12 Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas

Are you planning on moving to Dallas to take advantage of its mild winters and flourishing economy? You're not alone. People from all over the country are flocking to Dallas because of its vibrant culture, good jobs, and affordable homes.

However, before you decide to relocate, you should study more about life in Dallas. Are you ready to pack your belongings and head to the Big D? Here are 12 things you should know before moving to Dallas.

1. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Other Cities

To live comfortably in Dallas, you don't have to be a millionaire. According to NerdWallet, the city's median income is $52,580 per year as of 2019. Dallas has a higher cost of living than Houston but is less expensive than Austin. Living in Dallas, on the other hand, is substantially less expensive than in other similarly sized metropolitan US cities.

Dallas has a 2% higher cost of living and a 5% higher housing cost than the national average, according to Payscale.

In Dallas, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1569, and $2,320 for a two-bedroom apartment. Of course, how much you spend will be determined by the Dallas neighborhoods you choose and the types of apartments you seek.

If you want to stay in one of the city's finest apartment buildings, you could end up paying a lot more. Even yet, many people will find that the scenery, in-house amenities, and, of course, the swimming pools make these apartments in Dallas worthwhile.

2. No Personal Income Tax

Newcomers to Texas are often startled to learn that the state does not levy a personal income tax. The Texas Constitution prohibits the imposition of an income tax. Sales and use taxes, on the other hand, make up for the shortfall.

Property taxes are also exorbitant for homeowners. You may not need to file a state tax return at all, depending on your status and investments.

The advantages of not having to pay personal income tax aren't merely financial. Texas and the Dallas area are likewise becoming increasingly appealing to entrepreneurs trying to expand their businesses.

3. Dallas Public Transit

The traffic in Dallas isn't for the faint of heart. You'll need a car in Dallas unless you live in a walkable neighborhood near work and have an active Uber account. The city is massive on its own, but it becomes even bigger when you factor in the Fort Worth metropolitan area. Driving from one end to the other can take several hours. You can, however, avoid it by taking DART. Buses, light rail, and commuter trains are all operated by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system.

4. It is a Big City

Dallas has become one of the top ten largest cities in the United States, and it continues to increase in population. The city's economy is thriving as the country's fourth-largest industrial market. As a result, newcomers to Texas are eager to get settled here.

Moreover, the state of Texas is attracting new inhabitants in droves thanks to its combination of job development and a low cost of living. According to research, between 2020 and 2029, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro will add around 1,393,623 more residents.

Texas is now the state with the highest number of new residents in the United States. Fortunately, Dallas has a wide range of affordable, family-friendly, stylish, and quiet areas to select from.

5. Dallas is Different from Fort Worth

Despite being in the same metro region, Dallas and Fort Worth (and Arlington) is not the same city. So, whenever you hear "Dallas-Fort Worth" or "DFW" thrown around, know that they're referring to a place other than Dallas. It also has a distinct culture and way of life as compared to Dallas.

Dallas was a railroad town. It gradually grew into a thriving commercial and trading center. Fort Worth was a cowboy town and the heart of cattle drives in the Old West. You could still hear it referred to as "Cowtown" by locals.

Dallas has a distinct and more metropolitan vibe, with bars, nightclubs, and thriving businesses. Despite their propensity for wearing cowboy hats, Dallas is also obsessed with making a fashion statement. In contrast, locals in Fort Worth adopt a more laid-back approach to life. They prefer a relaxed atmosphere.

6. Dallas Has a Booming Economy

Dallas is home to many corporate headquarters and important offices, and the city is awash with cash. Financial services, technology, and defense are the top industries in the Dallas area. Significant manufacturing, oil, and gas sectors can also be found throughout the DFW metroplex.

In and around Dallas, start-ups are springing up. Around every corner, you'll come across healthcare, IT consulting, and real estate businesses. If you're looking for a way to advance your career, Dallas is a great place to start.

7. It is a City for Sports Lovers

Don't get in the way of Texans' passion for sports. Dallas is a sports town, with the Cowboys reigning supreme and college football causing a stir. The Dallas Cowboys, Stars, Wings, FC Dallas, and Dallas Mavericks are just a few of the notable teams in the city. The Big D also hosts several popular sporting events, such as The Mexican National Team US Tour.

If you don't want to deal with the crowds at the stadium, go to your neighborhood pub. Whether it's a dive bar or a micropub, your neighbors are likely to be cheering on the home team.

8. Home to Several Colleges

For its college and university setting, Dallas is one of the top cities to reside in Texas. There are 38 colleges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The University of Dallas, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Dallas, and Southern Methodist University are among them.

You may consider Knox-Henderson if you're searching for a college-friendly residential area. Southern Methodist University is located in this neighborhood. In addition, tailgating is commonplace in the neighborhood, where residents are passionate about college football.

It's easy to see why college students and professionals flock to the area because of its vibrant nightlife, devoted football fans, and convenient access to downtown. Also, to take a break from the books, there's a broad mix of shops and restaurants.

9.Hail Storm and Tornadoes Happens

Dallas is no stranger to tornadoes and flooding. If you're moving to the city, you should familiarize yourself with some fundamental safety precautions (driving your car into pools of water during a flood, for example, is a bad idea). If you're looking for a rush, viewing a tornado can be thrilling, but it can also be dangerous. An emergency plan for yourself and your loved ones is always a smart idea.

Were you under the impression that tornadoes were the only type of weather to be concerned about? Nope. Hail storms are also a regular occurrence in Dallas. Covered parking is a highly sought-after feature in Dallas real estate, so keep that in mind while looking for a home.

10. It is a Cowboy City

Dallas is gaining a reputation for its growing world of fashion, and the gossip is true. No one will bat an eyelid if you put on cowboy boots and a hat around town.

It's also not inappropriate to wear your favorite Texas outfit to a business meeting. A cowboy hat and boots are always a fantastic match, whether you're wearing a suit or heading out late at night.

11. Dallas Experience Very Hot Summers and Mild Winters

If you thought it is really hot where you live, wait till you see the weather in Dallas. Oftentimes, the average high temperature in June, July, and August is above 90 degrees. And the thermometer will constantly rise above 100 degrees. Wow! That is a lot of heat.

However, it wouldn't be Dallas if there wasn't some heat. It's always possible to cool off in a pool or the shade of a giant elm tree. There's also a tradeoff: the weather during the winter seasons is mild.

Dallas rarely gets snow, yet winter days are usually in the high 50s and low 60s. That's like a lovely summer day in Montana or Maine.

12. Wonderful Arts and Culture

Dallas has a rich arts and culture scene that rivals those of the world's most affluent cities. You'll discover restaurants, tours, live entertainment, and art exhibitions throughout the city, in addition to an amazing museum scene that boasts the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Furthermore, if you've never been to a state fair before, coming to Dallas will provide you with plenty of opportunities. Even if you've gone to a state fair in another state, you should visit the State Fair of Texas in Dallas once you've settled in.

Every year, from the last Friday in September to the 24th of October, the Texas State Fair takes place in Dallas.

The fair has been held continuously since 1886, with only brief breaks during World War I, World War II, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Come for the rides and activities before indulging in a fried flan cake or deep-fried bacon cheeseburger.

That concludes our list of Dallas facts. We hope you've already begun to feel like a local. It's now time to make preparations for your move. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you avoid stress by relocating your belongings to Dallas.