Dallas Continues to Lead Urban Migration: Implications for Site Selection and the Office Market in North Texas

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) has again emerged as a top destination for movers in the U.S., according to the U-Haul 2025 Midyear Growth Index, reaffirming the metro’s reputation as a magnet for population inflow. Based on data compiled from over 2 million one-way U-Haul truck transactions between January and July, DFW ranked No. 1 for total net arrivals among U.S. cities. 

This underscores the region’s position as a leading destination for both interstate and intrastate migration—critical metrics for employers evaluating talent markets and expansion opportunities.

Key Stats from U-Haul’s Report

• Dallas saw the highest net gain of one-way U-Haul customers in the nation.
• Top origin metros: Oklahoma City, Austin, Houston, Orlando, and Los Angeles.
• Texas remained the No. 1 growth state, despite significant outbound migration from other parts of the U.S.
• U-Haul reported that nearly 50% of new arrivals to Dallas came from other parts of Texas, highlighting internal migration patterns.

This growing base of incoming residents has direct implications for real estate decisions and office space strategies, especially for companies evaluating site selection criteria in North Texas.

Three Top Migration Insights and Office Market Impacts

1. Regional and National Talent Consolidation

DFW’s appeal is grounded in more than just cost-of-living advantages. The migration data confirms the metro’s growing role as a regional and national employment hub, making it a prime location for corporate expansions, regional headquarters, and satellite offices.

• Implication: For occupiers, this translates into an expanding and diversified talent pool, which is a critical driver for long-term site selection strategies.
• Site Selection Angle: Corporations looking to tap into multistate labor networks are increasingly targeting metros like DFW that serve as crossroads of workforce migration.

2. Intrastate Relocation and Urban-to-Urban Dynamics

Austin continues to be one of the largest feeder cities into DFW, reflecting both affordability pressures in Central Texas and the magnetic pull of Dallas’ infrastructure, professional services network, and cultural amenities.

• Implication: Companies relocating from other Texas metros are bringing with them experienced, tech-literate workforces that demand high-quality, amenity-rich office environments.
• Site Selection Angle: For Austin- or Houston-based businesses evaluating expansion, DFW represents a cost-efficient, high-opportunity pivot point without the regulatory burdens of out-of-state relocation.

3. Office Market Momentum and Changing Tenant Mix

New residents mean new demand for housing, schools, and workplaces. DFW’s continued population growth is boosting office leasing activity, particularly in submarkets such as Plano, Las Colinas, Frisco, and Uptown that offer mixed-use environments and high walkability scores.

• Leasing Trends: Mid-sized tech and business services firms are leading the charge in leasing activity, followed by financial services and logistics.
• Tenant Profile Evolution: A broader base of incoming companies—from Oklahoma’s energy sector to Florida’s fintech ecosystem—is diversifying the tenant mix and spreading demand across asset classes.

Strategic Considerations for Office Occupiers

For companies evaluating their real estate portfolio in 2025 and beyond, DFW’s migration patterns offer valuable guidance:

1. Labor-Driven Location Planning

As the U-Haul report reflects, labor mobility is gravitating toward business-friendly, low-regulation markets with high growth like DFW. Aligning site selection with talent migration patterns ensures better recruitment and retention outcomes.

2. Amenity-Driven Office Strategies

With inbound movers expecting modern workplace environments, employers must consider flexible layouts, access to transit, green space, and coworking-style amenities when selecting or renewing leases.

3. Timing the Market

Rapid in-migration is likely to tighten vacancy rates in certain DFW submarkets over the next 12-18 months. Companies planning for expansion or relocation should move proactively to secure space before competition drives up rates or reduces availability in preferred locations.

Conclusion

Migration is more than a demographic trend; it’s a strategic consideration for site selection, workforce planning, and real estate strategy. Dallas’ rise as the No. 1 U.S. city for net U-Haul arrivals during the first seven months of 2025 signals a broader rebalancing of population and opportunity across the country.

As companies follow the flow of talent, DFW stands out as a future-proof location for office investment—offering scale, diversity, and long-term resilience. Whether you’re navigating a lease renewal, expansion, or relocation, DFW should be at the top of your shortlist.