Thinking about moving to Dallas and wondering if it’s right for your lifestyle?
Life in Dallas, Texas can be a dream come true for many. For others, it isn’t quite their cup of tea.
Here’s a quick rundown of 3 major lifestyle pros and 3 major lifestyle cons of living in Dallas.
Lifestyle Pros of Living in Dallas
1. Residential areas are flexible
Dallas is a perfect mix of urban suburbs.
With a (growing) population of over 1.3 million, the city is seen as one of the classier metropolises of Texas. It is also a haven for Millennials seeking lower costs of living and taxes when compared to other cities, bountiful jobs, in a much more hip environment.
Housing in Dallas is much more affordable when compared to other U.S. cities (like Los Angeles or New York), but can seem more expensive when coming from places like San Antonio or Houston.
Whether you decide to move to an urban or more suburban area of Dallas, you’ll be able to find anything you need!
2. You’ll never get bored
If you’re more of a socialite and less of a homebody, you’ll love that there are so many things to do in Dallas.
The options for both family-oriented and single person fun are also endless.
Nightlife, outdoor fun, sports events (the Dallas Cowboys, anyone?), concerts, restaurants, pop-up shops, art & theatrical shows, museums, tours, major events (like the State Fair of Texas), and more await you.
Like to shop? Dallas has a reputation for catering to those who have a taste for luxury. (See: the Conde Nast 12 Best Spots for Shopping in Dallas)
Dallas-Fort Worth is considered the fourth largest metro area (with Dallas as the ninth-largest city) in the country. So it definitely has to accommodate its growing population with such a huge demand for the finer things in life.
3. You have LOTS of job & business opportunities
Texas has always had a business and job-friendly culture.
Here are a few facts to illustrate why this is even greater in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area:
- Over 6,000 companies base their operations out of Dallas, with more moving to the city. Startups are also popping up everywhere due to the ease of starting and running a business in Dallas.
- In 2019, the city experienced more job growth than any other in the U.S. Dallas also had a higher year-over-year rate of 3.2% (compared to the nationwide job growth rate of just 1.5%).
Looking for business connections? The Dallas Market Center is the heart of wholesale/retail trade and niche commerce in the South with 500,000 sq. feet of exhibit space. Annually, it hosts national, regional, and international commercial shows, special trade events, and consumer exhibitions. (See how to get involved with The Dallas Market Center.) - Banking, transportation, health care (Dallas houses the American Heart Association, well-ranked colleges of healthcare, and a top medical center), higher education, and telecommunications make up the backbone of Dallas’ hiring industry. Most of these industries are also quite recession-proof!
Lifestyle Cons of Living in Dallas
1. For those used to bigger cities, Dallas can feel smaller.
If you’re considering moving to Dallas (the city, not the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex) from say, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, or basically any West Coast or East Coast metropolis, you may feel a bit… compressed.
The city of Dallas itself has a swanky cosmopolitan feel and lots to do. However, it can feel harder for newbies to meet people and make lasting relationships. Compared to the City of Houston’s 2.5 million residents, Dallas houses just 1.3 million and is little more than half Houston’s land area.
2. Get used to not having 4 seasons
Texas is known for being hot. Dallas is a typical Southern city in this respect and perfect for you if you like the heat and don’t really care about having distinct seasons year-round.
Unlike Houston, there is less humidity in Dallas since it’s not a coastal city. The average humidity in Dallas hovers around 66%.
Don’t let that fool you, however, as the summer days still routinely peak into 100-degrees.
May and October are also prime months for rainfall. While the temperatures can drop into the 30’s, winters are often mild. But, hailstorms are still an issue and can seriously damage your property.
If you love snowy winters, Dallas won’t do it for you.
The fluff will be a miracle (a fast-melting one if it happens at all.) The average snow days per year clock in at just 1.3 in Dallas!
3. Traffic is notorious
Be prepared to have your GPS ready at all times. Constant road construction, confusing roadways, and a growing population in a city with a smaller square-footage all contribute to the undesirable traffic situation in Dallas.
Residents also typically complain about how perplexing it is to navigate the roadways, as well as a lack of efficient public transportation.
The Good & Bad of Living in Dallas
Realistically, not every city’s vibe will fit your own.
That’s why it’s always smart to do your research on aspects that are really important to ensure your life enjoyable after you move. It also helps to know that you’re not prioritizing say, having a job over enduring horrible weather or stressful traffic every day.
Keep the above things in mind with your personality, requirements, and preferences.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask friends of friends (or cast your net wider by posting in places like Quora.com or reddit.com) to determine whether you could be happy with a new lifestyle in Dallas.
Planning a move to Dallas? Take the first step & get a free moving quote!