Moving to Dallas, TX? Everything You Need to Know

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Dallas County leans Democratic in recent elections, though the surrounding suburbs remain politically diverse. The city council operates under a council-manager system with 14 single-member districts plus a mayor elected at-large. Civic engagement runs high, with active neighborhood associations and community groups shaping local policy. The city’s political landscape reflects its diverse population, balancing progressive urban initiatives with traditional Texas values.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Like most major cities, Dallas experiences varying crime rates by neighborhood. The safest areas include Highland Park, University Park, and North Dallas communities like Preston Hollow and Far North Dallas. Downtown has seen significant safety improvements with increased police presence and community policing initiatives. The Dallas Police Department maintains robust community outreach programs, and many neighborhoods have active crime watch groups.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Dallas’s culinary scene rivals any major American city, from legendary steakhouses like Pappas Bros. and Bob’s Steak & Chop House to innovative spots like Uchi and Gemma. Deep Ellum pulses with live music venues and trendy bars, while Bishop Arts District offers eclectic dining and boutique shopping. The Arts District downtown features world-class venues including the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the architecturally stunning Winspear Opera House.

🏛️ Local Government

The City of Dallas operates under a council-manager form of government, with Eric Johnson serving as mayor. City services generally receive positive marks, particularly for parks and recreation. The city maintains a AAA bond rating and has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements. Property taxes fund most city services, with rates varying by area but generally lower than comparable metro areas nationwide.

🚍 Transportation

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates the largest light rail system in the United States by track miles, connecting downtown with suburbs and DFW Airport. However, Dallas remains a car-centric city where most residents drive. Major highways including I-35E, I-30, US-75, and the Dallas North Tollway provide extensive coverage but can experience significant congestion during peak hours. The city has invested in bike lanes and pedestrian improvements in urban neighborhoods.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Dallas offers diverse housing options from historic neighborhoods like Lakewood and M Streets to modern high-rises in Uptown and Victory Park. The median home price hovers around $350,000, though luxury areas like Highland Park command premium prices. Rental options abound, with average one-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,200-$2,000 depending on location. First-time buyers often find value in emerging neighborhoods like Bishop Arts, Trinity Groves, and East Dallas.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

White Rock Lake serves as Dallas’s outdoor crown jewel, offering 9.3 miles of trails for running, cycling, and kayaking. Klyde Warren Park bridges downtown and Uptown with food trucks, yoga classes, and community events. The extensive Katy Trail provides 3.5 miles of urban trail connecting neighborhoods. For more adventurous pursuits, Cedar Ridge Preserve offers hiking trails and nature programs just 20 minutes from downtown.

💼 Job Market

Dallas boasts one of the nation’s strongest job markets with a median household income of $58,231. Major employers include AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, and numerous Fortune 500 headquarters. The financial services, technology, and healthcare sectors drive employment growth. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has added more jobs than any other metro area in recent years, with particularly strong growth in professional services and tech startups.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Dallas Independent School District serves most of the city, with highly-rated magnet schools like the School for the Talented and Gifted consistently ranking among the nation’s best. Highland Park ISD and Richardson ISD (serving North Dallas) enjoy excellent reputations. Private options include prestigious schools like St. Mark’s School of Texas, Hockaday School, and Episcopal School of Dallas. Higher education thrives with SMU’s beautiful campus in University Park and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center leading medical research.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Dallas enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, while winters remain pleasant with average highs in the 50s-60s. Spring brings spectacular wildflower blooms but also severe weather season with occasional tornadoes. The city receives about 37 inches of rain annually, mostly in spring. Snow is rare, with ice storms posing a greater winter weather challenge.

💬 Community Sentiment

Dallas residents express strong pride in their city’s growth and opportunity while acknowledging challenges like traffic and summer heat. Newcomers often comment on the surprising friendliness and the ease of making connections through numerous social and professional groups. Long-time residents appreciate the city’s evolution while maintaining its Texas identity. The prevailing sentiment celebrates Dallas as a place where ambition meets opportunity, wrapped in genuine Southern warmth.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Dallas

Dallas continues to magnetize ambitious professionals and families seeking the perfect combination of economic opportunity and quality of life. With no state income tax, a thriving job market across diverse industries, and housing costs well below other major metros, Dallas offers financial advantages that translate into real lifestyle benefits. Add in the year-round outdoor living, a food scene that rivals any coastal city, and the genuine warmth of Texas hospitality, and it’s clear why so many are choosing to call Dallas home. This is a city that rewards ambition while maintaining the community spirit that makes Texas special.