Thinking about living in Dallas? While the Big D is known for its big hair, big steaks, and big sports, there’s plenty more to appreciate in this larger-than-life city. Here are 20 things to know before relocating to Dallas!
Dallas at a Glance
- Dallas is home to over 1.3 million people, making it the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest city in the U.S.
- Located in north-central Texas, Dallas is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive to Austin.
- Embodying a true Texan identity, Dallas is known for its unique blend of Southern hospitality, modern architecture, and strong entrepreneurial spirit—all of which attract people moving to D-Town.
- The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the U.S., with a variety of museums, galleries, theaters, and concert halls that add to Dallas’ rich cultural scene.
- Home to the Texas State Fair, Dallas hosts the longest-running state fair in the country, lasting 24 consecutive days and attracting over 2 million attendees each year.
Find Affordable Big City Living
While the cost of living in Dallas may be higher than the state and national averages, the city is still much less expensive compared to other large metro areas around the U.S.—such as Denver and San Francisco, where the cost of living is 33% and 137% more than the national average, respectively. Similarly, though Dallas housing prices are higher than average, they’re significantly lower than in nearby cities like Austin. Plus, you can still find plenty of budget-friendly homes throughout the many safe, affordable neighborhoods in Dallas! Other factors that offset Dallas’ cost of living include tax exemptions for residents 65 and older and tax incentives for those rehabilitating historic properties. And all residents can take advantage of the fact that there’s no state income tax in Texas!
Q: Is Dallas an affordable city to live in?
A: Dallas is affordable depending on lifestyle preferences and budget—though the city has a higher cost of living than the state or national averages, housing costs are still lower than many other large metro areas in the U.S. Plus, Dallas offers a balance of big-city amenities and no state income tax, which can help offset other living expenses.
Pursue Great Careers in Dallas
As one of the best cities for jobs and for entrepreneurs, you’ll have a variety of fields to choose from when it comes to finding a job in Dallas! Major Dallas industries include skilled trades, business, government, education, and health services. More than just job opportunities, Dallas offers higher-than-average incomes per capita, as well as growing wages in the manufacturing sector! Similarly, the Dallas unemployment rate has decreased year over year and is now on par with both the state and national averages. Looking for jobs with major companies in Dallas? Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, and Tenet Healthcare all have their headquarters in the Big D! Residents can also find careers in Dallas through the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD), the second-largest school district in Texas. Seek employment in healthcare at institutions like UT Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, and Texas Health Resources. Or start a career at the corporate offices of top tech companies in Dallas, like Ascendix Technologies and GDT.
A: Dallas’ diverse economy offers job opportunities in its top industries of trades, healthcare, education, business services, and technology. There are many corporate headquarters in Dallas that offer high-paying jobs, including AT&T, Texas Instruments, Southwest Airlines, and more.
Dallas Is NOT Fort Worth
Though Dallas and Fort Worth share DFW International Airport and are part of the DFW metro area—which consists mainly of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington—locals want you to know they’re not the same city. In fact, this lively Texas city alone spans an incredible 385 square miles, and is home to 1.3 million residents! If you’re relocating to Dallas, one of the major differences you’ll notice between the Big D and Cowtown is the word association with “cowboys.” In Fort Worth, cowboys are the people leading the twice-daily cattle drives at the Fort Worth Stockyards. In Dallas, the Cowboys are a famous NFL team (with equally-famous cheerleaders). Dallasites will also find unique infrastructure dedicated to Dallas history like the Dallas cattle drive sculpture in Pioneer Plaza.
A: Dallas and Fort Worth share the DFW metro area, but the two cities have distinct identities. Dallas is a large, modern urban hub, whereas Fort Worth leans into its Western heritage with attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Dallas Winters Are Sunny
If you’re wondering what the weather is like in Dallas, the answer is usually warm and sunny! Dallas residents enjoy an average of 234 days of sunshine per year and comfortable weather year-round in the city’s Blackland Prairie ecosystem. In winter months, average highs hover around 60 degrees, except for a few freezing nights with rare snow dustings. This usually keeps winters in Dallas mild and provides plenty of opportunities for winter recreation. In summer, the Dallas climate is hot and subtropical, with average highs around 95 degrees, though there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat. Break out the sunscreen for spring and fall in Dallas because you’ll want to be outside! During these transitional seasons, temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees and the urban Metroplex blooms with greenery thanks to its 36 inches of annual rainfall.
A: Winters in Dallas are generally mild, with temperatures rarely falling below zero and only occasional cold snaps. Dallas receives an average of around one inch of snow each winter.
