Moving is stressful no matter where you go.
Every town has a unique set of challenges and advantages that make selecting the site of your new home feel like a gauntlet of endless questions.
Spending a few days of vacation offers a glimpse into any given city, but it doesn’t always provide a fair depiction of the struggles you might encounter.
Dallas Texas is no different.
The city offers a wealth of economic gains coupled with the trade-off of scorching summers and all the things that deter most people from a bustling metropolis.
It seems there are just as many reasons to love “The Big D” as there are to avoid it, and we have all the reasons right here.
25 Pros Of Living In Dallas Texas
Let’s start with the good stuff! Of course, affordability is the number one benefit in everyone’s mind when they imagine moving to a new location.
Still, it’s not the only reason to put down roots in this fantastic Southern city.
From cultural museums to the festive nightlife, here are all the things you’ll love about Dallas.
1. Low Cost Of Living
Compared to other large cities, Dallas’s cost of living is relatively low.
A study conducted by MIT placed the living wage for an adult residing in Dallas, Texas, at $15.21 an hour.
For a four-person household with two working adults and two children, this wage increased to $20.43 per hour from each adult.
As of 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics placed the average hourly wage earned by those living in Dallas at $27.01, well above the requirement.
By comparison, cities like New York City called for a living wage of $20 for a single person on their own without children.
2. Plenty Of Job Opportunities
In addition to a reasonable cost of living, Dallas is home to many top industry leaders in technology, oil, and financial services.
With thriving empires like Exxon Mobil, American Airlines, and a host of other Fortune 500 companies, there comes a wealth of job opportunities perfect for starting fresh.
3. Easy Access To Other Areas
Being the base for travel giants like American Airlines and Southwest Airlines also comes with its advantages.
Dallas is one of the central locations for flights and travel, which means you don’t have to hop in your car and drive two hours to the airport to catch your flight.
Not only are there plenty of domestic airlines that depart from the city, but the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport also services plenty of countries to make traveling a breeze.
4. Fantastic Public Transportation
Travel around the city is another convenience of living in a developed metropolis.
Dallas’s walkability is ranked as the 24th most walkable town in the United States and is the third most walkable city in Texas.
If getting around on foot is not your speed, there’s also the rapid transit system.
This method of travel, referred to as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), consists of a series of bus routes and train schedules that make getting around town even more accessible.
5. Bustling Nightlife
One of the best things about living in a big city is that there is always something to do, no matter what time of the day.
Not only is there a multitude of clubs to choose from, but the city of Dallas is rife with concerts, bars, and much more.
Dallas is home to popular franchises like the House of Blues, rooftop bars with gorgeous city skyline vistas like the NYLO Hotel’s rooftop bar, and LGTBQ+ friendly venues like the Grapevine Bar.
6. Delicious Food Tours
Every city boasts a unique collection of flavors and foods found only in their little slice of heaven.
Dallas is no different and offers some pretty incredible food tours to allow both tourists and locals a chance to sample the latest cuisine.
In addition to taco and chocolate tours, there is a mouthwatering Taste of Texas tour.
This tour takes you through some of the best small eateries in the heart of Dallas.
This is the best way to get acclimated to a new town or to find new favorite restaurants.
7. So Many Great Restaurants
The abundance of food tours also means you have plenty of dining options to explore on your own.
Of course, there’s no shortage of possibilities when it comes to pleasing the palate.
There are traditional Tex-Mex favorites in restaurants like Jose and delis and pizza places that celebrate NYC-style cuisine.
If you’re looking for burgers, try Keller’s Drive-In or Hudson House for a juicy delight.
You’ll even find vegan restaurants and delicacies from all around the world right there in one place.
8. A Wide Selection Of Breweries
After a long hard day, sometimes you just want to sit back with a nice cold one.
Dallas makes this incredibly easy with many tasty choices for breweries at your fingertips.
Each location brings a unique experience to the drinker’s taste buds, revealing the brewer’s passion for the craft through the confluence of flavors and aroma.
It’s a veritable paradise for those who crave variety.
Locations like On Tap take the selection process another step further by offering up to 209 different beers.
9. Take A Trip To The Top Of Reunion Tower
City living just wouldn’t be complete without a gorgeous view of the skyline.
One of the ideal places to do this is at the top of Reunion Tower.
