Yes, you’ll find urban cowboys, southern belles and finger-lickin’ BBQ in the streets of Dallas — but that’s not all. Dallasites truly know everything IS bigger in Texas. The metropolis provides its almost 6 million residents with a bustling business district, safe urban and suburban neighborhoods and a wide variety of attractions for all ages. No matter your situation — single, married or moving with a family — Dallas has everything and more to make your move worthwhile.
Before relocating to the Big D, consider the best type of housing for your needs. Which communities suit your lifestyle best? Should you buy or rent? Will you live in the city or the burbs?
To help answer these queries, we’ve asked locals 15 questions to uncover the best ways to make a successful move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Dallas’ biggest claim to fame?
Dallas BIG Shot. Photo Source: Tammy Litke of Three Different Directions
The Dallas Cowboys, of course! — Dian Farmer of Baby Boomer Rants
One of the reasons why I love Dallas so much is that there is just no event ever hosted here that can’t be attended in boots. — Holly Homer of Kids Activities Blog
2. Best place for Texas BBQ?
Hard Eight BBQ. Photo Source: Angela Christopher of Rude Mommy Blog
Pecan Lodge, near downtown. Best. Brisket. Ever. — Farah Fleurima of The Dallas Diva
My dad’s house. However, in a fix, Cooper’s BBQ is finger-lickin’ good. And here it’s not just BBQ, it’s steak. We do steak very well. — Autumn Rose Reo of Mama Challenge
Riscky’s Barbecue in Fort Worth. — Dian Farmer of Baby Boomer Rants
3. Cowboys or Rangers and why?
Rangers! We are season ticket holders, so there just isn’t a competition for us. There is no better way to spend a summer evening than at the ballpark. — Holly Homer of Kids Activities Blog
Cowboys. The stadium is a MUST SEE — and honestly, even the “worst” seat in the stadium is awesome when you’ve got that incredible big screen TV. Here’s a hint … don’t pay for parking on the stadium grounds. I always leave many hours before game time and eat at the nearby Humperdinks. They offer shuttle service to the stadium front doors for a small fee. It’s worth EVERY penny! — Laura Thornquist of My Dallas Mommy
4. What’s a honky-tonk?
Billy Bob’s. Photo Source: Thomas Hawk via Flickr Creative Commons
A honky-tonk in Dallas-Fort Worth minds is a dive bar or club that typically has country music most nights. The best would have to be Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. It’s large and a lot of big name country music stars play there. — Heather Buen of Dallas Single Mom
We have spent many nights over the years at Cowboys Red River boot scootin’ the night away with both family and friends. — Staci Salazar of 7 on a Shoestring
5. Best thing to wait in line at the state fair for?
Fletcher’s Corny Dog, hands down. — Neil Lemons of I Live in Dallas
When you go to the State Fair, prepare to EAT! You can’t leave without having a Fletcher’s Corny Dog, at least one of the Big Tex Choice Award Winners, a funnel cake (of course!), Frito Pie, and my favorite — a chopped beef sandwich. Definitely a splurge day! — Laura Thornquist of My Dallas Mommy
6. Favorite way to spend a hot summer day?
In the lake or the pool with a cold drink in your hand and family and friends by your side. — Autumn Rose Reo of Mama Challenge
Walking on the Katy trail with friends or taking a break from the sun to grab an ice pop from Steel City Pops are a few of my other summertime favorites. — Allison Hollins of Love You Mean It Blog
Respados or shaved ice from many local shaved ice stands. Another favorite way to spend a hot summer day is to hang out at the King Spa and Waterpark on Royal Lane. — Heather Buen of Dallas Single Mom
7. Would you rather hang out in Uptown, Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts District?
Deep Ellum Art. Photo Source: Jennifer Conley via Flickr Creative Commons
Deep Ellum is a great place to try a new restaurant, see a concert or check out the public art. Bishop Arts is the best for brunch and popping in and out of the cute little shops. Uptown is always bustling with people and a great place to go out and grab a drink. — Allison Hollins of Love You Mean It Blog
