Thinking About Moving to Dallas, GA? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Nope, not that Dallas. We’re talking about Dallas, Georgia—the small-town gem just 38 miles northwest of Atlanta that people keep discovering and falling in love with.

You see, Dallas isn’t just another sleepy Southern town. It’s a place where history runs deep, neighbors know your name, and you can still find a front porch swing with a sweet tea in hand. And if you’re considering making the move here, I’ve got all the juicy details to help you decide if Dallas is your next hometown.

A Little History (Because It’s Actually Pretty Cool)

Dallas, GA, didn’t just pop up out of nowhere—it’s got a history as rich as sweet tea and as deep as those front porch conversations we all love.

Back in 1852, when the Georgia General Assembly sliced off part of Paulding County to create Polk County, they also took the original county seat, Van Wert, with them. That meant Paulding needed a brand-new hub, and they set their sights on a hilltop crossroads—a spot that had been traveled by Native Americans long before settlers arrived. With natural springs providing fresh water and a central location in the county, it was the perfect place to put down roots.

And so, the town of Dallas was born, named after Vice President George Mifflin Dallas, who served under President James K. Polk—yep, the same guy Polk County was named after. The town itself was officially designated in 1852, but it wasn’t until February 8, 1854, that it got its official stamp of approval from the Georgia General Assembly. The land? A solid 40 acres, purchased from pioneer settler Garrett H. Spinks for a whopping $1,000 (which was a lot back then, but wouldn’t even get you a shed in today’s market!).

Civil War Battles & The Dallas Battlefield Park

For a while, Dallas was just a quiet little town—until the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War came knocking. In May and June of 1864, the area saw three major battles and several skirmishes, turning Dallas into a crucial war zone. The battles fought in and around town included:

• The Battle of New Hope Church
• The Battle of Pickett’s Mill
• The Battle of Dallas

Today, a part of that history is preserved at Dallas Battlefield Park at Scott Smith Preserve—175+ acres dedicated to keeping this piece of our past alive for generations to come.

The Iconic Paulding County Courthouse

If you’ve ever driven through downtown Dallas, you’ve probably noticed the grand Paulding County Courthouse with its towering clock. That beauty was built in 1892 and still stands as a landmark today. But before that, Dallas went through two other courthouses:

1. The first courthouse (1852) was a simple log building—nothing fancy, just functional.
2. The second courthouse (1852-53) was a two-story, Federal-style brick structure. Fun fact: General Sherman himself mentioned it in his records during the Civil War. After the third and final courthouse was built, the Dallas Masonic Lodge moved into the old one—until a fire wiped it out in 1924.

From a Small Town to a City

As Dallas grew, so did the need for a more structured government. In 1882, the Georgia General Assembly set up a Mayor & Council system, with F.M. Duncan serving as the town’s first mayor. Fast forward to 1951, and Dallas officially went from a "town" to The City of Dallas, Georgia—not just for the sake of a name change, but so it could create housing authorities and take advantage of federal programs.

Today, Dallas blends small-town charm with modern growth, making it a place where history, community, and Southern hospitality come together just right. Whether you’re a history buff, a new resident, or just someone who loves a good story, you can’t deny—Dallas, GA, has a past worth talking about!

So, Who Actually Lives Here?

Dallas has around 13,000 people, making it a small-town dream with a friendly, tight-knit feel. The average age is 31, which means there’s a good mix of young families, professionals, and retirees who keep the community lively. It’s diverse, welcoming, and full of people who love calling it home.

Is Dallas, GA Safe?

Short answer? Yes!
Long answer? The crime rate here is pretty much on par with the national average, but violent crime is a whopping 28% lower than the rest of the country. So, while you’ll still want to lock your doors (because that’s just smart anywhere), you can rest easy knowing Dallas is a safe place to live.

Cost of Living: Will Your Wallet Thank You?

Absolutely! Dallas is way more affordable than a lot of other places. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, and get this—housing is 23% cheaper!

🏡 Average home price: $148,500 (compare that to Atlanta, and you’ll see why people are moving out this way!)
💡 Utilities: 17% lower than the U.S. average
🛒 Groceries: Slightly higher, about 3% more (but hey, a Publix sub is always worth it)
🏠 Rent: Averages around $1,161 per month

Bottom line: You can get more house for your money in Dallas, which is a huge win for homebuyers.

Schools & Education

If you’ve got kids, you’ll be happy to hear that Paulding County Schools serve Dallas, and 88% of them are rated ‘Average’ or better (which is way better than it sounds). Some of the top schools in the area include:

📚 Roland W. Russom Elementary
📚 East Paulding Middle School
📚 East Paulding High School

If you’re looking for higher education, you’re in luck! Kennesaw State University is just a short drive away, and West Georgia Technical College offers excellent trade programs.

What’s the Weather Like?

One word: Warm.
Summers in Dallas can hit 95°F (hello, humidity!), and winters rarely drop below mid-30s. If you love sunny days, you’ll get plenty—just be prepared for a bit of rain since Dallas gets 53 inches of it per year (well above the national average). The good news? Snow is practically nonexistent, so no need to worry about shoveling driveways.

Where to Live in Dallas, GA

Dallas is a small town, so instead of neighborhoods, you’re basically just getting Dallas itself—which is part of its charm! The entire town has that cozy, hometown feel where you’re never too far from a friendly face.

And if you’re looking for a home in Dallas, GA, I just so happen to know a great real estate agent (hint: it’s me!) who can help you find the perfect spot. 😉

Job Market: Can You Find Work Here?

Yes! Dallas has a growing job market, especially in healthcare, education, and sales. Some of the top employers include:

💼 WellStar Health System
💼 Kroger
💼 Publix

💰 Average hourly wage: $14.96
💰 Average yearly salary: $57,000

If you’re in healthcare, teaching, or retail, Dallas has solid job opportunities—and if you need more, Atlanta is just a short commute away!

Things to Do in Dallas, GA

Dallas may be small, but it’s got a ton of fun things to do.

🔹 Pickett’s Mill Battlefield – One of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the country. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it.

🔹 Silver Comet Trail – A scenic, non-motorized trail perfect for biking, hiking, and just soaking in the Georgia beauty.

🔹 Paulding Plaza Shopping Center – A great spot for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.

And speaking of food…

Where to Eat in Dallas, GA

Because let’s be real—good food is important.

🍖 Hickory Hut BBQ – A hole-in-the-wall BBQ spot that locals swear by. The brisket? Chef’s kiss!

🥞 Joan's Family Restaurant – A family-owned gem serving Southern comfort food like it’s going out of style.

Tips for Moving to Dallas, GA

✔️ If you work in healthcare or sales, you’re in luck! Jobs are booming in these fields.
✔️ Embrace the small-town charm! Dallas is all about community.
✔️ Plan for some rain and humidity. Summers are hot, and rain is frequent.
✔️ Enjoy the slower pace. It’s a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Ready to Make the Move?

Dallas, GA, is affordable, safe, and full of Southern charm. Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a place to raise a family, or just a quiet retreat with easy access to the city, Dallas has something for everyone.

And if you’re thinking about buying a home here, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the perfect place in Dallas, GA.

📞 Call or text me at 404-512-4843
📧 Email me at sbankshomes@gmail.com

I’ll help you turn “thinking about moving” into “WELCOME HOME!” 🏡✨