Live in Dallas-Fort Worth: Dive into the Texan Adventure

As soon as you step off the plane, everything seems bigger in the United States, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis, often abbreviated as DFW, is no exception. One of the largest urban areas, you’ll quickly be impressed by the towering skyscrapers of Dallas and the rich cultural heritage of Fort Worth. Founded in the 1840s, Dallas has become a major hub for commerce, culture, and technology. Fort Worth, on the other hand, is renowned for its cowboy heritage and strong ties to Western traditions.

Moving to DFW means choosing an economically dynamic city, partly thanks to the oil industry. It’s also home to numerous companies drawn by Texas’ low taxes. DFW offers fascinating museums and a great way to immerse yourself in Texan culture by learning to dance country or attending a rodeo. Additionally, it hosts one of the busiest airports in the U.S., with easy access to travel via American Airlines’ hub. This article aims to provide all the essential information to help you discover the best spots and integrate into this vibrant corner of the Lone Star State.

The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Dallas-Fort Worth

Downtown Dallas

Downtown Dallas is the city’s nerve center, home to a multitude of corporate offices. However, housing options are somewhat limited to modern apartments or luxury condos converted from former industrial buildings. This makes the area quite noisy, with a relatively high cost of living.

Uptown

Uptown is one of the trendiest neighborhoods during my stay in Dallas, especially in the State Thomas area, which allows for easy walking. There’s an abundance of restaurants and bars, notably the popular Katy Trail Ice House, and quick access to the Katy Trail for running or biking.

Fort Worth Cultural District

The Fort Worth Cultural District is a neighborhood steeped in culture, though it’s quite far from the city of Dallas. It offers a true immersion into traditional Texan culture, with the nearby Fort Worth Stockyards hosting rodeos every weekend and Billy Bob’s, one of the largest bars in the United States, complete with its own rodeo arena.

Plano et Friasco

Plano and Frisco are two very popular Dallas suburbs for families. These areas offer a high quality of life, with vast green spaces, playgrounds, and safe communities. Frisco is rapidly expanding with new developments and top-notch sports facilities. Both are attractive for those seeking spacious living at reasonable prices.

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is the heart of Dallas’ nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and concert venues. It’s a place where live music, street art with graffiti-covered walls, and innovative restaurants come together to create a unique experience. However, it remains a somewhat risky area to live in, with occasional incidents of violence, including the potential for shootings.

Bishop district

According to me, Bishop Arts is the new up-and-coming neighborhood in Dallas. It’s filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and independent restaurants. The area frequently hosts community events at its farmers’ markets.

Where to eat : the Best Restaurants

Dallas-Fort Worth embraces a diverse culinary scene. The area is renowned for its Texan BBQ, with brisket—beef shoulder—slow-cooked for over 8 hours in a traditional Texas smoker. It’s served with classic sides like creamy mac and cheese, pinto beans, and coleslaw. In the historic Deep Ellum district, Pecan Lodge and Terry Black’s compete for the title of best Texan BBQ, though I have a slight preference for the latter. However, for some of the best BBQ, a trip to Fort Worth’s Heim Barbecue is well worth it, especially considering its more reasonable prices.

Mexican cuisine is also prominent, with Mi Cocina being a local chain famous for its refined and modern Mexican dishes, including classics like enchiladas and fajitas. However, my personal favorite is Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF, a small restaurant known for its incredibly flavorful tacos at unbeatable prices.

For a taste of luxury Asian cuisine, Uchi offers traditional Japanese dishes with local and seasonal ingredients. The omakase menu, where the chef selects a variety of dishes for you, is an unforgettable dining experience. Another favorite is Royal China, where the xiao long bao are particularly delicious.

For a memorable Texan brunch, The Rustic in Uptown Dallas is ideal. The restaurant features a laid-back atmosphere with a large patio, perfect for enjoying live music while indulging in a hearty brunch. The menu includes “Texas-sized” chicken and waffles, creamy scrambled eggs, and biscuits with gravy. It’s also a fantastic bar for lively evenings, where you can enjoy Dallas’ famous frozen margarita.

