Moving to Dallas Like a Total Pro: A 101 Guide

This article is made for people planning their relocation to Dallas who want more of an insider perspective.

Read on to learn about the major areas, the schools, the atmosphere, and some local tips to move to Dallas like a pro.

Welcome (or almost welcome) to Dallas, Texas! Known for its Latin and diverse culture, impressive business scene, and southern charm, Dallas is a city that brings your dreams to life.

Whether you're relocating for work reasons, family is the reason, or looking for a change of pace, here’s our local guide to help you navigate your Dallas move and settle in.

1. Find the Right Neighborhood

You need to settle in the right place to honestly feel at home. Here are a few of our favorite local hoods. Know that each one isn’t for everyone so we recommend going and spending a weekend to understand the true vibe. 

• Uptown: A trendy area known for its walk-friendly streets, nightlife, and dining. It’s popular for young professionals and most people live in high-rise apartments or historic homes.
• Ellum: Famous for its artsy vibes, great live music venues all around, and cute boutique eateries. This area is great if you enjoy the nightlife and creatives.
• Highland Park: A well-off neighborhood with beautiful homes, top-rated schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's known for its upscale shopping and dining. This is the best place for families if you can afford it.
• Lakewood: A great, residential area with a suburban feel, you will find historic homes, good schools, and proximity to outdoor activities. An overall solid spot for families.
• Plano: A suburb north of Dallas, known for its schools, family-friendly environment, and growing business quarter. It’s a bit quieter and offers a suburban lifestyle while close to it all.

2. Cost of Living

You must understand the differences in costs of living to properly plan out your relocation. 

• Housing: Dallas offers a range of housing options from high-end apartments and historic homes to more affordable suburban homes. Costs vary based on location and the type of housing you choose. Even moving a few streets north or south can change your budget drastically.
• Utilities: Utility costs in Dallas are generally normal and average. Air conditioning in summer is a significant expense due to the hot climate, so prepare in advance for this cost.
• Food and Dining: Groceries are reasonably priced as you aren’t in a coastal city, and dining out offers everything from high-end restaurants to budget-friendly food trucks. You can find it all in Dallas but everything is known for being super-sized and huge.

3. Climate and Transportation

• Summer: Expect hot and humid conditions with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and 100s °F. Oh baby it’s HOT.. Be prepared for high humidity and ensure your air conditioning is in good working order or you will sweat your booty off.
• Winter: Winters are mild, it’s Texas overall you are in the South. Temperatures range from the 40s to 60s °F. Don’t expect snow.
• Spring and Fall: These seasons are the best with moderate temperatures and less humidity.
• Driving: Owning a car is almost a must in Dallas due to the city's layout. Traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours, so plan your commute accordingly. The city is pretty spread out so it would be hard to walk.
• Public Transit: Dallas has a public transportation system known as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), which includes buses and light rail. It covers a lot of key areas but I found a car or motorbike is still needed.
• Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available and the main way of getting around, especially if you’re heading out at night.

5. Education and Health

• Public Schools: The quality will highly vary by neighborhood. Research local school ratings and consider nearby districts for the best options. This should be a major factor of consideration for your move.
• Private Schools: There are tons of great private and charter schools throughout the Dallas area.
• Higher Education: Dallas is home to several schools, including Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Texas at Dallas which is rated pretty well.
• Hospitals and Clinics: Dallas has a wide range of healthcare facilities, including renowned hospitals such as UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center.

7. Outdoor Fun

• Parks and Trails: Dallas has numerous great parks and trails. I personally love Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail, which are great for walking, running if it isn’t too hot out, and biking.
• Sports: Dallas is home to major league sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Dallas Stars (NHL). You must go see a game to feel the spirit! Texans are big sports fans so it is a great experience. 

8. Cultural and Social Life

• Dining: Dallas has a diverse culinary scene, offering insane Tex-Mex and barbecue to foreign international cuisines. Don’t miss my local favorites and taste the brisket, tacos, and chicken-fried steak.
• Entertainment: From Broadway shows at the AT&T Performing Arts Center to live music at venues like the House of Blues, Dallas has so many options. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

9. Taxes (Always Fun)

• No State Income Tax: This can be a significant financial benefit.
• Property Taxes: Property taxes in Texas can be relatively high, so budget accordingly if you’re buying a home.
• Sales Tax: Sales tax in Dallas is 8.25%, which includes state, county, and city taxes. It is considered a national low average.

10. Lifestyle

• Diversity is Great: Dallas is known for its diverse population and inclusive atmosphere. Start brushing up on your Spanish to indulge in the great Latin influence here thanks to its proximity.
• Climate Adaptation: Acclimate to the hot summers by staying hydrated and using sunscreen. It is really hot and when relocating you can easily get dehydrated.

Welcome to Dallas! The city’s dynamic culture, and warm hospitality are sure to make your transition full of fun and Texan adventures.

Enjoy discovering all that Dallas has to offer! Go have that second taco and don’t think twice about ordering a supersized drink as you settle into your new Dallas life.