Get to Know the DART System
Despite being a huge metro, the average Dallas commute is only 27 minutes. Though you’ll most likely need a car while living in Dallas, there are still plenty of public transportation options to beat the infamous Dallas traffic. Hop on the free M-Line trolley from McKinney Avenue Transit Authority—or use one of the longest light rails in the U.S. with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). DART not only offers monthly passes and day passes to the general public, but also reduced-fare passes for students, as well as 50% discounted fare for those who qualify for the DART GoPass Tap Card. To make it easier for Dallas residents to travel from the heart of the city to the outskirts, DART continues to expand its public transit with buses, trolleys, streetcars, and light rail lines. And professionals commuting from Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth can utilize the convenient Trinity Railway Express (TRE).
A: Yes! The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system includes light rails, buses, trolleys, and streetcars that make it possible to navigate Dallas without a car, especially to core areas like Downtown and the Arts District. However, because Dallas is spread out, having a car may help you get around to other areas of the metro.
Enroll in Top DFW Colleges & Universities
If you’re looking for higher education in Texas, consider one of the many colleges and universities in Dallas! Earn your degree at Southern Methodist University, which offers one of the best Game Design grad programs in the country, and is known as one of the best pre-med schools in Texas. Dive into liberal arts, participate in Charity Week, travel abroad, or study works that have shaped Western Civilization at the University of Dallas. Participate in fun extracurriculars like esports tournaments, an anime-soundtrack-playing orchestra, and sustainable gardening with butterflies and beehives while earning your degree in areas like biomedical engineering or global business at the University of Texas at Dallas. Jumpstart your career in education, government, anthropology, and more at Dallas College, one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Enroll in the School of Business, Behavioral Health and Human Services, or Liberal Arts and Sciences to start earning your degree at UNT Dallas. Or take part in campus life events like Homecoming and Spring Sing while you earn a degree in accounting, graphic design, computer science, and more at Dallas Baptist University, one of the best private universities in DFW.
A: Yes, there are many high-ranking colleges in Dallas, such as the University of Texas at Dallas, University of Dallas, Dallas College, and UNT Dallas. The variety of institutions allows students to pursue degrees in areas of study like engineering, business, liberal arts, computer science, and more.
Support Dallas Sports Teams
A big part of living in Dallas is cheering on its biggest teams, whether you’re at a local Dallas sports bar or tailgating in a Dallas stadium! The Big D has several professional sports teams to follow. Support “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), at AT&T Stadium. Get fired up for the Dallas Stars (NHL) at their home rink, or watch your favorite Dallas Mavericks (NBA) players catch air at the American Airlines Center. Head over to College Park Center to cheer on the Dallas Wings (WNBA). Munch on classic baseball snacks while the Texas Rangers (MLB) hit homers at the climate-controlled Globe Life Field. Or celebrate bicycle kicks and “Olimpicos” from FC Dallas (MLS) at Toyota Stadium.
A: Fans of all kinds can enjoy the the array of sports in Dallas, with professional teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL)—widely known as America’s Team—Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), Dallas Wings (WNBA), and the Texas Rangers (MLB).
Have Fun at the Texas State Fair
If you love deep-fried delicacies and are looking for fun things to do in Dallas, the Texas State Fair is a must-visit! One of the largest and longest-running fairs in the nation, the 24-day Texas State Fair has been held every fall for over 130 years. This event in Dallas offers live music, livestock shows, culinary demonstrations, and more! Visit on Thrifty Thursdays for discounted prices on treats like the famous Texas State Fair corn dog or sweet funnel cakes. Try newer and stranger inventions created by chef “Fried Jesus” Abel Gonzalez Jr., like fried butter, fried Coke, fried PB&J, and more. And if you get lost on the way to the fair, just keep an eye out for the 52-foot “Big Tex” statue and the 20-story Texas Star Ferris Wheel!
A: Held annually in Dallas, the Texas State Fair is famous for its massive size, long history, and variety of delicious foods. This 24-day event features live music, livestock shows, culinary demos, creative fried snacks, and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. In 2025, more than 2 million people attended the fair!
