Ultimate Guide for A Move to Dallas | Stark Moving and Storage Inc

Dallas is the fourth largest metropolitan in the US: it spans 343 square miles, within which reside 241,162 people. It is the leading business and financial center in the Southwest and the number one tourist destination in Texas.

This city has been steadily growing at the rate of 1.36% annually. Its proximity to Fort Worth and other cities is combinedly known as Metroplex, which is touted as the Silicon Valley of Texas due to the cluster of prominent tech companies that are based here.

If you’re considering a move to Dallas, this guide is a must-read. It strives to introduce you to the different aspects of D-Town.

Dallas

1. What Is The Weather Like In ?

The temperature in Dallas varies between seasons. The city experiences mild winters and scorching hot summers, but the humidity level isn’t as bad as other Texas regions. July and August tend to be the hottest months of the year, with temperatures rising to triple digits. December, January, and February tend to be the chilliest.

Here’s a quick overview of what climate to expect each season:

Spring: March to May is a great time to visit Dallas since the weather is pleasant, and the temperature sways between the mid-60s to upper 80s. With blossoms unfurling everywhere, Dallas’ spring is a colorful sight to behold. You will see some rainy days, though, so have an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and rain jacket handy.

Summer: Summer months in Dallas will take some acclimation unless you’re used to the Texas heat. You will see the harshest triple-digit days between July and August. Expect plenty of heatwave warnings and be prepared for a flood of tourists braving the heat and exploring the D-town anyway. Survive the summer months by gearing up with a sun hat, sunglasses, water bottle, light clothing, and a strong sunscreen (although you should be applying sunscreen all year round, but we digress).

Fall: Get ready to be mesmerized while watching the leaves turn colors and the temperatures cooling down. Between September and November, the city starts to receive cold fronts. Expect temperatures to swing between the 70s and 80s. There might be a few rainy days and thunderstorms, but it won’t be as much as Spring rain.

Winter: As with most Texas, Dallas winter is relatively mild, with the temperature rarely dropping below freezing. Snow and freezing rain do happen, but that’s an anomaly rather than the norm. On most winter days, you will see the temperature stay between the 50s and 60s.

2. Is Sports a Big Deal in Dallas?

Dallas takes sports very seriously. Just take, for instance, the Super Bowl — it’s a social event, with families and friends coming together, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys to bring home another win.

In total, the D-Town has six professional sports teams — the Dallas Cowboys (National Football League), Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association), Dallas Wings (Women’s National Basketball Association), Dallas Stars (National Hockey League), Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball), and FC Dallas (Major League Soccer).

Dallas hosts several sporting events like esports competitions, college football games, and more. If you’re a hard-core sports fan, catch a game with a friend at AT&T Stadium, Toyota Stadium, Allen Event Center, Dr. Pepper Ballpark, Texas Motor Speedway, Pennington field, or Lonestar Park at Grand Prairie.

But, if you’re tired of being a spectator and want to play yourself, you’re in luck. There are recreational opportunities available throughout the city for tennis players, swimmers, golfers, and boaters. Or, if you’re more of a team sports kind of person, join a local flag football or dodgeball team. You will definitely make some friends along the way!

3. What Are The Best Neighborhoods In Dallas?

Dallas neighborhoods are as eclectic as the population it inhabits. Whether you want a condo right above a gallery, one in the middle of a bustling nightlife, or a simple house with a yard, there’s a neighborhood that’s a perfect match for you.

Here’s is an overview of some of the best neighborhoods:

Lake Highlands: Located in North East Dallas, Lake Island is favored by families and young couples looking for a place to settle down while still holding access to the best schools and jobs in the city. This neighborhood has over 870 acres of parks and biking trails, towering oaks and pecan trees, rolling hills, and other lush greens. The median home value is $87,000, which is quite affordable compared to other neighborhoods on this list. Most Lake Highlands properties are single-story ranch-style homes, but you should be able to find bigger properties too.

Preston Hollow: When it comes to neighborhoods, Preston Hollow is the epitome of luxury. This area is home to Dallas’ elites, including former President Bush and Mrs. Bush. Most of the streets are lined with ranch-style houses. But the most famous streets in this neighborhood are Strait lane and Inwood Road, which holds a cluster of mansions. There are no sidewalks, curbs, or bike lanes in this street due to the way it’s constructed. But, you will still find tall, old trees lining the neighborhood. Houses in Preston Hollow range from $700,000 to millions, but the hefty price tag gives you access to Dallas’s most prestigious private schools.

