Meet Dallas
Welcome to Dallas, a modern metropolis in the heart of Texas rich in both economic opportunities and southern charm.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is the largest in the southern U.S., and one of the largest in the entire country. We’re not just talking about the population, either. This sprawling metroplex encompasses 10 cities across 13 counties over more than 300 square miles. Dallas is the largest of them, with a booming population that’s grown to about 1.3 million people. Founded in the mid-19th century at a major railway junction, Dallas remains a major hub of trade and transportation and is home to one of the busiest airports in the world. The size of Dallas can make it an intimidating place to move to, but this is one of the city’s advantages, too. This cosmopolitan city has something to offer for everyone, with a diverse array of neighborhoods, varied entertainment options, rich culture and history, and a thriving food scene. Young professionals will enjoy the active nightlife and comparatively low cost of living, and the growing economy makes it a great place to find employment in a wide range of industries.
Where to live in Dallas
While Dallas does have a fairly well-developed public transportation system, including a light rail and commuter rail system in addition to buses, the majority of people drive to and from work. This can mean a lot of congestion and traffic on the city’s many freeways, especially during weekday rush hours. Living in the neighborhoods around downtown can spare you this commute, and these neighborhoods are generally more walkable, with a dense, urban feel. Those looking for a bit more space can find it in suburbs like Addison and Grapevine, which have their own array of restaurants and entertainment, giving them a self-contained, small-town feel.
Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
There are a total of 34 neighborhoods in and around the city of Dallas, so you’ll definitely have a lot of options when it comes to finding your ideal living environment. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, neighborhoods like Uptown and Trinity Groves are close to downtown and have their own unique cultures that are especially appealing to creative folks. One great thing about Dallas is that it has a lot of space to work with. This means you’ll find lots of neighborhoods that aren’t as dense as those in most cities. If you want to live in a home with a yard or be within walking distance of a park, Lakewood and Lake Highlands give you that option without having to move too far from downtown.
Design District
Design District, where the city's largest concentration of art galleries can be found. Near upscale restaurants, tons of shopping and exciting city nightlife. This trendy neighborhood is located only 1 mile from both the American Airlines Center & Dallas Market Center. Downtown & Uptown are within 2 miles. Enjoy a workout from Trinity Strand Trail which is located right across the street! It's also very convenient to the bike trails at Reverchon Park and several major medical centers. Getting Around: Public transportation & Uber is easily accessible given the popular location. Easy access to I-35 and multiple freeways.
Amazing Apartments, Coliving Spaces and More
We've been rounded up the best housing options in Dallas. All are available on flexible terms, so you can stay one month or as long as you want
Quick Facts About Dallas
Dallas is an extremely livable city, with a mild climate, a vibrant culture, and an excellent infrastructure and economy. US News & World Report ranked it #21 on its list of Best PLaces to Live, so there’s a reason its population continues to grow. Here are some more facts you should know about Dallas before you move:It’s full of historic landmarks.
In the Dallas Heritage Village, you can see houses, churches, and other buildings that date back to the Civil War era. The 277-acre Fair Park has also been recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its Art Deco architecture. Another big spot for history buffs is Dealey Plaza, the site of President Kennedy’s assassination, which has been recently reconstructed to look the way it did in 1963.It’s a sports lover’s paradise.
Dallas is one of a handful of US cities with a team in each of the big 4 sports: the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), Stars (NHL), and Rangers (MLB). There’s also a professional soccer team (FC Dallas) and a host of college teams, so you’ll have your choice of clubs to root for.The arts scene is thriving.
In the theme of everything being bigger in Texas, the Dallas Arts District is one of the largest in the nation, and is where you’ll find museums like the Nasher Sculpture Center and Trammell Crow Asian Arts Museum. For music, you can check out historic jazz and blues venues like The Bomb Factory and Club Dada in Deep Ellum, which is also home to a variety of trendy art galleries.It’s family-friendly.
In their 2018 ranking of the 25 most family-friendly cities in the United States, Homes.com ranked Dallas number one. This is thanks in large part to the low crime rates and high-quality schools, though its range of kid-friendly entertainment options like Six Flags and Epic Waters Indoor Water Park helps, too.You can enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Dallas enjoys more sunny days than most cities in the United States, with an average of about 230 a year. When it does rain, it’s often in the form of summer thunderstorms, which can actually be pleasant breaks from the heat. Winters are mild, and it rarely gets cold enough to snow.Taxes work differently in Texas.
Texas is one of a handful of US states with no state or local income tax. They compensate for this with some of the highest property taxes in the country, something to keep in mind if you plan to buy a car or house while living in Dallas. Sales taxes are also on the high side, at 8.25% within the Dallas metro area.It’s the birthplace of some surprising culinary inventions.
Fans of Tex-Mex cuisine have Dallas native Mariano Martinez to thank for the invention of the frozen margarita machine. German Chocolate Cake was also first made in Dallas, by the American chocolatier Samuel German.Being bi-lingual is a bonus.
About a quarter of the population of Dallas is Hispanic, and almost 40% of the population speaks Spanish as either their first or second language. While you certainly don’t need to speak Spanish to live here, if you do it can open up even more opportunities.Work in Dallas
Dallas is home to 25 Fortune 500 companies, third in the United States behind only Chicago and New York. This is testament to the diversity of the Dallas economy, which has grown well beyond the oil and energy industries the city was built on. With a low unemployment rate and an average salary higher than the national average, Dallas is an excellent place to find work. Workers in health care, finance, and education are in particularly high demand, and there is a growing need for tech workers and engineers.
