executives with equity stakes or board positions, this matters.

Quality of life. DFW International Airport offers nonstop flights to virtually every major domestic and international hub, putting you within four hours of either coast. The climate gives you 230-plus sunny days per year. And the culture has evolved well beyond the old stereotypes. World-class dining, a thriving arts district, professional sports teams in every major league, and outdoor recreation from lakes to trails fill the calendar year-round.

What I Tell My Clients: "The tax savings alone usually cover the mortgage increase if you upgrade your home. But what surprises most of my executive clients is not the financial math. It is the lifestyle improvement. They trade a 90-minute commute for a 20-minute drive through tree-lined roads. They get their evenings back. That changes everything."

Where DFW's Executives Live

Dallas-Fort Worth is a sprawling metroplex with dozens of cities and neighborhoods. Not all of them are suited to the expectations of a C-suite relocation Texas families typically have. Here are the communities where I most often place senior executives, and why each one attracts a different profile.

Southlake

Southlake is my home base, and it is the community I know most intimately. It consistently ranks among the wealthiest and safest cities in Texas. The appeal for executives is the combination of top-rated Carroll ISD schools, large estate lots (half-acre to multi-acre properties are common), proximity to DFW Airport, and a genuine sense of community. Southlake Town Square offers upscale shopping and dining in a walkable town center. Homes in the $1.5M to $5M+ range attract C-suite families who want space, privacy, and an exceptional school district without sacrificing convenience. Explore Southlake luxury homes and estates.

Westlake

Just south of Southlake, Westlake is a small, exclusive enclave best known for Westlake Academy, a tuition-free public charter school with an International Baccalaureate curriculum. The community is ultra-private, with large custom estates on wooded lots. Charles Schwab's corporate campus sits right here. Westlake attracts executives who want a quieter, more secluded environment and are drawn to the IB school model.

Highland Park and University Park

Collectively known as "The Park Cities," these two enclaves sit within the city of Dallas and offer a more urban-adjacent lifestyle. Highland Park is old Dallas money. The homes are stately, the lots are mature, and the social scene is established. Highland Park ISD is one of the most recognized school districts in Texas. University Park offers a slightly more accessible price point while sharing the same school district. Executives who are relocating from the Upper East Side or Lincoln Park in Chicago tend to gravitate here because the walkability, density, and cultural proximity feel familiar.

Preston Hollow

This Dallas neighborhood sits just north of the Park Cities and offers significantly larger lots with a more private, estate-like feel. Preston Hollow is where you find 10,000- to 20,000-square-foot homes behind gates. Former President George W. Bush lives here. It appeals to executives who want to be in Dallas proper, close to downtown and the Arts District, but with the kind of acreage and privacy you cannot get in Highland Park. See our guide to the best neighborhoods for luxury buyers.

Prosper and Celina

For executives who are willing to go a bit further north, Prosper and Celina represent the next frontier. New-construction estates on one- to five-acre lots, top-performing Prosper ISD schools, and a more rural, open feel attract younger executives and families who want to build custom homes from the ground up. These communities are growing rapidly, and early buyers are seeing strong appreciation.

What Your Budget Goes Further Here

One of the first conversations I have with every relocating executive is the budget comparison. The numbers speak for themselves.

$2 million in Southlake buys you a 5,000- to 7,000-square-foot custom home on a half-acre or larger lot. Expect five bedrooms, a resort-style pool, a three-car garage, a chef's kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, and designer finishes throughout. Many homes at this price point back up to protected green space or private golf courses.

$2 million in Manhattan gets you a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium in a mid-tier building. Maybe 1,200 square feet. No parking (that is another $100,000+ per year). Monthly HOA and property taxes can easily reach $5,000 combined.

$2 million in San Francisco buys a modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in a decent neighborhood, likely requiring renovation. No pool, no yard to speak of, and parking for one car if you are lucky.

$2 million in Los Angeles puts you in a 2,500-square-foot home in a mid-range West Side neighborhood. You will not be in Beverly Hills or Brentwood at that price.

When my clients see these comparisons in person, touring a Southlake estate after years in a coastal condo, the reaction is almost always the same: they cannot believe what they can afford. And when you factor in the state income tax savings, many executives are effectively living in a significantly more expensive home for less total annual outlay than they had on the coast. Read our full guide to buying luxury homes in DFW.

