They say everything is bigger and better in Texas– and Dallas is no exception. As the ninth most populous city in the United States, it’s a place where cowboy culture and innovation meet. Award-winning museums and creative cuisine take center stage amidst a backdrop of trendy nightlife and charming history. (In fact, Dallas is well-known for having some of the most architecturally significant neighborhoods in the country!)
Mix in acclaimed live music venues, professional sports, and exemplary schools, and you have the recipe for living well. Whether you prefer the peace and quiet of a mature tree-lined street or the urban appeal of shops and restaurants right outside your door, Dallas has a home and a neighborhood for you.
Historically, Dallas has seen consistently low home prices and a higher quality of life than its big-city counterparts. This is in part due to its many diverse neighborhoods— each with a unique look and feel— coupled with forward-thinking developers who put pride of place and commerce at the center of it all.
Dallas’ prime position as a leading business and financial center in the Southwest adds to the allure. The city’s central location, favorable tax incentives, and two major airports with more domestic nonstop flights than any other U.S. city, are a few other major selling points.
Big hair and big business may have put Dallas on the map, but its exceptional cost of living and renowned southern hospitality make it one of America’s most desirable places to live.
Dallas Neighborhood Guides
Vibe
Bold, bright, and booming. Dallas is an eclectic metropolis with a rich heritage that dates back to the nineteenth century. From its beginnings as a farming and ranching hub, to its rapid growth during the industrial era, to the East Texas oil boom and present-day technological age, Dallas continues to impress with its ever-changing landscape.
Think rustic-chic, but with a twist. Dallas is a beautiful place with highly intelligent folk who can be found in cowboy boots one day and black ties the next. There is a reason locals say, “the bigger the hair the closer to God” and you’ll see why. But it’s not all about looks. The fabric of Dallas is rooted in business— with old and new money paving the way for what the city is today: a fabulous place to live, work, and play.
Our favorite spots
Dallasites love taking a stroll through Klyde Warren Park. The 5.2-acre oasis rests in the heart of the city and bridges both Uptown and Downtown with its lush green space, cultural offerings, cocktail spots, and delectable food trucks. In Uptown, you can catch an outdoor concert, shop in the West Village, and grab a bite to eat from a celebrity chef.
In fact, several of the best-known celebrity chefs have restaurants right here, from Kent Rathbun's Imoto to Dean Fearling's namesake at the Ritz-Carlton. For sports enthusiasts, there is no better place to cheer on the Mavericks and Dallas Stars than Victory Park. And, come fall, football fans flock to AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington to cheer on “America’s Team:” The Dallas Cowboys.
Things to know
If you’re not from around here, you’ll quickly learn that the Dallas sprawl is real. Major thoroughfares like Interstates 20, 30, 35E, and 45 run throughout the city in a wagon wheel shape that can at times be a little bit daunting. But do not fret! You’ll get familiar. Keep in mind the Lyndon B. Johnson Loop and President George Buch Turnpike too. After all, there is more than one way to skin a cat.
There’s more than bustling traffic and sheer scale. Dallas attractions are like dazzling gems hiding in plain sight. There are meccas like Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District— known for its trendy eateries and boutiques. Plus, the famed Arts District in Central Dallas includes 20 square blocks of nationally recognized galleries and performing arts venues. Most notably: The Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, and Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Upscale enclaves like Highland Park— which has its own police department and top-ranked school district— can be found settled next to friendly neighborhoods like University Park, a community best known for its academic institutions: Southern Methodist University and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
High-rise dwellers adore Turtle Creek for its picturesque parks and tony condominiums, while tight-knit Oak Lawn celebrates the LGBTQ community and ranks as one of the most gay-friendly neighborhoods in the country. And that’s not all. Places like the ultra-private Preston Hollow and charming pocket neighborhoods surrounding White Rock Lake are also a big draw.
Where can I find some of Dallas’s top restaurants?
Dallas is a foodie’s paradise. Mexican restaurants and steak houses are among the highest trending restaurants in Dallas – and for good reason. Even Salt Bae's new spot in the Arts District opened to lengthy lines and lavish fare. However, it’s not all chips and queso and rib-eyes.
The city is ripe with culinary arts, from good old fashioned Texas barbecue to Asian fusion cuisine, sushi, street tacos, and so much more. Yes, corn dogs and fried pickles are still a thing. But so are elevated dishes like Dan Fearing’s sensational farm-to-market plates and Chef Teiichi Sakurai’s authentic Japanese Soba.
What are some of the top neighborhoods and cities that surround Dallas?
