DALLAS® Newcomer + Relocation Guide - Fall/Winter 2022

CONTENTS

District

Street District

End

Edgewood Place

The Bottoms

Park Cities

Northwest Dallas

Northeast Dallas

Far Northeast Dallas

Far North Dallas

North Dallas

Oak Cliff

East Kessler

Lake Cliff

Oak Lawn

Love Field

Stemmons / Market Center

Medical District

Old East Dallas

Cityplace

Bryan Place

White Rock

Lake Highlands

Lakewood

Far East Dallas

Southeast Dallas

Fair Park

South Dallas

Grand Park South

Park Row South Blvd

Pleasant Grove

Mountain Creek

Red Bird

DALLAS

West Collin County

Collin County

Dallas County

Denton County

Dallas County

East Dallas Area

Dallas County Area

& Grand Prairie Area

Tarrant County

Worth Area

COVER

WHERE COMMUNITY MEETS

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

COMMUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

Cedar Hill’s new state-of-the-art Public Library, Museum, & Signature Park will bring new opportunities for businesses, families, and the entire community. The project, located in the heart of the Midtown District, will serve as a catalyst for high-quality pedestrian-oriented development that offers unique shops, dining, cultural attractions, and living opportunities.

Cedar Hill’s new state-of-the-art Public Library, Museum, & Signature Park will bring new opportunities for businesses, families, and the entire community. The project, located in the heart of the Midtown District, will serve as a catalyst for high-quality pedestrian-oriented development that offers unique shops, dining, cultural attractions, and living opportunities.

Cedar Hill’s new state-of-the-art Public Library, Museum, & Signature Park will bring new opportunities for businesses, families, and the entire community. The project, located in the heart of the Midtown District, will serve as a catalyst for high-quality pedestrian-oriented development that offers unique shops, dining, cultural attractions, and living opportunities.

cedarhilltx.com

cedarhilltx.com

cedarhilltx.com

CULTURE

PARKS & OUTDOORS

JOBS

ESSENTIALS

WELCOME

I was 18 when my family and I said ‘yes’ to Dallas.

A LETTER FROM THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER

2022 CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Bob Pragada

President and Chief Operating Officer Jacobs

JESSICA HEER Regional Marketing & Talent Attraction, Senior Vice President Dallas Regional Chamber

Our story isn’t much different from many—we moved here for jobs. After finishing high school in upstate New York, my father’s company made the decision to relocate to Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, and I decided to tag along for the ride.

After I received my undergrad degree at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, I moved back to the Dallas Region because it held the most promise. My family was still here, and I enrolled in the University of North Texas’ master of public administration program, specializing in economic development.

Two decades, a husband, and two children later, I’m still in the Dallas Region, working as the Dallas Regional Chamber’s senior vice president of regional marketing and talent. But this isn’t the same place we moved to. In 20 years, this region has increased in population by 50 percent and, in the process it’s grown into a magnet for culture, good jobs, entertainment, and diversity.

Seems there’s something for everyone here, and options continue to expand.

Shortly after moving here, we realized we can experience the great outdoors nearly nine

months a year. Today my family enjoys biking on Campion Trail in Las Colinas and visiting the soon-to-be-expanded Klyde Warren Park. Klyde Warren has become a prototype for urban planners seeking ways to inject greenspace into dense urban areas.

We’re also big fans of the museums, parks, and natural history museums that seem to be constantly increasing and expanding, from the Nasher Sculpture Center, to Perot Museum of Nature & Science, to the Dallas Museum of Art.

We never seem to be short of dining options. The Dallas Region has always had its share of Michelin-star-rated restaurants, but our increasingly diverse population (nearly one in five residents are foreign-born) has made dining out a culinary adventure. Our go-to restaurants include Eno’s Pizza, Ascension Coffee, and Kent Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ.

As much as Dallas has grown and changed, it’s still held on to its small-town friendliness. We’ve gained lifelong friends and shared experiences that will last our lifetimes.

Looking back at the decision to move here, there’s no way we could have known the Dallas Region would become what it is. Looking forward, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Jessica Heer Regional Marketing & Talent Attraction, Senior Vice President Dallas Regional Chamber

The Dallas Regional Chamber is one of the most established business organizations in the nation and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. We work with our member companies and regional partners to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving our educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make the Dallas Region the best place in the United States for all people to live, work, and do business. For more information, please contact the Dallas Regional Chamber at 214.746.6000 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.

2023 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Rafael R. Lizardi

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Operations Texas Instruments Inc.

President & CEO

Dale Petroskey

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

Angela Farley

Economic Development, Senior Vice President Mike Rosa

Education & Workforce, Senior Vice President Jarrad Toussant

Research and Innovation, Senior Vice President Duane Dankesreiter

Regional Marketing & Talent Attraction, Senior Vice President

Jessica Heer

Membership And Revenue Growth, Senior Vice President

Meghan Kelley Wehner

Member Engagement, Senior Vice President

Sharon Carson

Public Policy, Senior Vice President Matt Garcia

Vice President Research And Innovation Eric Griffin

DALLAS NEXT

PHOTO: RON SMITHSON/ISTOCK

Box 822168,

The DALLAS® Newcomer + Relocation Guide is published for the Dallas Regional Chamber by Dallas Next LLC. Copyright ©2022 with all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission. Neither the Dallas Regional Chamber nor Dallas Next is a sponsor of, or committed to, the views expressed in these articles. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ONLINE

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REMEMBER: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN DALLAS PROPER TO HAVE FUN. Check out

digital edition on SayYesToDallas.com for an expanded look at what we call the Suburban North—Plano, Frisco, Richardson, and other pockets of Collin County.

MY DALLAS STORY

Dive into a treasure chest of personal recommendations from locals—both new and native—from all over the region. You’ll hear over and over again that our welcoming, accepting people make all the difference. Come discover why. Have your own story to tell? Share it online at www.sayyestodallas.com.

CONNECT WITH US SOCIALLY

Through regular posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, we round out the story of the Dallas Region. We point you to our favorite local resources for timely entertainment options, housing pulse, job opportunities, neighborhood happenings, and moving tips.

SayYestoDallas.com

SAYYESTODALLAS

WHEN YOU SAY YES TO DALLAS, YOU’RE SAYING YES TO MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.