This Dallas icon provides impressive 360-degree vistas of the city’s skyline through an indoor and outdoor observation deck.
At 470 feet high, it’s an unforgettable experience that’s sure to take your breath away.
10. Perfect For Sports Fans
If you’re a sports fan, there’s no place quite like Texas to put down roots.
Dallas is a major hub for some of the best stadiums and sports teams in the country.
It’s home to the famous AT&T Stadium, which hosts the Dallas Cowboys year after year.
If football isn’t your thing, the city celebrates every major sport to satisfy diehard fans.
There’s a little something for everyone to love, from basketball with the Dallas Mavericks to hockey with the Dallas Stars.
If baseball is more your style, the Texas Rangers play their home games a mere 20 miles away in a brand-new (as of 2020) stadium in Arlington.
11. Spectacular Architecture
Skyscrapers aren’t the only types of structures found in the big city.
A varied array of memorable architecture makes the city a haven for artists and admirers alike.
Gothic favorites like the Cathedral Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe and the Kirby Building add a touch of drama to bustling city streets.
The historic district of Swiss Avenue reveals architecture that mimics numerous time periods and styles.
From Neoclassical to Tudor and Spanish Renaissance, there is an abundance of eye-catching displays to visit.
12. The Cultural Museums
Museums are a great way to revisit the past and explore artists from all eras and walks of life.
Historic museums offer insight into major historical events, prominent figures in history, or innovations that brought us some of the greatest inventions of all time.
The most notable of these museums is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
The site houses everything from dinosaur fossils to hands-on exhibits about the universe and everything in between.
13. Enjoy The Artwork
Art is a way of life in Dallas, which has an entire arts district dedicated to the enjoyment of this true aesthetic pleasure.
In addition to the Dallas Arts Museum and immersive art exhibits like Rainbow Vomit, there are sculptures located throughout the city.
The iconic cattle drive sculptures are a huge draw for tourists, but the Raymond and Patty Nasher Collection is not to be discounted either.
The outdoor experience takes you to more than 300 sculptures created by some of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
14. Step Into History
Historical tours are another draw for many people coming to the Dallas area.
Dallas was the site of former President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
As a result, the town pays homage to his legacy and the controversial details surrounding his death through these tours.
Most tours highlight areas across the city, which take you through the final paths of both JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald on the day of the assassination.
Stops include the JFK memorial in the West End Historic District, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and the Grassy Knoll.
The tours also intersperse fabulous local history between these locations, which is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about their town.
15. Ghost Tours
Speaking of local folklore, one of the best ways to learn more about the history of your town is through a spooky ghost tour.
Even if you don’t quite believe in the supernatural, it’s a fun way to experience the city at night and learn some of the eerier facts about the place you call home.
16. A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Despite the city setting, there is still plenty for nature lovers to enjoy.
Hiking trails and biking paths span across the greater Dallas area, and the city is known for its exceptional running tours.
There are also several parks in the area that make experiencing the great outdoors a dream.
Located approximately ten miles south of the city’s downtown area, the 6,000-acre expanse of Trinity Forest is perfect for picnics, walking trails, and more.
The Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve is also within a short distance and is considered one of the best places for hiking.
17. The Warmer Weather
Climate is one of the driving forces behind moving to a new location.
In Texas, winters are mild and generally warmer than in other parts of the country.
While it does snow on occasion, the state receives only about 0.1 inches before it melts within a few short days.
18. Visit The Botanical Gardens
Who doesn’t love a stroll through a gorgeous garden from time to time?
The warmer weather allows the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to operate year-round with incredible displays the whole family will love.
Blooming flowers draw guests in the springtime, while the concert series is the allure in summer.
During the fall, the arboretum transforms into a pumpkin village, complete with more than 90,000 pumpkins and lots of activities for children.
Winter is another opportunity to experience something truly magical, with events like “Winter Around the World” and a Christmas Village.
19. The State Fair Is Kind Of A Big Deal
Many consider the Texas State Fair to be one of the best in the country, and there’s nothing quite like it.
Lasting a whopping 24 days, the fair hosts 75 concerts, a myriad of auto shows and livestock attractions, as well as rides and activities for the whole family.
Did we mention the food?
It’s absolutely phenomenal and definitely one of the top reasons to attend.
