Moving From Simi Valley to Dallas?

Texas takes in more Californians than any other state, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of the biggest draws. If it's on your list, the move has two halves: selling your home here without surprises, and knowing what changes the day you become a Texas resident.

Our free guide, Leaving California: The Seller's Game Plan, covers:

• The tax questions to answer first, and the list to bring your CPA
• A worksheet for your real walk-away number
• Three ways to time your sale with your Dallas purchase
• How to sell from a distance if you've already moved
• A 90-day checklist for leaving the state

The California side: what to settle before you list

• Capital gains. If you owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years, the IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly). That's IRS Publication 523.
• California can still tax the gain after you move. A California home is California-source income, so the state can tax the gain even if you already live in Texas. Your CPA will want to see the numbers before you list, not after.
• The withholding form nobody warns you about. At closing, escrow may withhold 3⅓% of the sale price for the California Franchise Tax Board unless an exemption applies (Form 593). Selling your main home often qualifies for one. Ask early so it doesn't catch you by surprise.
• Timing. Sell first, buy first, or close both at once. We plan both moves together so you're not stuck in between.

What changes when you move to Texas

• No state income tax. Texas doesn't have a personal income tax. California can still tax income earned in California, including the gain on your California home.
• Property taxes are higher than many Californians expect. Local property taxes do a lot of the work an income tax would. Ask for the actual tax bill on any home you're considering, not just the price.
• File your homestead exemption. In Texas, the homestead exemption takes $140,000 off your home's value for school taxes. You must own and live in the home on January 1, and you file with the county appraisal district. Your Texas driver license address should match the home.
• License and registration. Plan to switch your driver license and vehicle registration soon after you move. Check dps.texas.gov and txdmv.gov for the current deadlines.
• Heat, storms and HOAs. Summers are hot and spring storms can bring hail. Ask about the roof and insurance, and read HOA dues and rules before you write an offer.

Questions people ask

Does Texas have a state income tax?

No. Texas has no personal income tax. California can still tax income from California sources, such as the gain on a California home sale.

How much is the Texas homestead exemption?

For school taxes, it takes $140,000 off your home's value, following Proposition 13 in November 2025. File with your county appraisal district; you must own and live in the home on January 1.

Can you sell my Simi Valley home if I've already moved to Dallas?

Yes. We handle showings, vendors and updates here, and escrow can usually arrange for you to sign where you are.

Can you help me find an agent in Dallas?

Yes. We'll help you connect with an experienced local agent there and coordinate both closings so the dates line up.

Is this tax advice?

No. We're Realtors, not CPAs. We explain the general rules and give you a real estimate of your sale price and selling costs to take to your tax professional.

Keep reading

• Leaving California? How to Sell Your Simi Valley Home and Time Your Move
• How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Simi Valley?
• Moving from Simi Valley to Las Vegas
• Moving from Simi Valley to Phoenix
• Moving from Simi Valley to Boise
• Moving from Simi Valley to Nashville
• Moving from Simi Valley to Florida

Sources: Texas Proposition 13 (2025) school homestead exemption; Texas DPS and TxDMV; IRS Publication 523; California Franchise Tax Board, Form 593. Rules change, so confirm details with the agency or your tax professional. Information current as of October 2026.