Dickinson, TX is a city in Galveston County, Texas, within the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. The population was 20,847 at the 2020 census. It is a historic city that dates back to 1824, when it was granted to John Dickinson. It has a rich cultural heritage, with a large Italian community that settled there in the early 1900s. It also has a history of being a tourist destination, thanks to the gambling venues created by the Maceo crime syndicate in the 1920s.
Located in the Houston metropolitan area, Dickinson, Texas, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience. It’s important to note that whether Dickinson, or any city, is a good place to live depends largely on your personal lifestyle, preferences, and circumstances. Here’s an overview of what living in Dickinson could entail:
Proximity to Major Cities: One of the major benefits of living in Dickinson is its location. It’s roughly halfway between Houston and Galveston, making it convenient for commutes or weekend getaways to either city. This provides residents with easy access to the amenities of a large metropolitan area while living in a smaller, quieter town.
Cost of Living: Compared to national averages and some other areas in Texas, the cost of living in Dickinson is fairly moderate. This is particularly true for housing costs, making it an affordable place to live, especially for families or individuals seeking more space.
Community Feel: With a population under 20,000 as of 2021, Dickinson maintains a close-knit community feel. Residents frequently cite the friendliness of their neighbors as a major perk of living here.
Outdoor Recreation: If you enjoy being outdoors, Dickinson’s location offers access to a variety of activities. It’s a short drive to Galveston Island for beach activities and also has several local parks.
Dickinson is a very family-friendly city. There are several parks and playgrounds throughout the city, as well as a number of schools. The city also has a number of community events and activities that are geared towards families, such as the annual Dickenson Christmas Parade and the Dickinson Arts Festival.
Dickinson is also a great place for retirees. The city has a number of retirement communities, as well as a number of activities and amenities that are designed for seniors, such as the Dickinson Senior Center and the Dickinson Senior Recreation Center.
In addition to its family-friendly and retiree-friendly atmosphere, Dickinson is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is located on the Galveston Bay, and there are several parks and nature preserves that offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The city is also close to the Gulf of Mexico, which offers even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
However, there are some factors to be aware of:
Employment Opportunities: As a small town, Dickinson might not have as many job opportunities directly within city limits as you’d find in larger cities. Many residents commute to jobs in nearby cities like Houston or Galveston.
Crime Rate: Dickinson’s crime rate is somewhat higher than the national average, although this can vary significantly between different neighborhoods. As with any location, it’s crucial to research local safety conditions and consider this aspect when making a decision.
School Quality: Dickinson has several public and private schools. The quality varies, with some performing above state averages and others below. If you’re moving with school-aged children, you’ll want to research the schools in any area you’re considering.
Hurricane Risk: Being in coastal Texas, Dickinson is prone to hurricanes. The city was significantly affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. When living in this area, it’s important to have a plan for potential evacuations and property protection.
In summary, Dickinson can be a great place to live for those looking for a smaller community with easy access to major cities, a moderate cost of living, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, prospective residents should consider their personal employment situation, desired lifestyle, and the potential for hurricane-related issues. It’s always a good idea to visit and explore the town personally before making a decision.
Pros & Cons
The city has a population of about 21,000 people, and is made up of mostly single-family homes. The median home price in Dickinson is $280,000, which is significantly lower than the median home price in Houston. The cost of living in Dickinson is also lower than the cost of living in Houston, making it an attractive option for families and retirees on a budget.
Here are some pros and cons of living in Dickinson, Texas:
Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Friendly people
- Abundance of outdoor activities
- Close to Houston and Galveston
- Good schools
- Safe community
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Humid weather
- Can be car-dependent
- Not a lot of nightlife
- Not a lot of diversity
Overall, Dickinson is a great place to live. It is a safe, affordable, and family-friendly city with a lot to offer its residents. If you are looking for a place to live that has a low cost of living, friendly people, and a abundance of outdoor activities, then Dickinson is a great option for you.
Advantages
Dickinson has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before moving there. Here are some of them:
Advantages:
- Dickinson has a low cost of living compared to other cities in the area. The median home value is $168,900, which is below the national average of $217,500². The median household income is $63,750, which is slightly above the national average of $62,843².
- Dickinson has a diverse and friendly community, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures. The city celebrates its heritage with events such as the annual Italian Festival and the Red, White and Bayou crawfish festival².
- Dickinson has a convenient location, close to major highways and airports. It is about 30 miles from downtown Houston, 20 miles from Galveston Island, and 15 miles from NASA’s Johnson Space Center³. It also has access to public transportation, such as buses and trains.
- Dickinson has a variety of recreational and educational opportunities, such as parks, trails, museums, libraries, and schools. The city has a new multimillion-dollar city hall and library complex that was dedicated in 2009². It also has several historic landmarks, such as the Dickinson Railroad Depot and the Queen of Angels Church¹.
Disadvantages:
- Dickinson is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods. The city was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which flooded 90% of the city and destroyed 50% of it¹. The city is still recovering from the damage and rebuilding its infrastructure.
- Dickinson has a high crime rate compared to other cities in the area. The city has a violent crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36.8 per 1,000 residents, which are both above the national averages of 3.7 and 22 respectively². The city also has a history of being associated with organized crime and corruption¹.
- Dickinson has a limited economic base and job market compared to other cities in the area. The city relies heavily on the oil and gas industry, which can be volatile and cyclical. The city also has a low educational attainment level, with only 18% of residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher².
- Dickinson has a lack of cultural and entertainment options compared to other cities in the area. The city does not have many restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters, or shopping centers. The city also does not have many attractions or events that draw visitors or tourists.
In conclusion, Dickinson is a city with a lot of history and character, but also with some challenges and drawbacks. It is a safe, affordable, and family-friendly city with a lot to offer its residents. If you are looking for a place to live that has a low cost of living, friendly people, and a abundance of outdoor activities, then Dickinson is a great option for you. Whether it is a good place to live depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some people may find it charming and affordable, while others may find it boring and unsafe. If you are considering moving to Dickinson, you should do your own research and visit the city yourself to get a better sense of what it is like.