Kari Cummings, Realtor, 650 Fort Worth Avenue #100, Dallas, TX (2026)

08/30/2026

You accepted the job in Dallas. Congrats!

And then you pull up a map of DFW and realize you have absolutely no idea where to start.

I see this all the time with families relocating here. They know where the job is, maybe recognize a few suburb names, but have no idea what actually living here looks like.

Here are a few things I’d want you to know:

1️⃣ There really isn’t one “best” Dallas suburb.

This is usually the first thing I explain to families. You might love the charm and trees of Grapevine, the location of Coppell, a newer community farther north, or decide you’d rather have more land and space in Argyle.

It comes down to what you want your everyday life to look like.

2️⃣ The commute matters more than you think.

DFW is spread out, so I always ask where everyone needs to be during the week before narrowing down areas. Where you work, how often you travel from DFW Airport and even where your kids’ activities are can completely change where it makes sense to live.

3️⃣ You can get pretty specific about the childhood you want your kids to have here.

This is one of my favorite things about raising my own kids in DFW. You can choose a neighborhood where kids ride bikes to friends’ houses and spend summers at the community pool, live near trails and lakes, or move farther out for acreage and a little more breathing room.

You’re choosing so much more than a house.

4️⃣ “Texas is cheaper” doesn’t tell the whole story.

We don’t have state income tax, and many families find their housing budget goes further here. But property taxes vary, some communities have MUD or PID assessments, and HOA dues and insurance matter too.

Two homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs.

5️⃣ There’s a lot of life here for families.

Our weekends might mean a baseball game, a lake day, a local festival, dinner in Dallas, youth sports or just meeting friends at the neighborhood pool.

There are so many different ways to raise a family here. The goal is figuring out which part of DFW feels most like the life you want to build.

If you’re relocating and staring at the map wondering where to begin, comment GUIDE and I’ll send you my Dallas Suburbs Guide. 🤍

08/28/2026

This North Dallas home has been completely reimagined, and the backyard alone might convince you to move. 🤍

Tucked into one of North Dallas’ most sought after areas near the private school corridor, this renovated modern ranch gives you the character and mature trees of an established neighborhood, but with a fresh, elevated interior designed for the way families live and entertain today.

Here’s what makes it special:

✨ 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 3,422 square feet of beautifully updated living space on an oversized 0.38 acre lot

✨ Stunning great room with raised ceilings, exposed wood beams, a wall of windows overlooking the pool, and a sleek 72 inch linear gas fireplace

✨ Designer kitchen centered around a quartz waterfall island with a custom dining bar, Bertazzoni appliances, and custom cabinetry

✨ Private primary suite with dual walk in closets and a spa inspired bath featuring marble and glass finishes, a freestanding soaking tub, and oversized shower

✨ Flexible fifth bedroom with an ensuite bath that could easily become a guest suite, home office, or additional living space

✨ Resort style backyard with a pool and spa, triple waterfall feature, expansive yard, and plenty of room for entertaining

✨ White oak hardwood floors, designer lighting, energy efficient triple pane windows, updated electrical, tankless water heater, plus a newer roof and gutters

And the location may be one of the best parts. You’re in North Dallas, minutes from some of Dallas’ premier private schools while still getting a large lot, mature trees, and a backyard that feels like your own private retreat.

Comment “4452” and I’ll send the full listing details straight to your inbox. 📩

Listed by Lauren Williams | Latitude Key Inc.

Follow for more North Texas homes!

08/26/2026

If you’re looking for a fun girls night or sweet treat in Plano, you need to add Sloan’s Ice Cream to your list. 🍦💗

I recently went with my sister, niece and daughter for a girls night, and the girls absolutely loved it. We went for ice cream, but quickly realized Sloan’s is so much more than an ice cream shop.

The second you walk in, there is something to look at everywhere.

The bright pink décor, whimsical details, walls of candy, toys, gifts and all kinds of cute little finds make the entire place feel like an experience.

Our girls loved picking out their treats, but I think they had just as much fun shopping. 😂 They spent almost an HOUR looking through all the toys and cute things for sale and, of course, finding plenty of things they thought they needed.

And then there’s the ice cream.