The 2021 State Fair is scheduled to start on September 24, and the site already has a countdown to mark the days.
20. Higher Education Opportunities
Prospective college students may be thrilled to learn they don’t have to move far away from home to get a fabulous education.
The small city of Dallas is home to 38 colleges.
These schools include the Texas Christian University, which ranks number four out of the entire state, and Southern Methodist, which ranks number ten.
You can also find the University of Texas at Dallas along with other top accredited schools.
21. Plenty Of Family-Friendly Activities
For families with children, having a wide variety of family-friendly activities at your disposal is a must.
Dallas contains some of the best hot spots for taking children, including an interactive Children’s Park in Klyde Warren Park.
The Dallas Zoo, aquarium, and the Natural Science and Wildlife Rescue allow for plenty of up-close and personal opportunities to teach children about animals and the natural world.
22. Rural Suburbs Outside of Dallas
The city isn’t for everyone.
In Dallas, you have options.
Just outside the metro area is an easily accessible site of perfect suburbs for those seeking respite from the bustling city life without abandoning all its perks.
Some of the more notable Dallas suburbs are Addison, Coppell, University Park, and Colleyville.
All are only a short drive outside the metro area and are among some of the safest places to live in the entire state.
23. Job Opportunities For Students
Students straight out of college often find it difficult to land jobs at first.
However, the abundance of Fortune 500 firms and corporate businesses in the area makes it easier for students to gain entry-level positions in these spheres.
Not only does it provide them with a steady job opportunity for the present, but it also places them on a career path where they have room to grow and advance further down the line.
24. Great For Small Business Owners
If you’re thinking of opening up a small business, Dallas is a great place to start.
Out of 100 major cities in the United States, Dallas ranked 14th as one of the best places to start a small business in terms of cost, access to resources, and business environment.
The recent census also showed that Dallas was a great place for women and minority-owned businesses, which made up over half the number of small businesses in the area.
25. Visit The Set Of The TV Show Dallas
And of course, there’s the legendary set of the TV show Dallas that brought the city into every home in America.
Southfork Ranch was the scene of the classic television series during the entirety of its thirteen-year run and continues to expand on this monumental event on-site.
Beyond tours surrounding the series, the grounds also offer the perfect space for parties, corporate gatherings, private events, and more.
25 Cons Of Living In Dallas Texas
Every location you encounter is going to have its drawbacks.
Most center on personal preference, but it’s always a good idea to keep these flaws in mind and take them with a grain of salt.
1. City Life Is A Lot to Take In
At the end of the day, city life just isn’t for everyone.
That fabulous nightlife means the party never ends, and who wants to deal with all that noise?
If you live further out of town, this might not be a problem.
However, you do run the risk of being caught in catastrophic traffic jams and enduring a lengthy commute day after day.
2. The Traffic Is Awful
This brings us to our next point.
The number one complaint from Dallas natives is the traffic, though this is a reasonable grievance found in most cities.
Dallas is nowhere near as cramped and chaotic as much larger metropolises like New York City or Los Angeles.
However, the drive may still be overwhelming for those who are not accustomed to driving in the area or who can’t stand being caught in long, dragging commutes from one corner of town to the next.
3. Public Transportation Woes
Public transportation in Dallas is great!
Except when it isn’t.
While it can get you around the city most of the time, it doesn’t go everywhere and can sometimes be unreliable.
Planning the right time to meet up with someone may also be a challenge, depending on the train schedule and when it arrives at that particular location.
Fares are also somewhat expensive, especially for those who regularly use the line.
Single ride tickets cost $2.50, though there are day passes and partial passes available for a more economical cost.
While these examples show a somewhat inconvenient view of public transportation in Dallas, a little planning and careful budgeting can go a long way.
4. You Still Need A Car To Get Around
Though most of the city is accessible by public transit, having a car is still necessary for living in Dallas.
For a town of only about one million people, the area Dallas encompasses is relatively large.
Stretching about 383 square miles, the city is more extensive than more densely populated metros like Chicago and New York City.
That’s a lot of square mileage to cover in a short amount of distance.
Especially if you live in one of the Dallas suburbs, you’ll need a way to get in and out of the city in the most convenient way possible.
5. Longer Commutes
With a larger area to cover, you also get longer commutes.