3 COMMUNITIES

From Uptown to Frisco, and Denton to Red Bird, we break down Dallas neighborhoods as well as communities in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties, giving you the lay of the land and helping you determine the right community for your lifestyle, family, and more.

3 LIVING IN THE DALLAS REGION

This chapter is divided into three main sections:

n The HOUSING section provides information to those looking for a home. Here, you’ll learn which neighborhoods are the most and least expensive, and how much you can expect to pay for utilities.

n GETTING AROUND covers airports, freeways and tollways, public transit, and more—providing everything you need to get around like a local.

n The EDUCATION section helps families determine where to learn in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through a comprehensive look at public school districts in the region, including maps, statistics, and school district profiles direct from the ISDs. We also cover private school options in the area, as well as options for alternative education.

3 CULTURE

The Dallas Region is a modern urban oasis that serves as home to people from around the country and world, creating a diverse culture and a global region. Whether you’re looking for fine arts, entertainment, professional sports, or giving back, you’ll never run out of activities in Dallas—fun here knows no bounds.

3 PARKS & OUTDOORS

Dallas has over 230 sunny days a year—and lots of sunshine means lots of time to be outside. Dallasites have access to countless outdoor activities with sprawling parks, green spaces, and several lakes featuring boating, water sports, and trails for mountain biking, road biking, and hiking. You won’t have to go far to find your favorite spot.

3 JOBS

Our Jobs section provides a snapshot of our diverse economy, showcasing major employers, top employers, and industry clusters, as well as what you might expect to earn in various sectors of the job market in the Dallas Region.

3 ESSENTIALS

Ready to move? Use the moving checklist—an overview of important Texas laws, a discussion of property and sales taxes, and must-have phone numbers and websites.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

Live in the Dallas Region?

That could be one of more than 200 cities. The region, including Fort Worth, spreads out farther each day. Only 1.3 million of a total population of 7.8 million lives in Dallas proper. Each surrounding city is unique in personality, but we’re all Texas proud. Explore and discover.

Among

LANCASTER

CARROLLTON

LEWISVILLE

UPTOWN DALLAS

WESTLAKE

DALLAS - OAK CLIFF

RICHARDSON

CEDAR HILL

MESQUITE

IRVING-LAS COLINAS

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

NORTH DALLAS

THE COLONY

PLANO

FRISCO

ARLINGTON

WAXAHACHIE

DENTON

DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ALLEN

MCKINNEY

FORT WORTH

KELLER

FLOWER MOUND

We are among the fastestgrowing regions in the country.

But don’t worry, we have plenty of room. Our area is the size of New Jersey and Delaware combined, and we add about 267 people to our population every day. You know what that means? Big opportunities for all.

We’re quite cosmopolitan.

We certainly do big business—in everything from finance to high tech. As of 2021, 45 Fortune 1000 companies were headquartered in the Dallas Region with more announcing moves every day. Our Arts District is the largest in the nation, accompanied by Fort Worth’s own world-renowned artistic meccas, including the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. As for fashion, iconic Neiman Marcus’ home base is downtown. Folks here know how to shop and fine-dine—and we’ve got plenty of places to do both.

Interesting people live here.

Every world culture is represented. Dallas is diverse in every aspect of its population—culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, level of education, age, background, hometown, and home country. We welcome all y’all. (Yes, we do say “y’all.” You’ll love it, too.)

Get here, and you can get anywhere.

In town or out-of-country, our transportation rules. The Dallas Region’s modern highway system is constantly undergoing improvements to keep pace with our growth. Our light-rail system? At 93 miles in length—and expanding—it’s the longest in the United States. Plus, we’re home to the world’s largest global airline, American Airlines, and the country’s largest domestic carrier, Southwest Airlines—each with its own airport. Hop a plane to the world via 56 nonstop international flight routes and 181 nonstop domestic routes.

for home construction in 2021: Dallas-Fort Worth (2022) Zonda

Among the

Hardest Working U.S. Cities: Arlington, Irving, Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, and Garland (2021) WalletHub

Best Place to Invest in Real Estate in the U.S.—Dallas-Fort Worth (2021) Norada Real Estate Investments

Best State for Business (18 consecutive years )

PHOTO:

PROSTOCK-STUDIO/ISTOCK

PHOTO:

DART

MOCKINGBIRD STATION

PHOTO: CITY OF MESQUITE

We’re pretty. Oh, so pretty.

There’s some stunning scenery to behold in the Dallas Region. For starters, we have a sky so big it can take your breath away. Look around the next time you’re road-tripping. South of Dallas, you’ll find rolling hills and the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the United States (yes, we have a lot of “largests” here). East Dallas has White Rock Lake, Cedar Hill has Joe Pool Lake, and north of the city are Grapevine and Lewisville lakes, to name a few of our watering holes. In fact, within 100 miles of the region, there are more than 400 public parks and more than 60 lakes.

We’ve got tons of stuff to do.

There is a thriving cultural scene in the Dallas Region, and there is always something to do. We take our food seriously. We also take our sports seriously. And our arts. And our fun. Dallas is the only metro area in the country that was built around nothing—no major river, no port—so we built exactly what we wanted from the ground up. And we’ve got it all.

A Dallas-Fort Worth education will get your kids to college— or wherever their hearts desire.

We are focused on great education. Variety and options are what we do best. We’ve got excellent public and private schools. We’ve got schools that focus on the arts and schools that focus on science. We’ve got schools rooted in religious tradition and myriad resources for kids with special needs. Plus, you and your kids will feel safe and nurtured here. And if college is in your child’s future, Texas has six major university systems where you can pay in-state tuition.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO:

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

PHOTO: KHOA NGUYEN/ISTOCK

GRIGGS PARK

You might feel like you get a raise when you move to Dallas. With no state income tax and no payroll tax in Texas, you may feel like your wallet is a little fatter when you relocate here. Plus, you’ll definitely get more house for your money here than in any other major metro in the country. And that’s a great thing.

We really have not four but five seasons.

Local blogger Dallas Whisperer says it goes like this: “Rainy Spring” starts in February and continues until the beginning of May. “Pleasant Summer” picks up with clear skies and temps in the 80s or 90s until mid-July. That’s when “Sol” season kicks in through August, with enough sun glare and heat to make that pool heaven.

