Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas-Ft. Worth

If you’re thinking about moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, you’re not alone. According to MSN, Dallas-Fort Worth is forecasted to be one of the top U.S. property markets in the near future. The growth in the area is no surprise considering everything this booming metroplex has to offer.

However, there are a few things to consider before moving to Dallas, Fort Worth, or somewhere nearby. As experienced Dallas local movers, we’ve compiled this overview of what to expect in Dallas-Fort Worth. Also check out our Essential Moving Guide for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Wide Range of Smaller Cities to Choose From

Planning a DFW move can be daunting since there are so many cities and suburbs in the area. The good news is that the metroplex has something for everybody. Due to traffic considerations, we recommend living close to where you’ll be working, and your budget may also be a consideration.

There are too many cities to mention in this article, so we’ll highlight a few popular areas to include in your housing search.

The three largest three cities in DFW are:

Dallas
Arlington
Fort Worth

Some of the most popular suburbs in Dallas-Fort Worth include:

Keller
Colleyville
Fairview
Murphy
Flower Mound
University Park
Southlake
Lantana
Highland Park
McKinney
Plano
Frisco
Coppel

Some of the above suburbs can be pricey, but a little-known DFW destination that has recently gained in popularity is Weatherford. Located just 30 miles west of Fort Worth, this semi-rural town is the cutting horse capital of the world and an excellent place for checking out local craft fairs.

You’ll love the small-town feel, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and stores. Unfortunately, due to the layout, traffic does get congested right around the shopping centers during rush hour. Still, this area is relatively affordable and would be an easy commute to Fort Worth since highways flow more freely the further you get from Dallas.

Large Employers Headquartered in DFW

As a Dallas moving company, we see a lot of people moving here for work. Among the most well-known companies that call DFW home are Exxon Mobile Corporation, Energy Transfer Partners, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Frito-Lay, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, AT&T, Kimberly Clark, DR Horton, Tenet Healthcare, Charles Schwaab Corporation, McKesson Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Texas Instruments, and many more.

Taxes Work Differently in Texas

If you’re new to the state, you may be relieved to find out that there’s no state or local personal income tax in Texas — just federal. However, this may not save you as much as you think because Texas residents pay property taxes that are among the highest in the country. It all balances out to some degree, but a great many home buyers experience sticker shock when they get that first property tax bill.

Exciting Arts and Culture Scene

You may be surprised to learn how involved DFW is in the arts. Whether it’s the visual arts, music, theater, dance, or film, cultural events are prominent here. The Dallas Museum of Arts is one of the largest art museums in the nation and includes works that span 5000 years of history. This top-rated museum hosts multiple annual events and offers special programs for children of all ages. Fort Worth is also home to several exciting art exhibits and boasts the state’s oldest museum, the Museum of Modern Art, also referred to simply as “The Modern.”

Unpredictable North Texas Weather

North Texas is a place you can experience all four seasons in one day. Dramatic temperature changes are especially common during the springtime when tornadoes and quarter-sized hail are both possibilities. Summers are hot and long, and it’s not uncommon to see people still wearing shorts around Thanksgiving.

That said, DFW occasionally sees light snow in December, January, or February. In a nutshell, if you’re moving to North Texas, be prepared for strong winds and constant weather fluctuations.

Heavy Traffic in Some Areas

Dallas-Fort Worth is a sprawling metropolis, and because it’s so spread out, the public transportation systems have some limitations. However, if urban life is what you crave, you’ll be pleased to know that the downtown districts of both Fort Worth and Dallas offer public transportation and are highly walkable. If your daily commute takes place between Dallas and Fort Worth, you’ll need to allow extra time for traffic delays.

When navigating Dallas-Fort Worth freeways, you’ll need to stay focused on which lane you’re in, as you’ll likely be changing freeways often. The good news is that the freeway system is constantly improving due to ongoing road construction projects. The bad news is that there are always ongoing construction projects. But if you want to avoid highways that seem more like parking lots during peak traffic times, living in a Fort Worth suburb such as Saginaw, Haslet, or Willow Park can help you avoid the heavier traffic you’ll encounter in Dallas and the Mid Cities.

Dallas and Fort Worth are Vastly Different

While Dallas and Fort Worth are often lumped together as DFW, locals know that the two cities are drastically different with their own unique personalities and culture. For example, Dallas is more urban, whereas Fort Worth, nicknamed Cowtown, has more of a stereotypical Texas feel. It’s also easier to get around in Fort Worth — and attending a cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District is a must to get the whole DFW experience.

North Texans Take Their Sports Seriously

Whether it’s high school football on Friday nights, college football on Saturdays, or NFL on Sundays (and sometimes Mondays and Thursdays), weekends are all about football. Even if sports aren’t your thing, you may want to brush up on the local professional teams to prepare for small talk with the locals.

Major league teams in the Dallas area include:

There’s a Lot to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth

In Dallas, you’ll find hip cafes and eateries, beautiful parks, and high-end shopping. In fact, the entire DFW area is chock full of restaurants and shopping malls. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex boasts the most restaurants per capita of any metro area in the United States, and as for shopping, some say it’s a contact sport here.

The area between Dallas and Fort Worth are known collectively as the Mid-Cities, and many of the area’s attractions are situated there in the middle. For example, the main sports stadiums and Six Flags Amusement Park are located in Arlington, and the huge Grapevine Mills Mall is just a couple of miles from DFW International Airport, which is also located in between Dallas and Fort Worth.

DFW boasts plenty of concerts, festivals, and fairs. For example, one of the largest annual events in Dallas is the State Fair of Texas. The fair kicks off in late September and lasts over three weeks. This world-famous fair offers a family-friendly atmosphere and celebrates all things Texan with an emphasis on agriculture, education, and community involvement. Have you seen those food documentaries where they deep fry virtually everything? You’ll find those unusual treats at this colossal fair.

Choose Dallas Local Movers

Once you’re ready to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area—or make a local move within it—Suddath can help. As experienced Dallas movers, we have the expertise needed to make your move easier, and all our moving crews are highly trained, background-checked, and regularly drug tested.

When you contact us about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth, we’ll offer you a wide range of moving services to choose from as well as a free moving quote. Get in touch today for more information and a free moving quote.