Is moving to Dallas the right move for you? Let this guide be your guide.
Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in America— and for all the right reasons. A bustling, beautiful metropolis in the heart of Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has become one of the hottest places in the nation thanks to its sunny weather, beautiful suburbs, and endless food and entertainment options.
Thinking of relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth? Here are a few reasons to consider the iconic Texas city for your next home destination.
Neighborhoods
Everything truly is bigger in Texas. Population-wise, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the fourth largest metropolitan area in America—trailing only New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. With approximately 343 square miles of land, the DFW can seem overwhelming for people new to the city.
Luckily, there are plenty of great neighborhoods that cater to the interest of every type of person. Dallas is home to more than a dozen eclectic neighborhoods such as Lakewood, Trinity Groves, Lower Greenville, the Arts District, and Uptown.
Out of the three major cities in Texas, the cost of living in Dallas is on-average pricier than Houston but less expensive than Austin. There’s also no state income tax, making it an attractive destination for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
The homeownership rate in Dallas hovers around 65%, which is on par with the national average. However, there is one catch— the sky-high property tax. If you are not planning to rent, you may want to factor in the percentage of income you’ll spend on taxes before putting in an offer.
Education and Job Market
With a booming economy and no state income tax, it’s no mystery why Dallas consistently ranks high on both best cities to live in and best cities for young professionals lists. Dallas is home to multiple high-ranking school districts such as the Highland Park and Carroll Independent School District as well as 18 colleges including Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Dallas.
And with 22 Fortune 500 companies headquartered or having branches in Dallas, there is no lack of jobs for younger or experienced professionals. Some of the most popular names in Dallas include American Airlines, AT&T, and Exxon Mobile. Similar to the other major cities in Texas, there are also plenty of opportunities in the small business/startup sectors, especially tech, real estate, and healthcare.
Eating and Shopping
As the official website alludes, shopping is a sport in Dallas. From luxury brands to mom and pops, Dallas is home to some of the best shopping in the country, including renowned malls like the NorthPark Center and Dallas Galleria. Highland Park Village, West Village, and the Design District also offer a plethora of diverse shopping options.
Dallas is also known for its eats. From tex-mex to BBQ to kick-ass food trucks and brunch spots, Texas has a lot of culinary delights to satisfy any craving. For a comprehensive guide on Dallas, cuisines check out the official Visit Dallas website or this list. Dallas is also the proud home of the frozen margarita, so be sure to check out Margarita Mile for the full city experience.
Sports
Speaking of sports, Texans love their home teams. At its core, Dallas is a sports town with the Cowboys being the heart that keeps the city pumping. In addition to football, Dallas is also home to both professional men’s and women’s basketball (Mavericks and Wings respectively), a hockey team (Stars), and the FC Dallas football club.
Culture / Nightlife
As with most young, populous cities, the Dallas/Fort Worth area has a lot to offer in terms of arts and cultural entertainment.
For starters, the Dallas Arts District, spanning 68 acres and 19 blocks, is one of the largest urban arts districts in the US. Dallas is also home to a plethora of museums, including the Dallas Museum of art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
The Dallas/Ft. Worth area also has a trove of outdoor activities to explore. Dallas is surrounded by lakes either within the county or a short drive out of. White Rock Lake is arguably the most popular, offering scenic lakeside views, miles of hiking trails, and its proximity to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Other popular outdoor destinations include The Great Trinity Forest, Sam Houston National Forest, the Davy Crockett National Forest, the Trinity River Audubon Center, and the Katy Trail.
If you’re looking for live entertainment or nightlife, there are also plenty of music venues and bars for every type of person. In the Uptown neighborhood alone, there is about one bar per 200 residents.
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