Dallas' growth over the years has brought a boom in residential development. There are beautiful homes to be found throughout the area, and Dallas homeowners are among the best in the country at maintaining their curb appeal — or at least the most committed.

So says Thumbtack's 2024 list of the top 10 cities with the best curb appeal in the country, which ranks Dallas No. 4. The study was based on an analysis of curb appeal projects from September 2023 to August 2024, which was ranked by project frequency.

Maintaining beauty doesn't come cheap. Thumbtack, a home services website, found that Dallasites should budget $3,576 for autumn outdoor projects such as gutter cleanings, sprinkler system winterization, tree trimming, and fertilizing the lawn.

The report also made suggestions for outdoor weatherization projects, which Dallasites should heed now that Texas winters are less predictable due to climate change, they say.

"To protect your home from rain, cold, and snow, we recommend sealing your deck, caulking gaps, and insulating doors and windows," the report's author wrote. "These steps help keep warm air in and moisture out, ensuring your home’s exterior is ready for winter."

Homeowners who want to make a big impression with their lawn next spring should start working on it this fall, they say. Projects like overseeding and aerating the yard, regular weeding, and pruning shrubs, trees, and perennials ahead of the winter months will help improve curb appeal for the next year, according to the report.

But if a homeowner prefers the trendy look of a less manicured (yet still green) yard, we're not here to judge. Leaving more room for greenery in the backyard can make a home look more lush.

What it all costs
Of course, service costs are a major factor when determining how much to budget for these projects. The national average cost estimate for tree trimming can ring up at $718, while pressure washing or shrub trimming can easily cost over $300.

"Some projects like leaf cleanup and fertilizing can be DIYed, but others like gutter cleaning and tree trimming should be left to the pros to avoid costly, and dangerous mistakes," the report said. "Bundling home projects like aerating, fertilizing, weeding, and overseeding with a lawn care professional can also help you save money as you plan ahead."

Curb appeal is said to be a major factor when buyers are considering a home, and as diligent as Dallas may be, it's surpassed by three cities who take it more seriously, including Austin which came in at No. 2, and Atlanta, which was No. 1.

On the other hand, Dallas did climb up a spot from its No. 5 position in 2023, beating out Washington, DC.

The top 10 cities with the best curb appeal are:

• No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
• No. 2 – Austin, Texas
• No. 3 – Charlotte, North Carolina
• No. 4 – Dallas, Texas
• No. 5 – Washington, D.C.
• No. 6 – Denver, Colorado
• No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
• No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
• No. 9 – Seattle, Washington
• No. 10 – Raleigh, North Carolina