Sloan’s is known for its huge selection of homemade ice cream flavors, over the top sundaes, freshly baked cookies, brownies, candy and other sweet treats, so there is definitely no shortage of choices.

It was one of those simple girls nights that ended up being so much fun, and I already know we’ll be back.

I love finding places like this around DFW because sometimes the best memories with your kids aren’t from something elaborate. It’s grabbing your sister and the girls, heading out for ice cream and somehow spending an hour wandering around an ice cream shop. 🤍

📍 Sloan’s Ice Cream
Plano, Texas

Save this one for your next girls night, family outing or when you just need a really good ice cream run. 🍦✨

Follow along for more of our favorite places to eat, play and explore around DFW!

08/25/2026

I love helping other families find home here.. and it's easy to be passionate about it because I personally love raising my children here.

Here are a few reasons we've come to appreciate life here and reasons that other families have shared with me!

-The weather makes it easy to be outside MOST of the year. our kids can be at the park, riding bikes, playing sports, or just burning off energy outdoors.

We don't spend months stuck inside waiting for the weather to cooperate, and I think that makes a huge difference in their childhood.

We have some hot months but overall we have pretty mild weather for many months of the year. I love our mild winters and majority blue skies!

-There are opportunities for every interest
Whether your kids love sports, dance, music, theater, STEM programs, or just about anything else, DFW has it.
You can stay as busy as you want to be with activities!

-The neighborhoods are built for families.

One thing we noticed pretty quickly is how many communities are designed around families. Walking trails, community pools, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, neighborhood events there are so many built-in opportunities to connect with other families.

-Families have great education options.
From highly-rated public schools to private and charter options, families can often find a path that fits their kids' needs. There are so many great options.

-Everything is accessible.

Living in DFW means we're close to major airports, professional sports, concerts, museums, restaurants, and entertainment.

We get many of the benefits of living in a major metro area while still being able to find communities that feel family-oriented.

-The people have made it feel like home.

This might be the biggest reason of all. Over the years, we've built friendships, found our community, and connected with people who have become like family.

At the end of the day, that's what really makes a place special.

I know it can be overwhelming if you are considering a move to know where is the best fit- i'd love to help...

If you're thinking about moving to the area and want my list of the most popular suburbs, comment "GUIDE" and I'll send it over.

08/21/2026

I grew up in Texas, but I also spent several years living in California, so when I talk to families considering a move from California to DFW, I understand why Texas can look very different from the outside.

Most people have already heard plenty about the obvious differences, from our weather and taxes to home prices and politics.

But after helping so many families actually make the move, I’ve realized those usually aren’t the things they have the most questions about. It becomes much more about what their everyday life is going to look like here.

1️⃣ Where you live matters when it comes to schools.

One thing I tell families all the time is not to choose a city simply because they’ve heard it has “great schools.” School boundaries can vary by neighborhood, so we always look at the specific address and schools when narrowing down areas.

2️⃣ Texas may be more affordable, but you need to understand the whole picture.

There’s no state income tax, but property taxes are higher than many people expect. You may get more for your budget, but I want my clients looking at the actual monthly payment, not just the purchase price.

3️⃣ Your day to day life can feel completely different.

You may have more space, a backyard where the kids actually play, evenings walking through the neighborhood and weekends at baseball fields, the lake or getting together with neighbors.

For a lot of families I work with, they aren’t just looking for a different house. They’re looking for a different lifestyle.

4️⃣ The sense of community surprises people.

People wave here, strangers start conversations, and neighbors actually get to know each other.

I grew up with that, so it always felt normal to me. It wasn’t until I moved away that I realized it isn’t like that everywhere.

That’s why I love helping people make this move. Choosing where to live in DFW isn’t just about finding the prettiest house. It’s figuring out where your family is actually going to feel at home.

👉🏼 Comment GUIDE and I’ll send you my Dallas Most Popular Suburbs Guide with schools, home prices, commute, amenities and what each area is known for.

Kari Cummings | DFW Realtor helping you find home in Texas 🏠

08/20/2026

This is an area you have to see 👀

when my clients tell me that they want the convenience to the city but have to have great schools and that community vibe.. I always bring up this suburb.