Lakewood: Situated to the west of White Rock Lake, Lakewood is another upscale neighborhood known for its luxury estates and cottages designed in Tudor, bungalow and Craftsman architecture. The properties have a median value of $837,000. If you’ve kids, here’s some good news — Lakewood has the best elementary school in Dallas, scoring 10/10 in Greatschools.com. Because of the short commute to the lake, you will often see residents walk, run, row, or play golf. On rainy days when you want to be out but stay indoors, you will be able to visit the Lakewood Theater or Lakewood Shopping Center.

Uptown: To the north of Downtown Dallas is Uptown— a neighborhood best suited for those looking to live in an urban area. Uptown is very pedestrian-friendly. You can walk, bike, jog safely here. There’s also The Katy Trail and Cole Park nearby to take a stroll with your dog. Cole Park has tennis courts and beautiful landscaping, so take your time and soak in all that green.

Uptown is most favored amongst young singles and 20-something white-collar professionals who work in the Downtown region. Most residents here have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median home value in uptown is on the higher end of $450,000, but the short commute to attractive job opportunities Downtown may make the extra price worth it.

Bishop Arts District: Bishop Arts is one of the coolest enclaves in Dallas. It is the go-to spot for millennials looking for affordable housing in the city.

Despite the scores of art galleries, eateries, over 60 boutiques, bars, coffee shops in this neighborhood, Bishop Arts still maintains a small-town vibe. This neighborhood is full of young singles, those in their mid-30s, and young families.

Oak Lawn: Located between Highland Park and I-35, Oak Lawn is affectionately known as Gayborhood because of the prevalence of LGBT-friendly restaurants, shops, clubs, annual Halloween parades, and other events. Residents of all ages live here, and most of them don’t have children. The median home value is $409,416.

This neighborhood is very walkable and pet-friendly. The streets are lined with trees, and there are running trails along with parks, giving the residents plenty of safe space to enjoy the outdoors. Also, Oak Lawn provides an easy commute to Downtown Dallas, Love Field, and the Medical District.

4. Dallas Transportation: Getting Around Dallas

You’ve several options when it comes to getting in, out, and around town.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): It’s the largest transit network containing 64 stations within the system, out of which 46 run within the city limits. The lines provide a direct link to Dallas Love Field, DFW International Airport, and bus routes spanning 19,000 miles. D-Link buses will take you from Downtown Dallas to Deep Ellum for free. Plus, there’s M-Line Trolley and Dallas Streetcar connecting Downtown with the nearby neighborhoods.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE): A rail system that connects Downtown Dallas to Downtown Fort Worth.

Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA): A 21-mile rail system connecting Dallas to Denton.

Planes: Dallas is home to two commercial and one corporate airport — DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, and Dallas Executive Airport. With more than 200 nonstop flights, you can quickly travel to over 166 U.S. cities and 53 international cities.

Bikes: Cycling is another way to get around town in Dallas. The city has 188.6 miles of biking trails, divided into regular bike lanes, on-street bike routes, multi-use trails that provide access to DART stations, and several entertainment areas.

5. Dallas Education System Explored

Schools: Dallas has 663 preschools, 401 elementary schools, 200 middle schools, and 144 high schools across its public and private institutions. Furthermore, the city has 308 public schools, 68 charter schools, and 519 private schools.

The Dallas independent school district oversees the city’s education and is the largest school district in the US. The overall standard of schooling here is excellent.

Most of the schools here are top-notch; nearly 242 high schools constantly make the top ranks of the best schools in all of the United States.

Before relocating, make sure to consider the cost, the distance of the school to your home and workplace as well, along the curriculum and teaching style followed by the school.

