# Living in Sunnyvale, TX: Realust Score 90

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

URL: https://realust.com/city/sunnyvale/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 90/100 (A, Excellent), tied for #11 of 84. Base 85 + price-tier bonus 5.
Category scores: Prosperity 97, Schools 91, Safety 82, Lifestyle 89, Market 64, Affordability 83, Commute 56, Growth 78
Median home price: $632K
Population: 8,336
Market momentum: Growing (home prices +0.8% over 1 year, +21.8% over 5 years)

Sunnyvale offers exceptional small-town living with high-quality schools, tight-knit community character, and surprising affordability just 20 minutes east of downtown Dallas, appealing to families seeking genuine neighborhood connections and excellent education without paying premium prices demanded by more publicized suburbs. This city of approximately 7,000 residents sits in eastern Dallas County near the Garland and Mesquite borders, providing straightforward access via I-635 and nearby highways to downtown Dallas, major employment centers, and DFW Airport while maintaining low-density residential character that feels worlds away from urban sprawl. The housing market delivers solid value with established neighborhoods featuring mature trees and well-maintained homes, plus newer construction offering modern amenities, all priced notably below comparable properties in northern suburbs while still providing quality construction and desirable lot sizes. Sunnyvale ISD is the major draw here, consistently ranking among the top small districts in the region with excellent academics, strong extracurricular programs, and the individual attention that comes from a tight-knit district where teachers know students by name and parents stay actively involved. The community attracts families prioritizing education and stability, long-term residents who fiercely protect the small-town atmosphere, and buyers seeking genuine connections rather than anonymous subdivision living. Town Lake Park serves as the community hub with walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and frequent family-friendly events that bring residents together, while the Parks and Recreation Department offers youth programs and activities that create natural social networks for kids and parents alike. Shopping and dining require short trips to nearby Mesquite, Garland, or Forney for extensive options, but residents happily accept this trade-off for the peaceful, safe environment and exceptional schools. The city maintains strict development standards that preserve character and prevent the cookie-cutter sprawl plaguing other growing areas.

Strengths:
- Excellent public schools, known for strong academics and a tight-knit school community
- Many properties sit on 1+ acre lots with space and privacy
- Easy commute to Dallas, Mesquite, and Garland

Trade-offs:
- One of the more expensive areas in eastern Dallas County
- Limited shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Few apartments, townhomes, or starter homes

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 8,336; People per sq mile 504; 5-Year Growth +28.6%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 11.2%; Same Home 1+ Year 88.8%; From Out of State 1.1%; From Different County 2.7%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 28.0%; 25-34 6.4%; 35-44 12.2%; 65+ 18.6%; Median Age 43.3 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 3.2; Family Households 90.8%; Homeownership Rate 91.5%; With Kids 38.5%; Married 82.5%; Living Alone 7.8%; Seniors Alone 4.3%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 96.4%; Bachelor's+ 57.2%; Graduate Degree 28.5%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 98.7%; Have Computer 99.4%; Work From Home 13.9%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $223; Starter Home $513,000; Median Price $632,167; Premium Home $1,685,000
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change +0.8%; 5-Year Change +21.8%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 40; Median Days on Market 81; Under Contract 16.7%; Price Reduced 6.8%; Sale-to-List Ratio 98.9%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $107/mo; Balanced 5 mo; Rental Yield 6.4%; Income to Buy 3.7x; vs Region Avg -1%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 67; Family Fit 58; Investment 80
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 3,622; Beds 4.3; Baths 4; Lot Sq Ft 161,445; Year Built 2007; Garage 2.6-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 89.8%; Townhome 0%; Condo 0%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 15.3%; Garage 89.8%; Single Story 40.7%; Fireplace 61%; Central Air 50.8%; Waterfront 1.7%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $3,502; Median Rent $3,395; Avg HOA Fee $115/mo; Have HOA 45.8%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0%; New Construction 42.4%; Per Bedroom $199,542
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Rural; Family Friendly 8.7; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 4.7; Health & Fitness 7.3; Diversity 8; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 40; Grocery 13; Coffee 54; Bars 30; Theaters 1; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 36; Pharmacies 42; Dentists 60+; Libraries 4; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 3
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 9; Bike Score 25
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 56° / 39°; April 74° / 55°; July 94° / 77°; October 77° / 58°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 218; Rainy Days/Year 147; Annual Rainfall 53.3"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade B+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 2.28; Property crime (per 1,000) 8.16
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 101.68; Robbery 0; Murder 0; Rape 11.3
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 90.39; Theft 813.47; Vehicle Theft 259.86
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $170,348; Average Household $196,639; Per Capita $60,890
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 7.0%; Job Growth (1 yr) +3.2%; Poverty Rate 6.0%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 58.2%; $100k-$150k 13.8%; $75k-$100k 5.5%; $50k-$75k 8.6%; $25k-$50k 3.5%; Under $25k 10.5%
- Education / School District: Primary district Sunnyvale ISD; District Grade A; State Ranking Top 2%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 2; Middle 1; High School 1
- Education / Elementary Schools: Sunnyvale Elementary A (90)
- Education / Middle Schools: Sunnyvale Middle A (92); Sunnyvale Intermediate A (90)
- Education / High Schools: Sunnyvale High School A (96)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 14.3:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 98.9%; Dropout Rate 0.0%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 72%; College Ready 51.0%; TSI Ready 71.4%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 9; Bike Score 25
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 33; Drive Alone 77.5%; Carpool 8.6%; Work from Home 13.9%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 16.6 mi; DFW Airport 34.2 mi; Love Field 23.4 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 11; DC Fast Ports 3; Level 2 Ports 24
- 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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