Thinking of moving to Dallas? If you only know the city from TV shows like Dallas, Most Eligible Dallas or Big Rich Texas you may not have the most accurate picture of the city. Dallas can be a fun city with plenty to do. It has a fairly strong economy and a lot of opportunities around the city as well as within a few hours of other large cities. Now, here are 15 things to keep in mind before deciding to move to Dallas.
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1. Dallas Is Not Fort Worth
Though Dallas and Fort Worth (and Arlington) are part of the same metro area they’re not the same city. Some Dallas residents even feel a sense of rivalry with Fort Worth so you may not want to talk up Dallas’ neighbors too enthusiastically after moving to Dallas. Dallasites also live in a broad swathe of suburbs, so check how long it will take you to get anywhere if you don’t want to find yourself arriving late. Don’t assume that anyone else who lives in Dallas is within a half-hour drive.
2. Northern Texas Is Cowboys Territory
Though the Dallas Cowboys technically play in Arlington, the team is a big deal in Dallas. In fact, football at all age and skill levels is taken seriously. Ticket prices to a Cowboys game are steep but it may still be worth attending a game if only to get a slice of Dallas culture.
3. The Texas State Fair Is a Must-See
If you’ve never been to a state fair, moving to Dallas will give you quite an introduction. And if you’ve been to a state fair in another state you should still check out the State Fair of Texas in Dallas after moving there. Delicacies you can sample at the fair include a deep-fried bacon cheeseburger and a fried flan cake.
4. The Traffic Might Surprise You
The freeways of Dallas can be a real time-sink. It’s rare to be able to get by on the city’s public transit alone and not have to use a car. If you’re moving to Dallas, chances are you’ll find yourself stuck in traffic. On the bright side, you can finally catch up on your favorite podcasts.
5. Choose Your Neighborhood Carefully
Different Dallas neighborhoods have distinct characters. True, the same could be said of all cities, but in Dallas the stakes are higher because of how sprawling the city is and how heavy the traffic can be. That means that living in a neighborhood that’s not a great fit can leave you feeling trapped. It’s a good idea to read up on the different neighborhoods (and the property taxes associated with each) before you rent or buy a home in Dallas.
6. Dallas Is a Restaurant Town
Dallas’ restaurant (and bar and club) scene is huge. There’s a lot of disposable income and diversity in the city, and those factors combine to support impressive culinary offerings. If dining out is in your budget we’re guessing you’ll be pleased with what’s available to you after moving to Dallas. Just be sure you’re not spending all your money on eating out. It’s a good idea to think about saving for retirement and there are many options for those who want help navigating the world of investing in Dallas.
7. The Arts and Culture Scene Is Vibrant
That high level of disposable income we mentioned means there’s a lot of philanthropy and support for the arts in Dallas. From small galleries to major museums, small live music venues to glitzy concert halls, Dallas has an arts and culture scene that would impress even a snobby New Yorker.
8. Dallas Is Big and Getting Bigger
Dallas is already one of the ten biggest cities in the country and its population continues to grow. According to the Dallas Morning News, “Dallas-Fort Worth gained 144,704 people from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2015, bringing its population to more than 7.1 million.” In 2015 the city’s population growth topped that of all other Texas cities except Houston.
9. Cost of Living in Dallas Is Affordable
The cost of living in Dallas is great for a city of its size across the United States. As far as Texas goes, Dallas is more expensive than Houston but more affordable than Austin. If you’re from one of the coasts then you may be very surprised at how affordable Dallas can seem. In fact, if you compare the cost of living of Dallas with New York City, then you would be looking at real estate that costs 49% less and food costs that are more than 26% lower.
10. Waits at Popular Spots Can be Long
When a place is popular for, say, barbecue or brunch, word gets out. That can lead to long waits for the Dallas hot spots. You may discover more under-the-radar favorites but if you want to check out the places everyone is talking about, prepare to wait and don’t arrive too hungry.
11. Tornadoes Happen
Tornadoes and flooding are a reality in Dallas. If you’re planning to move to the city it’s worth reading up on some basic safety tips (don’t drive your car into pools of water during a flood, for example). If you’re a thrill-seeker, the possibility of witnessing a tornado might sound exciting but the events can be dangerous. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency plan in place for yourself and your loved ones.
12. Learn to Love Tex-Mex
If you’re after Mexican food that’s like what you’ve had in Mexico or what you had growing up you can find it in Dallas, but you’ll also find plenty of Tex-Mex. If this style isn’t your thing you might want to try to learn to love it. It’s ubiquitous in Dallas.
13. Your Car Might Get Damaged in a Hail Storm
You thought tornadoes were the only weather event worth worrying about? Nope. Hail storms are a part of Dallas life, too. Covered parking is a highly coveted commodity in Dallas real estate and it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re apartment hunting. It might take longer to find a place with covered parking, but you may be very happy that you waited when the storms start.
14. You’ll be Glad Hou Brought Your Formal Wear
Dallasites like to get dressed up. A fundraiser or party that may have required a knee-length dress and simple jewelry in another city will probably have some very glammed-up attendees in Dallas. If you love putting on your finery you’ll be right at home in Dallas. If not, well it might be time to shift your attitude and do some shopping!
15. Social Networks Are Important.
For such a big city, Dallas can have a small-town feel in that networks and who you know are important to getting ahead. If you went to college in Texas you have a built-in network there. If not, you may have to find your niche in the city’s social system if you want to make it big after moving to Dallas.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning a big move to Dallas then this list is a good place to start to help you determine what it is going to be like. You can’t fully know until you experience though, so you may want to consider taking some trips to the city before the big day. You should also make sure your finances are properly prepared for such a move and your new cost of living reality.
Tips for Moving to Dallas
- A financial advisor can help you navigate big life changes like a move, or just help you identify and meet your financial goals. Luckily, finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- So you’ve decided you’re moving to Dallas. You probably want to see how your budget will be affected. SmartAsset’s Texas paycheck calculator can help you determine how living in the Lone Star State will impact your take-home pay.
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