Many Americans contemplate moving to the South, and the Lone Star State comes out as a top choice. Some deciding factors are the wonderful weather and the high standard of living. The city of Dallas is a great choice to settle down in.
Ranked among the top 50 cities in the world and the top 15 in the country, there is lots that Dallas has to offer.
From a vibrant culture, an ethnically diverse population, and plenty of job opportunities, Dallas is a popular choice for relocation. The city is also home to the Dallas Cowboys, which means that sports enthusiasts looking to move to Dallas will have plenty of exciting events and matches to look forward to.
However, with all of its wonderful features, some challenges come with living in Dallas. So if you plan on moving here, here are seven important things you need to know
Large Living Spaces
In most of the country, real estate is an extremely high-priced commodity, and most people are used to living in small condominiums and apartments.
The state of Texas, however, stands apart from the crowd in this respect. In Dallas, you can find great, affordable housing options that will probably be twice the size of your previous apartment.
For instance, if you’re looking for a place in downtown Dallas, you should check out the floor plans at Skyline Farmers Market, where even the smallest studio has an area of 600 square feet! So, in Dallas, you will have to work on filling out a much larger space than you are currently used to living in.
The City is Huge
Dallas is the 9th largest city in America, and the 3rd largest in Texas, standing only behind Houston and San Antonio. Dallas spans an area of almost 1,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 1.2 million.
If you’re moving from a small city like Miami, be mentally prepared to adjust your sense of distance, as you can no longer drive from one end of the town to the other in half an hour.
If you are moving for work, try to find a place near your office since the Dallas traffic can be unforgiving, especially for commuters.
Terrible Traffic
One of the worst things that come with living in a large city such as Dallas is dealing with terrible traffic. Even though the situation has slightly improved since the pandemic as many companies permanently moved to remote working, it is still a pressing issue for most Dallas residents.
One good thing is that Dallas does have a great public transportation system known as the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). However, the system is far from easy to understand and navigate. Therefore, do your homework before heading to the station.
It is Pretty Hot
The South is known for its hot weather, and Dallas is no exception. If you’re moving from the Midwest or the East Coast, you have probably spent many days of your life shoveling through blankets of snow.
In Dallas, you can finally be free of this seasonal torture. The city only gets about two days of snow in a year, making only about 1-2 inches in depth. With the warm, sunny days shining through even in the winter months, the snow that does accumulate goes away naturally.
However, the summer heat in Dallas is pretty brutal, so you may have some trouble adjusting to the heat and humidity.
Different Tax Systems
Property taxes in the Lone Star state are relatively high compared to other US states, which is generally quite a hit to new homeowners. The state also charges 6.25% in Sales Taxes, and different counties can add 2% on top of that.
That means there are many places where the rate is 8.25%, such as the Dallas Metro Region. However, Texas more than makes up for these high taxes by not levying any state or personal income taxes upon its residents.
With this tax haven-esque feature, Texas attracts people from around the country who are tired of giving away half their income in taxes.
Strong Education System
Dallas has a strong education system with notable public schools, trade schools, and universities. In addition, the city also has a great network of private schools, including international schools, religious institutes, and schools for special needs children.
As per reports, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has close to 350 public schools and 400 private schools. Dallas is also home to several universities, such as the University of Dallas and the Texas Christian University.
It is important to realize that not all public schools in Dallas offer the same quality of education. Therefore, if you have children, you should research the public school districts in Dallas and find a place within one of the top districts.
Rising Cost of Living
Dallas is often regarded as an affordable place to live. While that is true to some extent, it is necessary to acknowledge that the cost of living in Dallas, much like the rest of America, is rising.
That being said, the living costs in Dallas are still significantly lower than in other metropolitan areas in the country, such as Los Angeles or Boston. However, when you budget the impending move and plan for the future, make sure to factor in the annual rise in the cost of living.
Final Words
Dallas is a wonderful city that can offer you the perfect all-American experience. Due to its rich diversity, you can find people you can connect with while living in Dallas.
With the factors mentioned in this article, you can prepare for your move and consider the challenges you will face as a new Dallas resident. However, once you’re all settled in, you’ll understand why it was worth it.
