When living in Dallas, you’ll get to watch the games of five major sports teams, visit the nation’s largest arts district and spend money in more shops per capita than any other city in the world. It is one of the fasting growing cities in the US with some of the highest rate of job additions. If you need more answers to the question of: Is Dallas a good place to live?, take a look at our guide to life in the Big D.
Moving to Dallas will help you land a great job in one of many Fortune 500 companies, or get an education in some of the high-quality schools. Sunny weather is ideal for those who love outdoors, and if you ever catch a cold while running around, there are top-rated medical institutions that will treat you. Keep on reading and dig deeper into these, and many other things that make life in this Texas metropolis so great.
Living in Dallas Pros and Cons Everybody That’s Moving Should Consider
While professional long-distance movers are handling your belongings, go over all the pros and cons of relocating, just in case you are feeling overwhelmed by the whole process. Every place has something distinctive to offer, and some spots will fit you better than others. If you want to be happy with your life in Big D, the good qualities of the city should outweigh the bad ones.
There Are No Personal Income Taxes in the City
Texas is one of the seven states that have no income taxes. Being a part of the Lone Star State, Big D is also income tax-free. Although you will keep more of your earnings, other taxes still exist, and you should expect higher than average property taxes when buying a home.
Sport Is One of the Key Entertainment Factors
You are in the land of “America’s Team,” the super bowl champions that play at AT&T Stadium – Dallas Cowboys. They are one of the most valuable teams in the world, and to live in the Big D and not catch a game, it’s almost criminal. If you are not there for the game, you might enjoy the show Cowboys’ Cheerleaders put on. After all, they are one of the most iconic squads in the NFL.
If watching NFL is not quite your style, check out Mavericks and Wings and enjoy a good basketball game, or catch a hockey match and cheer for Stars. No matter what you prefer, Big D hosts a team in almost every major sport, so proper entertainment is virtually warranted.
Traffic Can Be Problematic
If you ask locals what one of the biggest problems in the metropolis is, more than a few will tell you – traffic. Even though there are four major interstate highways, biking, and walking paths, and trolley and bus systems, it is still not enough to avoid a long commute.
The metropolis is spread out, and those living in Dallas suburbs will face quite longer commutes than those near the center. When looking into relocation, shipping your car in addition to your household belongings would be a smart decision. Nevertheless, to avoid a long commute, it would be helpful to find a home closer to your workplace.
You Will Live in a Foodie Paradise
Did you know that Big D has more restaurants per capita than New York? That’s why you should check out some of the best restaurants in Dallas and enjoy a variety of international flavors.
The Heritage Table will serve you with some of the tastiest farm-grown ingredients, while at TJ’s Seafood Market, you can enjoy oysters and fish sticks. If you are walking around Downtown, stop by the Cafe Momentum and have some housemade charcuterie and smoked vegan sausage. Also, when you are feeling fancy, make a reservation at Bullion, and enjoy french cuisine and a wide range of vines.
Industry Is a Big Deal
In the beginning, the metropolis depended on farming, but today, with industrial development, it is a hub for economic activities in the Southern US.
The DFW area is a leader in apartment construction and leasing. With more shopping centers per capita than any other place in the US, there is undeniable proof that the retail industry is booming as well. Add lower unemployment rates than the US average, and you will get a perfect spot for all career chasers.
Living in Dallas Will Bring You Many Job Opportunities
Are you wondering how to get a job before you move? If you’re moving to Big D, landing employment won’t be a huge issue. Go over the list of companies in your desired industry and apply for a job. The metropolis hosts headquarters of famous enterprises like 7-Eleven, Comerica, Brinker International, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Chuck E. Cheese, and many others.
It Is a Magnet for Fortune 500 Companies
According to global media company Forbes, Texas is the state with fifty-nine billionaires, and 25 of those live in DFW metroplex. The number of Fortune 500 companies grew in the last few years, and now it counts 24 enterprises. They belong to different industries, from oil and gas to telecommunications, and the most successful ones are:
- Exxon Mobil
- McKesson
- AT&T
- Energy Transfer Equity
- American Airlines Group
- Southwest Airlines
- Fluor Corporation
- Tenet Healthcare
- Kimberly-Clark
- Texas Instruments
You Can Live in the Suburbs or Down the Road From the City Center
Lone Star State is a home of many cities that can be interesting to those looking for a place to settle down in. Are you wondering is it expensive to live in Dallas? Well, compared to other cities in TX, prices of renting or buying property are almost the same. According to website Numbeo, renting prices in Big D are 10% lower than in Austin, but 7% higher than in Houston.
