If you plan on joining the hundreds of thousands of people moving to Dallas, you might just be signing yourself up for many of the best things this Texan city has to offer.

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From a flourishing job market to plenty of attractive sites and great summer weather, the Big D can be the perfect place for you and your family.

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What's there to know about Dallas?

What are some of the best activities to try in the city?

What are some of its safest neighborhoods?

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Let's find out!

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Cost of Living

Comparing the cost of living in Dallas to cities of its size like New York or L.A., it's reasonably cheaper to opt for a place here.

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Although it's more affordable to live in Dallas than its fellow big cities, living costs are still 3% higher than the national average. 

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For a comfortable living in Dallas, anyone and even many Dallas, TX movers can attest to the fact that an annual household income of $65,946 is more than enough to keep anyone's head above water.

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• Average Rent: $1,575
• Median House Value: $380,000
• Median Household income: 65,946

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Moreover, the absence of a personal income tax in the state makes it lucrative for anyone wanting to save a portion of their earnings.

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Bustling Economy and A Growing Job Market

Why are people moving to Dallas?

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Ranking #2 on Forbes Magazine's Best Places for Business and Careers, Dallas is a fast and continuously growing economic hub in Texas.

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Home to as many as 10 Fortune 500 companies, such as AT&T, ExxonMobil, Southwest Airlines, and many others, Dallas has made solid growth in some of its sectors, from financial services to defense, telecommunications, information technology, transportation, and healthcare. 

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Between 2021 and 2022, many companies were moving to Dallas, which significantly improved the job market by creating roughly 250,000+ new opportunities. Plus, with a job market growth rate of 3.3%, it's little wonder this city continues to welcome new residents.

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• Poverty Rate: 17.5%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.00%
• Job Growth Rate: 3.3%

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Dallas Differs From Fort Worth

While it's easy to think of Dallas and Fort Worth (maybe Arlington, even) as the same city, they aren't. You don't want to move to Dallas and randomly talk about both areas as one city—there's an unspoken rivalry between the locals.

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Though Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is a shared metropolitan, Fort Worth is not a suburb of Dallas or the other way around—both are separate cities. 

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You might discover that many employees in Dallas often come from Fort Worth; the cost of living is much more affordable there. However, you must consider the distance before rethinking your relocation to Dallas.

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Education is Top-Notch

Living in Dallas as a family individual with kids means you have a better chance of placing your children in some of the best schools in the state and nation.

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The Dallas Independent School District, which serves more than 150,000 K-12 students, is famous for housing the #1 best school in the state, Oak Cliff's School for the Talented and Gifted.

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Whether you are looking for a good preschool or college, Dallas has enough to cater to those requiring education: 300+ public schools, 100+ private schools, and 10+ colleges.

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Here's a short list of the best schools within Dallas:

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• Oak Cliff's School for the Talented and Gifted 
• St. Mark's School of Texas
• School of Science and Engineering
• University of North Texas

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Diversity Rules in Dallas

Why is everyone moving to Dallas? 

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If you have ever wanted a place with more diversity and less breaking of the bank to afford the living cost, then you might want to think of Dallas.

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The usual focus is on New York for diversity, but Dallas, TX, is the real deal. With an estimated population of 1.3 million, the Big D has a diverse race of residents: from Hispanics to Blacks, Asians, and native Indians.

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Its diversity is also showcased in its food culture, which means whatever your taste buds might desire, you'll likely get it. Mexican, Columbian, Taiwanese, Ethiopian, or Mediterranean dishes, there's a restaurant to have a cuisine ready for you.

Summers Are Scorching

Depending on where you are from, the hot summers might treat you differently. For some people, the hot summers allow them to enjoy wearing fewer clothes, while for others, it could be just too much to handle.

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With an average temperature above 90° in Q3, you should expect heat you have probably never experienced before. Plus, there are times in the year when temperatures could exceed the 100° mark!

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Try not to expect much snow during the winter. There's little to no snow in Dallas, and temperatures usually stay around 50° to 60°, even during these months.

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Expect Tornadoes and Flooding

Unless you are an avid adventurer or storm chaser, you should beware of the tornadoes in Dallas and nearby cities in Texas.

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Other big cities, like California, have earthquakes, but tornadoes and flooding are Dallas's disasters. If you have never experienced tornadoes before, it's best to have an emergency plan to protect yourself and your family in case of one.

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Plus, as a driver, you'll want to avoid driving into large puddles of water—higher-than-average instances of flooding in Dallas.

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Get A Car

Dallas is a big city in a large state, and while there are public transit systems, having a car is the better option. However, you might want to prepare for rush hour traffic on the freeways.

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The perfect way to escape the long traffic and shorten commute time is through public transit. However, the truth is that public transportation isn't the most advanced here. Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART for short) will take you almost anywhere, but it has its flaws.

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As a driver in Dallas, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with all the major roads, freeways, and circles. Learn more about the I-30, I-635, and I-820; they will help you avoid missing a turn or getting lost. 

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Plenty of Outdoor Activities

Are you wondering what you can do after moving to Dallas? There is no shortage of outdoor activities in the Big D.

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Contrary to what you might think, Dallas has a lot of lush greenery. If you are looking for an excellent spot to hang out, go on a date with that special someone, or just spend a nice weekend outing with the family, there's a place for you.

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Here are the top ten things to do while in Dallas.

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• Take time out to Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• Explore the Sixth Floor Museum
• Picnic at Klyde Warren Park
• Rodeo at Ascend Horseback Riding
• Enjoy arts at the Dallas Arts Districts
• Visit the famous Dallas Zoo
• Check out the Dallas World Aquarium
• Take a walk through the Nasher Sculpture Park
• Delight in the wonderful taste of Thai street food market at the Buddhist Temple of North Dallas
• Walk the Katy Trail

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Crime Rates and Safe Dallas Neighborhoods

The crime rate in Dallas is pretty high. Your chances of falling victim to violent or property crimes within the city is 1 in 22, which is higher than 97% of the other cities in Texas.

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While all the stats show Dallas with a poor safety score, it's not that bad. Depending on your neighborhood, you could experience more, little, or almost no crime at all.

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For those wondering, here are some of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas.

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• University Park
• Highland Park
• Winnetka Heights
• Bluffview
• Center City District

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Conclusion—Knowing What's Important

Before moving to Dallas or anywhere else, it's always advisable to do due diligence on the city and the specific neighborhood of your choice.

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As for Dallas, moving here is a great option, especially if you are looking for a job in any one of the Fortune 500 companies in the city.

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The best moving tip for you would be this: plan your trip, make a budget, decide your preferred neighborhood, and move.

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Good luck!