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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Richardson, TX

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An affluent suburb of the city of Dallas, Richardson has been named the 18th best city to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2008, and the second best place to raise a family in Texas by Business Week in 2009.

With a thriving economy bolstered by the telecommunications industry, affordable living costs, and low crime rates, the city could be a great place to relocate! If you have been planning or considering a move to this North Texas locale, read on for more information to make your transition a smooth and easy one!

Richardson Climate

The Texas city experiences hot, humid summers and cool, mild winters. Temperatures range from the 90s in the summer to the 30s in the winter, but rarely drop below freezing. While the city receives ample rainfall--about 40 inches annually--snowfall accumulates to less than a half inch a year.

Richardson Neighborhoods

Before choosing a part of the city to live, be sure to conduct thorough research on the cost, convenience and crime rates in the area. The city is home to a variety of diverse districts, each with something unique to offer.

Expense is an important factor to consider. Some of the city's wealthiest residents live in the Northstar Road/East Renner Road region, the Buckingham neighborhood, and the North Collins Boulevard/Fall Creek Drive area. If you are relocating with a family and safety is your primary concern, the sections of the city with the lowest rates of crime include Mimosa Drive/West Campbell Road, East Renner Road/Brand Road, North Collins Boulevard/Fall Creek Drive, and Custer Parkway/West Renner Road.

If you're seeking diversity, Richardson's downtown area is home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, hookah bars, and a Chinatown district.

Registering Your Car

Upon your arrival in Texas, you will have to update your registration within 30 days to avoid being charged a penalty. You will first need to have your vehicle inspected, at any certified Texas Department of Public Safety inspection station. Be sure to bring proof of Texas auto insurance. You are required to have coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage in the state. To get your plates and registration, you will need proof you own the vehicle (such as a title or previous registration), your proof of insurance, and inspection papers. Non-resident college students attending school in the state and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their vehicles in Texas.

The Texas DMV does not issue driver's licenses. You will have to transfer your license at the Department of Public Safety, no more than 90 days after you move to the state.

Richardson Schools

Public education in the city is served by the Richardson Independent School District--except for the portion of the city that lies within Collin County, which is served by the Plano Independent School District. Many RISD and PISD schools have been recognized by the Texas Business and Education Coalition's (TBEC) Honor Roll, as well as named Blue Ribbon Schools. If you prefer to send your child to a private or a parochial school, there are several options in the city, including St. Joseph School, St. Paul the Apostle School, Canyon Creek Christian Academy, North Dallas Adventist Academy, The Alexander School, Dallas North Montessori School, and Peace Academy Magnet School.

For options in higher education, the main campus of the University of Texas at Dallas is actually located within Richardson's borders. The public research university has an enrollment of about 20,000 students with over 133 academic programs offered.

Richardson Employment

During the economic downturn between 2005 and 2009, Richardson actually saw significant increases in its economy and development. The city has a strong prevalence in the telecommunications industry, earning it the nickname "The Telecom Corridor". A number of corporate headquarters have expanded or relocated to the region, including Bank of America Financial Services, Metro PCS, Fujitsu, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Yahoo.

However, regardless of where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Texas Workforce Commission website for job-hunting assistance and resources for the region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Richardson Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Richardson Government official website.

With any luck, you'll find a job in Richardson in no time. Top employers in the city include AT&T, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas, Ericcson, the Richardson Independent School District, Verizon, and Fujitsu.

Living Costs in the City

The cost of living in Richardson is low, at six percent below the national average. Housing is incredibly affordable in the region, falling a staggering 21 percent below the average rate in the country. The median home price in the city is listed at about $195,000. If you are planning to rent rather than buy, a one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost you about $780 monthly, and a two-bedroom goes for around $1140, depending on the size of the unit and available amenities.

However, other costs in Richardson are a bit higher than the national rate. Utility and transportation costs are five percent above average, and healthcare is one percent higher than the average rate. Grocery costs are two percent greater.

Richardson Moving Resources

There are many moving and storage companies located in Richardson that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:

Richardson Transportation

If you will be residing in Richardson without a vehicle or with limited access to one, you will be utilizing the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. DART operates the bus, light rail and commuter rail services in the city of Dallas as well as the outer lying suburbs. Richardson has more DART rail stations within its borders than any other municipality in the area. The stations are Spring Valley Station on Spring Valley Road, Galatyn Park on the Central Expressway near Lookout Drive, the Arapaho Center on Arapaho Road and the Bush Turnpike Center on the President George Bush Turnpike.

Culture and Contemporary Life

The city's historic downtown area is home to an eclectic array of ethnic eateries, particularly those serving Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are numerous Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurants, as well as hookah bars and an authentic Chinatown district located in the region.

If you have an interest in automobiles, you can check out the North Texas Automotive Museum to see the vast collection of vintage cars. If a night at the theatre is more up your alley, you can buy tickets to a show at the Eismann Center for the Performing Arts on Performance Drive.

Of course, if you are seeking something a little more exciting, Richardson is just a short drive from the vast metropolis of Dallas.

Richardson Relocation Tips

  • Richardson has a subtropical climate, with very high temperatures and high humidity in the summer months. Luckily, the city's utility costs are below the national average to help keep your energy bills manageable.

     

  • Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.

     

  • Temperatures can vary greatly in the region, reaching frequent highs of 96 in the summer and lows of 35 in the winter. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe, complete with light clothing, shorts and sleeveless tops for the summer and sweaters and coats for the winter.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on July 30, 2013

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