Housing in Dalworthington Gardens reflects its garden-community heritage. The city consists primarily of single-family homes on generous, well-established lots, many with mature trees and landscaped yards, along with some larger estate-style properties. Density is low, and the housing stock is older and well-settled rather than newly developed, a legacy of the community's 1930s subsistence-homestead origins. Its position inside Arlington gives residents suburban space while keeping urban amenities close.

Dalworthington Gardens functions as a single, cohesive residential community rather than a collection of distinct neighborhoods. Its streets are quiet and established, bordered on the north by the small town of Pantego and otherwise enclosed by Arlington. That enclave arrangement gives the city a clear, bounded identity, and residents value the contrast between its calm residential character and the surrounding city's busy commercial corridors.

Life in Dalworthington Gardens is quiet and suburban, with a small-town feel set against a major urban backdrop. Residents enjoy tree-lined streets and low-density living while Arlington's attractions—including major sports venues, shopping, and entertainment—are minutes away. The community's garden-suburb origins and its independent city government contribute to a distinct local identity. For work, shopping, and culture, both Dallas and Fort Worth are within easy reach, making the city a calm enclave in one of the nation's busiest metro areas.

Students in Dalworthington Gardens attend the Arlington Independent School District, the large public system serving the surrounding city of Arlington. The district operates numerous elementary, middle, and high schools across the area, giving Dalworthington Gardens families access to the same educational options as the broader Arlington community. Higher education is available nearby, including the University of Texas at Arlington and institutions across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.

Dalworthington Gardens sits in the center of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, surrounded by Arlington and connected to the region by the area's highway network, including nearby Interstate 20 and Interstate 30. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport lies within a short drive to the north. The city's central position makes commuting to Arlington, Dallas, or Fort Worth practical, while its own streets remain quiet and residential.

Recreation in Dalworthington Gardens draws heavily on its Arlington surroundings. The city's own quiet streets and parks provide everyday outdoor space, while Arlington offers major attractions including sports stadiums, entertainment districts, and Lake Arlington for boating and fishing. The larger Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex adds museums, parks, and cultural venues within a short drive, giving residents extensive recreational options just beyond the city's calm residential boundaries.