The Dallas Region offers vast housing choices. Mid-century moderns, 1920s bungalows, contemporary high-rises, walkable community apartments, cutting-edge architectural splendors, yards with acres, even those fabled ranches—we’ve got that. And if we don’t, there’s plenty of land to build on.

“Glorious Fall,” a.k.a. porch weather, hits in September until December, when the “Northers” appear. It’s our version of winter. Out of nowhere, temps instantly drop with howls of wind and ice, and sometimes snow (in which case, the city shuts down). The Northers disappear as quickly as they come, but pop in sporadically well into February. So keep your parkas. You’ll need them now and again.

PHOTO:

ANDREW

SMITH

PHOTO:

BRIGGS

FREEMAN

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: BRIGGS

FREEMAN

We have new condos. We have historic homes. Take your pick.

LAKE CLIFF PARK

Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice.

“We assure you that, if you choose them to provide relocation solutions for your company, you will not be disappointed. We have had the privilege of working with the Relocation Services of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty for well over 13 years and would, without hesitation, endorse them for your consideration. We have had clients with only a move or two and have also worked together on group moves into Texas of nearly 200 transferees. The quality of service and dedication to the employees’ needs remain the same.”

—Craig E. Anderson, C.P.A., SCRP, SGMS, vice president, AECC (American Escrow & Closing Company)

Nothing compares.

BRIGGSFREEMAN.COM/RELOCATION

COMMUNITIES

INSIGHT INTO DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS AND SURROUNDING CITIES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

CARPENTER PARK, DALLAS

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

About 1.3 million people with all kinds of characteristics and perspectives live in Dallas proper. And new people are moving here every day. Our residents live in houses big and small, multifamily developments, high-rise luxury buildings, new construction, and lovingly restored properties from generations past. They cherish nature and culture, shop at small boutiques and massive malls. They send their kids to private school or public school, or they school them at home. They go to church, they volunteer, they find like-minded groups, and they make friends. And the basis of it all is their community.

Dallas communities are as diverse as our population. Downtown and Uptown attract those focused on urban living, while neighborhoods like Preston Hollow and Lakewood are right for people who want to be in town with a little more space. Areas in southern Dallas are replete with nature; areas to the north are boomtowns with every modern convenience there is. And the city of Dallas is a more exciting place to live than ever before.

DALLAS BY THE NUMBERS

EXPENDITURES

ATTAINMENT

SOUTHEAST OAK CLIFFRED BIRD

MOUNTAIN CREEK

WEST OAK CLIFF

NORTH OAK CLIFF CENTRAL OAK CLIFF

EAST OAK CLIFF

SOUTHEAST DALLAS

PLEASANT GROVE SOUTH DALLAS

FAIR PARK DOWNTOWN

LAWN

PARK CITIES

LOVE FIELD

NORTHWEST DALLAS

DALLAS LAKE HIGHLANDS

NORTHEAST DALLAS

FAR NORTH DALLAS

DALLAS

WHITE ROCKLAKEWOOD OLD EAST DALLAS

FAR EAST DALLAS

WEST DALLAS

MEDICAL DISTRICT STEMMONS/ MARKET CENTER

URBAN LIVING

DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, the Dallas Arts District includes the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Museum of Asian Art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas City Performance Hall, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Belo Mansion. Here, you’ll also find Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and One Arts Plaza, as well as a myriad of historic churches, delicious restaurants, and eclectic food trucks. And, of course, you can’t forget Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre deck park built over a stretch of Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Klyde Warren is currently expanding another 1.2 acres at the time of this writing.

KLYDE WARREN PARK

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: HALL GROUP

KPMG OFFICE PLAZA AT HALL ARTS (LEFT ) AND THE HALL ARTS HOTEL AND RESIDENCES (RIGHT )

MAIN STREET DISTRICT

The Neiman Marcus flagship store, Comerica Bank Tower, Bank of America Plaza, The Joule, Magnolia Hotel, The Adolphus, and numerous restaurants all combine to form the central space known as the Main Street District. With landmarks such as the AT&T Discovery District, Main Street Garden, Belo Garden, Stone Street Gardens, and Pegasus Plaza, as well as historic buildings that have been converted to residential buildings, the Main Street District is a great place to live, work, and play.

WEST END

The West End Historic District is one of downtown Dallas’ famous sites, as well as one of its most-visited destinations. Complete with The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas World Aquarium, and recently expanded Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, and surrounded by a cluster of fun restaurants and entertainment venues, this district provides a valuable experience for visitors and locals alike.

For decades, the West End served as a manufacturing hub for hats, crackers, candy, apparel, farm equipment, and saddles. Today, a cavalry of well-established developers and downtown stakeholders are driving the creation of an innovation district and smart city pilot project— a rebirth of the West End.

PHOTO: THOMAS GARZA/DOWNTOWN DALLAS INC.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

CIVIC CENTER

Civic Center is the regional hub of many landmark destinations and home to the Omni Dallas Hotel and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the country. Here, you’ll find Dallas City Hall, Earle Cabell Federal Building and Courthouse, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, Pioneer Plaza, and Pioneer Park Cemetery.

REUNION DISTRICT

The Reunion District is widely known for two primary landmarks: Reunion Tower and Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station. Reunion Tower is one of Dallas’ most iconic symbols. Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station is a hub for the Trinity Railway Express, DART Light Rail, and Amtrak Intercity Rail. Stay in the Hyatt Regency Dallas and enjoy both of these amazing landmarks.

FARMERS MARKET DISTRICT

Anchored by the Dallas Farmers Market, which has been providing the people of Dallas with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for more than six decades, the Dallas Farmers Market District encompasses a large area bounded by Jackson Street, North Central Expressway, R.L. Thornton Freeway, and St. Paul Street. Not only does the Dallas Farmers Market District offer unique food and specialty vendors, including the renovated Shed 2, but it is also home to a collection of historic buildings, contemporary townhomes, and apartments.

PHOTO: CHASE MARDIS

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: JUSTIN TERVEEN COURTESY OF VISIT DALLAS

THE GEO-DECK AT REUNION TOWER

UPTOWN

The last 20 years have seen massive construction projects transform this area into a dense mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly place to live and work.