Top elementary schools in Dallas:

Georgia B Dealey Montessori Academy – 604 students
Solar Preparatory Schools for Girls and Bonham – 460 students
Armstrong Elementary School – 509 students
Hyer Elementary School – 664 students

Top Middle schools in Dallas:

Georgia B Dealey Montessori Academy – 604 students
Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – 549 students
Dallas Environmental Science Academy – 460 students
William B Travis Vanguard Academically Tag – 521 students
Henry W Longfellow Career Exploration Academy – 429 students

Top high schools in Dallas

School of Health Professions – 549 students
School of Science and Engineering – 497 students
Rosie Sorrells Education and Social Services high school – 306 students
Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet – 409 students
School for the Talented and Gifted – 359 students

Colleges and Universities

Dallas doesn’t lack options when it comes to higher education. The city has several universities, colleges, and trade schools offering competitive programs in different concentrations. It has just below 25 public and private colleges and universities. Even though some institutions are named after specific religions like Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University, they’re open to students from all faiths.

The best colleges in Dallas are:

Southern Methodist University
Texas Christian University
The University of Texas at Dallas
University of North Texas
Dallas Baptist University
University of Dallas
Southern Adventist University
University of North Texas — Dallas
Paul Quinn college

These schools are competitive and require high ACT/SAT scores for admission. But they do have lower tuition, especially for in-state students.

6. What Can You Do For Fun In Dallas?

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, Dallas has an assortment of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Here are a few:

Go for a Safari at Fossil Rim: If you’re an animal lover, you’re in for a treat — located in Glen Rose, this safari is the perfect way to watch and feed giraffes, bison, zebras, cheetah, and wildebeests while driving through the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

Bask in the green spaces: In big cities, it’s usually rare to see anything more than tiny patches of green. Dallas is different — this city has done an incredible job balancing its urban core with copious amounts of organic green spaces. There’s Klyde Warren Park, Main Street Garden Park, Annette Strauss Square, and many other green oases to keep you close to nature.

Eat your heart out at Trinity Groves: Whether in the mood for Asian, Mexican, Italian, wings, pizza, or vegan food, you will find that perfect little restaurant that hits your taste buds just right. There is an array of one-of-a-kind eateries that you can only find in the heart of Trinity Groves. For instance, there is a restaurant that only focuses on avocado-based dishes. Feel free to patio hop or take little bites as you munch your way through the global cuisines.

Check out Dallas Zoo: Founded in 1888, Dallas zoo is the first zoo in the Southwest and holds an impressive 430 species from all over the globe. It’s a zoological experience you will never forget.

Unwind at King Spa and Sauna: Who wouldn’t want a day of pampering after a stressful week at work? King Spa and Sauna is a Korean-inspired spa containing nine sauna rooms, acupressure massages, and even a waterpark and a movie theater. You will feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated when you walk out.

Shop for keepsake at the Galleria Dallas: There are a collection of delicious restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and other memorable shopping experiences nestled in this mall. It has over 200 stores and restaurants and an ice-skating rink, which will keep you busy for hours during the winter or a rainy day.

What Are Some Fun Things To Do With Kids In Dallas?

Dallas is overflowing with indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages. Its eclectic bag of kid-friendly activities ensures that the little ones stay curious, excited, and always learning. Here are some options:

Dallas World Aquarium: You can never go wrong with aquariums — other than zoos, it’s the most popular place for parents to take their children. Who doesn’t want to lose minutes looking at close-ups of fishes, right? Well, in this aquarium, there’s more than just fish. In the upper level of the aquarium, you will find an artificial replica of the wondrous Orinoco rainforest. There are also different mammals and exotic birds to spot and learn about.

Dallas Arboretum: Take your kids for a sunny stroll through Dallas Arboretum, a 66-acre display garden. They will be captivated by the different blooms and lush greens. In the process, they will learn so much about the various botanical wonders.

Take a ride on the McKinney Avenue Trolley: Kids can hop on for a ride around the Arts District in the downtown area as many times as they want. It passes by Klyde Warren Park and various uptown stores. It’s a fun adventure they would want again. Thankfully, it’s free!

Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Your kids will love perusing through the different exhibits that explore topics like dinosaurs, solar systems, energy systems, and earth. There is also a large theater and a play area outside.

Texas Horse Park: Kids love horses; Kids love riding horses even more. In Texas Horse Park, they will learn about Equestrian history and can also take riding lessons. This site is located in the Great Trinity Forest, and you will get to explore a trail lined with old trees and Native American Archeological Sites on horseback.