Coppell, Texas is positioned in the middle of the metroplex with a 30 min drive to Dallas and 35 min drive to Fort Worth.

I spend alot of time here and truly love the vibe of this community so I love sharing it with my clients moving to Texas.

It has a rare balance of being in the suburbs and getting the breathing room from the city but still feeling really connected to everything you need nearby.

We attend church nearby, have played many baseball seasons here, spend time at the adorable farmer's market on the weekends and attended plenty of the community events and playgrounds

Here’s what families really love about Coppell:
-Quiet, established neighborhoods
-Top Rated School District
-Variety of neighborhood styles and home architecture
-A true family-friendly vibe with a small town feel
-Adorable downtown area with kid friendly features, green space, shopping and restaurants.

Here are some of the neighborhoods to know about:

✨Northlake Woodlands:
-mix of luxury homes, mature trees and larger lots!
- to nearby parks, walking trails, and excellent schools.

✨Stratford Manor:
-Known for it's luxury homes on quiet, tree-lined streets.
-Large estate-style homes on lots ranging from .2 to .4 acres.

✨The Summit at the Spring:
-Luxury homes featuring high-end finishes, spacious layouts and beautiful landscaping.
-Neighborhood amenities such as pool, clubhouse and walking trails

✨Red Hawk:
-Popular luxury neighborhood with custom built homes (pictured in this reel)
-Larger homes with many unique details and custom features
-No cookie cutter here

✨Old Coppell Estates
-walkable neighborhood with big sense of community
-walk to parks, farmers market, restaurants and the local coffee shop

If you are considering a move to the Dallas area and want more info on what area could be the best fit for you-

Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll DM you my Dallas Suburbs Guide—neighborhoods to know, median prices, school feeds, commute tips, tax rates, and the vibe of each

08/17/2026

We aren't looking for just a house.. we want a community.

That is one of the first things families tell me when they’re relocating to Dallas.

They want to be close to the city so they have all of the conveniences they need but they don't want to be "IN" the city.

I totally get it because I felt this way, as well.

I grew up in a small town South of Dallas and my husband and I lived in Dallas for many years but then eventually something shifted for us and we wanted to branch out into the suburbs when our family became the top priority.

So when families who are moving here tell me what they are looking for in their next neighborhood..

This is one of the suburbs I mention to them.

📍 Grapevine, Texas

A lot of the families who end up in Grapevine didn’t just move for a home—
they moved because life felt disconnected where they were.

here are some of the things my client's have loved about this area:

-They want top rated public schools with great athletic programs.

-They look forward to feeling like life is a little more slow paced than where they are coming from.

-They love that it's really centrally located between both Fort Worth and Dallas.

-It has a historic downtown with the cutest vibe perfect for strolling with family, grabbing a glass of wine with friends at or an amazing piece of pie at

It’s family-friendly, full of character, and still close to everything—DFW Airport, Dallas, Fort Worth.

In Grapevine, you aren't choosing between convenience and charm…
you actually get both.

And honestly, once my clients experience it, they just know.

If you’re planning a move to DFW want help figuring out what actually fits your life, not just what’s popular online, comment "GUIDE" and I’ll send you my Dallas’s Most Popular Suburbs Relocation Guide.

It breaks down Dallas’s most popular suburbs, including school insights, lifestyle notes, commute details and home price ranges.

08/17/2026

When you grow up in Texas, there are certain things you just assume are normal.

It wasn’t until I got older, traveled more, and spent time outside of Texas that I realized how many things I grew up with were actually very…Texas. 😂

Things I never thought twice about as a kid are some of the things I appreciate most now.

1️⃣ Saying “yes ma’am” and “no sir” was simply how you spoke to people. It was just good manners.

2️⃣ Friday night lights were about WAY more than football. The whole town showed up and Friday night was an event.

3️⃣ Neighbors actually knew your name, your family, and probably a little bit of your business too. 😂

4️⃣ Waving at strangers, holding the door, and striking up a conversation with someone you didn’t know was completely normal.

5️⃣ Faith was more than something you believed. For so many families, it was the foundation everything else was built around.

6️⃣ Sweet tea was the default, queso was a required appetizer, and BBQ was a VERY serious topic.

