# Living in Mesquite, TX: Realust Score 68

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

URL: https://realust.com/city/mesquite/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 68/100 (B-, Above Average), tied for #75 of 84. Base 68 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 62, Schools 75, Safety 52, Lifestyle 78, Market 80, Affordability 84, Commute 62, Growth 69
Median home price: $259K
Population: 149,299
Market momentum: Growing (home prices -2.5% over 1 year, +10.3% over 5 years)

Mesquite offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and accessibility as Dallas's eastern neighbor, sitting just 15 minutes from downtown while maintaining housing costs that are among the most budget-friendly in the metroplex. This city of approximately 140,000 has cultivated a reputation as a hardworking, diverse community where first-time homebuyers and young families can actually afford single-family homes with yards, and renters find spacious apartments at rates that seem impossible closer to Dallas's urban core. The economy is anchored by healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, with major employers including the Mesquite Independent School District and various distribution centers capitalizing on the city's prime highway access along I-635, I-30, and I-20. The city's "Rodeo Capital of Texas" nickname isn't just marketing—the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been a genuine cultural institution since 1958, giving the area authentic Texas character. Recent development around Town East Mall and the growing restaurant scene along Scyene Road show Mesquite's evolution while preserving its down-to-earth appeal. Recreation options punch above the city's weight class, with the championship Mesquite Golf Club, Devil's Bowl Speedway for racing fans, and over 1,200 acres of parks including the excellent Samuell Farm that offers horseback riding and nature trails. Town East Boulevard has become a food lover's corridor featuring diverse options from Vietnamese pho to authentic tacos and Southern soul food that rival anything in Dallas proper at half the price. Florence Recreation Center and multiple sports complexes keep active residents engaged, while proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard provides water activities and scenic escapes. Families appreciate the improving school ratings and genuinely safe neighborhoods, while twenty-somethings and young professionals are discovering that Mesquite's affordability and quick access to Dallas's job market and entertainment districts make it a smart financial move. It's perfect for those prioritizing value and space while staying connected to big city opportunities.

Strengths:
- Lower home prices and cost of living compared to many nearby suburbs
- Family-friendly community – Parks, recreation centers, and school options for families
- Easy commute to Dallas and surrounding cities via highways
- Local culture & events – Rodeos, fairs, and community festivals add character and entertainment
- Less hustle than Dallas or Irving, with plenty of established neighborhoods

Trade-offs:
- Traffic congestion on major roads and highways during rush hour
- Some neighborhoods have better schools than others, so zoning is important
- Fewer restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions compared to Dallas
- Aging infrastructure in parts
- Typical North Texas heat can be intense for some residents

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 149,299; People per sq mile 3,040; 5-Year Growth +4.1%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 12.9%; Same Home 1+ Year 87.1%; From Out of State 1.0%; From Different County 2.4%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 27.9%; 25-34 15.4%; 35-44 11.8%; 65+ 11.3%; Median Age 32.9 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 3.0; Family Households 73.5%; Homeownership Rate 62.8%; With Kids 39.3%; Married 44.7%; Single Parent 11.7%; Living Alone 23.7%; Seniors Alone 8.2%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 81.0%; Bachelor's+ 19.6%; Graduate Degree 6.6%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 94.0%; Have Computer 97.3%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $170; Starter Home $379,000; Median Price $258,678; Premium Home $589,990
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change -2.5%; 5-Year Change +10.3%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change -1.8%; 5-Year Change +28.6%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 408; Median Days on Market 61; Under Contract 28.9%; Price Reduced 6%; Sale-to-List Ratio 98.1%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $27/mo; Seller's market 2.5 mo; Rental Yield 6.5%; Income to Buy 3.6x; vs Region Avg -24%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 58; Family Fit 57; Investment 88
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 2,416; Beds 3.8; Baths 2.8; Lot Sq Ft 9,626; Year Built 2004; Garage 2.1-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 98.5%; Townhome 0%; Condo 0%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 0.5%; Garage 95.5%; Single Story 43%; Fireplace 20%; Central Air 13.5%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $1,433; Median Rent $1,406; Avg HOA Fee $101/mo; Have HOA 5.5%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0%; New Construction 80.5%; Per Bedroom $114,604
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Dense Suburban; Family Friendly 6; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 6; Health & Fitness 4.7; Diversity 8.7; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 47; Grocery 18; Coffee 60+; Bars 33; Theaters 1; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 43; Pharmacies 56; Dentists 60+; Libraries 8; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 2
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 33; Bike Score 43
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 39°; April 74° / 56°; July 95° / 77°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 212; Rainy Days/Year 153; Annual Rainfall 58.2"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C; Violent crime (per 1,000) 4.55; Property crime (per 1,000) 22.44
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 376.34; Robbery 80.64; Murder 8.71; Rape 40.32
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 391.79; Theft 1965.01; Vehicle Theft 619.61
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $72,537; Average Household $87,895; Per Capita $29,877
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 5.4%; Job Growth (1 yr) +1.7%; Poverty Rate 13.4%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 14.9%; $100k-$150k 19.1%; $75k-$100k 14.2%; $50k-$75k 18.3%; $25k-$50k 17.9%; Under $25k 15.6%
- Education / School District: Primary district Mesquite ISD; District Grade B; State Ranking Top 65%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 34; Middle 10; High School 6
- Education / Elementary Schools: Motley Elementary A (92); Cross Elementary B (88)
- Education / Middle Schools: Wilkinson Middle A (92); Kimbrough Middle B (83)
- Education / High Schools: Vroonland - Vanguard High School A (94); North Mesquite High School B (86)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 13.7:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 94.8%; Dropout Rate 3.6%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 94%; College Ready 4.5%; TSI Ready 10.8%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 33; Bike Score 43
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 32; Drive Alone 100.0%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 14.2 mi; DFW Airport 34.9 mi; Love Field 21 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 11; DC Fast Ports 7; Level 2 Ports 18
- 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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