Klyde Warren Park: Klyde Warren Park has an impressive playground that hosts live concerts on the weekend. Your kids can have fun running around while you sit back and listen to music. The kids can also skate, play sports here.

8. Are There Culture Institutions in Dallas?

One of the hallmarks that makes Dallas so unique and effective as a community is its diversity. Much like New York, Dallas is a microcosm of immigrants. You will find people from all different backgrounds in your neighborhood and workplace. If you feel like expanding your mind by surrounding yourself with art and cultures, here are some venues to help with that:

Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art: You will find works from Japan, India, China, and Southeast Asia In these galleries. The work dates from 3500 BC to the early 20th century.

Dallas Museum of Art: Established in 1903, this museum has an expansive collection containing 25,000 works Spanning 5000 years. The works focus on the art of ancient America, Africa, Indonesia, and Europe.

African-American Museum: this is the only museum in the Southwest dedicated to preserving African-American cultural and historical materials. It contains the most extensive collection of folk art in the US.

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: This museum has pieces that explore the history of the holocaust. You will see artifacts, concentration camp uniforms, the railway car used to transport people, and more. In the human rights section, you will learn about the special people who paved the way in combating prejudice and hatred.
Latino Cultural Center: This institution focuses on preserving the works of Latino and Hispanic culture. You will see creations from local and regional artists and also dance performances and festivals.

Asia Times Square: This is a shopping center that caters to Asian history and culture. Roam through the different boutiques and grocery stores and see if you can find an international delicacy you’d like to try.

9. How Is The Job Market In Dallas?

Dallas is an important economic sector in the United States. It has a busy job market with positioning’s opening as soon as one gets filled. Its growth rate is twice the national average, making it the fastest-growing economy in the nation. About 24 Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – AT&T, Exxon Mobil, McKesson, Energy Transfer Equity, American Airlines Group, Southwest airlines, CBRE Group, and more.

Downtown Dallas is the city’s central business district. It is home to various cultural establishments like the Dallas Museum of Art and Meyerson in Symphony Center. Large companies like the Dallas Morning News, Deloitte, and Comerica operate here. Almost 135,000 Dallas residents work in Downtown Dallas alone.

When it comes to the job market, the top industries are healthcare, education, technology, financial services, and defense. The largest employers in this area are Baylor Scott and White Health, Lockheed Martin, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Medical City Healthcare, and Bank of America.

With the proper credentials, your chances of finding a job in Dallas are high. If you are interested in finding a job at one of the more prominent companies, we recommend using job search engines like indeed.com and monster.com to find the right position.

10. What Are Some Annual Events in Dallas?

Whether summer, fall, spring, or winter, Dallas has plenty of events to bring families and communities together all year round.

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade: This parade takes place every mid-January. It is the largest commemorative event in the US and includes marching bands and floats.

Dallas Blooms: Between February 21 to April 11, visit the Dallas Arboretum and botanical garden to see the Dallas blooms, in which a hundred varieties of spring bulbs and over 50,000 blooming blossoms come to life.

Dallas International Film Festival: This weeklong event in May is the largest food festival in Texas. It’s a must-see event for independent film lovers.

North Texas Irish Festival: Around Patrick’s day in March, this festival celebrates the Irish culture with whiskey tasting, world-famous Celtic musicians, and more.

Dallas Arts Month: During April, Dallas celebrates the works of visual and performance artists with more than 100 events.

Deep Ellum Arts Festival: This is a three-day event that occurs in Deep Ellum in early May. You will find music stages dispersed through the celebrations and electric or foods along the streets.

Taste of Dallas: Restaurants from all over North Texas attend this event in June to showcase their culinary creations. This is a family-friendly event with live music and entertainment.

Riverfront and Jazz Festival: This musical event spans over the Labor Day weekend across three venues. The festival posts up some of the world’s most famous jazz artists, like Erykah Badu.

Dallas Pride: This September event celebrates the LGBT community in Dallas. The festivities include a parade and festival that happens in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.

State Fair of Texas: This is the longest-running fair in the US. It brings 24 days of fun and entertainment to families in Dallas.

Dallas Holiday Parade: This parade of cars is on the first Saturday of December. There are larger-than-life floats and marching bands that travel through downtown Dallas with 450,000 spectators.