Feel Welcome in Dallas’ LGBTQ Community
Dallas isn’t just an international city—it’s also a welcoming area for members of the LGBTQ community! The Oak Lawn Dallas “gayborhood” is the epicenter of Dallas’ gay bars, restaurants, shops, and more. Dance your heart out at Sue Ellen’s two-story Dallas nightclub, or get your boots on for free dance lessons at The Round-Up Saloon. Don’t miss a spectacular Dallas drag show in the Rose Room at Station 4. Attend events like monthly Wine Walks and show support for queer artists and creatives by visiting the galleries of the Bishop Arts District. Or celebrate with the whole family at Dallas Pride! Start by dancing at the Dallas Pride Miller Lite Music Festival concerts, shopping the booths on festival grounds, checking out resources at TEEN Pride, or getting your face painted after jumping in the bounce houses at the Family PRIDE Zone. Then, join the Dallas Pride’s Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade on Sunday to round out the weekend!
A: Yes, Dallas is friendly to the LGBT+ community. The Human Rights Campaign gave Dallas a score of 93/100 across a variety of metrics, showing the city’s overall commitment to inclusion. The city also hosts many Dallas Pride events and is home to the Cathedral of Hope, the world’s largest LGBTQ-inclusive church.
Explore Unique Dallas Museums
With such a rich history, it should come as no surprise that there are so many options for great museums in Dallas! Step into the past by visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, heading to the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, or booking a JFK Discovery Tour to see even more historic locations. Learn about the Bush administration at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, with exhibits highlighting key moments from his presidency and the importance of civic engagement. Visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum to experience powerful narratives of resilience that teach the importance of tolerance and justice. Tour the one-of-a-kind selection of folk art and learn about history through the artifacts in the Facing the Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery exhibit at the African American Museum. Get a unique glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of Spain through the works of Spanish artists like Salvador Dali, Francisco Jose de Goya, Pablo Picasso, and more at the Meadows Museum. Or discover real aviation artifacts from antiquity to today in exhibits like Dreamers & Early Flyers, Lighter Than Air, and Space Flight at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
A: There are a variety of free museums in Dallas to suit all tastes, including the Dallas Museum of Art, The Dallas Contemporary, African American Museum, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
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Find Family-Friendly Activities in Dallas
From beautiful parks to interactive museum exhibits, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Dallas for all ages! Marvel at 2,000 types of animals, enroll your kids in Wild Adventures Camp, and find out what goes on behind the scenes with the Backstage Safari program at the Dallas Zoo. Check out breathtaking views during the day or marvel at the city lights at night on the observation deck at Reunion Tower. Step into an indoor rainforest filled with tropical birds, monkeys, manatees, and more at kid-friendly attraction The Dallas World Aquarium. Go on an indoor nature hike, search for treasures in the Dino Dig, see the critters at the Trinity River corridor, and more in the Moody Family Children’s Museum at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Play mini golf, ride the go-karts, hit the arcade, and find lots of other family-friendly activities in Dallas at Adventure Landing. Sign the kids up for acting classes, or get tickets to kid-friendly shows like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Dino-Light, and James and the Giant Peach at the Dallas Children’s Theater.
A: Indoor family fun in Dallas includes exploring the indoor rainforest at the The Dallas World Aquarium, riding go-karts at Adventure Landing, getting hands-on at the interactive exhibits at the Perot Musuem, and much more!
Explore the Dallas Arts Scene
With its wealth of famous Dallas museums and galleries, Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the nation! Explore thousands of years of Asian history through rotating exhibitions featuring textiles, ceramics, sculptures, and more at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. Marvel at a collection of jaw-dropping sculptures like Flower Man, Dangler, Deep Listening, and more as you walk the gallery, or check out the outdoor sculpture garden at Nasher Sculpture Center. See everything from ancient sculptures to Senufo helmet masks and abstract paintings at the famous Dallas Museum of Art. Walk around the Dallas Design District, just outside of Downtown Dallas, where you can find The Cameron Gallery, Samuel Lynne Galleries, Goss-Michael Foundation, and many more galleries. But you don’t need to visit a museum to soak up the Dallas art scene! One of the best free things to do in Dallas is to stroll around the city and find beautiful street art, like the murals in Deep Ellum.
A: The best art museums in Dallas include the Crow Museum of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Each offers a variety of exhibits and mediums, from sculptures and textiles to modern and Contemporary installations.
Attend Fun Dallas Festivals for All Ages
Dallas festivals are a place to dream big and live it up! Rock out to over 100 bands and buy works from more than 100 artists at the adult-centric Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair in Downtown Dallas. Experience a breathtaking sunset lantern release with loved ones during the Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival after jamming out to live music at the Stars of Texas Music Festival—all held just an hour south of Dallas at Texas Motorplex. Appreciate works from artists around the world and right at home in Dallas during the three-day Dallas Art Fair. Groove to live performances by local and national jazz, R&B, blues, and soul artists while sampling food from local vendors at the Riverfront Jazz Festival. Train for the BMW Dallas Marathon—the state’s longest-running marathon—which was founded in 1971 and started its philanthropic donations to Texas Scottish Rite for Children in 1997. Or have a blast at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival—which has morphed from a small neighborhood event that got out of hand into today’s extravagant parade that brings in around 80,000 attendees!