Moving here, you’ll often hear the phrase DFW Metroplex. This refers to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area which is enveloped by a number of fantastic neighborhoods and cities to live, work, and raise a family - and each, offer prime locales close to city centers. Just a little over 30 miles from Dallas will put you in Fort Worth.
This cowtown turned modern city has one of the best downtowns in America, thanks to Sundance Square and The Stockyards. Southlake is a top DFW suburb to the west, with a great sense of community and its very own Town Square which celebrates “Art In The Square” each year.
Further north, you’ll find Frisco, Plano, and McKinney. These are excellent spots for families, with plenty of upscale shops, schools, golf courses, and family-oriented conveniences. Dr Pepper Ballpark, TPC Craig Ranch, and Toyota Stadium are among the highlights.
What are a few of the city’s top attractions?
In Dallas, shopping isn’t a pastime. It’s a sport! In fact, some of the world’s finest luxury retailers got their start right here – namely, Neiman Marcus. The premier luxury retailer opened its doors in 1907 in the heart of Downtown Dallas and the rest is history. Don’t miss the shops at NorthPark Center, dubbed one of the "7 Retail Wonders of the Modern World" by Shopping Centers Today.
And for a real treat, head to Highland Park Village – also known as the Rodeo Drive of Dallas. Another favorite? Stanley Korshak is legendary and a can’t-miss, high-end staple for lavish service and custom fashions, as is Forty Five Ten, ranked one of the best shopping experiences in the Big D.
Of course, you haven’t really experienced Dallas until you’ve said howdy to Big Tex at The Texas State Fair. The 55-foot tall figure is a cultural icon of sorts. The event is held every year at Fair Park and aims to promote agriculture, education, and community involvement through lively entertainment in a family-friendly setting.
Lastly, don’t forget to sample the eateries in Knox/Henderson and Lower Greenville. And be sure to make room in your schedule for Trinity Groves. It sits at the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and offers 15-acres of retail, restaurants, and entertainment, all tucked away in West Dallas.
What is the typical rent for a one or two bedroom apartment in Dallas?
Per ApartmentList.com, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,310, while a two-bedroom increases to $2,049 a month.
Who are Dallas’s sports teams?
Six major professional sports teams call the Dallas metropolitan area home:
The Dallas Cowboys (National Football League)
Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association)
Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball)
Dallas Stars (National Hockey League)
FC Dallas (Major League Soccer)
Dallas Wings (Women's National Basketball Association)
What should I know before moving to Dallas?
Before moving to Dallas, there are a few things to consider. The suburban sprawl is sure to catch you off guard. Traffic can be a beast, so prioritize and plan ahead. And always read up on commute times before putting down roots, as the area spans farther and wider than you think. Football is as important as religion down here, and people worship The Dallas Cowboys year-round.
Also, Dallas will never leave you hungry. It’s a culinary hot spot that is famous for Tex-Mex, yet touts exotic cuisine and chef-inspired meals that make national headlines. The dynamic arts and culture scene means you’ll never have a shortage of things to do.
And speaking of hitting the town, expect to get glammed up for both large and small events. Dallas is a bit more formal that other cities. It’s also a town of movers and shakers, and is growing at a rapid rate. Major corporations, tech pioneers, and venture capitalists happily house their headquarters in Dallas. Last but certainly not least, keep an eye on the Dallas Weather – while warm and inviting much of the year, it can be tricky come Tornado season. Stay alert and read up on storm safety to cover your bases.
How do people get around the city?
There are several forms of transportation to get you around the city. Aside from major highways and tollways, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit – more commonly known as DART – provides convenient bus and rail service. The M-Line Trolly is a must-see offering air-conditioned vintage trolley service for residents, businesses, and visitors to Uptown, Downtown, and Klyde Warren Park.
Is Dallas a good place to live?
Dallas is a wonderful place to live with excellent public and private schools, dozens of top-rated neighborhoods, and fewer taxes than most, including no state income tax and fair breaks for small businesses. Average home prices are typically lower than larger metros on the coasts, and as of 2021, Dallas is poised to out-pace the national housing market. It continues to climb in the rankings for growth and is consistently recognized as one of the best places to live and own a home.
What are some fun things to do in Dallas?
There’s more than meets the eye in Dallas. If you’re looking for something out-of-the-box, make a night of it at the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre or work up a sweat rock climbing in picturesque Mineral Wells State Park, just a short drive outside of town. Closer to home, nothing beats immersing yourself in nature at the world-renowned Dallas Arboretum or watching the sailboats float by at White Rock Lake.