Just north of downtown Dallas, Uptown is popular with young professionals. Although it is one of Dallas’ earliest settlements, redevelopment has fostered a lively mix of new and old. The Historic State Thomas neighborhood includes wood-frame houses restored to their early-20th-century grandeur. New high-rise residences offer ownership and rental opportunities and typically include fitness centers and shopping. The area is also home to hundreds of fine dining and nightlife venues, as well as galleries, boutiques, and an art house movie theater.

Uptown attracts young professionals who want a walkable neighborhood with plenty of action.

VICTORY PARK

Victory Park is home to one of downtown’s most recognizable sporting venues, the American Airlines Center, where you can see the world-champion Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars. This 75-acre district offers luxurious urban living, dining, sophisticated nightlife, and office space. Also located here is the beginning of the Katy Trail and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Other landmarks include the W Dallas Victory Hotel and the House of Blues.

URBAN LIVING

HARWOOD

The Harwood District, under the direction of developer Harwood International, launched in 1984 with the Rolex Building on downtown Dallas’ north side. Today, the 18-block, 30-acre district has 3.5 million square feet of Class A office, residential, and retail space, along with 8 acres of green space, with more to come.

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

PHOTO: HARWOOD

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

JONES DAY

TURTLE CREEK

The elegant Turtle Creek corridor, north of downtown Dallas in the Oak Lawn area, makes up 80 city blocks containing approximately 90 acres of green space, as well as luxury townhomes and modern high-rises. The area has spectacular natural beauty with the Katy Trail running through the neighborhood. Turtle Creek is also home to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kalita Humphreys Theater.

STATE THOMAS

The State Thomas area of Uptown Dallas offers easy access to freeways, the M Line Trolley, and close proximity to the central business district. Settled as a Freedman’s Town, State Thomas is one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods, with the largest collection of intact Victorian residential structures. It also has a modern touch, including mixed-use commercial and residential projects with restaurants, boutiques, art shops, and hotels.

WEST VILLAGE

West Village is known as Dallas “Uptown’s Downtown,” containing 275,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, and more than 5,000 residential units. This walkable shopping and dining district offers a variety of one-of-a-kind retail shops and boutiques, along with plenty of restaurants and entertainment options. Developed by Phoenix Property Co. and Urban Partners, West Village has direct access to the Katy Trail, McKinney Avenue Trolley, and DART rail and bus stations.

PHOTO: WEST VILLAGE

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAVIN

URBAN LIVING

BAYLOR

Baylor University Medical Center anchors this district, which is comprised of pedestrian-friendly streets, historic homes, condos, and apartments. The Baylor District is home to several nonprofit organizations located along Swiss Avenue, as well as the Latino Cultural Center, Bryan Place neighborhood, and Exall Park.

DEEP ELLUM

Nestled east of downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum was established as Freedman’s Town by former slaves after the Civil War. In the 1880s, the area was considered too far from downtown Dallas to be a reputable address. Today, Deep Ellum is an eclectic entertainment district with a funky style consisting of avant-garde shops, nightclubs, art galleries, restaurants, and loft and apartment developments. People who live here tend to eschew traditional styles and embrace the unique.

EXPOSITION PARK

Exposition Park’s focus is Fair Park, home to the State Fair of Texas in the fall. Exposition Park experiences hundreds of thousands of visitors, especially during the annual Oklahoma-Texas football game at the Cotton Bowl, known as the “Red River Showdown.” This area includes boutique shops and eclectic bars and restaurants.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

PHOTOS: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: ERIN GILLIATT

PHOTOS: MEREDITH MILLS

FALL/WINTER

PECAN LODGE

DESIGN DISTRICT

As one of Dallas’ most successfully branded destinations, the Design District consists of more than 300 specialty merchants offering a unique selection of art, furnishings, antiques, and designer goods. More than an attraction for interior designers, the Design District consists of numerous restaurants, residential, and other commercial projects that add to the district’s vitality, making it a blossoming community as well as a creative epicenter.

RIVERFRONT DISTRICT

As the front door to the Trinity River (downtown Dallas’ greatest natural feature), the Riverfront District has created the most significant change to the city’s skyline with the construction of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by internationally renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. From an array of unique antique shops to the famous tacos and longhorns of Fuel City, the Riverfront District is home to some of Dallas’ mostloved stops.

PHOTO: CATHERINE DURKIN

PHOTOS: CHASE MARDIS

URBAN

WEST DALLAS

This area has long been home to La Bajada, a largely Hispanic working-class neighborhood. When the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge opened in 2012, it transformed the Dallas skyline, while bringing new interest and energy into the area. Trinity Groves, a 15-acre restaurant incubator at the foot of the bridge, was the first true sign of innovation and a harbinger of the future of West Dallas (in other words: build a microbrewery, and they will come). Developers have made significant investments in the area and have a number of new communities in the works. There is a surge in apartment construction, and plans are underway for offices, shops, an urban farm, and more. It’s not a stretch to say that West Dallas is poised to be the next big thing.

TRINITY GROVES

This West Dallas neighborhood is a 100-acre, multiphased redevelopment of an area once containing light industrial buildings and warehouses. Trinity Groves’ first phase consisted of a 10.3-acre restaurant/specialty food incubator. The 40-acre, mixed-use second phase includes the 352-unit Cypress at Trinity Groves. Finally, a 50-acre third phase is planned for mixed use.

LA BAJADA

The West Dallas neighborhood of La Bajada is north of the mixed-use Trinity Groves with views of downtown Dallas. The area is home to Hispanic families, many of whom have owned their homes for generations. With the opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in 2012, this area is revitalizing with small apartment buildings and retail under construction. The area is also home to Urban Youth Farm Park, a community garden in West Dallas that provides youth hands-on outdoor education.

PHOTO: MEREDITH MILLS

PHOTO: CHASE MARDIS

PHOTO: BELMONT HOTEL

PHOTO: REBECA POSADAS-NAVA

BELMONT HOTEL

URBAN LIVING

THE CEDARS

Home to a range of industries, creative office and living space, and affordablehousing options, The Cedars neighborhood is where you’ll find Dallas Heritage Village (a living history museum), American Beauty Mill lofts, and the popular annual Cedars Open Studios art tour. You’ll also find a growing base of urban dwellers throughout the area, making The Cedars a diverse, eclectic neighborhood.

