Denton vs Irving, TX

Two of North Texas's most-searched relocation destinations, side by side — prices, schools, commutes, and what daily life looks like in each.

 DentonIrving
CountyDenton CountyDallas County
Population~176,000~257,000
Median HH Income~$80,000~$82,000
Median Age30 yrs33 yrs
Median Home Value~$390,000~$350,000
Primary DistrictDenton ISD — 7/10Coppell ISD — 9/10
ZIP Codes76201, 76205, 76207, 76208, 76209, 7621075038, 75039, 75060, 75061, 75062, 75063

Approximate figures — see each city page for live MLS market stats updated in real time.

Denton

  • Two universities give Denton real college-town energy and culture
  • The only DFW suburb with its own commuter rail line to DART
  • Live-music scene and courthouse square rival Austin at half the price
  • I-35E/I-35W split puts both Dallas and Fort Worth in easy reach
  • Lakes on two sides — Ray Roberts north, Lewisville south

Commute

  • DCTA A-train commuter rail to the DART Green Line
  • 40–45 minutes to downtown Dallas via I-35E
  • 35–40 minutes to Fort Worth / Alliance via I-35W

Irving

  • 8 Fortune 500 HQs — one of America's biggest corporate headquarters hubs
  • Wells Fargo's new $570M Las Colinas campus — 4,500 jobs (opened 2025)
  • Lakeside urban living on Lake Carolyn — canals, gondolas, Water Street
  • DART Orange Line — rail to DFW Airport and downtown Dallas, no car needed
  • Valley Ranch (75063) buyers can land top-rated Coppell ISD schools

Commute

  • 5–10 minutes to DFW International Airport
  • 15–20 minutes to downtown Dallas via SH-114/183
  • DART Orange Line rail to DFW Terminal A and downtown Dallas

Denton vs Irving FAQ

Is Denton or Irving more expensive?

Denton has the higher estimated median home value (~$390,000 vs ~$350,000 in Irving). Check the live MLS stats on each city page for current sold prices.

Which has better schools — Denton or Irving?

Denton is primarily served by Denton ISD (GreatSchools 7/10) and Irving by Coppell ISD (9/10). Irving's primary district rates higher overall, but campus-level assignment matters more — verify your specific address.

How do commutes compare between Denton and Irving?

Denton: DCTA A-train commuter rail to the DART Green Line; 40–45 minutes to downtown Dallas via I-35E. Irving: 5–10 minutes to DFW International Airport; 15–20 minutes to downtown Dallas via SH-114/183.

Still Deciding Between Denton and Irving?

I help relocating families make this exact call every week — schools, commutes, budgets, and the neighborhood nuances no data table shows. The first consultation is free.

Talk to Konda