DonM Ha ha ha, no glowing review from me. But a co-worker moved the same time I did and likes it.
I live around the block from my work so I don't venture very far at commute time. During non-commute time DFW isn't LA or DC, traffic moves except at a couple pinch points. DFW is big, even without any traffic it takes an hour to get across the area.
I think you can figure 2/2.25% for property tax so that might be a wash for you. Do some research on foundation issues for homes in North Texas if you haven't already or talk with your family. People here water their foundations haha!
Texas is affordable compared to many states, but it isn't nearly as "cheap" as many Texans would have you believe. Texans love to share that no state income tax piece, but fail to mention to the eye-gouging property taxes, high sales tax and all the toll roads. But, if you are coming from IL you are probably used to all that :-)
The heat is no big deal to me and compared to the Mid-Atlantic where I lived before DFW isn't humid. There are humid days and weeks so it isn't Phoenix though.