Dallas, Texas isn’t just home to one of the most recognizable football teams in the U.S.; it’s also known for its cowboy culture, culturally diverse people, and opportunities for both art and industry. Like any place, however, it’s not without its challenges, and if you’re looking to move to Dallas, you’ll want to know all you can about the city before you make the call. With that in mind, here’s a list of the best and worst things about Dallas, Texas.
A Brief History
Once a frontier town in the south, Dallas has grown into a massive metropolis with rich culture, a thriving economy, and opportunities around every corner. The arrival of the railroad industry to the city in the late 1800s led to Dallas becoming a large trade and transportation hub, skyrocketing its growth in the 20th century into a leading center for the oil, banking, and technology industries. Today, the fusion of cultures, industries, and arts that Dallas is made of make it an attractive location for those looking to give the Lone Star State a try.
Key Industries
Dallas’s strong economy is fueled by a number of industries, namely technology, healthcare, finance and banking, and oil. Large technology companies like Dell, AT&T, Texas Instruments, and Microsoft have offices and campuses in the city, in addition to no shortage of tech startups, making it a thriving hub for engineers and programmers. Healthcare companies and hospitals like Baylor Scott and White Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to build their careers. Financial companies and banks such as JP Morgan, BBVA, and American Express have a presence in Dallas, attracting financial specialists from all over the country. The oil and gas part of the energy sector has had a home in Dallas for decades, with companies like Spindletop, Elephant Oil and Gas, and Alpha Seven Energy calling the city home.
Education
As a major metropolis, Dallas has a number of public and private universities to provide opportunities for higher education. Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, UT Dallas, UT Arlington, and the University of North Texas can all be found in Dallas or the greater Dallas area. Finance, psychology, nursing, and biology/biological sciences are commonly among the top programs at these schools, making them a great place to start for students looking for career opportunities in some of Dallas’s major economic sectors. SMU and TCU both have a graduation rate of over 80 percent, while UT Dallas, UT Arlington, and UNT have lower graduation rates at 70 percent, 56 percent, and 65 percent. As private universities, SMU and TCU have higher tuition compared to the three public universities. All these schools have plenty of programs and financial resources for students to take advantage of, making Dallas a good place to both get an education and start a career.
Recreation
Dallas offers a wide array of entertainment options to suit every taste. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on professional teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Texas Rangers (MLB). The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse nightlife, and numerous parks and recreational areas. The Dallas culinary scene is just as diverse, with offerings ranging from authentic Tex-Mex and barbecue joints to upscale dining experiences, ensuring foodies will appreciate the endless options for culinary exploration.
Sports: Dallas is home to some of the most famous sports teams in the country: the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Texas Rangers (MLB), and Dallas Stars (NHL). Fans of these sports and teams have someone to cheer for (or against) all year round.
Music: There are a number of music venues in Dallas, including The Bomb Factory, The Balcony Club, and House of Blues Dallas where residents and visitors can go and enjoy live music of all kinds.
Food: There are all kinds of food in Dallas, from Texas favorites like barbecue and Tex-Mex to Italian and German. Restaurants like El Fenix, Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant, Keller’s Drive-In, and Terry Black’s Barbecue are all well-reviewed and recommended by residents as essential places to try.
Art: Dallas’s Arts District, in the heart of downtown, is full of exhibits and museums for locals and tourists to take advantage of. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Museum of Asian Art, Dallas Theater Center, Moody Performance Hall, and AT&T Performing Arts Center are all places where the people of Dallas can experience art firsthand.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Dallas is around 2 percent higher than the average cost of living in the U.S. While it depends on lifestyle, it's worth noting that Texas has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial benefit for residents. However, property taxes can be, and often are, higher to compensate. Housing costs vary widely depending on the neighborhood, with options ranging from apartments in the city center to single-family homes in the suburbs. Transportation costs can also add up, especially because of the need for personal transportation due to limited public transportation options. Traffic, like many of the other cities in Texas, is congested and present quite often.
How’s the Weather?
The weather in Dallas is variable, like many other parts of Texas. Dallas experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees in the hottest parts of the year. By contrast, winters, though usually mild, can occasionally be fiercely cold during the coldest parts of the year, with Dallas (and North Texas in general) experiencing snow more often than other parts of the state. Rain and overcast skies aren’t uncommon, and with Dallas lying at the bottom of “Tornado Alley”, tornadoes, while not common, are something to keep an eye on.
Whether Dallas is a good place to live depends on individual preferences and priorities. There’s plenty to do in the city and its greater surrounding areas, with educational and economic opportunities for a number of different industries, and entertainment of many kinds to enjoy. If you want to live in Dallas, however, you’ll have to weigh that against the cost of living, intense summers, and long commutes. If you’re curious about which areas in Dallas are the best, check out this article about the city’s best suburbs.
To learn more about Dallas, the state of Texas, and the process of moving, visit newhomesource.com/learn.
Other Dallas Area Resources
When Should You Buy a New Home in Dallas?
Moving To Dallas? Here’s Your Relocation Guide
Top 10 Safest Large Cities in Texas
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Texas
Best Container Home Builders in Dallas-Fort Worth
Best Tiny Home Builders in Dallas-Fort Worth
Popular Master Planned Communities Around Dallas
James Klingele
James Klingele holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University. He is a digital media specialist and content creator with a passion for storytelling in both print and digital formats. His work has included covering high-profile events like SXSW, where he contributed to content creation for global audiences. He has been a content specialist for NewHomeSource since 2024.