The Executive Relocation Timeline

C-suite relocations move fast. Most of my executive clients work within a 60- to 90-day window from the day they accept an offer to the day they need to be settled in their new home. Here is how I structure that timeline.

Days 1-7: Discovery and Strategy

We start with a detailed phone consultation before you ever set foot in Texas. I want to understand your priorities: school district, commute to your office, lifestyle preferences, privacy requirements, and budget parameters. I also review your company's relocation package if one exists, so we can maximize every benefit available to you.

Days 7-14: VIP Home Tour

I build a curated portfolio of 10 to 15 properties, including off-market listings that never appear on public websites. When you fly in for your house-hunting trip, usually a two- or three-day visit, every minute is planned. I coordinate private showings, arrange school tours, and schedule neighborhood drive-throughs so you can feel each community, not just see the homes.

Days 14-21: Offer and Negotiation

In today's market, well-priced luxury homes in top school districts can move quickly. When we find the right property, I submit a competitive offer and negotiate terms that protect your interests. For executives, this often includes flexible closing timelines, inspection contingencies, and leaseback arrangements if the seller needs time.

Days 21-50: Under Contract

During this period, we handle inspections, appraisals, title work, and any repairs. I coordinate with your lender, your company's relocation team, and your attorney. I also connect you with my network of vetted vendors for everything from interior design to landscape architecture, so your new home is ready when you arrive.

Days 50-90: Close and Settle In

We close on the property, manage the final walkthrough, and ensure the transition is seamless. My concierge services extend well beyond closing day. I help with utility transfers, introduce you to the community, recommend everything from pediatricians to country clubs, and make sure your family feels at home from day one.

Schools That Attract Executive Families

For executives with school-age children, the quality of education is often the single most important factor in choosing where to live. Dallas-Fort Worth has some of the strongest public and private school options in the country. See our detailed DFW schools guide for new residents.

Public School Districts

Carroll ISD (Southlake). Consistently ranked among the top school districts in Texas, Carroll ISD is known for academic rigor, championship athletics, and a close-knit community culture. Carroll Senior High School regularly sends graduates to Ivy League and top-25 universities. For many families, Carroll ISD is the primary reason they choose Southlake.

Highland Park ISD (Highland Park and University Park). Another perennial top performer, HPISD has a long tradition of academic excellence and a remarkably strong alumni network. The district serves the Park Cities and parts of Dallas, and its schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state.

Westlake Academy (Westlake). This public charter school offers the International Baccalaureate program from primary years through the diploma program. It attracts families who want a globally focused, inquiry-based curriculum. Admission is by lottery for out-of-area students, but Westlake residents have priority enrollment.

Prosper ISD and Frisco ISD. Both districts are rapidly growing and investing heavily in new facilities and programs. They attract families building new-construction homes in the northern corridor of DFW.

Private Schools

The Hockaday School (Dallas). An all-girls college preparatory school (pre-K through 12) with a national reputation. Hockaday graduates attend the most selective universities in the country.

St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas). The boys' counterpart to Hockaday, St. Mark's is one of the most respected independent boys' schools in the nation.

Trinity Valley School (Fort Worth). A coeducational college preparatory school serving grades K through 12, known for strong academics and a warm community.

Episcopal School of Dallas, Greenhill School, and Cistercian Preparatory School round out the top private options and each serve different family profiles and educational philosophies.

Corporate Relocations: Working with Your Company's Relo Package

Most C-suite relocations come with a corporate relocation package. These packages vary significantly in structure and generosity, and understanding how to maximize yours can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Common relo package components:

• Home sale assistance. Many companies offer a guaranteed buyout (GBO) of your current home or a buyer value option (BVO) that facilitates the sale. Understanding the difference and the tax implications is critical.
• Temporary housing. Most packages cover 30 to 90 days of temporary housing. I can recommend executive-level short-term rentals in your target neighborhood so you can get a feel for the community before committing.
• House-hunting trips. Typically one to two paid trips for you and your spouse to tour homes and communities. I maximize these trips by pre-screening every property and building an efficient tour schedule.
• Closing cost coverage. Many packages cover a portion or all of your closing costs on the new home purchase.
• Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Some companies provide a COLA payment to offset differences in housing costs. In the case of moving to DFW from a more expensive metro, this may be reduced or eliminated since the cost of living is lower here.
• Tax gross-ups. Relocation benefits are often taxable. Better packages include a gross-up to cover the tax liability.