BMW Dallas Marathon: People worldwide rally together every early December to run Texas’ oldest running marathon. The course spans 26.2 miles and covers the famous Dallas landmarks and neighborhoods.

11. What Are Some Must-See Landmarks Near Dallas?

Dallas’ history is deep-rooted in farming, ranching, and oil. Here are some of the noteworthy landmarks every Dallas resident should visit:

Old Red Museum & Courthouse: Visit this museum to learn the story of how Dallas County came to be and about its different cultural, economic, social, and political history. Built in 1982, the old courthouse has been restored and contains Dallas County’s most notable historical artifacts.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: It shows the life, death, and legacy of John F Kennedy. The museum is on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository building, where the evidence of a sniper was found. The exhibit space looks the same as the day of the assassination. It shows how the event unfolded and how his death shaped the nation.

Founders Plaza: Sit back and watch the different types of aircraft as they take off and land. Founders Plaza also has picnic tables, telescopes, commemorative monuments, and radio communications from the FAA tower.

Dallas Heritage Village: Take a step back in time to live life in the shoes of Texans in the pioneer and Victorian era. The architecture and the setting as a whole allow you to experience 19th-century life. As you walk through the grounds of this village, you will learn how the crops and animals were cared for, how the families lived, and how the community came to be.

Fair Park: This site holds the most extensive collection of Art Deco exhibit buildings. The area covers 277 acres and hosts 1200 activities annually, including festivals, concerts, and gardening activities.

Freedman’s Cemetery Memorial: This memorial tells the story of African-Americans from slavery to emancipation.

12. 15 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Dallas

In 1927, the country’s first convenience store chain — Tote-Em company — opened in Dallas. This store changed its name to the now-famous 7-Eleven in 1946 to reflect its long hours
Dallas has the largest Korean community in Texas and the second-largest in the entire South.
The German Chocolate cake isn’t actually from Germany. Its recipe first appeared in 1957, within the pages of a Dallas newspaper.
The Woodrow Wilson High School contains a piece of President Wilson’s daughter’s wedding cake built into the building’s cornerstone.
The “Who Done It” episode of the popular show, Dallas, is the most-watched television episode internationally.
The wind speed in Dallas is higher than in the Windy City of Chicago.
Dallas has more shopping centers per capita than any other place.
The Dallas farmers market is the largest working farmers’ market in the nation. It receives over a million attendees annually.
More popcorn is consumed in Dallas, Fort Worth, than anywhere else.
The Dallas-Fort Worth airport has the world’s largest parking lot.
Dallas has over 355 unique neighborhood
The lowest-grossing film of all time was first premiered in Dallas in 2006. Zzyzx Road only earned $30 upon release.
Dan Wetzel of dollars founded the first automated teller machine in 1968 because he was frustrated with standing in line at banks.
The Motel 6 jingle created by a graduate from Highland Park High School is the longest-running commercial campaign. It’s been running for 26 years.
It is said that a Dallas socialite “Margaret” Sames, invented the drink, Margarita.
The Dallas Public Library has the original copy of the Declaration of Independence on display.

13. How Safe Is Dallas?

Overall, Dallas is pretty safe. But due to its high population, it, unfortunately, sees an uptick in crime rates. We recommend keeping your valuables at home or out of sight when traveling in crowded tourist spots or public transportation.

Pickpockets aren’t common in Dallas, except when it comes to public transportation, bus, railway station, and the metro. So keep a close eye on your belongings on public transport. Be extra vigilant when traveling through South Dallas, West Dallas, and a few parts of East Dallas.

Some of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas are Preston Hollow, Highland Park, University Park, Oak Lawn, Cedar Crest, South Boulevard, Wilshire Heights, Winnetka Heights, City Center District, Government District, Preston Highlands and North, Old Lake Highlands, and Lakeside on Preston.

We hope this guide gives you a thorough overview of what constitutes Dallas. It’s a city of amazing opportunities that we are confident you’d love.

If you need assistance moving to D-Town, the Stark Team would love to help. Our team is equipped for short and long-distance moves throughout the US. We can help you pack, load, and transport all of your belongings to anywhere in Dallas at an affordable rate. Contact us for an estimate.