My ancestors on both sides were some of the earliest Texas settlers, and I have that big Texas pride that we Texans are famous for. While I've lived in other places, Texas always has been and always will be home. And since 1990, I've gone to college and enjoyed a rewarding career working all over the DFW area. But perhaps most significantly, I've lived my best life and raised my family here. Suffice to say, I know Dallas. Inside and out.
After more than three decades in The Big D, I've seen the sprawling DFW Metroplex grow from a city with big business and bigger hair into a complex place that most people have a hard time pinning down. Dallas is a city of ambition and contrasts. A place where you can find your own world if you know where to look.
As your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Dallas and other Texas cities, I'm here to give you the real story about this city I love. I'm not going to sell you on the city. If you live here or are planning to move here, you're already sold. So I'm going to show you how to make Dallas your own.
Current Pricing for Apartments in Dallas, TX
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,396 | $520 | $8,838 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,511 | $426 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,045 | $579 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,929 | $731 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,105 | $1,035 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $8,541 | $3,939 | $10,000+ |
Current Pricing for Rental Homes and Condos in Dallas, TX
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,694 | $975 | $3,400 |
| 1 Bedroom Homes | $1,429 | $450 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Homes | $2,363 | $750 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Homes | $2,639 | $750 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Homes | $3,320 | $910 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Homes | $6,294 | $799 | $10,000+ |
| 6 Bedroom Homes | $8,685 | $2,599 | $10,000+ |
| 7 Bedroom Homes | $4,300 | $4,300 | $4,300 |
From Tiny Trading Post to The Big D: The (Very) Brief Dallas Origin Story
Dallas didn't get its start with oil rigs and cowboys. At least not directly. On the banks of the Trinity River, the huge DFW Metroplex was born in 1841 as a simple trading post. Founded by John Neely Bryan, Dallas was just a small frontier town at first. Then, things really heated up after the Civil War. The railroad came to town, and Dallas became an important hub for cotton and grain, but also, eventually, for banking and insurance. That's when the "Big D" mentality really started. Dallas is a city that was built on business and ambition.
The city's forward-looking attitude meant that city leaders (and many Dallasites) have often been more interested in the next deal than in its own history. But that doesn't mean that Dallas is all business and no fun. Keep reading to learn about Dallas in all its many facets.
One City, Many Worlds: For the Ambitious, the Artistic, and Everyone in Between
The stereotype of Dallas is all corporate polish, and you can for sure find that here. This is a city that loves success, and it shows in the mesmerizing downtown skyscrapers and the sharp wardrobes you'll spot in Uptown. But that's just a small part of what Dallas is. Here, you'll certainly find plenty of business and commerce. But if you're looking closely, you'll also discover a deeply-rooted creative streak in neighborhoods where art galleries and independent boutiques thrive.
And underneath it all is a layer of the Texas grit. An intoxicating combination of business and art and a resilient spirit. This combo makes Dallas a place where almost anyone can feel at home.
Trust me on this: I've lived here for 35 years, and in that time, I've lived many different lives. Young professional. Busy football and band mom. Creative soul. Hardcore business maven. And now, a semi-retired grandmother. I've found my place in every era of my life in Dallas.
A Dallas Food Tour: From Street Tacos to Michelin-Starred Dining
Dallas has a reputation for two things: beef and Mexican food. But the city's food scene is a massive, global affair where you can find pretty much anything your heart desires.
The Big Debate: Tex-Mex? Mexican? Both!
It's the eternal question (and a frequent dinner-table argument) in Texas. Is Tex-Mex food really Mexican food or not? The short answer? Yes and no.
Tex-Mex came about mostly because of the challenges of frontier living. Simply put, pioneering Tejano families had to make do with what they had on hand. This meant they had to adapt their cherished Mexican culinary traditions to work with the rugged and often unforgiving Texas landscape. Tex-Mex is pure comfort food. Heavy on the cheese and combo plates.
I tend to gravitate toward authentic Mexican dishes. Lots of veggies and fresh salsas. Authentic Mexican food is more regional and diverse. The best news of all? Dallas has the best of both cuisines, and both new and lifelong Dallasites have strong opinions on their favorites.
- Taqueria El Si Hay: The undisputed king of street tacos in Oak Cliff. It's a cash-only, zero-frills roadside hut. All you need to know is this: beef fajitas and extra-spicy red salsa. Super affordable.
