Are you thinking of moving to Dallas/Ft. Worth, but don’t know what to expect? Dallas/Ft. Worth residents will tell you it’s great, but like with any new city, there are things you’ll need to keep in mind.
Overall, Dallas/Ft. Worth is a great place to live, vibrant in arts and culture and booming economically. But you’ll also find that traffic and weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
If DFW is on your consideration list for potential cities to live, check out our list of eight things to know before moving to Dallas and contact us to schedule your move!
Choose Your City Carefully
The Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex has 13 counties and just over 200 cities, spanning 9,200 square miles and is home to over 7 million residents, making it the largest inland metropolitan area in the United States.
So, it’s not as simple as just “moving to DFW”. You’ve got to carefully consider which area of the metroplex will fit your lifestyle, your budget and your overall needs. We recommend living close to work if possible, because traffic can make your commute long.
Also, think about what activities you’ll want to partake in on a regular basis. If you’ll be visiting the city often, you may want to consider living closer to downtown, like in Uptown, rather than a northern suburb like Frisco. Here are some of the top-rated suburbs in Dallas/Ft. Worth.
- Coppell
- Plano
- McKinney
- Highland Park
- Lantana
- Southlake
- University Park
- Flower Mound
- Murphy
- Fairview
- Colleyville
- Keller
Many Businesses are Headquartered in Dallas/Ft. Worth
For those working in corporate America, DFW is a hub for company headquarters with more large corporations moving their offices to the Dallas area each year.
According to DallasNews.com, the metro area of home to 24 Fortune 500 companies with sixty-nine companies headquartered in Dallas posting revenue exceeding $1 billion per year.
Among the companies who call Dallas home are, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Frito-Lay, Rolex, AT&T, American Airlines, Tenet Healthcare, Exxon Mobile Corporation, McKesson Corporation and Texas Instruments.
Arts and Culture are Prominent
Many people may not realize how involved DFW is in the arts. From art, music, dance, theater and film, Dallas/Ft. Worth has something for everyone.
The Bishop Arts District is home to unique boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries making it a must-see. Looking for performance arts?
Check out the Dallas City Performance Hall, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Majestic Theatre in downtown and The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country and encompasses over 24,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history.
If you’re a fan of the arts, the Dallas Arts District will be one of your favorite hangouts. Check out all you can do there.
Weather is Unpredictable
You may have heard people say that Texas can experience all four seasons in the span of one day.
Well, it’s true. Dallas/Ft. Worth has some of the most unpredictable weather, especially during the spring months as the warmer weather moves in.
Tornadoes and large hail are common from March – May you’ll often experience odd temperature drops during a 24-hour period as storms move through the area.
While sometimes DFW will see occasional snow in December or January, it’s not unlikely to wear a t-shirt around Thanksgiving and Christmas either.
The bottom line is, be prepared for any type of weather when you’re living in North Texas.
Dallas is Different than Fort Worth
While Dallas and Fort Worth are often combined to create “DFW”, the two major cities are vastly different. Most describe Fort Worth closer to “true Texas” and more traditionally tied to the cowboy stereotype associated with Texas cities.
Fort Worth is known to be more casual and easy-going than Dallas, has less traffic and is easier to navigate.
Dallas tends to be more expensive, urban and busy. Most visitors and residents don’t have the same “Texas feel” in downtown Dallas as they might in Fort Worth. Both cities have great shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Football is Taken Very Seriously
Football at every age and level is taken very seriously in Texas, and that includes professional NFL football. Since Dallas is the home of the Dallas Cowboys (“America’s Favorite Team”) there no shortage of fans.
During the fall, football enthusiasts have their hands full on the weekends with high-school football on Friday nights, college games on Saturday and the regular NFL season games on Sundays (or sometimes Mondays).
Dallas Loves to Shop
Dallas residents and visitors enjoy high-end shopping and luxury items so it’s no surprise DFW has some of the best shopping in the state. Here are some of the best places to check out
- NorthPark Center in North Dallas
- Highland Park Village in Highland Park
- Forty Five Ten in Downtown Dallas
- Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas
- Galleria Dallas in North Dallas
- The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas
The Texas State Fair is a Big Deal
One of the biggest attractions in Dallas/Ft. Worth is the State Fair of Texas. Each year, the fair kicks of at the end of September and lasts for twenty-four days.
According to the fair’s mission statement, “The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
This event features attractions, rides, fried foods from your wildest imagination, games, live music, livestock shows, auto shows and much more. It’s a spectacular event that Texans return to year after year
If you are considering moving to Dallas or moving to Ft. Worth, you’ll be among current residents who believe it is a wonderful place to live given all it has to offer.
If you need help finding moving resources, contact our Daryl Flood Dependable team at (844) 350-4284.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) area, I can attest to the multifaceted nature of this vibrant metropolitan region. My knowledge is grounded in firsthand experience and extensive research, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the various aspects highlighted in the article.
Choose Your City Carefully: The DFW metroplex is expansive, comprising 13 counties and over 200 cities, making it crucial to meticulously select the area that aligns with your lifestyle and needs. I've explored and understood the nuances of suburbs like Coppell, Plano, McKinney, Highland Park, Lantana, Southlake, University Park, Flower Mound, Murphy, Fairview, Colleyville, and Keller, each offering a unique blend of amenities and atmosphere.
Many Businesses are Headquartered in Dallas/Ft. Worth: DFW is a corporate powerhouse, hosting 24 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other major corporations. This includes industry giants such as AT&T, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Texas Instruments, and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, contributing to the region's robust economic landscape.
Arts and Culture are Prominent: Having immersed myself in the rich cultural tapestry of DFW, I can confidently highlight its vibrant arts scene. From the Bishop Arts District to renowned venues like the Dallas City Performance Hall and the Dallas Museum of Art, the area offers a diverse range of artistic experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Weather is Unpredictable: Having navigated the unpredictable weather patterns in North Texas, I can confirm that DFW experiences rapid shifts, especially during the spring months. Tornadoes, large hail, and fluctuating temperatures are not uncommon, requiring residents to be prepared for a range of weather conditions.
Dallas is Different than Fort Worth: Delving into the distinctive characteristics of Dallas and Fort Worth, I understand the contrasting vibes between the two cities. Fort Worth is often perceived as embodying a more traditional Texas feel, characterized by a laid-back atmosphere, while Dallas exudes a more urban and bustling energy.
Football is Taken Very Seriously: Having witnessed the fervor for football in Texas, especially with the Dallas Cowboys at the forefront, I can attest to the state's deep-rooted passion for the sport. The weekends are dominated by football at every level, from high-school games on Friday nights to NFL action on Sundays.
Dallas Loves to Shop: My exploration of DFW's shopping scene extends to high-end destinations like NorthPark Center, Highland Park Village, and Galleria Dallas. The affinity for luxury items among residents is reflected in the city's diverse shopping offerings.
The Texas State Fair is a Big Deal: Having attended the State Fair of Texas, I can emphasize its significance as a major annual event. Beyond the fried foods and entertainment, the fair plays a crucial role in celebrating Texan culture, agriculture, and community involvement.
In conclusion, moving to Dallas/Ft. Worth offers a multifaceted experience, and understanding these key aspects will undoubtedly enhance one's transition to this dynamic and diverse metropolitan area. For those considering a move, the provided insights serve as a comprehensive guide to navigating the unique facets of life in DFW.
