While Texas may make you think of big hair and a southern drawl, Dallas has undergone some Texas-sized changes in recent years. A big revitalization project in downtown Dallas brought about an opera house, an urban park, and a buzzing new restaurant scene. More good news for expats – the Dallas economy is one of the fastest-growing in the United States. Unlike other big US cities, homes in Dallas are bigger and comparatively cheaper, and it is much easier to find one to buy or rent compared to New York, San Francisco, or DC.
For general advice on searching for a home and signing a lease in the United States, see the article Accommodation in the USA.
Good to know:
Dallas is a sprawling city, and public transportation isn't suitable for most commutes. Since almost all Dallasites drive and you, too, will likely own a car if settling in Dallas, don't be afraid to venture a bit further from the central business district for the perfect neighborhood or find more reasonably priced housing. However, bear in mind that the flip side of this might be traffic, so make sure to factor in the commute when looking for a neighborhood.
Where to live in Dallas: Neighborhoods
Be aware that Dallas is commonly grouped within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Metroplex is an umbrella term for the larger North Texas region and encompasses several distinct cities – so make sure you are searching for housing within Dallas. The diverse neighborhoods of Dallas itself present an extensive range of options for expatriates, catering to various budgets. To aid your decision-making process, consider walkability, access to quality schools, and financial considerations. The neighborhoods outlined below are situated either within Dallas or near its city limits.
Uptown
Uptown, situated just north of downtown Dallas, stands out as one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods. Restaurants and boutiques characterize its vibrant atmosphere. Lofts, apartments, and townhomes can all be found in Uptown.
Preston Hollow
Preston Hollow, an upscale family-oriented neighborhood in North Dallas, boasts some of the city's most exclusive housing prices. The area is synonymous with sprawling estates, renowned schools, and upscale shopping centers.
M Streets
M Streets' tree-lined avenues attract young families and couples searching for single-family homes while still being close enough to downtown activities.
Lake Highlands
Comprising primarily of single-family homes, Lake Highlands is convenient for people employed in Dallas, Richardson, and Plano. Its key draw lies in its moderate housing costs and proximity to a top school district, Richardson.
Richardson
Nestled between Dallas and Plano, Richardson is a suburban haven near Telecom Corridor, a hub for the tech industry. Richardson mostly appeals to professionals seeking a strategic location – it has an exceptional public school system and is connected to downtown Dallas through the DART light rail.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is famous for its lively nightlife and vibrant art scene. Cultural events, street fairs, festivals, as well as trendy brunch spots, theatres, and galleries can all be found in Deep Ellum. Deep Ellum is both hip and affordable, and housing options include cool modern lofts.
Accommodation and cost of living in Dallas
Like many urban areas, square footage tends to shrink, and costs increase as you get closer to the center of town, and Dallas is no different in this respect. In Dallas' urban center, many people live in apartments or compact townhomes – however, in Dallas, apartment sizes are regular.
The average rent of an apartment in Dallas is $1,577. However, prices vary a lot depending on the neighborhood and housing type. The average size of a Dallas apartment is 918 square feet.
Studios are the smallest and least expensive options, while two- and three-bedroom apartments offer more space for a higher price. However, larger homes are also popular — especially in the suburbs.
Generally, an apartment lease in Dallas includes charges such as water, gas, trash service, and building maintenance. If you choose to rent a house in Dallas, it's at the owner's discretion if these services are included or not. Because of the hot climate, most accommodations will have air conditioning and also include significant appliances like a refrigerator and stove/oven. As noted, Dallas is a driving city, and most apartments and houses will generally include at least one parking space.
There are several things you should consider before signing a lease in Dallas:
- Check the property: It's always a good idea to walk through the apartment/house you are about to rent. This will give you a chance to check the condition of the place and note down any damage that may already be present. If, for some reason, you can't do the walk-through personally, consider asking a friend or colleague for help;
- Review the guest policy: Make sure to check if you can have long-term guests: your partner, family members, etc. It's also a good idea to get these rules in writing in case of future disputes;
- Check the guarantor clause (for student housing): Students who are renting apartments off-campus are sometimes required to have a guarantor mentioned in the lease. In case the student/students are unable to make rent payments, the guarantor listed in the lease will be responsible for handling due payments. This is why it is a particularly important clause for parents to be aware of;
- Get all rules and regulations in writing: If any specific rules come with renting the property, make sure to get these in writing in case of possible disputes;
- Get a professional consultation: If you have more questions or doubts about renting accommodation in Dallas, it's best to get a professional consultation from a real estate lawyer. This can help you make an informed decision and avoid various potential problems in the future.
Life in Dallas
Dallas offers expats a huge amount, whether you're interested in the arts, fine dining, or sports. Texans, known for their fervor for American football, passionately embrace sports at all levels — high school, college, and professional. If you're drawn to culture, the expansive Dallas Arts District spans 19 blocks and holds the distinction of being the nation's largest urban art district. Within its confines, you'll discover a performing arts center, a symphony hub, and the esteemed Dallas Museum of Art.
Culinary enthusiasts residing in Dallas will encounter many Tex-Mex restaurants showcasing the unique fusion of Mexican flavors with Texan influences — think wheat flour and ground beef, adding a distinct twist.
Being located in the Southern Plains, Dallas experiences distinct seasons. Summers, especially during July and August, bring high humidity and scorching temperatures, often exceeding 35°C. Winters can be chilly, dipping below freezing, and frequently accompanied by significant storms that deliver freezing rain, snow, and hail.
An important facet of Dallas's climate is its location at the southern extremity of Tornado Alley — an area susceptible to frequent tornadoes. While most of these storms are not overwhelmingly destructive, the community is well-prepared, with alert systems that spread information through various media channels, including TV, radio, and SMS notifications. For comprehensive information on tornadoes and preparedness, consult Ready.gov.
Useful links:
Expat.com housing in Dallas
Craigslist - Dallas housing ads
apartments.com
Dallas crime map
List of 50 free and almost-free things to do in Dallas
Government information on tornadoes
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