Anyhow, when you decide to move, you will have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. The metropolis is divided into several geographical areas, which include 34 neighborhoods and communities. Some of the best neighborhoods in Dallas can be found all over the city limits, from the center to the suburbs. When picking the one that you will call home, keep some basic criteria in mind like crime rates, vicinity of educational and health institutions as well as housing costs.
Neighborhood Guide: How to Find a Place to Call Home
Moving is a process that entails a lot of decision making, and one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the neighborhood to settle down in. Moving to a city alone is different than relocating with family. Luckily, Big D is filled with picturesque locations that can accommodate all of your needs:
- Highland Park is a peaceful, tree-lined spot filled with single-family homes, and around 34% of households have children under the age of 18. It has excellent schools, and if you are looking for things to do in Dallas with kids, know there are plenty of shops, parks, and an art gallery where you can spend time together.
- Uptown is popular among young professionals looking for a location that will make a commute to work fast. Not only that, but the area is also extremely walkable and filled with pedestrian and bike paths, and almost 82% of residents rent their apartments.
- University Park is the safest location in the metropolis, with 38% lower crime rates than the national average. This inner northern suburb is an ideal place for all the people putting safety as the top priority.
- Lake Highlands is ideal for those that are worried about the cost of living in Dallas. There are more than a few affordable housing options. Median rent is $800, and half of the people rent their homes.
House Value Is on the Rise
While looking for accommodation, you will see that the metropolis has everything, from historic homes to high rise, modern condos. Because of the high demand, home value has increased by more than 12% last year.
There Is a Variety of Schools
Did you know that there are 337 public and 89 private schools in the metropolis? Also, there are more than 30 libraries, overall making Big D a great place to get a high-quality education. With more than 155,000 students in elementary and high schools, this is the second-largest school district in Texas.
The metropolis is a home of two public educational institutions ranked among the top ten in the US, School for the Talented and Gifted, as well as the School of Science and Engineering Magnet. On the other hand, if you are seeking education for yourself, there are more than a few colleges you can check out.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Is an Excellent Place for Students
This is the metropolis with the highest concentration of universities and colleges in the Lone Star State. Depending on your interests and goals, you will have more than a few options to choose from, and join 32 % of residents that hold a bachelor degree or higher:
- UT Southwestern Medical Center has six Nobel laureates among its alumni, and a teaching hospital. It is an ideal place to study for all of those dreaming of being in a medical field one day.
- The University of North Texas is the first public college within the metropolis limits, and every year the number of its students is increasing.
- Southern Methodist University has more than 11,500 students from all over the world. Here you can major and minor in American politics, arts, business, and many other areas.
- El Centro trains its students in more than 50 fields and a variety of continuing education and workforce education courses.
You Should Get Used to Sunny Weather When Living in Dallas Texas
The Big D has, on average, 234 sunny days per year, 30 more than the national average. Locals have the pleasure to enjoy a humid subtropical climate, with average summer temperatures of 96 °F. Winters are mild to cool, with January as the coldest month.
Those thinking about packing and leaving their current home because it is too cold, consider this warm metropolis as your next one. All you have to do is hire professional Dallas movers to handle your belongings while you are planning fun outdoor activities at the new location.
You Will Love Dallas if You Like Spending Time Outdoors
There are more than 21,000 acres of parkland and around 400 parks within the city limits. Add 17 lakes spanning a total of 4,400 acres and more than 61 miles of jogging and biking trails, and you will get a paradise for people that love outdoors. Also, there are around 50 recreational centers, 280 sports fields, 230 playgrounds, and 60 swimming pools. When you want to have a fun day outside alone or with friends and family, you can easily organize a day packed with fun activities.
Healthcare Is Outstanding
With many hospitals and several research facilities, Big D is a place with excellent healthcare options. According to the report by US News and World, UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of the top-performing institutions when it comes to treating cancer and diseases involving the respiratory tract. Baylor University Medical Center has high performances in orthopedics, gastroenterology, and nephrology treatments. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest breast cancer organization in the world is headquartered in the metropolis as well.
You’re Going to Enjoy Living in Dallas
If you are wondering if Dallas is a good place to live in, remember that in the last ten years, the DFW gained more than a million new residents. This is mostly because of the excellent conditions the metropolis provides for its residents. As a newcomer, you will probably need some time to adjust to the metropolis, learn its secrets, and find favorite places. Beginnings can be challenging; just remember why you decided to relocate. Go out, meet other people in your area, grab a drink with colleagues, or have a fun day at the stadium cheering for the Cowboys. No matter how you organize your time, there will always be some new and exciting activity around the corner, just let yourself enjoy it, and you will love living here, without regretting your long-distance relocation.