A: The most popular festivals in Dallas include the Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair, Dallas Art Fair, Riverfront Jazz Festival, the Stars of Texas Music Festival, and the St. Patricks Day Parade & Festival.
Check Out Dallas Parks & Recreation
With more than 410 parks and 180 miles of trails throughout the city, the Dallas Park System is one of the largest in the U.S., making D-Town an ideal place for people who love outdoor recreation. Run, fish, hike, or boat in the 2,000-acre White Rock Lake Park. Go birdwatching or hike along more than nine miles of trails in the Cedar Ridge Preserve, a Dallas treasure that includes a butterfly garden. Watch waterfowl, hike trails through prairies and wetlands, or picnic for an afternoon at Great Trinity Forest. On the lookout for fun Dallas activities for kids? Head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden—and be sure to visit during the six-week-long Dallas Blooms Festival, which features over 500,000 spring bulbs! Or find Dallas activities for all ages and seasons, from Movies in the Park during summer to Trick-or-Treating in the Park for Halloween, at Klyde Warren Park.
A: Many parks in Dallas like White Rock Lake Park, Cedar Ridge Preserve, and Klyde Warren Park offer free access and year-round activities for all ages.
Boogie at Dallas’ Legendary Music Scene
Love live music? You won’t be disappointed in the Dallas music scene! American Airlines Center is the place to attend larger-than-life Dallas concerts with chart-topping artists like Weezer, Usher, Charli XCX, and more. If you’re hoping for a little more rock and roll, try The Kessler Theater, where you can see performances from musicians like The Sheepdogs and Sixpence None the Richer. Want live music that’s a little less mainstream? Get tickets to see indie artists like Clairo, Suki Waterhouse, and more at The Bomb Factory. Check out impressive rap shows by artists like Soulja Boy and Yung Bans at Trees Dallas. Listen to jazz and cabaret concerts by Dallas artists at The Sammons Center for the Arts, an arts incubator for the local community. Rock out to Breaking Benjamin, Whiskey Myers, Neil Young, and more at the Dos Equis Pavilion, the longest-running outdoor venue in the Dallas area. Or catch a performance of famous operas like Carmen at the Winspear Opera House!
A: The most popular music venues in Dallas include the American Airlines Center, the Factory in Deep Ellum, and the Dos Equis Pavilion. These venues host a variety of musicians and bands that span many genres, from rock and pop to indie and jazz.
Enjoy Diverse Shopping in Dallas
Whether you’re looking for small boutiques or major retailers, Dallas’ shopping options are hard to beat. In fact, the shopping center was born in the Big D! The glamorous Highland Park Village shopping center opened in 1931 and became the template for shopping centers all over the nation. This luxury shopping center now offers the best in name-brand clothing from designers like Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Dior, and Fendi. But the choices don’t end there! Spend the day at West Village, a walkable shopping district with unique boutiques and restaurants like Baboush and Village Burger Bar. Pick up Western gear ranging from boots to hats at Wild Bill’s Western Store, a Dallas staple for decades and counting. Update your wardrobe with the latest fashion found at the flagship Neiman Marcus, which first opened in Dallas in 1907. Shop famous brands like Old Navy, Bloomingdale’s, and Dyson, or explore the restaurants and events at The Shops at Park Lane. Or support the community and pick up seasonal produce, artisanal crafts, and other goods from the Dallas Farmers Market, which has been serving Dallas residents since 1941.
A: There are many shops in Dallas that offer Western wear, including Wild Bill’s Western Store, an iconic stop that offers quality boots, hats, Western apparel, and accessories. Other options include Pinto Ranch Dallas, and Bronco Western Wear LLC.