The city averages 55 minutes for a daily commute, which is actually pretty on par for most larger cities.
For example, New York City averages 53 minutes each day, while those in Los Angeles average approximately 54 minutes.
As a whole, Texas ranks at number 14 among states with the longest commutes in the country, with South Dakota averaging in as holding the shortest average commute time in the US.
6. Intrastate Travel Is Challenging
“Everything is bigger in Texas” is not just a catchphrase, and it can be a real problem when getting from one corner of the state to the next.
Texas is the second-biggest state in the US, coming in only behind Alaska.
Traveling from Dallas to El Paso covers 635 miles and takes roughly 9 hours to complete without stops.
Not to mention, you end up in a completely different time zone at the end of the journey.
7. High Crime Rates In Some Areas
Most urban areas come with a higher incidence of crime.
Dallas is no different.
Overall, Dallas reported 11,790 violent crimes and 46,207 property crimes in the most recent year.
However, the chances of becoming a victim in Dallas are 1 in 114, where the chance of becoming a victim in Texas as a whole is only about 1 in 239.
8. The Summers Are Brutal
Another complaint high on the list for most Texans is the heat. In summer, temperatures reach the high 90s with record highs reported to reach as much as 113ºF.
However, the heat is not the only thing that makes these summers so sweltering.
It’s the humidity.
This extra weight increases the feel of temperatures and leaves residents suffering from wet, muggy weather conditions.
9. Prepare For Hurricanes…
The lower region of the country is no stranger to hurricanes.
Sometimes they hit every year, and sometimes they pass over without much damage at all.
Texas experiences these natural terrors about once every three years, though it’s not uncommon for there to be a succession of small hurricanes, one right after the other.
Either way, whenever it’s hurricane season, there’s always the need to prepare for the worst and be ready to batten down the hatches at a moment’s notice.
10. And Tornadoes
As if hurricanes weren’t bad enough, you’ve also got to contend with tornadoes.
Every April is when the three-month-long tornado season begins, with Texas among the most vulnerable.
In fact, The Weather Channel named Texas as the state with the highest number of tornadoes by a wide margin.
Texas experiences around 155 tornadoes each year, though it has been steadily decreasing over the years.
While it’s not as concentrated in Dallas as it is in other parts of the state, the city and its surrounding area still experience an annual turnout of tornadoes.
The city is also considered part of the infamous Tornado Alley.
11. Wide Open Spaces Are Far And Few Between
For an urban setting, Dallas knocks the outdoor trails and activities out of the park.
However, some residents and visitors feel there still isn’t enough greenery to keep them feeling at one with nature.
What wide open spaces do exist require a short trek just outside the city.
If you’re used to walking outside and immediately being in the wilderness, this may not be the town for you.
If you don’t mind a little drive to experience all the wildlife Dallas has to offer, then you’ll be right at home.
12. Dealing With Mosquitos
There are some not-so-good things about being one with nature, and bugs are high on that list.
Especially when it comes to mosquitoes, it’s not only an overwhelming annoyance but a health hazard.
In 2017 and 2018, Dallas made the top of Terminix’s list for the US city with the most mosquito-related problems.
This is not the kind of trophy anyone wants to claim, but it’s reasonable given the climate and region.
Despite these concerns, the city of Dallas regularly screens for diseases transmitted by mosquitos and sprays most common areas to control the population.
13. Dealing With Other Dangerous Animals
Mosquitoes aren’t the only deadly creatures you have to worry about in Texas.
The state is home to 15 different species of venomous snakes, most of them from the rattlesnake family.
In Dallas, there are only about five species in the greater area: the Southern Copperhead, the Broad Banded Copperhead, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Cottonmouths, and the Texas Coral Snake.
Texas ranked as number six for the state with the most incidences of snake bites in the country, averaging about 44.2 snake bites each year.
However, though bites may still occur in residential and urban locales, it’s important to note that many of these incidents happen in remote or rural areas.
14. Not The Place For An Ocean Getaway
Since Dallas is in the northern part of the state, it doesn’t have direct access to beaches.
In fact, the closest beach is about 270 miles away in Galveston.
If you dream of passing the time along a white sandy beach, listening to the roar of waves on the shoreline, and gazing at dolphins, you’d be sadly disappointed.
