# Living in Cedar Hill, TX: Realust Score 72

> Source: Realust (realust.com), data as of October 2026. Cite: https://realust.com/city/cedar-hill/

URL: https://realust.com/city/cedar-hill/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 72/100 (B, Good), tied for #61 of 84. Base 72 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 72, Schools 74, Safety 64, Lifestyle 78, Market 75, Affordability 89, Commute 59, Growth 64
Median home price: $313K
Population: 48,879
Market momentum: Growing (home prices -1.1% over 1 year, +11.9% over 5 years)

Cedar Hill stands out as one of the most naturally beautiful and family-oriented cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering stunning hilltop views, extensive outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere at prices significantly below northern suburbs. This city of approximately 48,000 residents sits atop the White Rock Escarpment in southwestern Dallas County, providing genuine elevation changes and scenic vistas that are shockingly rare in North Texas's typically flat landscape. The housing market delivers exceptional value with spacious single-family homes on larger lots, newer subdivisions with modern amenities, and established neighborhoods with mature trees—all priced to attract families seeking space and quality of life over urban trendiness. Cedar Hill State Park serves as the city's crown jewel, offering 1,800 acres of hiking trails, mountain biking, camping, fishing on Joe Pool Lake, and outdoor activities that would require hour-long drives from most DFW suburbs, making this a paradise for active families and nature enthusiasts. Major highway access via US-67 and I-20 provides reasonable commutes to Dallas, Fort Worth, and major employment centers, though residents accept slightly longer drive times in exchange for the natural setting and affordability. The city has invested intelligently in amenities and infrastructure, with the impressive Cedar Hill Recreation Center featuring aquatics facilities, fitness programming, and community activities, while the expanding trail system connects neighborhoods to parks and natural areas encouraging an active lifestyle. Cedar Hill ISD serves most residents with solid academics and particularly strong fine arts and athletics programs that families genuinely appreciate, while the diverse community creates an inclusive, welcoming environment. Uptown Village provides modern shopping and dining options including popular chains and local restaurants, with additional retail along Highway 67 offering convenience without overwhelming commercialization. What truly distinguishes Cedar Hill is the combination of natural beauty and genuine community pride—residents love their city, volunteer extensively, and maintain a small-town feel despite steady growth.

Strengths:
- Unique rolling hills and elevated areas with panoramic vistas of the Dallas skyline.
- Access to Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts
- Good schools, parks, and neighborhoods ideal for raising kids.
- About 15–20 minutes to downtown Dallas while maintaining a peaceful, suburban/semi-rural atmosphere.

Trade-offs:
- Fewer restaurants, bars, and entertainment options compared to Dallas
- Fewer direct highway routes can mean slower travel during peak hours
- Often requires driving to neighboring cities for major shopping or medical services
- Hilly roads, deer, and other wildlife can be a concern in certain areas

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 48,879; People per sq mile 1,366; 5-Year Growth +0.7%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 13.4%; Same Home 1+ Year 86.6%; From Out of State 1.7%; From Different County 3.7%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 27.0%; 25-34 13.4%; 35-44 13.2%; 65+ 11.4%; Median Age 35.7 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 2.9; Family Households 72.0%; Homeownership Rate 71.4%; With Kids 36.9%; Married 50.1%; Single Parent 8.1%; Living Alone 23.7%; Seniors Alone 7.0%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 91.9%; Bachelor's+ 35.8%; Graduate Degree 13.3%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 95.7%; Have Computer 99.0%; Work From Home 15.1%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $176; Starter Home $295,000; Median Price $312,520; Premium Home $898,000
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change -1.1%; 5-Year Change +11.9%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change +2.4%; 5-Year Change +31%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 137; Median Days on Market 84; Under Contract 28.6%; Price Reduced 18.5%; Sale-to-List Ratio 97.9%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Buy $264/mo; Seller's market 2.5 mo; Rental Yield 7.7%; Income to Buy 3.1x; vs Region Avg -22%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 80; Family Fit 55; Investment 100
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 2,783; Beds 3.9; Baths 3.2; Lot Sq Ft 37,255; Year Built 2001; Garage 2.2-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 85.5%; Townhome 2%; Condo 0%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 12.5%; Garage 84.5%; Single Story 43%; Fireplace 60%; Central Air 56.5%; Waterfront 3.5%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $1,731; Median Rent $1,995; Avg HOA Fee $57/mo; Have HOA 38%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0.1%; New Construction 26.5%; Per Bedroom $101,679
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Sparse Suburban; Family Friendly 6; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 5.3; Health & Fitness 5.3; Diversity 8; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 33; Grocery 9; Coffee 27; Bars 23; Theaters 1; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 12; Pharmacies 25; Dentists 60+; Libraries 2; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 3
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 18; Bike Score 33
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 40°; April 74° / 56°; July 95° / 77°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 214; Rainy Days/Year 151; Annual Rainfall 52.1"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 1.58; Property crime (per 1,000) 17.45
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 104.27; Robbery 36.8; Murder 6.14; Rape 32.71
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 134.94; Theft 1361.66; Vehicle Theft 276.01
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $101,909; Average Household $121,399; Per Capita $42,128
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 7.4%; Job Growth (1 yr) +0.7%; Poverty Rate 10.0%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 27.0%; $100k-$150k 23.5%; $75k-$100k 12.9%; $50k-$75k 13.5%; $25k-$50k 13.5%; Under $25k 9.4%
- Education / School District: Primary district Cedar Hill ISD; District Grade B; State Ranking Top 66%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 6; Middle 3; High School 2
- Education / Elementary Schools: Lakeridge Elementary C (78); Waterford Oaks Elementary D (67)
- Education / Middle Schools: W S Permenter Middle C (77); Bessie Coleman Middle D (69)
- Education / High Schools: Cedar Hill Collegiate High School A (97); Highlands Elementary B (81)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 15.9:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 91.1%; Dropout Rate 7.3%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 100%; College Ready 9.9%; TSI Ready 16.9%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 18; Bike Score 33
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 31; Drive Alone 74.4%; Carpool 8.2%; Work from Home 15.1%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 17.8 mi; DFW Airport 23.5 mi; Love Field 23.1 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 3; DC Fast Ports 0; Level 2 Ports 10
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 100; Housing 113; Utilities 97; Groceries 100; Transportation 102; Healthcare 100
- Cost of Living / Monthly Utilities: Electric $142; Water $52; Gas $44; Internet $72
- Cost of Living / Everyday Costs: Monthly Groceries (Family of 4) $823; Gas Price (per gallon) $2.82
- Cost of Living / Taxes: Sales Tax Rate 8.3%; Property Tax Rate 2.2%

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