Housing Woes

Skyrocketing rents force locals to make major cuts in these areas

Renters in DFW have it slightly better than other Texas markets — but not by much, according to Zillow.

Renting in Dallas and Fort Worth comes at a high cost — and we're not just talking about the skyrocketing prices. According to Zillow, unaffordable rent prices in U.S. cities are forcing residents to cut back in important areas. A recent survey from the real estate website reveals what renters are giving up to pay for that apartment each month.

Zillow says renters should expect to spend about 30 percent of their monthly income on rent, but — luckily — in DFW, the number is slightly lower. In the first quarter of 2015, the percentage of monthly income spent on rent was 28.8 percent, up almost 1 percent from the previous year, leaving residents with high-burden rents that result in major cuts elsewhere.

The first thing to go? Savings. Zillow reports that renters who spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent have a median savings rate of zero. And nearly 60 percent of renters with high burdens "said they could not cover three months' worth of expenses if they were to lose their main source of income."

On the flip side, the typical renter with a lower burden sets aside 5 percent of monthly income for savings. Still, 44 percent of those renters cannot cover three months of expenses.

High rents are also forcing residents to cut back on healthcare and plans for retirement. In the last year, 40 percent of those with high rents skipped the dentist and 25 percent skipped the doctor. In addition, 27 percent of young adult renters with high burdens haven't given any thought to retirement.

The outlook is similar in other Texas markets. In Austin, 31.8 percent of monthly income is spent on rent, and in Houston the percentage is 30.5. San Antonio is below the threshold at 29.7 percent, meaning DFW renters are actually slightly ahead of the pack.

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Celebrity digs

Post Malone’s Dallas-area childhood home hits the market for $549K

Photo courtesy of The Meyer Group

Post Malone's childhood home, at 1226 Eaton Ln., Grapevine, is listed for $549,900.

The grapevine is buzzing with news that entertainer Post Malone’s childhood home in Grapevine is up for sale. The modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, at 1226 Eaton Ln., is listed for $549,900.

“This home blends modern comfort, prime location, and a one-of-a-kind story — an exceptional opportunity in one of North Texas’ most desirable communities,” says the listing from Liz Ervin and David Ervin, both of Meyer Group Real Estate.

Photo courtesy of The Meyer Group

Post Malone's childhood home, at 1226 Eaton Ln., Grapevine, is listed for $549,900.

Want to tour Malone’s former digs? The Ervins are hosting an open house from 12 noon-2 pm Saturday, February 7.

Built in 1987 — eight years before Malone was born — the “thoughtfully renovated” 1,685-square-foot, brick-façade home with a bright red front door offers an open-concept floor plan that features “excellent flow, abundant natural light, and a great use of space throughout,” the listing says.

Recent upgrades include:

An updated primary bathroom.
New triple-pane, energy-efficient windows.
A new air-conditioning unit.
A new water heater.

The listing also touts the home’s outdoor amenities and proximity to downtown Grapevine.

Post Malone's childhood home, at 1226 Eaton Ln., Grapevine The home is near all the Grapevine hot spots.Photo courtesy of The Meyer Group

“Step outside to a private backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and upgraded decking — perfect for entertaining or relaxing Texas-style,” the listing says. “Ideally located less than a one-mile walk to Grapevine’s sought-after Main Street, offering endless dining, shopping, and access to the nearby recreation center.”

Malone, whose given name is Austin Richard Post, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who’s easily recognizable thanks to his more than 70 tattoos, including 14 on his face.

The entertainer moved to Grapevine at age nine with his father, Rich Post, and stepmother, Jodie, after the Dallas Cowboys hired his dad as assistant director of food and beverage, according to Malone’s bio on IMDb. Malone was born in 1995 in Syracuse, New York.

In Grapevine, Malone learned to play guitar at age 12. He frequently plays gigs around Dallas-Fort Worth; he was the big act at the 2025 Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball at Southfork Ranch, and then he played the Cowboys' halftime show at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving.

When Malone was a senior, classmates at Grapevine High School named him “Most Likely to Be Famous,” according to IMDb and CBS News. For a 2012 class project at Grapevine High, he created a viral music video for one of his first songs, “Why Don’t You Love Me?” In the video, he rocked an ’80s vibe, complete with an animal-print head scarf and cut-off denim shorts.

Post Malone grew up in Grapevine and plays in Dallas-Fort Worth frequently. Photo by Adam DeGross

After graduating from high school in 2013, Malone enrolled at Tarrant County College but dropped out and moved to Los Angeles, where he formally launched his music career. Just two years after graduation, Malone signed a recording deal with Republic Records.

By all accounts, Malone appreciated growing up in Grapevine. In fact, his 2024 country song “Back to Texas” pays homage to the Lone Star State:

Ain’t found nowhere like Dallas yeah

And I doubt I ever will it’s

All hat, no cattle

All belt, no buckle

All snake, no rattle

All honey, no suckle

And I’ma take every last dime

Stuffed under this mattress

And make a Lone Star beeline

Take my a** back to Texas

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