Nicknamed “The Big D," Dallas is the largest inland metropolitan area in the U.S. It's also among the most diverse with a large-scale downtown area and laid-back living in the surrounding suburban neighborhoods.
Whether you enjoy finding new restaurant hot spots, going out to swanky bars or exploring the city's culture, living in Dallas lends itself to an array of adventure. Here are the top 10 things to know about living in this big, beautiful city.
Living in Dallas can cost you a pretty penny — 7.6 percent more than the national average when you factor in costs, such as groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and health care. Still, Dallas apartments alone can cost slightly less than elsewhere in the nation, averaging $1,544 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Keep in mind, that figure can vary considerably depending on where you decide to plant your roots.
No matter where you live in Dallas, it's easy to get around and explore different parts of the city. The highways are fairly clear of bumper-to-bumper traffic, besides rush hour. There also are toll roads, rideshares and the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system that runs from 5 a.m. to midnight to help get you from point A to point B, as needed.
When you think of Dallas, you might not think of outdoor activities or recreation. But, there are many beautiful lakes, parks and trails throughout the city. You can rent kayaks or a stand-up paddleboard on White Rock Lake, bike around Katy Trail and spend a day hiking at one of the many nature preserves.
Everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the appetites in Dallas. This city is a foodie's dream place to live. There are always different restaurant concepts and cool food trucks popping up. The drinking and dining scene buzzes with newness. Trinity Groves is a favorite place to head for diverse options within walking distance, not to mention views of the downtown Dallas skyline.
Living in Dallas, you'll experience scorching summers and mild, but tolerable, winters. During the summer, warm, dry winds will lend to an almost desert-like feel — there are days where it will feel hotter than a dry sauna. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing during the winter, but when they do, you'll want to have at least one thick coat, a scarf and gloves in your closet.
Dallas offers sports fanatics plenty of entertainment options, including the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas's national football team may be the most iconic, but there's also the Texas Rangers for baseball, Dallas Stars for hockey and Dallas Mavericks for basketball, to name a few. The games are enjoyable to attend whether you're into sports or not. You can go to be entertained, enjoy a few overpriced stadium beers and feed off the overly energetic vibe of the fans.
From shopping malls to antique stores, Dallas does not lack in the retail department. One of the best spots to shop like a local is Northpark Center, which is a 2-million-square-foot mall offering high-end designer stores to fast fashion. There are many open-air shopping centers around Dallas, too. Highland Park Village is in a ritzy part of town, so plan to spend some big bucks. On the flip side, you can score designer dupes and bargain items for less at Allen Premium Outlets about 25 minutes north of Dallas in Allen.
Shopping local is easy in Dallas, where you can find a multitude of handcrafted and fresh-picked products at the city's popular markets. The Boho Market is one of Texas's largest makers markets, popping up on weekends in different areas of the city. There's also the Dallas Farmer's Market, which offers fresh produce from regional farmers in an open-air shed downtown.
If you like freebies (and who doesn't?), Dallas offers plenty for the picking. Downtown's Klyde Warren Park features 5.2 acres with free outdoor movie screenings and fitness classes like Zumba and yoga. You can also explore Uptown by way of the free hop-on-and-off McKinney Avenue Trolley. Or, head to the Arts District where you'll find free entry at the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in America. There, you can spend a day admiring more than 22,000 works of art without reaching for your wallet.
Living in Dallas can be very eventful. There are always parties, festivals, parades and even the Texas State Fair to look forward to. The Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival is the largest in the Southwest with close to 125,000 people gathering to experience food trucks, exhibitor booths, family-friendly activities and live entertainment.
Come join the excitement of living in Dallas! Explore renting an apartment or buying a home and trust that you're making the right decision to move to Dallas because it's a beautiful, unique and ever-changing city.
Miyan Benita is a digital marketing specialist living in Dallas, TX. She holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Texas State University and has previously managed the website and social media accounts for major home décor retailer, At Home Stores. She has been highlighted as a Dallas blogger on Voyage Dallas, and her work has been featured on Apartment List. She is a wife and mom of two boys, and in her spare time, you can find her blogging about Dallas hotspots and playing with her two pups.