SOUTH SIDE

“South Side” is named after South Side on Lamar, an adaptive reuse of the former Sears Catalog Merchandise Center.

South Side consists of many prime landmarks, including Gilley’s Dallas, Poor David’s Pub, and the Canvas Hotel, which features a hard-to-beat view of downtown. Other landmarks in South Side include Jack Evans Police Headquarters and the administrative offices of the Dallas County Community College system.

EDGEWOOD PLACE

South Dallas Edgewood Place was once home to a predominantly Jewish community, and later on, AfricanAmerican residents; many of today’s Edgewood inhabitants are from families who owned their houses for decades. Edgewood today is attracting the attention of young professionals and urban pioneers who are quietly buying houses in need of renovation. Developers are interested as well because of Edgewood’s proximity to Downtown, Deep Ellum, Farmers Market, and Baylor University Medical Center.

THE BOTTOMS

The 126-acre Bottoms is bounded on the north by the Trinity River, and on the west by Interstate 35, with Corinth and Eighth streets to the east and south, respectively.

Best known for the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center School for the Talented and Gifted, one of the nation’s best high schools, as well as the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, the area is coming alive because of community stakeholders working with the City of Dallas.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

YVONNE A. EWELL TOWNVIEW CENTER

LORENZO HOTEL

CANVAS HOTEL (FOREGROUND)

DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

PARK CITIES

Even though it’s situated in the heart of Dallas, this enclave is actually composed of two independent entities: the Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park. Each maintains its own tax structures, police departments, school districts, and municipal operations.

The well-to-do and influential live here, including Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys’ owner). In fact, some of the highest per-capita incomes in all of Texas reside within these ZIP codes. Home prices easily reach the

millions. Boutique shopping is luxe, providing high levels of personal service at places like Highland Park Village, the oldest shopping center in the United States. While the houses are grand, the streets are lined with majestic oak trees. Lush green spaces are meticulously manicured. The presence of the private Southern Methodist University campus lends a quaint Ivy-League air to these smallbut-wealthy towns. At Christmas, horse-drawn carriages carry crowds to view the awe-inspiring light shows of the decorated mansions.

The Park Cities are also home to the Dallas Country Club, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and Snider Plaza.

GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

NORTHWEST DALLAS

This pocket of Dallas has two distinct sections: residential and commercial. Neighborhoods developed in the late 1950s contain mid-century and ranch-style houses on midsize lots. Public schools are highly rated, and private schools are abundant. Park Forest is known for its community pool. Midway Hills is popular for the Disney Streets, whose character-named streets attract high demand.

Koreatown to the west, while mostly commercial, serves the largest Korean community in Texas. If you are looking for wholesale-only fabric and gift stores, head down to Harry Hines Boulevard.

NORTHEAST DALLAS

Apartment complexes and retail dominate Northeast Dallas. The Village, made up of 17 complexes served by central services and a community country club, draws young professionals. Nearby are newly built and renovated ’50s complexes off University Drive which are popular with SMU students. North of Park Lane is a cluster of apartments called Vickery Meadows. It’s home to ethnically diverse families, including immigrants from all over the world. A pocket of midpriced ’50s-era housing communities are found east of Skillman Street.

Housing is close to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, shopping centers, and DART stations that line upper Greenville Avenue.

FAR NORTHEAST DALLAS

Here’s a slice of Dallas north of Interstate 635 and east of U.S. Highway 75, just south of Richardson. Right at the corner of those intersecting freeways lies the sprawling headquarters of Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company. Close by, you’ll also find Dallas College’s Richland campus, with both accredited and youth or enrichment classes.

For housing, expect a mix of lowerrent apartments alongside homes built in the ’70s.

PHOTO: YVENA CHOWDHURY

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

DALLAS COLLEGE RICHLAND CAMPUS

THE VILLAGE

THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE

FAR NORTH DALLAS

Far North Dallas is sandwiched between suburban Addison and Richardson and bounded by Interstate 635 and Belt Line Road. Even residents have trouble distinguishing the lines between Dallas proper and their suburban neighbors— especially as the schools belong mostly to the Richardson ISD. The schools, plus proximity to shopping centers and equidistance between downtown and Frisco, attract many young families with children.

The area was first developed in the ’70s and ’80s. Many homes date back to that era, but the home values vary. While made up of many neighborhoods, the North Dallas Neighborhood Alliance creates some cohesion. Of note are the 6.3-mile Preston Ridge Trail and the Galleria, a multistory mall featuring lots of shopping and an ice-skating rink.

NORTH DALLAS

North Dallas is the site of some of Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods, including Preston Hollow, which consists of Old Preston Hollow and 12 small neighborhoods. Strait Lane in particular is a multimillion-dollar address of influencers. These estate-filled neighborhoods with shade-covered hills, private lakes, streams, and expansive grounds house notables such as George W. Bush, Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, and Roger Staubach. Famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright designed a majority of the older mansions. But new, custom estates are the current trend. Predominately a family-centric community, many children get their education at the prestigious private school corridor within the area.

As you travel north, the Preston Forest neighborhoods scale into ranch homes, and prices drop slightly. Quick entry onto both the Dallas North Tollway and U.S. Highway 75 gives easy access to the rest of the city. High-end shopping and dining is found at Preston Center and the popular NorthPark Center.

GALLERIA DALLAS

NORTHPARK CENTER

PRESTON HOLLOW

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

OAK CLIFF

When mentioning Oak Cliff, most are referring to North Oak Cliff, but the district actually encompasses four unique sections—and a huge amount of real estate.

1. North Oak Cliff

People here are proud to represent a convergence of artists, musicians, and culture-rich Hispanic communities. While it’s one of the older neighborhoods, it has seen quite the resurgence in recent years. Renovations to the Bishop Arts District and several historic districts like Kessler Park, with its hills and Tudor-style homes, and Winnetka Heights, with Prairie and Craftsman-style houses, spurred the launch of independent restaurants and shops around family-owned Mexican restaurants and mercados. It strives to retain its open-minded, diverse character

in the midst of its growing popularity. Stevens Park Golf Course saw a complete redesign by architect John Colligan and is open for public golfing. Kidd Springs Park offers walking trails and lots of outdoor opportunities.