However, there are plenty of lakes in the area that make a day near the water completely accessible.
15. No Mountains Either
Dallas gets a lot of flack for having considerably flat terrain.
While there are some areas outside of town that you can visit for a view of mountain vistas, it’s nothing like you’ll find in other parts of the country.
The closest mountain range to Dallas is the Guadalupe Mountains, located a whopping 530 miles out of town.
16. Dealing With Tourists
Let me start by saying that tourists are great!
The high level of tourism is one reason most states can get away with getting rid of state tax altogether, Texas included.
Not to mention it brings in a massive score of jobs and supports local businesses.
However, a large influx of people can often be overwhelming at times.
Not only does it add to a high concentration of people in one area, but it also contributes to several traffic issues.
For example, on average, Dallas sees more than 27 million tourists, adding to its small number of residents over the course of the year.
17. Cost Of Living Is Still Somewhat High
Compared to other cities in the United States, it’s not so bad.
However, the cost of living in Dallas is still significantly higher than more rural areas in the state and smaller towns in general.
Transportation expenses play a considerable role in the overall costs, but the bulk of the increased cost of living goes toward housing and utility expenses.
18. Affordable Housing Is Sparse
Let’s talk about affordable housing options.
Utilities range about 4% higher than the national average, while housing increases by about 5% overall.
As with most cities, there is a shortage of land, which drives the prices for housing way up.
Some residents pay as much as $1,800 a month for rent.
This is an astronomical price in other parts of the country.
19. Fewer Houses Available
As if rent prices didn’t make saving up for a house any more accessible, the lack of affordable housing also extends to home buyers.
According to an article from local television station WFFA, about 75% fewer houses are available on the market.
Not only are there fewer houses open to residents seeking a home, but this also drives up the prices as a result of supply and demand.
20. Prices Will Only Go Up
As if the lack of housing and slowly increasing prices weren’t bad enough, the market projects housing cost will continue rising.
Information released by Zillow showed an increase in home values from 2020 to 2021 of approximately 6.9%.
In addition, the company anticipates an increase of another 11% over the next year.
However, if you act quickly, this could be a good thing.
The expectation that your house will gain more value in the coming years is certainly something homeowners look for in a resale factor.
21. Housing Taxes Are High
There’s no state income tax in Texas, which means that money still has to come from somewhere.
One solution to this problem is to increase property taxes for homeowners.
Unfortunately, over the past few years, Texas has consistently ranked as one of the highest states in the country for property taxes.
The average annual tax for housing is $3,907 for a $217,000 home. Yikes!
22. Higher Poverty Levels
The recent census revealed a total poverty level of 10.5% across the country.
In Texas, this amount increased to 13.6%, ranking it slightly above the national average.
As expected in a more metropolitan area, the poverty levels increased yet again when assessed in Dallas.
The total poverty rate was 18.9% in the town, significantly higher than the national average.
23. Unemployment Rates
The economy has been on a slow incline for the past couple of months, giving us a little more hope for the future.
However, the unemployment rates show there is still some issue with finding gainful employment, especially in Texas.
The national average comes in at about 6.1 for these numbers.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Texas averages a rate of 6.9. While Dallas is still above the US average when it comes to unemployment, it is lower than the state’s ranking at 6.5.
24. Guns Are Everywhere
It’s no surprise that Texans love their guns.
If you aren’t used to seeing them out and about, it may come as a shock at first.
Texas is considered one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, has open carry permits, and is the number one state with the most registered guns.
In fact, the number of firearms is almost double the number found in the state with the second most registered weapons in the country.
While this may be overwhelming for those not used to seeing firearms regularly, it might actually be a pro for those who are more comfortable using them.
25. Access To Healthcare
Access to healthcare can be a bit of a problem in Texas, especially for those who live in rural areas.
According to the recent census, Texas ranked as the state with the highest percentage of uninsured persons in the country.
By the end of 2019, over 20% of adults were uninsured.
In Dallas, this number was even higher, with a total of 26% of people being uninsured.
Conclusion
Is Dallas the right move for you?
Of course, no forever home is perfect, but we learn to take all the bad with the good.
Especially with so many things to love about Dallas, Texas, it’s easy to overlook some of the less desirable aspects in favor of everything it has to offer.
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