Moving to Dallas: What You Need to Know

A thriving Texas metropolis that loves its Cowboys whether they make it to the Super Bowl or not, Dallas is easily one of the most recognized (and beloved) cities in the nation. We aren’t surprised that Americans are packing up in droves and moving to The Lone Star State.

With an estimated 2016 population of 1.3 million, Dallas continues to grow. The city’s residents are its biggest advocates. They let everybody know just how much they love living, working and playing in this American urban hub.

This big Texas town has a deep appreciation for its pro-football team, the Dallas Cowboys, and it thrives on good food and good times.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about Dallas, along with some necessities to help you make your move to the Big D.

• A highly successful city, Dallas is home to 18 of the Fortune 500 companies and 18 of Forbes Magazine’s list of richest billionaires. It’s also second to New York in its population of billionaires who call Dallas home. That’s a lot of successful people in one place. 

• Dallas basically invented the Super Bowl. A Dallas oil man named Lamar Hunt once jokingly referred to the NFL championship as the “Super Bowl” – and clearly the name stuck ever since. 

• Dallas dwellers take their food very, very seriously. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, Tex-mex, classic Southern cooking or whatever you can imagine, this city has a restaurant that will appeal to all palates.

Local Tip: Check out this list of the 50 foods you have to eat in Dallas before you die to help jump start your foodie mission. 

• The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the United States. 

• Dallas invented the ATM. How's that for financial innovation! 

• The Dallas Cowboys were the first NFL team to introduce sideline cheerleaders. Today, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are recognized around the world. These talented women have entertained more U.S. troops overseas than any other similar organization in the past 25 years. 

• The frozen margarita machine was invented here. Thank you, Dallas. 

• The median value price for a Dallas home is $200,480. 

• It’s a good idea to do your utility research so you can have it all smoothed out before you arrive. By having your water, electricity, cable, gas, etc., set up and ready to go, it will make your transition that much more streamlined.

Check out these four tips for a successful move to Dallas: 

1. Give yourself plenty of planning time.

With a move across country, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to planning. Make sure that you start preparing at least 8 weeks prior to your moving date. 

2. The sturdier the box, the better. 

Make sure that you invest in some strong, durable moving boxes. Your most-prized and personal possessions are going to be making their way to this popular borough, so it’s imperative that you protect them as best you can. 

Pro Tip: Check out your local liquor stores, banks, etc. They tend to give boxes away for free! 

3. Pack smart. 

Think about your current items. What do you absolutely NEED, and what can you toss out or donate? Bring your essentials, but consider getting rid of that old ironing board and investing in some new kitchen appliances once you’re settled in. 

4. Take inventory of what you're packing and label your boxes with the details of their contents.  

It pays to be extra organized. Take pictures of all of your belongings so that you know exactly what you are or aren’t bringing with you. And don’t forget to label those boxes with as much details as possible. Nothing is worse than arriving at an empty house or an apartment with a truck load of un-labeled or sort-of-labeled boxes. The better the details on your box labels, the easier it will be when you start to unpack in your new space.