Dallas, Texas, has become one of the most popular places to move in the continental US – and it’s easy to see why: big on freedom, low on taxes, and a booming job market. 

But before you take the plunge into the Lone Star State, it’s crucial to get a realistic look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in Dallas. We recently looked at some of the top things to watch out for when relocating to Dallas on our YouTube channe l – and we’ve brought the list together in this short guide.

Let’s cover the main cons to moving to Dallas – and see why they may not be as bad as they seem.

Many moving to Dallas believe that Dallas is all sunshine, all the time. And while you’ll get tons of days of sunshine each year, you’ll get the whole temperature experience in this city.

Across Dallas, you’ll run the gamut of temperatures – from blistering heat in the summer to freezing cold in the winter. (and yes, under 70 degrees is considered freezing in Texas!) And you’ll get your fair share of bad weather, too: thunderstorms, hail, and even tornadoes.

But Dallas residents have embraced the wild weather with a strong attitude and plenty of outdoor activities to keep them busy year-round. When it gets hot, you can hit the pool or the lake, and there’s no shortage of golfing opportunities in the area. And when it gets cold, the city of Dallas has plenty of fun indoor activities for you to enjoy, including museums, shopping centers, and theater performances.

Another common question is, “Does Dallas get tornados?” While Dallas is at the tail-end of the Tornado Alley, meaning tornados aren’t as common in this area as in other parts of the United States, they still occur. The city’s location puts it at an increased risk for severe weather events, and residents should take proper precautions when a tornado warning is issued.

Fortunately, the city has invested heavily in its emergency management system to keep citizens safe in the event of a tornado.

When it gets hot in Dallas, you’ll soon realize that you’re not alone. The heat brings out the bugs, including mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. Thankfully, there are plenty of pest control solutions available to help keep these pests at bay.

Junebugs have become the unofficial summer mascot of Dallas. While they can become annoying, they’re harmless and can actually be enjoyed – just don’t get too close! Most communities across Dallas spray for Junebugs and other pests, so be sure to check with your local municipality for more information on their pest control services.

Similarly, mosquitoes can quickly turn any outdoor activity into a nightmare. The best way to protect yourself is by wearing light-colored clothing and using insect repellent or citronella candles outside. Additionally, several companies specialize in mosquito control services for residences and businesses in Dallas.

People moving to Texas often love the fact that the state’s taxes are lower (no income tax!), but it’s important to remember to pay your property taxes each year. Property taxes in Dallas are higher to offset the loss in income tax, but they are still well below the national average. 

Property taxes in Dallas County are calculated based on a combination of location, land use, and market value. The best way to ensure you’re paying your property taxes is to contact the local Tax assessor-collector’s office for more information.

You can utilize companies that can dispute your property taxes to the state on your behalf and will work to ensure you are paying the lowest amount possible. 

They will research your property’s appraised value and compare it to similar properties in the same area, looking for discrepancies that can be used as leverage when challenging your taxes. This is a great way to save money while still ensuring you are doing your part to contribute to the local economy.

Utilities are deregulated in Texas, so you’ll have plenty of choices for electric, water, and gas providers. You’ll want to research each company to find the best prices and services available in your area. There may also be additional fees associated with switching utility providers or setting up services that you need to consider when deciding.

This can create a bit of a confusing situation, so you’ll want to chat with the provider to ensure you understand all the details before committing. 

Here at Living in Dallas, we work closely with our clients to identify and connect them with the utility providers that best suit their unique needs. We can also provide helpful insight on any questions about the process.

Dallas continues to grow, and it’s likely that the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) area will be even larger in the future. We like to say that it will be DF F W (Dallas-Frisco-Fort Worth). The traffic is always a bit of a nightmare, but the city is pretty great and can offer lots of fun activities for you to check out.

When choosing where to live, you’ll want to make sure you do some research on the traffic situation. Going into the city can be time-consuming, especially if you’re a commuter. I-35, the highway that runs through Dallas, is notoriously packed during rush hour. Even if you’re not a commuter, it’s best to get familiar with how traffic works in your area.

To help offset the issues, Dallas is continuing to get creative with solutions – such as sub-highways that run under existing highways and more carpool lanes.

Are you someone who would rather everyone keep to themselves and stick to their business? Well, you won’t find that in Dallas! People here are known for being friendly and approachable. There’s a good sense of community here, with social networking groups, small businesses, and more.

While this will help you feel welcome, it can be frustrating if you are someone who likes to keep moving. Don’t be shocked if you find that you are running short on time due to the friendly conversations you have encountered.

Dallas has a few things to keep an eye on, but that doesn’t mean you should stay away. It is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of things to do. Whether dining at some of the best restaurants in the world, going to concerts or spending time outdoors at one of its many parks, Dallas has something for everyone.

It may not be perfect, but Dallas has plenty to offer when it comes to big-city life. So don’t let these potential downsides keep you from experiencing one of America’s best cities.

If you are looking to make a move to Dallas, give us a call at Living in Dallas to discuss how to get started. We can provide you with all the information and tools you need to make your transition as smooth as possible—from finding a home or apartment to making sure get the most out of what Dallas has to offer.

Reach out today with a call or text at 214-441-6684. You can also send any questions or inquiries to our team at info@LivingInDallasTX.com, or you can set up a consultation by clicking here.

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