Moving to a new place is exciting – there is no doubt about it! On one hand, you’ll be psyched about moving into a new environment, meeting new people, enjoying new cuisines, learning new cultures and so on. On the other, planning and executing a move is hard… Awfully hard!
Now, to help you paint a vivid picture of what to expect when you get to Dallas, here are seven things you need to know about the city:
1. The Job Market
According to Forbes, Dallas is the 6th best city for business and careers. Amazing, right? Well, what does this tell you about its job market?
Most people know Dallas as an oil drilling hub. And despite speculations of a struggling oil industry, the city has been able to maintain a steady job growth with incomes being more and more competitive with time. On average, a household in Dallas, TX, has an income of about $67,892; which is great compared to other cities. In 2017 alone, the city saw a 2.8% job growth. This impressive improvement has ranked it as the 14th best city in America with regards to job creation. The metro’s economy also benefits from the financial and tech sectors, with a multitude of companies competing for Dallas office space for rent.
So, whether you are looking to start a business in Dallas or you’re simply looking for employment, you can rest easy knowing that the job market is favorable for both options.
2. The Cost of Living
Now, finding a job or starting a business is one thing, but being able to survive on your income is another. So, how far does a dollar stretch in Dallas?
Unfortunately, not very far. Just like in most major cities, the cost of renting Dallas apartments is slightly above the national average. That means that you may need a fatter bank account in order to enjoy life there. But, don’t give up just yet.
If you search hard enough, you’ll find a place that matches what you can afford. Here’s a quick rundown of the expenses you may incur:
- A decent dinner for two – $40
- Monthly utilities – $100 per person
- Monthly average rent in Dallas – $1,157
- A dozen eggs – $2.77
- Lunch – $14
- A cocktail – $10
This brief overview only goes to show that despite the city’s above average cost of living, the prices are still within a reasonable range.
Generally, housing rates are slightly higher than usual, but you also need to note that Dallas is a big and popular city. Therefore, yes, it’s normal for housing to be a bit pricey.
3. Friendly Neighborhoods
Which neighborhood offers you easy access to the city without costing you a fortune? There are a number of awesome places that match this description.
Some of the best ones include:
- Grapevine
- Colleyville
- Uptown
- Trophy Club
- M Streets
You can check some of these other neighborhoods out:
- Park Cities
- Central Dallas
- Oak Cliff
- East and West Dallas
- Downtown
- Bishop Arts District
- Deep Ellum
- Preston Hollow
- Lakewood
- Lower Greenville
- Pleasant Groove
- Knox Park
These are just a few of the many neighborhoods in Dallas; each with its own set of features and perks. To find the best one for you, it would be advisable to go on a recon mission through each to gather more info about them.
4. The Weather and Fun Activities
If you are a fan of the outdoors, then Dallas is the place to be. The weather is great and the scenery is always magnificent. If nature and art don’t sweep you off your feet, then the city’s skyline and nightlife will.
Seeing as the weather is always favorable year-round, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities including visiting the zoo, going on a trinity river expedition, running tours, or enjoying a day at the Klyde Warren Park just to mention a few. The fun part is that you get to do all this and more without having to worry about the weather.
5. The Traffic
It’s funny how Dallas residents can’t fully describe their city without mentioning how crazy the traffic often is; especially during rush hours. But that’s because it is!
That’s why, if you can’t stand traffic, it would be wise to get a house closer to the city. On the plus side, you can shorten the time by listening to some of your favorite podcasts or radio stations.
6. Sports
When it comes to sports, Dallas is home to “America’s Team” aka the Dallas Cowboys; five-time super bowl winners. The city has numerous sports centers and arenas including the famous AT&T stadium, American Airlines Center, Toyota Stadium, and the Globe Life Park.
Aside from football (Dallas Cowboys), this vibrant city also has soccer (FC Dallas), baseball (Texas Rangers), basketball (Dallas Mavericks), and hockey (Dallas Stars). So, if you are a sports lover, Dallas will feel like paradise in many ways than one.
7. Culture
There’s so much to love about Dallas. From its diverse, mouth-watering cuisines, dazzling works of art, spectacular events, impressive architecture, to religion, the city is one of the best and most cultured places in the state and country at large. Basically, the simplicity of Dallas’s way of life makes it very easy for newcomers to blend in.
So? Are you psyched about your move? Well, this is just a brief overview of what you should know about Dallas before relocating. And aside from the slightly expensive cost of living, life in Dallas can be amazing, exciting, and eventful; simply everything you need for a happier and longer life.