2. East Oak Cliff

East Oak Cliff is home to the Dallas Zoo, plus two top 10 schools in the nation— the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School (20) and the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center (13).

3. Southeast Oak Cliff

This is a haven of education with the campuses of both recently expanded University of North Texas at Dallas and Paul Quinn College. Big plans are in the works for the areas surrounding these schools.

4. Central Oak Cliff Wynnewood North is prized for its midcentury houses on gently sloping hills. The 263-acre Kiest Park is full of sports options. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve offers eight miles of trails.

EAST KESSLER

Established in the late 1930s by developer Roy Eastus and the Stemmons family, East Kessler’s chalk hills, combined with many doctors living there, once earned it the designation of “Pill Hill.” These days, East Kessler Park is home to Methodist Dallas Medical Center and is the furthest east of the Kessler Park neighborhoods in Oak Cliff. Crisscrossed by many creeks, this quiet residential area takes its street names from the many real estate figures who developed it, as well as the chalk hills embellishing it.

LAKE CLIFF

Lake Cliff takes its name from Cliff Park, which was constructed in the late 19th century. Many of the houses in this northern Oak Cliff neighborhood were built between 1890 and 1930; during this time, John Zang and Charles Mangoled built the Crystal Hill entertainment complex. Lake Cliff includes the historic 12-story Lake Cliff Towers, once a hotel and now condominiums.

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO:

MICHAEL

SAMPLES

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

OAK LAWN

Nestled between Highland Park and Interstate 35, which separates it from the Design District, Oak Lawn has a distinct culture. It’s affectionately called the “gayborhood” by locals for its high population of LGBTQ-friendly clubs, restaurants, shops, and events like the annual Halloween parade. But the mix of posh, high-rise apartments among renovated post-war homes draws kidless urban professionals of all ages and types who have fine tastes in decor and dining. Retail and restaurant options tend to be unique, ranging drastically from the highest-end to the character-filled and budget-friendly.

A block away, Turtle Creek, a winding boulevard of shady green space and Reverchon Park, embodies high-culture attitude as exemplified by the Kalita Humphreys Theater and the five-star Mansion at Turtle Creek.

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

DALLAS

PHOTO: ROSEWOOD

PHOTO: ERIN GILLIATT

PHOTO: ERIN GILLIATT

THE MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

STEMMONS/ MARKET CENTER

Located five minutes from downtown Dallas, this area is an extension of the Design District and is starting to attract the attention of indie, artist-based businesses and a few trendy restaurants. Home to the prestigious, landmark Hilton Anatole hotel, this area is a short drive to the Medical District and the Oak Cliff neighborhood. The area is still warehouseheavy with commercial properties, and developers have been eyeing properties for redevelopment.

MEDICAL DISTRICT

Does it surprise you that large, expanding hospitals congregate here? Parkland Hospital (famous for treating President John F. Kennedy), Children’s Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Zale Lipshy Pavilion–William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital all stand shoulder to shoulder, peppered with specialized care centers offering top-notch services. Apartments are springing up to accommodate the growth. Next door, Dallas Market Center, The Apparel Mart, and the World Trade Center keep shops across the country stocked with wholesale goods. The Infomart houses Wade College and tech-centric offices.

LOVE FIELD

People of Dallas love their heart-of-the-city airport, Love Field. When the Wright Amendment expired in 2014, that made Love busier than ever—and the nearby neighborhoods more popular than ever. Bluffview is an affluent area tucked around Inwood Village. Cliffs overlooking Bachman Branch, sometimes 50 feet high, give the neighborhood natural charm. Close by is Greenway Parks, a conservation district designed in 1927 in the English commons tradition of clustering houses around private parkways. Perry Heights, south of the landing strip, is a collection of prewar homes and condominiums. Expect big changes in the Maple corridor as major development progresses.

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PARKLAND HOSPITAL

HILTON ANATOLE

ALTA DESIGN DISTRICT

PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAVIN

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

SWISS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT

CITYPLACE

The Cityplace District is best known for its 1.4-million-squarefoot 42-story office Cityplace Tower (served by a DART station), as well as the 275,000-squarefoot residential-and-retail West Village. Yet this 160-acre master-planned, mixed-use community, bounded by Haskell and Lemmon Avenues and the Katy Trail, also offers the tree-lined Haskell Boulevard, along with its more than 3 million square feet of residential property, 500,000 square feet of retail, and 1.6 million square feet of office space.

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

OLD EAST DALLAS

Sought out for a mix of casual, foodie-centric restaurants and bars alongside older houses, this area rallies around its fun, all-inclusive spirit. You’ll hear it referred to as Lower Greenville, the M Streets, and Knox-Henderson, but it’s actually made up of lots of neighborhoods— many designated as conservation districts of Tudor homes and cottages. Historic mansions on Swiss Avenue neighbor two-story Prairie houses of Munger Place Historic District. Renovated ’60s apartment buildings line Gaston Avenue. Most everything off of Ross Avenue is being rehabilitated. Families blend with young singles. Schools are community supported. It’s known for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Granada Theater, and joyous eating and drinking.

BRYAN PLACE

Originally named after Dallas founder John Neely Bryan, Bryan Place of East Dallas contains older houses and structures from the early 20th century, as well as 1980s houses developed by Fox & Jacobs. The primarily residential neighborhood offers townhomes, zero-lot garden homes, and close-by entertainment and restaurants; a 10-minute walk brings residents to the Dallas Arts District. Exall Park, complete with playgrounds, hiking trails, and sports fields, also defines Bryan Place.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

WHITE ROCK

East of White Rock Lake is a host of diverse neighborhoods, plus the beloved Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Forest Hills rises up from the lake with larger homes and lots. Little Forest Hills is a funky, artistically minded bungalow community that loves to throw vivacious parades. Casa Linda, anchored by Casa Linda Plaza, uses the Spanish language as an influence for its street names. Mature trees fill the ’50s-developed neighborhood and the surrounding mid-priced housing areas of Eastwood, Lake Park Estates, and Lochwood. Bath House Cultural Center, just off the lake, features local art exhibits and plays. Public Tenison Golf Course and Samuell Grand Park with its summer Shakespeare Festival are close by as well.

