Dallas is one of the fastest-growing senior relocation markets in the country, fueled by in-migration from California, New York, and Illinois — retirees drawn by Texas's no-state-income-tax policy and lower cost of living. The result is a large, active market with approximately 18 NASMM-certified specialists serving Dallas proper and the broader DFW metro including Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, and Arlington.
What Senior Move Managers Do in Dallas
Senior move managers handle every phase of a senior relocation: sorting and downsizing decisions, estate sale coordination, packing, move logistics, and home setup at the destination. In Dallas, the typical project involves large suburban homes — 2,500-4,000 sq ft with full garages, attics, and sometimes multiple outbuildings — which means more time and more decisions than a typical apartment move.
The DFW retirement community landscape is substantial: The Forum at Lincoln Park, The Tradition Senior Living, Edgemere, Ventana by Buckner, and dozens of assisted living and memory care facilities across the metro. Senior move managers with DFW experience know the move-in procedures, the elevator reservation systems, and the specific vendor COI requirements at these communities.
What It Costs in Dallas
Dallas senior move managers typically charge $55-$90/hr, with full-service engagements running $2,500-$5,500. Texas rates run below the national coastal average, which is part of why Dallas has attracted so many retirees from higher-cost states. That said, the large homes common in Dallas suburbs mean more hours — what looks affordable per hour can still add up when the home has 30 years of contents in a 3,500 sq ft house with a full attic.
Estate sales are common in the Dallas market and well-supported — the area has a mature network of estate sale companies that senior move managers work with regularly. If an estate sale is needed, ask your SMM whether they coordinate it or refer a specific company.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Senior Market
The DFW metro is enormous — Dallas, Fort Worth, and 11 surrounding counties make up one of the largest combined statistical areas in the US. Senior move managers often specialize by geography within this metro: some focus on North Dallas and the Platinum Corridor (Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney), others on the Mid-Cities corridor (Irving, Arlington, Grand Prairie), and others on the Fort Worth side.
When you contact a provider, confirm their primary service area within DFW. A specialist based in Frisco may not routinely serve Fort Worth, or vice versa. The distances here are real — Fort Worth to Plano can be 60+ miles.
How to Find and Vet a Dallas Senior Move Manager
Start with the NASMM directory — about 18 certified members serve the DFW area. When interviewing candidates, ask about their experience with large suburban home estates, their estate sale referral partners, and their coverage within the metro.
Given the in-migration dynamic in Dallas, ask whether they have experience with clients moving TO Dallas (setting up a new home) as well as clients moving out. Many families have one parent relocating from out of state while the other is already local — SMMs who've handled these multi-directional moves are worth finding.
Ready to find a senior move manager in Dallas? Search the NASMM directory for certified professionals serving Dallas and surrounding areas.
Search NASMM Directory →Frequently Asked Questions
How much do senior move managers charge in Dallas?
Expect $55-$90/hr or $2,500-$5,500 for a full-service engagement. Large suburban homes tend toward the higher end due to volume of belongings. Texas rates are generally below national coastal averages.
Do Dallas senior move managers serve Fort Worth and the suburbs?
Many do, but coverage within DFW varies significantly. Some specialists focus on North Dallas and North Collin County; others serve the Mid-Cities or Fort Worth side. Confirm the specific service area when you contact a provider.
Can a Dallas senior move manager help with a move coming in from California or New York?
Yes — given Dallas's high rate of senior in-migration from coastal states, many local SMMs regularly handle situations where a parent is relocating to be closer to family in DFW. They can coordinate the Texas-side setup, working with a moving company that's handling the long-haul portion.
Do Dallas senior move managers coordinate estate sales?
Most do, either directly or through established referral partners. The Dallas market has a mature estate sale industry. Ask any candidate upfront whether estate sale coordination is included in their scope or priced separately.