- El Ranchito: Old-school Tex-Mex, also in Oak Cliff. The vibe at this spot is a constant party, with mariachi bands and piñatas. Al Ranchito is famous for North Mexican specialties like slow-roasted cabrito. Mid-range pricing.
- Pepe's & Mito's: A Deep Ellum fixture since 1994. This cozy, reliable local fave is all about comfort food. Famous for its Tacos Norteños, meat simmers in a savory hipotle wine sauce. Prices are mid-range.
- Purepecha: High-end fine dining Mexican food in Deep Ellum. Offers a tasting menu from the Michoacán region of Mexico or a smaller four-course option that costs about $120. Expect beautiful plates and a very high price point. Bonus tip: Don't miss the gorgeously layered Crudo That Wants To Be Ceviche. Citrus slices and fresh fish are topped with roe and seagrass. Divine!
- Fuel City Tacos: I can never leave Fuel City off of anything I write about eating in Dallas because I've eaten hundreds of these yummy little tacos. This destination combines a gas station with a convenience store and an acclaimed 24/7 taco shop. People drive from miles around for these authentic tacos in soft corn tortillas. For less than ten bucks, you'll have a full belly and be ready for your afternoon siesta. A true Dallas experience.
Where's the Beef? BBQ, Brisket, Burgers, and Beyond
How much does Dallas (and Texas) love beef? A quick anecdote. My son's fiancée is vegetarian. When she met my octogenarian lifelong cattle-rancher dad for the first time, he looked her dead in the eye and said, "Young lady, we're a beef family, and don't you be convertin' my grandson to this new-age vegetable lifestyle. He needs his beef."
So yeah. We Texans love our beef (most of us).
Beef is central to the Texas identity, a holdover from our long history of cattle ranching and surviving on what was plentiful. In Dallas, that history translates into some of the country's best barbecue joints, steakhouses, and burger joints.
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: If you're looking for one of the best dry-aged prime steaks in the city and also want a huge wine list, Pappas Bros. is your friend. Expensive, but worth it.
- Smokey Joe's BBQ: A South Dallas legend for 40 years. Pitmasters respect the brisket and ribs at Smokey Joe's. Casual dining with traditional country sides and killer sandwiches. Very easy on the wallet.
- Goodwins: This East Dallas favorite has one of the city's most talked-about burgers. The GW Burger is a cheesy black angus patty served on a toasted brioche bun. It can get messy, but you won't be one bit bothered by the mess. Pricing is good, too.
The Rest of the Menu: From High-End Plates to Hole-in-the-Wall Local Faves
Because Dallas is a multicultural city with a lot of diversity, the food scene goes far beyond the Texas staples we all adore. You can find world-class cuisine from every corner of the globe in our city.
- Rye: A quirky spot on Lower Greenville. The food is fun and inventive. Try the tiny Icelandic hot dog if you want a treat that hits all the sweet, salty, savory notes. Moderately priced.
- Sunday Thai Market: This authentic outdoor market can be found behind the Buddhist Temple, in Far North Dallas. It's cash-only with street parking, so bring your cash and wear your walking shoes. My favorites are mango sticky rice, pork skewers, chicken boat noodles, and Thai coffee. You pay for your food and leave with take-out containers. If you want, you can eat by the koi pond in the garden area. Very affordable.
- Tatsu Dallas: Located in Deep Ellum, Tatsu is Dallas's only Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi serves up an exclusive omakase-style Edomae sushi experience. Expect to pay about $200 per person.
Find Your Perfect Spot: A Brief Breakdown of Dallas Neighborhoods
Much of your experience living in DFW will be largely defined by the neighborhood you call home. Whether you're a recent grad, starting your career as a young professional, raising a growing family, or you're retired, there's a corner of Dallas that will feel like home to you.
North Dallas: Suburban Comfort with a City Address
North Dallas offers a more suburban feel, while still being inside the city limits. An area defined by convenience, you have easy access to major freeways like the Dallas North Tollway and I-635. You'll find some of the world's best shopping at the Galleria Dallas and NorthPark Center, plus plenty of outdoor green spaces and quiet residential streets.