The best activities to do in Dallas fort-worth

Historical Places and Museums

The Sixth Floor Museum is one of Dallas’ most iconic sites, commemorating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum offers a poignant perspective on the events of November 22, 1963, with interactive exhibits, historical photographs, and documentary videos. The museum goes beyond this tragic event to explore Kennedy’s lasting impact on American politics and global culture. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the atrocities of the Holocaust and human rights issues in general. The museum features immersive exhibits that tell the stories of Holocaust survivors as well as other crimes against humanity. In addition to its historical focus, the museum addresses contemporary issues related to civil rights, social justice, and equality.

The Fort Worth Stockyards offers an authentic dive into the history of the Texan Far West. Once a major center for cattle ranching, this historic district has preserved its authenticity with rodeos, ranches, and cobblestone streets. You can witness a real cattle drive, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, or simply soak in the unique atmosphere of this place where the spirit of the cowboys remains very much alive. Be sure to enjoy the rodeo on weekends and visit Billy Bob’s.

Outdoor activities

The Dallas Arboretum is a green oasis in the heart of the city. Spanning over 66 acres, this botanical garden is a charming place for strolling, picnicking, or simply relaxing amidst nature. With its themed gardens, seasonal floral displays, and stunning views of White Rock Lake, it’s the perfect spot to escape the urban hustle and unwind.

Events and Festivals

The State Fair of Texas is the state’s most iconic event, drawing millions of visitors each fall to Fair Park in Dallas. This massive fair is a true celebration of Texan culture, featuring rides, agricultural contests, outdoor concerts, and, of course, its amazing culinary specialties, such as the famous fried dishes—fried Coca-Cola, fried beer, and more. It offers an immersive experience into the Texan spirit, with rodeos, art and craft exhibits, and a festive, warm atmosphere.

For an authentic taste of Texan life, I wouldn’t miss my Thursday nights at Cowboys Red River. Located in Dallas, this venue is a true country music haven, where enthusiasts of “two-step” and line dancing gather on a large dance floor. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, classes are available to help you perfect your moves. With live music, themed nights, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to dive into Texan culture and enjoy an unforgettable evening.

A Few Tips for Living the Texan Way

Adapting to the Local Culture

Living in a new country—or city—generally means adapting to the local culture. The famed Texan hospitality is more than just a cliché. Texans are generally warm, welcoming, and ready to lend a hand to newcomers. Whether in a professional or social setting, expect to be treated like a friend from the moment you arrive. Don’t be surprised if strangers easily strike up a conversation with you. To integrate well, embrace this friendliness: smile and engage in conversation. One popular topic to start with is sports. American football is a true institution. In Dallas-Fort Worth, game days are practically sacred, especially when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, the most iconic football team in the region—or even the country. Attend a game at SMU, one of Dallas’ many universities, join friends at a sports bar, or catch a Dallas Mavericks game. Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ll quickly see the social impact that this sport has on the community. And if not, the Mavericks, Rangers, or Stars will also appreciate your support.

Getting Around

Dallas-Fort Worth has a limited public transportation network. The DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) provides bus and light rail lines serving the city and its surroundings. It is highly advisable to own a car when living in DFW. The region is vast, and while the highways are efficient, traffic jams can be frequent, especially during peak hours. Driving here may require some patience, particularly on major routes like Interstate 35 or Highway 75. To avoid frustration, plan your trips outside of peak hours when possible and use navigation apps to find the fastest routes. Also, keep in mind that parking costs can vary significantly by neighborhood. It’s common to have your car towed a long distance if you’re an offender.

Understanding the Weather

The climate in Dallas-Fort Worth is subtropical, meaning long, hot, and humid summers. Temperatures often exceed 35°C in July and August, with peaks that can reach 40°C. To adapt, make sure to stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Air conditioning is ubiquitous and essential, both at home and in public places. To prepare, ensure your air conditioning system is in good condition before summer, and consider investing in blackout curtains to keep your home cool.

Networking and Community

One of the best ways to integrate into Dallas-Fort Worth is to get involved in local groups. Whether through neighborhood associations, sports clubs, volunteer groups, or professional circles, these organizations offer opportunities to meet new people and build connections. For example, I played basketball with Sport and Social and was a member of UNICEF Texas. You might also consider joining a parish or attending events at the Dallas Museum of Art. Professional networking groups are also very active in the area, offering regular events for entrepreneurs and professionals across various fields. Look for groups that align with your interests.

My map to live at Dallas-Fort Worth