Fall in Love with Dallas Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex cuisine was created in the 1880s by Tejanos (i.e., Texans of Spanish or Mexican descent) and introduced nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas into the American culinary tradition. Today, Tex-Mex restaurants and stands are some of the best places to eat in Dallas! For some of the best Mexican food in Dallas, visit Meso Maya to enjoy fresh-made Quesadilla Camaron, Budin Azteca Pollo, and Mole Enchiladas. Pull up a chair next to the Mariachi band and indulge in Caldo De Res, Cabrito Al Horno, or Mojarra Frita at El Ranchito. Walk up to the window to order Barbacoa Burritos or Pastor Tacos, and sip creative cocktails like the Mango Chamoy at Taqueria La Ventana. Try the Wagyu Brisket Tacos, El Smashburger, or the Tenderloin Tampiquena at Odelay Tex-Mex. Share an order of Desperados Tacos before digging into Chicken Itza, and round out your meal with Sopapillas from Desperados Mexican Restaurant. Or sample the Dennis “Jimenez” Nachos, Mama’s Quesadillas, or the Miachanga at Mia’s Tex-Mex Restaurant.
A: With historic roots dating back to Tejano culture in the 1800s, Tex-Mex in Dallas blends authentic ingredients and flavors with regional influences, creating an iconic food genre beloved by the world.
Sample a Variety of Dallas Cuisines
The best restaurants in Dallas vary from small cafes to nationally-acclaimed eateries. Have a hankering for some good old-fashioned Dallas BBQ? Try incredible dishes like the Southern Fried Chicken, The “Pitmaster,” or The “Hot Mess” with a side of Fried Okra at Pecan Lodge. Chow down on Smoked Mac & Cheese, Steak Frites, or a Salmon Burger at The Porch Restaurant. Taste specialty burgers like the Sugar Burger, Mike Rawlings, and vegan Neil Young—and be sure to cast a vote in the Battle of the Burgers competition—at Rodeo Goat. Ready yourself for fresh-made souffles in flavors like Truffle Infused Mushroom or Herb & Spicy Sausage, paired with one-of-a-kind Pour Commencer items like the Marshmallow Soup at rise souffle, a cozy French restaurant. Enjoy Neapolitan pizza options like the Montanara, Trifolata, or Gladiator at Dallas Italian restaurant, Partenope Ristorante. Or expand your palate with plates like Firfir, Tilapia Tibs, or Alicha Kik at Desta Ethiopian Restaurant.
A: Yes! Restaurants like Rodeo Goat offer vegan burgers, and many other Dallas restaurants also offer plant-based dishes and globally-inspired menus.
Thank Dallas for the Frozen Margarita
If you’re a fan of frozen margaritas, send your thank-you notes to Dallas! The first frozen margarita machine was invented in a Dallas restaurant in 1971 and is now on display at the Smithsonian. Wondering where to find the best margaritas in Dallas today? The famous Margarita Mile has plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from! Find creative concoctions like The Legendary Rustic Rita and the Spicy Margarita, or enjoy traditional flavors with the House Rocks Margarita at The Rustic. Spend happy hour sampling The Squozen Margarita, Top Shelf Margarita, or Mezcal Margarita at Jose. Slurp down a Passion Fruit Mezcalita, El Bikini, or La Lola on the patio at Miriam Cocina Latina. And be sure to try the original recipe or explore new flavors like the The Mariano, Fire & Ice, Ranch Water, and more at Mariano’s Hacienda, the birthplace of the original frozen margarita!
A: The Margarita Mile is a self-guided tour featuring some of the best margarita bars and restaurants in Dallas, including The Rustic, Jose, Miriam Cocina Latina, and Mariano’s Hacienda—the birthplace of the frozen margarita.
Turn Up the Heat With Nightlife
Looking for things to do in Dallas at night? There are all kinds of bars, clubs, and hot spots to explore in the Big D! Grab a drink and sing along to a fantastic array of guest DJs at It’ll Do Club. Pitch ideas during Improv Jams on Wednesday evenings, watch inclusive LGBTQ variety shows, and more at the Dallas Comedy Club in Deep Ellum. If craft cocktails are more your speed, slide up to the bar to order the Oak Cliff Bat Girl, Buena Vibra, or Deep Rawlins at Midnight Rambler—a speakeasy-style bar in the basement of The Joule Hotel. Soak in the luxurious, sophisticated atmosphere while dancing the night away at upscale Rokwood. Take part in fun events like karaoke on Tuesdays, R&B Thursdays, and Max’d Out Saturdays at The Nines. Turn out to revel in the high-energy vibe served up by rotating DJs, or book a private VIP table to enjoy bottle service with friends at Stars and Spirits.
A: Popular nightlife venues include the It’ll Do Club, the Dallas Comedy Club, Rokwood, The Nines, and Stars and Spirits. From dancing and karaoke to craft cocktails and upscale atmosphere, Dallas nightlife has something for everyone.
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