What most executives overlook: Your relocation package may require you to work with a designated relocation management company (RMC). However, in most cases, you still have the right to choose your own real estate agent. This is important. RMC-assigned agents are often general practitioners who handle volume. An executive relocation Dallas Fort Worth specialist like me understands the nuances of luxury communities, off-market inventory, and the specific needs of high-net-worth families.

I have worked alongside every major relocation company, including Cartus, SIRVA, Graebel, and BGRS. I know their processes, their timelines, and their paperwork requirements. This means your transaction stays on track without the friction that often occurs when agents are unfamiliar with the corporate relocation workflow.

How Kim Assaad Simplifies Executive Relocations

Executive relocation Dallas Fort Worth is my specialty. It is not a sideline or a marketing tagline. It is what I do every day. Here is specifically how I make the process seamless for C-suite families.

Compass technology platform. As an agent with Compass, I have access to proprietary tools that give my clients a genuine advantage. Compass Coming Soon listings let you see properties before they hit the public market. Compass Collections allow us to collaborate on a curated, visual portfolio of homes that you can review and comment on from anywhere in the world. Compass CMA provides real-time market analytics so your offers are backed by data, not guesswork.

Off-market access. In the luxury segment, the best properties often never appear on the MLS. Through my network of relationships with other top-producing agents, builders, and homeowners in Southlake, Westlake, and the Park Cities, I consistently identify off-market opportunities that my clients would never find on their own.

VIP showing schedules. When a senior executive flies in for a two-day house-hunting trip, there is no room for wasted time. I pre-screen every property, often touring them myself before you arrive. I build a showing schedule that is geographically efficient, with school and community context built into the drive between each home.

Concierge services. My support extends well beyond the transaction. I connect clients with interior designers, home theater installers, pool builders, estate managers, country club membership advisors, private school admissions consultants, and every other service a relocating family might need. My referral network has been built over years and includes only providers who meet the standard my clients expect.

Confidentiality. Many of my clients are public figures, and discretion is non-negotiable. I handle every aspect of the transaction with complete confidentiality, from private showings to trust-held purchases. Learn more about our full relocation services.

What I Tell My Clients: "You are making one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions of your career. You deserve an agent who has done this hundreds of times, who knows every street in these communities, and who will treat your relocation like the high-stakes event it is. That is what I do."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical executive relocation to DFW take?

Most executive relocations from offer acceptance to move-in take 60 to 90 days. With a well-organized approach, including pre-screening properties before your house-hunting trip and having financing pre-approved, it is possible to compress the timeline to as little as 45 days. I have managed dozens of accelerated relocations and structure my process to accommodate tight corporate deadlines.

What are the best neighborhoods in DFW for C-suite professionals?

The top communities for executive relocation Dallas Fort Worth include Southlake, Westlake, Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow. Each offers a distinct lifestyle profile. Southlake and Westlake appeal to families who want estate-sized properties and top-rated public schools. The Park Cities offer a more urban, walkable environment. Preston Hollow provides large lots and proximity to downtown Dallas. The best choice depends on your office location, school priorities, and lifestyle preferences.

How much can I save in taxes by moving from California or New York to Texas?

Texas has no state income tax, which is one of the primary drivers of C-suite relocation Texas professionals cite when making the move. An executive earning $1 million annually could save approximately $100,000 to $130,000 per year compared to California, or $90,000 to $110,000 per year compared to New York. Over five years, the cumulative savings can exceed half a million dollars. Note that Texas property tax rates are higher than many states (typically 1.8% to 2.2% of assessed value), but the income tax savings generally far outweigh the property tax difference.

Can I choose my own real estate agent if my company provides a relocation package?

In most cases, yes. While your company's relocation management company may suggest preferred agents, you typically have the right to select your own representation. I have worked with all major relocation companies including Cartus, SIRVA, Graebel, and BGRS, and I am registered with their networks. Choosing an agent who specializes in executive relocation Dallas Fort Worth rather than a generalist can make a significant difference in the quality of homes you see and the efficiency of your search.

What should I prioritize when relocating to DFW with school-age children?

School district quality should be your first filter when choosing a neighborhood. Carroll ISD in Southlake and Highland Park ISD in the Park Cities are the two most sought-after public school districts for relocating to DFW executive families. If you prefer private education, The Hockaday School, St. Mark's School of Texas, and Trinity Valley School are among the top options. I recommend touring schools during your house-hunting trip. I coordinate school visits as part of my relocation process so you can evaluate the academic environment alongside the homes.