LAKE HIGHLANDS

It’s all about family in Lake Highlands. Maintained as a huge farm until 1940, the community is large— composed of more than 40 neighborhoods—but flush with green space, parks, and a creek trail that leads to White Rock Lake.

Officially established in 1946, the area was heavily developed throughout the ’60s. There are many homes of varying values to be found here.

While part of Dallas, most of the public schools actually fall into the Richardson ISD. That includes Lake Highlands High School. Morgan Fairchild went there, as did recent Grammy winner Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent.

LAKEWOOD

Tight-knit, eclectic in nature, and situated alongside White Rock Lake, Lakewood is adored for character close to downtown. In 2018, CultureMap listed Lakewood among its “5 Neighborhoods to Buy a Forever Home in Dallas Right Now.” Prized architects Charles Dilbeck and Clifford Hutsell designed many houses with modern or Spanish styles. Craftsman or Prairie styles fill Junius Heights Historic District. While houses are updated and urban sensibilities integrated, lifestyle here is not unlike the idyllic way it began. Folks still go to the Lakewood Shopping Center landmarked with the Lakewood Theater; walk, run, bike, row, and sail around the lake; or play golf at Lakewood Country Club. And kids still go to Woodrow Wilson High School, one of many International Baccalaureate high schools in Texas.

PHOTO: PAUL MANAK

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

PHOTO: QUINCY CURÉ PRESTON

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

WHITE ROCK LAKE DOG PARK

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

FAR EAST DALLAS

A section of neighborhoods closest to the southern tip of White Rock Lake features tree-filled yards and one-story ranch houses from the ’60s that make great starter homes. Grouped together as White Rock Hills, this area includes Claremont, Casa Linda Forest, and Hillridge. Casa View, built in the post-war building boom, has gained attention as a bargain opportunity.

The Creative Arts Center, a neighborhood gem, teaches visual arts classes. Dallas College’s Eastfield campus offers two-year degrees and continuing education. Private Dallas Athletic Club offers golf and tennis.

SOUTHEAST DALLAS

With roots tracing back to the early 1800s, much of Southeast Dallas is encompassed by the Trinity River green space. It includes the Trinity River Audubon Center—a nature preserve with hiking and biking trails and a bird sanctuary. Across Elam Creek is McCommas Bluff Preserve—a 111-acre wooded preserve. It’s also home to the Trinity Forest Aerial Adventure Park and Texas Horse Park. Because of the scenery, this area is slated for future development.

FAIR PARK

Built to host the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, Fair Park is a historically protected collection of Art Deco buildings housing museums and exhibits. But everybody knows it as the grounds for the State Fair of Texas. The annual spectacular is a sight like no other. Year-round, people visit the Texas Discovery Gardens, the Music Hall at Fair Park, Dos Equis Pavillion, The African American Museum, the Children’s Aquarium, and games at the Cotton Bowl.

A new initiative by the city just launched to revitalize both the park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Stay tuned.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB

DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB

TRINITY RIVER AUDUBON CENTER

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

PHOTOS: TANNER GARZA

SOUTH DALLAS

South of downtown and surrounding Fair Park, these predominantly AfricanAmerican and Hispanicinhabited neighborhoods are pushing to rise again. Initiatives are underway to invigorate capital improvements and incentivize development. The Dolphin Heights area is a close-knit, family-friendly neighborhood. The South Boulevard/Park Row Historic District is undergoing a revival. Parkdale/Urbandale near the Keeton Park Golf Course is striving for the same. Proximity to the city offers great growth promise.

GRAND PARK SOUTH

Grand Park South (GPS) is a 228-acre tax-increment finance (TIF) district in South Dallas and adjacent to historic Fair Park with access to downtown and DART’s light rail Green Line. Notable developments in the district include 6,000 square feet of retail, 30 single-family homes, and a $36 million, 213,616-square-foot middle school that opened in 2013.

PARK ROW SOUTH BLVD

South Boulevard/ Park Row Historic District is part of the Edgewood Historic District in South Dallas. The two-block neighborhood consists of 100 houses on South Boulevard and Park Row which were built by the Jewish community in the early 20th century when Temple Emanu-El was at Harwood Street and South Boulevard. This area is revitalizing with a mix of relatively intact Prairie School, Craftsman bungalow, and historical revival style homes by prominent Dallas architects of the period from 1910 to 1935.

PHOTOS: TANNER GARZA

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

BILLY EARL DADE MIDDLE SCHOOL

PHOTO:

MICHAEL

SAMPLES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

PLEASANT GROVE

Named for a grove of cottonwood trees, Pleasant Grove was once its own town until annexed in 1954 and combined with other small communities. It’s home to Skyline High—the nation’s first magnet school and fourth largest high school in Texas. And it is also home to The Trinity Forest Golf Course, which hosted the most successful professional charity golf event on the PGA for the first time in 2018. SMU’s golf program and First Tee of Greater Dallas are also housed there.

MOUNTAIN CREEK

Mountain Creek Lake, the namesake, is actually a reservoir designed to cool the Mountain Creek Power Plant. Today, Dallas Baptist University resides in the hills overlooking the water. Not far away is Potter’s House, led by Oprah-favorite Bishop T.D. Jakes, which gathers large worshipping crowds. The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery rests near the lake. Not only is there access to the park and soccer fields in Mountain Creek Lake Park, but Joe Pool Lake is mere minutes away.

Though in Dallas, residents here are educated through Duncanville ISD.

RED BIRD

Hard-working families that are generally Texasborn-and-bred live in the section between Oak Cliff and Duncanville. One nice perk: Housing costs are about half of the Dallas average. The Dallas Executive Airport flies out of Red Bird, maintaining aircraft and making sure those doing business in downtown can fly out at a moment’s notice. For hikers looking for a challenge, head to moderate-rated Bounder Park Trail. Golf enthusiasts will want to experience the last Perry Maxwell-designed course at The Golf Club of Dallas.

DALLAS

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

THE GOLF CLUB OF DALLAS

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: REAGAN C. ROTHENBERGER / CREATIVE COMMONS

DALLAS EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

BEYOND DALLAS

Quality of life starts with finding the right community. The Dallas Region is surrounded by dozens of distinctive suburban communities that offer their own unique charms. Looking for a community with a historic downtown, eclectic shops, and restaurants? We’ve got that. What about a master-planned community with a golf course and access to great schools? We’ve got that, too. Whether you prefer to live on a lake, in wideopen spaces, or near a rodeo, great mall, or nature preserve, there’s a community that’s right for you. In a region that’s so richly diverse, it won’t be easy deciding where to hang your hat.

