1. This Is Dallas, Not Texas
At least, not the
Texas that outsiders think of.
Dallas is the ninth largest city in the U.S. and third largest in Texas. That’s pretty big. With that many people, don’t expect your standard
Texas stereotypes to hold true here. The city is filled with professionals, jocks, and hipsters alike. And yes, the occasional
cowboy or two.
2. And More Importantly, This Isn’t Fort Worth
The area encompassing Dallas,
Fort Worth, and
Arlington is commonly referred to as The Metroplex. But it’s not called that by anyone from Dallas, that’s for sure. Dallas is Dallas, end of story.
3. Don’t Ask Everyone Where Their Accent Is
Chances are, they don’t have one. Yes, believe it or not, not everyone from Texas has a Texas accent. Half of the people who live in Dallas aren’t from the area, so it shouldn’t be too surprising.
4. It’s Cheaper To Live In Dallas
Despite being a major U.S. city, Dallas has managed to keep its cost of living 8.1 percent below the national average. Locals are also thrilled to find out that they don’t have to pay personal or corporate income tax.
5. Housing Prices Are Low Enough To Make You Smile
The median home price in Dallas is currently just $124,300. That’s more than $60,000 under the national average.
6. Finding A Job Is Way Easier In Dallas
While it’s always recommended that you have a job lined up before moving anywhere, finding one in Dallas shouldn’t be too difficult considering that the city has seen steady job growth over the past few years. Several Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Texas Instruments, and Exxon are headquartered in Dallas.
7. Don’t Move To Dallas In The Summer
In case you didn’t get the memo, Dallas is hot. Like, superfly TNT hot. So, unless you absolutely can’t avoid it, try to plan your move here on the off months in the spring, fall, or winter. If you think finding friends to help you move is hard as it is, try getting anyone to volunteer to move a box in 100 degree heat.
8. But Yes, It Snows In Dallas
Don’t expect a blizzard or anything, but yes, Dallas does get the occasional snow day. And they’re 1,000 times more epic than everywhere else because it doesn’t happen all of the time.
9. The Texas State Fair Is Reason Enough To Live Here
Not all Texas stereotypes hold true. But one that is unavoidable is this: You will go to the Texas State Fair. You will have your picture taken with the giant cowboy at the front entrance. And you will eat many corny dogs along with a ton of fried food. And it will be awesome.
10. Barbecue Is King In Dallas
As the debate goes on over who has the better barbeque, Texas or the Midwest, everyone in Dallas is too busy stuffing their faces to care. There are so many good places to get the best sticky, smoked goodness of your life including Mac’s, Slow Bone, Mike Anderson’s, and Lockhart’s.
11. But The Tex Mex Has Earned Royalty Status, Too
If you don’t like Mexican food then… well, I’m sure you’ve already been told this but see a doctor. Then figure out how to get over it. Because in Dallas, every meal is a good meal for Tex Mex.
12. You Should Probably Become A Cowboys Fan
Trust me, it will make your life a whole lot easier. Nothing comes between a Dallas fan and his or her Cowboys.
13. But Everyone Will Remind You That They Play In Arlington
And you’ll just be all, “You must be from Houston.”
14. Make Sure You Like Your Car
Because you’re about to get very familiar with it once you move here. Rush hour in Dallas doesn’t really seem to follow regular rules. You can usually avoid it by commuting during the hours of 2 and 4 a.m., though.
15. Tolls Will Become The Bane Of Your Existence
Where you get a job in correlation to where you live matters because of the tollway system here. Depending on where you live, if you’re paying tolls for your commute, you could be adding up to $40 a week onto your commuting bill. Always keep cash in your car for when you hit them, too.
16. Tornadoes Are A Thing Here
Nope, tornadoes aren’t just a Kansas thing, sorry to break it to you. The good news is that they’re pretty infrequent and random, and Dallas proper sees a lot less action than the surrounding areas. But they do happen, so you should always be prepared.
17. Decide On Living Downtown Or In North Dallas
Like any downtown, you’ll find higher rent prices and a slightly higher cost of living but you’ll be in walking distance to the heart of the city and everything that is going on. North Dallas provides more of a suburban feel with a cheaper price tag but still keeps you in a close commute to the city action.
18. The High Five Isn’t A Hand Gesture
It’s the world’s craziest interchange. At least one of them anyway. Popular Mechanics actually listed it among the magazine’s list of 18 Strangest Roadways in the country.
19. Downtown Feels Like A City From The Future At Night
One of the first things outsiders who have never been to Dallas before say about the city is how amazing it is when it’s lit up at night. It really is a sight to behold and totally futuristic. Even bridge is growing on everyone who didn’t like it too much at first, too.
20. You’ll Get Used To Brushing Off The Dallas Haters
You’ll find them everywhere you go. Other cities around Texas want to talk smack on Dallas. And every city around the country has smack to talk about the Cowboys. It’s just the price you pay for living in such a great city. Brush it off.
21. Go Big In Dallas Or Stay Home
If you don’t think you can love Dallas, then you probably shouldn’t live here. Try
Austin—I heard they’re dying for more people to move in. But really, the folks in Dallas are fiercely loyal to their city. You’re welcome to join them as long as you’re willing to go big. Otherwise, stay home.
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