7️⃣ Those big Texas skies could make anything feel possible, especially when the sunset looked like God painted it Himself.

8️⃣ You were proud of where you came from, and being a Texan was something you wore like a badge of honor.

9️⃣ School events, football games, festivals and traditions were part of what made your community feel like home.

🔟 And maybe the one I appreciate most now…the way people showed up for each other when it mattered.

I took so much of this for granted because I didn’t know anything different.

Now I realize what a gift it was, and you don’t have to be born in Texas to experience it.

So many families moving to DFW aren’t just searching for a house. They’re thinking about the life they want their kids to have, the schools they’ll attend, the traditions they’ll make and the community around them.

Because where you raise your family becomes part of their story too.

If you’re searching online and still wondering which part of DFW is right for your family, I’d love to help.

Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you my Dallas Suburbs Guide with home prices, schools, commute, amenities and what each community is best known for.

08/16/2026

Nearly 1 acre. Chef inspired kitchen. Spa style primary suite. 4 car garage. 🤍

Located in the sought after Azalea Hollow community of Midlothian, this custom Couto home brings together elevated finishes, incredible entertaining spaces, and the kind of thoughtful details that make everyday living feel a little more luxurious.

Here’s what makes it special:

✨ Chef inspired kitchen with a massive statement island, warm wood cabinetry, contrasting countertops, designer lighting, premium finishes, and plenty of storage

✨ 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 3,379 square feet with a private study and spacious game room

✨ Light filled living room with soaring ceilings, exposed wood beams, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, and an open layout that flows beautifully into the kitchen

✨ Private primary suite with a spa style bathroom featuring dual vanities, an oversized walk in shower, beautiful natural wood cabinetry, and generous closet space

✨ Fully equipped outdoor kitchen and covered living space designed for everything from game days and family gatherings to quiet evenings at home

✨ Rare 4 car garage plus a dedicated mudroom and laundry room with built in cabinetry for the storage and functionality you actually want in a home

✨ Sitting on 0.94 acres, giving you plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and create a backyard that fits the way you want to live

It’s hard to find this combination of space, elevated design, and nearly an acre in Midlothian, especially with a home that already has so many of the details buyers are looking for.

Comment “4720” and I’ll send the full listing details straight to your inbox. 📩

Listed by Clark Wickliffe | RE/MAX Frontier

Follow for more North Texas homes!

08/15/2026

Let me tell you upfront so you know!

I’m not here to scare you off from moving to the Dallas area!

I just want to help you set the correct expectations from the start...

Because as a local, these are the things I see catch people off guard all the time.

And when you’re planning a move, the last thing you want is surprises after you’ve already unpacked.

❌ Property taxes – This is the biggest shock for most of my out-of-state clients. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes can be higher than what they’re used to… and it directly impacts your monthly payment.

❌ Toll roads
DFW is full of them.. Dallas North Tollway, 121, PGBT… most of my clients end up getting a TollTag within their first week. it's the best way to save money because if you don't have one it will really add up.

❌ Electricity bills – Summers here are intense. When it’s 100°+ for weeks, your AC doesn’t get a break—and your bill reflects it. there are several months when the bill will be lower during our milder months, but when that August bill hits, it will surprise you!

❌ Home insurance (hail season) – North Texas weather can be unpredictable, and hail claims are common. This can affect premiums more than buyers expect.

I always suggest my clients get estimates during their option period on homes to see what they can expect.

❌ HOA fees – Many of the newer communities people are moving into come with HOA dues. Some are minimal… others add up quickly.

❌ Lawn care & maintenance – Between the heat, watering, and HOA expectations, keeping your yard looking good is an ongoing cost most people don’t think about upfront.

My clients that move here are these as a reasonable trade off for what life offers you here ...

You just need to go in with the right expectations and a realistic budget.

And when you do that, the Dallas-
Fort worth area still makes a lot of sense for a lot of people 🥰

Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you my guide to the most popular DFW suburbs—so you can see pricing, lifestyle differences, and where you actually fit before making the move!

P.S. I included a few underrated areas that most people completely miss!

Kari Cummings, Realtor

08/30/2026

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08/26/2026

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