Whether it’s temporary, a work-related move or one big step for the whole family, if you’re planning on moving to Dallas it’s worth checking out some forums for advice.  There’s something you’ll notice about the people from this Texan city- they’re a friendly bunch.  Type in “I’m thinking of moving to Chichester, what should I know?” and you’ll be lucky to get the reply “we’d rather you didn’t”.  Ask about Dallas, and you’ll be swamped.  In keeping with a more relaxed southern approach to life, the residents of Dallas are, by and large, a very friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic bunch. They’re proud of their city and they’d love to tell you all about it.  Here are some of the top tips for moving to Dallas. 

Dallas is more than ‘one’ city.

The ‘park cities’ surrounding it are cities in their own right, each with their own characteristics.  Some are considered wealthy places to hang out, while others may be a little ‘rougher’.  Forums are a good place to start for advice on this, while local sites run by the city authorities can also give some excellent clues. 

It’s hot and humid. 

The climate is basically sub-tropical, and this means in summer us Brits may find it a little stifling.  Expect temperatures in the high 90s (Fahrenheit) in the summer. The payoff is winters featuring day time temperatures that’ll have you wearing your hanky as sunhat and rolling up your trousers; well maybe not quite, but even in winter temperatures have been known to regularly reach the comfortable teens.  One little detail- the weather is a bit volatile. Snuggled down at the bottom of tornado alley, you don’t know the meaning of ‘cloud burst’ till you’ve experienced the Texan variety. 

Dallas and its surrounding neighborhoods and cities are characterised by sprawl. 

Driving is considered by most people to be essential. For soon to be ex-pat Brits this might seem alarming, but petrol, sorry gas, costs are not burdened by quite so many taxes as back home.  Gas isn’t free in the land of the free, but it’s a damn sight cheaper. 

A mix of attitudes and religions

Dallas, thanks to its deep southern location has its fair, possibly more than fair share of conservative and Christian attitudes, though it does host one of the biggest mosques in the US. The city itself is considered to be far more liberal in attitude, although in some of the smaller cities surrounding Dallas you’re more likely to encounter, shall we say, “traditional” views on life.

You will never be short of things to do.

Whether it’s kids’ birthday parties in Dallas or parties of the more grown up persuasion, the city’s limits are pretty limitless in this respect.  As in any major cosmopolitan city, you’ll find a whole range of cuisine and nightlife to go with it.  Mainstream outlets abound, while grown up venues in and around the artsy areas of Oak Cliff and Bishops Arts are the height of cool.  When it comes to cuisine Tex-Mex is indigenous to the region and is based on a healthy cattle ranching history and some Mexican cross border influence.  

Not only the natives, but plenty of ex-pats from around the world love Dallas for its big city feel and amenities but also for its not so big city prices. For long or short term stays you’ll not be short of things to do in Dallas, nor is it hard to find advice from the locals who are a friendly crowd.  From high class dining to the best of Tex-Mex cuisine, the city hosts many thousands of restaurants, venues and cultural treats.

Author bio:

Carlo is a freelance writer and blogs about entertainment, food and Dallas covering everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas attractions to fine dining in Forth Worth. When’s not online or cycling around town you can’t get him out of the kitchen for his love of food.