Dallas is a great place to live, especially suburban Dallas. The actual city of Dallas has its share of problems, as do most urban centers, with schools, city government etc.
As far as costs go, home prices are reasonable in the suburbs, but real estate taxes are about 2.5% of actual appraised value (some suburbs more and some slightly less). Utilities are high however, especially in the summer. You really need to look at all the costs, not just the fact that there is no state income tax. Sales taxes are about 8.5% (not on food or medicine) and homeowners insurance is the absolute highest in the country because of hail storms and mold. We have had our own roof replaced twice in the last 5 years because of hail damage. That's what keeps the rates high.
Living in Dallas is still probably less expensive overall than Minnesota, but you have to look at all the numbers. By the way, there is a major difference in costs between Dallas and the Lake Texoma area, where I believe John Galt has his land and condo. Rural areas are quite a bit less expensive then metro areas.
Overall we have been very happy in the Dallas area. There is a lot to do as far as recreation and entertainment and there are 2 great airports with cheap air travel because of Southwest airlines, which is based here. Schools are very good and the weather is great in the winter, although we had a great, mild summer this year. The metro areas like Dallas, however, are expensive places to retire because unlike state taxes which go down when income goes down, high property taxes, homeowners insurance and utilities stay high regardless of income.
Good luck in your decision.
with no state tax, is starting to get my attention...