How good is Dallas for Digital Nomads or Remote Work
Remote work is changing how the global workspace operates. In a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down, remote work is rapidly on the increase all around the world—especially in a place like Dallas. And about 25% of remote workers describe themselves as digital nomads—those who like to travel or stay in cities around the world while they work. So, how good is Dallas for both of these growing movements?
Average Internet Speed
Internet providers in Dallas offer speeds up to 1,000 Mpbs, with an average speed of around 83 Mpbs. These high speeds are fairly consistent across neighborhoods, so you’ll have no trouble finding fast internet. You’ll also find lots of free Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in the downtown area.Work-friendly Coffee Shops
The option to work outdoors is one perk of the Dallas weather, and many of the city’s best cafes have patios where you can do just that. While there are a number of fantastic cafes spread throughout Dallas’ neighborhoods, here are our top 3 for getting work done: Ascension Coffee: With both comfortable indoor booths and an outdoor patio, Ascension offers lots of options for work spaces. All the locations of this local chain have free Wi-Fi and a menu that includes both wine and coffee. Method: You’ll find ample space, reliable Wi-Fi, and a good distribution of electrical outlets at Method. They also rotate local roasters, so it’s a great place to try a variety of different coffee blends. Cultivar Coffee: This spacious cafe on Jefferson Boulevard has a good amount of table space, both indoors and outdoors. Their hand-crafted sandwiches and locally-made pastries mean you don’t have to leave for lunch, either.Coworking Spaces
As one of the main commercial hubs of Texas, Dallas is popular with remote workers and digital nomads, and has coworking options for every work style. Here are some of the top choices: GeniusDen: Centrally-located in Deep Ellum, this coworking space hosts workshops and networking events aimed at entrepreneurs and start-ups, in addition to providing workspace. Membership options range from open desk access to dedicated offices for up to 10 people. GoodWork: Also in Deep Ellum, GoodWork is popular with young professionals, especially freelancers and creatives. With both indoor and outdoor workspaces, they offer an excellent variety of work environments, as well as unique amenities like fitness classes and an in-house cafe. Industrious: This space in the Arts District has modern amenities and a comfortable, hotel-like atmosphere. While membership is on the pricey side, that comes with 24/7 access to amenities like conference and meditation rooms, as well as networking events and an on-site lounge. While the majority of the city’s coworking spaces are downtown, you’ll find options in the suburbs and outer neighborhoods, as well, such as Wax Paper in Wynnewood North and Nod in Far North Dallas. If you live outside the city, these are great options to avoid the commute downtown.Suitable Level for Digital Nomads
Dallas offers the same thriving economy and business opportunities as cities like Chicago, but with a more affordable cost of living. This is one reason it’s so appealing to digital nomads. You’ll still get all the amenities you want from a large city, like a wealth of entertainment options, a vibrant arts scene, and great dining and nightlife options. The warm year-round climate is a big draw, as well, especially for nomads who like outdoor adventures.Visa Requirements
For international nomads, work visas for the United States can take a long time to obtain. Those planning to stay 90 days or less may not need a visa if they’re from one of the 39 countries on the Visa Waiver Program. For longer stays (or countries not on that list), apply for the visa well in advance of when you plan to come. The H-1B visa is the most common type. Only a limited number are given out each year, the main reason you’ll want to start the process early. More specialized visas, such as P-2 and P-3 visas for artists and entertainers, are often quicker and easier to get, so that’s something to consider if you fall into that category.Food and Drink in Dallas
The main cuisine that Dallas is known for its Tex-Mex, with Frito pie and chile con queso among the popular dishes associated with the city. You’ll find small mom-and-pop restaurants throughout the city. Top choices include Tupinamba for tacos, Escondido for enchiladas, and Mexico Lindo if you want some live music with your meal. Barbecue and other southern fare is also popular in Dallas. Cattleack Barbeque puts a creative spin on traditional BBQ with dishes like Que T-Pies (barbecue empanadas). Smoky Rose and One90 Smoked Meats are other top choices, with the latter also serving up some of the best chicken fried steak in the city. If you’d rather go straight southern, hit up the Biscuit Bar or Ms. Mary’s Southern Kitchen. Dallas is a cosmopolitan city, and you can find nearly any cuisine you’re looking for in the city limits. If you want Asian food, head down to Royal Lane. Koryo Kalbi has a fantastic Korean barbecue, while Royal China serves both authentic Chinese and Chinese-American dishes. Sachet in Highland Park has the best Mediterranean food in the city, and the sushi at Teppo is both fresh and innovative.
Restaurants
Bars
Top 6 Things To Do in Dallas
There’s truly something to entertain everyone in Dallas. For history buffs, Dealey Plaza is a must-visit, as is the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. For culture, check out the 20-block Arts District, where you’ll find performing arts venues like the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Winspear Opera House along with a range of galleries and museums. Nature lovers can stroll the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or take a day trip to one of several nearby hiking, camping, or boating spots. For more high-flying fun you have your choice of amusement parks, from the massive Six Flags Over Texas to smaller local options like Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park or Adventure Landing Dallas.
Dallas County Courthouse
600 Commerce St, Dallas
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Texas Discovery Gardens
3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas
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Children's Aquarium at Fair Park
1462 1st Ave, Dallas
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Old City Park
1515 S Harwood St, Dallas
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Reunion Tower
300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas
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Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park
11131 Malibu Dr, Dallas