Bishop Arts District: The Creative Hub
If you're looking for a creative scene, you'll love the Bishop Arts District. Just five minutes across the bridge from Downtown Dallas, this area has a non-corporate feel that's delightfully charming. It's an eclectic and creative hub with independent boutiques and art galleries.
Uptown: Live, Work, Play
Located just north of Downtown, Uptown is the epicenter for Dallas young professionals. It's one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Dallas. Bars, restaurants, shopping on every corner. The commute to downtown is a breeze, and you can even take the free M-Line Trolley for errands or grabbing lunch with friends. I love the Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs neighborhoods near Uptown. Tons of places to grab a quick bite, and laid-back happy hour spots.
Travis Ranch: Small-Town Charm, Convenient to a Thriving Metropolis
Want to be near the city but not in it? You're getting out closer to my neighborhood if you live in Travis Ranch. I live just down the road in Terrell, Texas. This area comes with small-town charm and easy access to everything Dallas. Life here revolves around Lake Ray Hubbard, which gives residents all the fun of lakeside living. The nearby city of Rockwall is booming, with enough shops and restaurants that a trip into Dallas can feel totally optional.
Getting Around Dallas Without Losing Your Mind
I'm going to shoot straight with you: Dallas is a car (or truck...or minivan) city. Most Texans get around by automobile. While we have a public transportation system (DART) with buses and a light rail that covers a lot of ground, most people find it easier to get around if they have a vehicle.
I've spent three-plus decades navigating Dallas freeways and side streets. My best advice is to learn the rush hour patterns. The commute can be intense, so try to avoid the major freeways between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM if you can. But also, become familiar with (and comfortable with) side streets so you can make a quick escape if you find yourself locked down in a gridlock.
Another tip: Always stay on top of what's going on with construction, because Dallas is constantly growing. In fact, some of these roads (looking at you I-635 and Central Expressway!) have been under construction since I first moved here in 1990. As soon as one construction job is finished, the city grows again, and the cycle starts all over.
Making Dallas Home: The Experiences That Connect You to the City
There's so much to do in Dallas, it's nearly impossible to narrow it down to one short section of this guide. But some experiences go beyond the usual tired tourist checklist. These are the places and events that are part of the city's fabric. The things you do to feel connected to your new home.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
On the shore of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum is a peaceful escape from the city grind. When you drive in this area, it almost feels like you've entered another country. The gardens are beautiful all through the year.
The Arboretum isn't just about plants and flowers, though. When my daughter graduated from high school, her grandmother hosted a "high tea" party for her at the Arboretum's brunch restaurant. So much fun!
State Fair of Texas
Every fall, my two kiddos got really excited because every school in the Dallas area gives students a freebie day off. Fair day. Because fall is when Dallas's Fair Park hosts the massive State Fair of Texas. You go for the live shows and over-the-top fried foods, the goats and cattle and baby piglets, the jugglers and tumblers. And just take in the sheer spectacle of it all. It's crowded. Chaotic. And you absolutely have to do it at least once.
Reunion Tower Geo-Deck
It might seem like a tourist trap, but hear me out. Riding up that glass elevator and seeing the 360-degree view of the city from the top of Reunion Tower? It's thrilling. You feel like you're sitting on top of the world. It helps you understand the sheer scale of the Metroplex and get your bearings.
Dallas Museums
Dallas has more museums than I can list here, but these are my family's favorites.
- Museums at Fair Park: This area is home to about a dozen museums. The African American Museum, the Children's Aquarium, Texas Discovery Gardens, the Natural History Museum, and more.
- Dallas Museum of Art: Located in the Arts District, the DMA has a huge collection with exhibits from all over the world.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Don't skip visiting this impressive building near Downtown. It's full of great interactive exhibits for people of all ages.
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: A powerful and important place in the West End. The exhibits are heavy, but very well done.
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is home to thousands of animals, located on beautiful grounds. You can feed giraffes and tortoises. And be sure to check out the "I Spy Butterflies" exhibit, where you can walk through a lush garden surrounded by hundreds of Monarch butterflies.
So, What's My Final Take?
Dallas isn't a city that shows itself to you all at once. Even after living here more than 30 years, I still discover more of its secrets all the time. You have to explore Dallas to understand it. It's big and it's busy. But it's also full of opportunity. You can build any kind of life you want here. My advice? Get out there, try a new neighborhood, eat at a place you can't pronounce, and find the corner of this city that feels like your own.
