Dallas offers an energetic vibe, friendly people, and excellent business opportunities. However, the city has unique challenges that some newcomers may not be aware of. This post provides a few insights into life in Dallas from someone who has been living here for years — from its pros and cons to general lifestyle considerations.
Moving here can be nerve-wracking at first. This is a vast city, and you don’t want to get lost. When you first start driving in Dallas, you might feel like you are going to the end of the earth. The city is spread out, and there’s no way to know where anything is by looking at a map. It took me several years to learn how to get familiar with Dallas. The people here are so friendly that it’s easy to feel welcome anywhere, even if you’re a stranger walking down the street at night without any means of defense. Curious about it is like living in Dallas? Check out this quick guide by Sanelo.
Parking can be a big headache, particularly in the city center. You always have to be on the lookout because getting ticketed is quite common if you don’t know exactly where you’re going. And worse, many homeowners in affluent neighborhoods might frown upon finding a car parked on their streets. The best way to avoid being ticketed is to park at meters or in parking lots. Many people here complain about the cost of parking, so they will park wherever they want and try not to get caught by police officers on patrol.
The crime rate is relatively low, but there are a few neighborhoods that are considered dangerous at night. While this is an unfortunate reality, it’s not a big deal to most people. It will take some time for your heart rate to return to normal after you hear about a robbery. If you’re conscientious about locking your vehicle, there won’t be much of a problem here. Many locals prefer to park on the street during the day and move their cars later at night.
You have to be prepared for the weather. Dallas gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. While it rarely snows, you should expect rain or fog most days. If you’re looking for a place to raise the family, this is probably not the ideal location — there are not many playgrounds or parks. But Dallas is a bustling city, so your kids will have plenty of other options. The Dallas Zoo and Arlington Nature Center offer excellent pure play opportunities. There are also a couple of great museums — the Kimbell Art Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art, just to mention a few.
Relocating to any new city is a significant transition. You will feel lost at first and probably won’t know many people. But living in Dallas doesn’t have to be scary. The city welcomes you with open arms, and there’s no better place to build a life of your own. If you’re coming here for business, keep in mind that Dallas is the home of many business giants, including State Farm Insurance, Exxon Mobil, and AT&T, to name a few.