8. Best place to hear live music?
If I was going to pick a neutral place where just about anyone could go and have a blast and listen to great live music, it would be Poor David’s Pub. — Angela Christopher of Giveaway Goddess
Outside on the hill overlooking White Rock Lake at Dallas Arboretum. — Trista Perot of Mommy Upgrade
9. Do you think Dallas is an affordable place to live?
There is something for everyone in Dallas, and I do honestly feel that Dallas is quite an affordable place to live. There are going to be more expensive and less expensive areas, but really you get your money’s worth in the big D. — Angela Christopher of XtremeQpon
I think it depends on where you are coming from. Definitely if you’re moving from a coastal region. Coming from the Midwest or plain states, one would likely find the cost of living slightly more expensive. — Tammy Litke of Three Different Directions
10. Any tips for prospective home buyers?
Oak Cliff. Photo Source: Adam Simmons via Flickr Creative Commons
Oak Cliff is booming, Lakewood and White Rock Lake are not as affordable as they use to be. Lake Highlands is a good middle-of-the-road option for Dallas proper. — Neil Lemons of I Live in Dallas
Be aggressive, houses go fast! — Tammy Litke of Three Different Directions
Pay attention to the neighborhood you’re buying in. Most people who buy here end up owning more than one home in their lifetime. Resale value is so important! — Alison Lumbatis of Get Your Pretty On
11. Best place to buy a starter home?
Established neighborhoods that are “newlywed or nearly dead” are great places to maximize value and have loads of DIY potential. — Trista Perot of Mommy Upgrade
Finding a starter home in the suburbs is surprisingly affordable (and wouldn’t be considered a starter home in another part of the country). — Holly Homer of Kids Activities Blog
12. Most popular neighborhoods to rent?
Uptown would be the first place I would look to rent. It’s a great community within walking distance from so many restaurants, parks and bars. — Allison Hollins of Love You Mean It Blog
The design district is really becoming a vibrant area, downtown has some great urban lofts and M Streets and Uptown are always popular with young professionals. — Trista Perot of Mommy Upgrade
13. Any tips for finding an affordable rental?
Ask your friends, use an agent or free apartment search service, and/or do some legwork by driving around your favored neighborhoods and looking for For Rent signs — they’re not always listed online! — Farah Fleurima of The Dallas Diva
To find an affordable rental also take into consideration other expenses such as gas and utilities. Electricity can get very expensive in the summer months so take that into account or find a rental that is all bills paid (which is rare to find). — Heather Buen of Dallas Single Mom
14. Most common apartment amenities?
Gables Uptown Trail Apartments. Photo Source: Zillow
Pools are a must have and are the hub of social activity from early spring until late fall. — Alison Lumbatis of Get Your Pretty On
Since my daughter just recently finished this search we found pools, fitness centers and covered parking most common in our area. — Staci Salazar of 7 on a Shoestring
15. When it comes to real estate, is everything really bigger in Texas?
When they say everything is bigger in Texas, why does everyone want to question it? Texas does it bigger, whether it’s your cheeseburger, the tires on your truck or your new home. — Angela Christopher of Rude Mommy Blog
Comparing a lot of other metro areas in the country, you get a lot of bang for your buck in the surrounding DFW cities. Price per square foot isn’t outrageous for the close amenities of a large city and the good school districts many of them have. — Tammy Litke of Three Different Directions
If you’re considering making the move to Dallas, check out the 10 most popular Dallas neighborhoods to find your new home or apartment.
| Popular Neighborhoods to Buy | Popular Neighborhoods to Rent |
Related:
- 8 Reasons Locals Like Living in San Antonio
- Life in New Orleans: Festive, Quirky and Affordable
- How to Prepare Your Home for a Move
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