Moving Guide to Dallas

Thinking of moving to Dallas? We get it. Eclectic neighborhoods, the country’s largest arts district, and awesome Tex-Mex? Count us in, too. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive moving guide full of tips and information to help make your decision an easy one. Read on for everything you need to know before moving to Dallas.

The basics

When moving to Dallas, it’s important to know the basic cost of living. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,400 per month, and a 2 bedroom apartment will average $1,800. Along with reasonable rent prices, Dallas also boasts 0% income tax, making living here fairly affordable. The sales tax in Dallas is 8.25%, and the average monthly cost for utilities is $140.

Commute

Dallas is connected by the DART bus and train system. With more than 130 bus routes, four train lines to downtown, and a dedicated train line connecting Dallas to Fort Worth (Trinity Railway Express), the DART system serves a majority of the public transit users in the city and its surrounding areas. A monthly DART pass will cost you $96.

When looking for an apartment, take into consideration your commute to work. If you’ll be driving, filter your search for homes or apartments with parking included.

That being said, you’ll find that most people in Dallas still commute to work via car and mainly take Ubers and Lyfts when they’re out and about. Residents have long complained about the inefficiency of the buses and trains, so while public transportation is available, you won’t find many people using it on a daily basis. 

Dallas neighborhoods

Deep Ellum

Where young professional enclave meets live music scene and street art

Commonly known as the hipster neighborhood of Dallas, Deep Ellum is a vibrant neighborhood filled with live music venues, bars, restaurants, and Tex-Mex joints. Living here means you’ll be in the center of everything. At night, local venues like The House of Blues and Trees draw crowds for live shows. Deep Ellum Brewery is a local favorite for those wanting to imbibe on sunny weekends, and art galleries like Maestri Gallery add to the hood’s culture. It’s no wonder we also named it one of the trendiest neighborhoods for young professionals.

Bishop Arts District

Where keeping things local is the neighborhood vibe

The Bishop Arts District is located within the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Southern Dallas. Although just a few blocks wide, the District really packs a punch. It’s filled with local shops on Davis Street, hip eateries throughout the hood, and a mural-filled alley. Eat your heart out at Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ; grab a hyper local drink at Bishop Cider House; and, browse the shops along N. Bishop Ave.

Highland Park

Where shopaholics and window shoppers flock

The highlight of this affluent hood is Highland Park Village, the first shopping center of its kind in the U.S. Residents peruse the luxury shops and dine al fresco in this unique, outdoor shopping center. The neighborhood (technically its own town), is also home to Prather Park, Davis Park, and Lakeside Park, all of which are, in some way or another, connected to Turtle Creek, which bisects the neighborhood. Suffice to say, shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts will love Highland Park.

Uptown, Downtown

Where city slickers thrive

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Uptown is filled with young professionals, an eclectic bar and restaurant scene, and home to the Dallas Arts District, the nation’s largest urban arts district. Tourists and locals alike love the McKinney Avenue Trolley — a free, dog-friendly shuttle that chauffeurs you all over the neighborhood. There’s also a large outdoor shopping mall, West Village, and a trendy bar and restaurant scene both along and in between Worthington Street and Cedar Springs Road.

Downtown Dallas is business-centric, and living here means you’ll probably be within walking distance to work, casual eateries, lively happy hour spots, and ample theaters and museums. You’ll live close to the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Theatre Center. In the summer, head to Klyde Warren Park, which hosts outdoor movie nights, food truck festivals, workout classes, and much more.

On a budget? Look for apartments in your favorite neighborhood, but expand your search to surrounding ones, too. You might find a cheaper option just a few blocks away. 

Weather 

In terms of weather, these are the average highs and lows typical for Dallas. Dallas summers are hot and muggy, but temperatures rarely surpass 102°. Winters are cold and windy, but you probably won’t see temps drop below 25°. Bottom line: you’re going to sweat in the summer, but the winters will bring the chill without freezing you out too much. 

What to do in your first few months

Let’s be real. When you move to a new city, everything is well, new. You won’t know where to find the hole-in-the-wall taco shop that locals swear by or the best happy hour spot between your work and your house. It takes time (plus a lot of tacos and happy hours) to decide for yourself. That’s why the first couple months are perfect for crossing the slightly-touristy things off your bucket list. It’ll also help you get a feel for the city’s geographical layout and understand how your neighborhood fits into the bigger picture. After you hit all the must see attractions Dallas is known for, consider enjoying some of the lesser known favorite spots enjoyed by Dallas locals.