The ninth most-populated city in the United States, Dallas, Texas, is the largest inland metropolitan area in the country. It was developed because of the construction of major railroad lines. Today, Dallas is a “beta (+)” global city with an economy that’s as diverse as its residents. The city has one of the highest rates of job growth in the country, making it a popular place to move to.
What Makes Dallas Great
- No state
income taxes: No state income taxes mean more money for you. - Great
food: Dallas’s diversity gives you
access to amazing international cuisine. - Professional
sports: Dallas is home to professional teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys
(football) and Mavericks (basketball). - State
fair: You haven’t been to a state fair until you’ve attended the State Fair of Texas
in Dallas. The Texas Star is the largest Ferris wheel of its kind in the
Western hemisphere. The fair also features a full-scale auto show. - Arts and
culture: The wealth of some Dallas residents means lots of philanthropy and
support for the arts. From major museums to concert halls to small live music
venues, the arts and culture scene is impressive. - Public
transit: The DART (Dallas Area Rapid
Transit) has 120 bus routes and 72 miles of light rails. The Trinity Railway
Express connects downtown Dallas with downtown Fort Worth, and stops in the
“Mid-Cities.” There are also a few free public transportation options. - Proximity:
When traveling by air, Dallas is only four hours away (or less) from many
popular U.S. destinations. - Friendly
folks: Dallas residents are among the friendliest and most polite in the
country. - Farmers
market: You’ll find the largest farmers market in the U.S.
in Dallas.
Dallas Weather
Dallas has a humid subtropical climate and is continental as it has a wide range of annual temperatures. Summers are long, hot and humid. Average highs in July and August reach 96°F. Winters are mild with occasional cold spells and highs averaging 57°F.
Neighborhoods in Dallas
Dallas is divided into several neighborhoods and districts. Among the more popular are:
- Central
Dallas: A convenient central location that gets you close to the action,
including shopping, great food and nightlife. - Park
Cities: A beautiful neighborhood with more affluent residents. - Oak Cliff:
A diverse neighborhood with revitalized blocks. - East
Dallas: The area is close to White Rock Lake—perfect for outdoor
enthusiasts. - West
Dallas: Places you in close proximity to Fort Worth and Arlington. It’s
where old meets new. - Colleyville:
Features smart developments and homes with yards. - Grapevine:
Has good parks, a solid school system, and several festivals and events. - Trophy
Club: A growing community that’s known for its schools, parks systems, and
small-town feel. - M Streets:
Popular among couples and families for its tree-lined streets and proximity to
downtown. - Uptown:
Offers a cool urban lifestyle thanks to its parks, restaurants, clubs and
cafes.
When choosing a neighborhood, consider property taxes and traffic.
Average Housing Costs
At the time of publication, the median home value in Dallas is $227,800. In 2018, home values increased by more than 12 percent. They’re expected to climb another 6 percent through 2019. The median rent price is $1,655 per month.
Things to Do in Dallas
- Catch a
show: The AT&T Performing Arts Center, Trees, Prophet Bar, Club Dada,
and the South Side Music Hall feature local and national acts, including
theater, opera, music and dance. - Visit the
library: The library
system is one of the largest in the country. The main branch is 10
stories tall and has one of the largest genealogical research sections in the
region. It also is home to original copies of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies and
the Declaration of Independence. - Go to the
zoo: The Dallas
Zoo has more than 2,000 animals and one of the best Africa exhibits
in the U.S. - See art: The Dallas Museum of Art has a diverse
collection and free general admission. Tour the Nasher Sculpture Center,
which features more than 300 works by artists like Matisse, Picasso and Rodin. - Nightlife:
The historic Deep
Ellum district is Dallas’s hub for music, art, dancing, entertainment,
drinks, and food. Uptown
is also a nightlife hotspot.
If living in the Dallas area seems like the right fit for you, check out the employment opportunities at Solairus.