Business owners with operations in both Chicago and Dallas are increasingly focused on the suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, particularly Richardson and Plano, as preferred locations for expansion or relocation. This trend reflects a broader perception of Dallas itself as presenting challenges, according to multiple sources within the business community.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line, a 26-mile regional rail service connecting Plano and Richardson to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), officially opened recently, representing a significant investment in infrastructure aimed at improving accessibility to employment and educational opportunities. The $2 billion project, nearly two decades in the making, traverses seven cities – Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano – and spans three counties: Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant.
The Silver Line’s route is designed to serve major economic hubs, with stations planned to facilitate access to key business districts and educational institutions. DART provides weekday and weekend schedules for travel between Shiloh Road Station and DFW Airport Terminal B. The service aims to alleviate transportation challenges within the rapidly growing DFW area.
The focus on suburbs like Richardson and Plano isn’t latest. These cities are consistently identified as desirable locations for businesses seeking a more stable and attractive environment than downtown Dallas. The City of Richardson, for example, is experiencing development around the Skylink Station at Terminal F, alongside renovations to Richardson ISD schools.
While the DART Silver Line is intended to connect the region, the underlying driver for businesses choosing suburban locations appears to be a combination of factors beyond transportation. Concerns about the overall business climate in Dallas itself, though not specifically detailed, are a recurring theme among those with a presence in both cities.
DFW Airport continues to expand its connectivity, with JetBlue Airways recently announcing the addition of year-round flights. Simultaneously, airfare from Chicago to Dallas remains competitive, with one-way flights available starting at $28, according to Expedia.