WISE COUNTY

TARRANT COUNTY

DENTON

DENTON COUNTY

Worth

Euless Grand Prairie

Flower Mound

Lake Southlake

Coppell

Bedford

Corinth

Richland Hills

Point

Cross Roads Watauga

Highland Village Copper Canyon Trophy Club

Creek

Midlothian

Double Oak River Oaks Pantego Dalworthington Gardens Edgecliff Village

Blue Mound Mansfield

Crowley

White Settlement

Lake Worth Westover Hills

Haslet

City

Hills

Hill Everman Kennedale

Keene

Grandview

Briaroaks Cross Timber

Weatherford

Azle

CDP

Acres

Fairview

Bridgeport

Boyd Willow Park

Bay

Mountain CDP

Justin

Annetta

Pecan Plantation CDP

Springtown Annetta North

Rhome

Tolar

Paradise

Chico DISH

Millsap

Hudson Oaks Annetta South

Trail Shores CDP

Newark

De Cordova Bend

Bay

Lake Bridgeport

Cresson

Lakeside

NORTHEAST

FORT WORTH AREA

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTYNORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

EAST COLLIN COUNTY

COLLIN COUNTY

ROCKWALL COUNTY KAUFMAN COUNTY

HUNT COUNTY

SOUTHERN DALLAS AREA

DALLAS COUNTY

ELLIS COUNTY

EAST DALLAS AREA

Garland

Wylie

McKinney Allen

Carrollton

Hill

Mesquite

Prosper Rockwall Lancaster

Rowlett

Richardson

Little Elm Forney

Lucas Heath

Coppell Sunnyvale Seagoville

Colony Sachse Fate

Fairview HutchinsDuncanville Wilmer

Balch Springs

University Park Highland Park

Roads

Shores St. PaulHebron

Celina

Farmers Branch

Parker Murphy

Oak

Glenn Heights

Alma

Kaufman

Talty Crandall Kemp Palmer

Ridge Scurry

Hill

Oak Grove Grays Prairie

Post Oak Bend City

Bardwell

Greenville McLendonChisholm

Campbell Lavon

Caddo Mills Nevada West Tawakoni

Josephine Cottonwood

Quinlan

Wolfe City Celeste Union Valley

Blue Ridge Lone Hawk Cove

Neylandville

Anna Melissa

Weston Princeton

Aubrey Lowry Crossing

New Hope

Krugerville Royse City

Farmersville

Cockrell Hill

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and the nation. More than 1 million people, a rapidly growing list of corporate headquarters, and two professional sports teams have chosen this part of the region to call home. Two large communities—Plano and Frisco—make up West Collin County.

Whether you are looking for a day of fun in the sun or time to unwind with friends, Sanger has something for everyone. Sanger offers beautiful historic buildings with boutique shopping and dining opportunities to satisfy the pickiest of tastebuds. Host to various festivals and events each year, Sanger is the perfect community for those looking for a quiet country lifestyle with big city convenience. Come grab life by the lake!

PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

DR PEPPER BALLPARK

WEST COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES Celina Frisco Plano Prosper

PROSPER

It was among the fastest growing communities in North Texas in 2018, according to the Census Bureau. Houses are going up on old farmland to fill the Frisco overflow, including the 2,000acre Windsong Ranch planned community. The new builds won’t come cheap, as the median home price is around $400,000.

Paradise

Crossing

New Hope

Bay

Hill

PR0SPER HIGH SCHOOL

TOWN LAKE PARK

PHOTOS: CITY OF PROSPER

FRISCO

You might not believe that a mere 30 years ago Frisco was farmland. Now, it is a bustling microcosm of its own and simply exploding with growth. Even the Dallas Cowboys have moved their training facilities to Frisco, joining a host of sports activity already in play. The Dr Pepper Ballpark featuring the Frisco RoughRiders baseball team and Toyota Stadium with MLS soccer team FC Dallas are just two of many examples. And shopping? It is plentiful, including Stonebriar Centre Mall and Ikea. The area thrives with activities for families, such as the Frisco Athletic Center with its indoor water park, which opened in 2015, Frisco Commons with the town’s largest playground system, and Frisco Discovery Center for science.

Something new and exciting opens almost daily, which means we’re just seeing the beginning of all Frisco is to become.

NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME

THE STAR

STONEBRIAR CENTRE

PHOTO: FRISCO CVB

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: ERIN GILLIATT

PHOTO: RACHEL WALTERS

No. 1

City to Do Business in Texas

— homecity / Better Homes & Gardens, 2020

No. 3

Best Real Estate Market in U.S. — WalletHub, 2020

1

Most Recession-Proof City — Smartasset,

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

TRICK-A-TROUT KID FISH

Every February, the Frisco Commons pond is stocked with 3,000 rainbow trout, and kids under 16 are invited to try the sport of fishing.

MOTHER-SON / DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCES

Two citywide dances are held in the winter and fall of each year.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

More than 80,000 Easter eggs for children ages 12 and under are hidden at Toyota Soccer Center, along with bounce houses, face painting, and photos with the Easter bunny. Special-needs children get their own field. It’s all free.

QUICK FACTS

RECENT DEVELOPMENT:

The North Platinum Corridor is a stretch of the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco, from Sam Rayburn Tollway/ S.H. 121 to U.S. Highway 380.

SURPRISING FACT:

Art abounds in Frisco with more than 100 pieces in Hall Office Park, including the Texas Sculpture Garden, and more than 50 publicly owned sculptures throughout Frisco.

OUTDOOR GEMS:

Hope Park is an all-accessible park meant for children with special needs and their friends to enjoy together.

GET INVOLVED:

Frisco’s volunteer program enhances city services while offering residents an opportunity to gain skills and positively impact their community.

PHOTO: FRISCO PARKS AND RECREATION

PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

PHOTO:

FRISCO

FRISCO SQUARE

HALL OFFICE PARK

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

PLANO

Constantly appearing on Best City lists, Plano is a darling of suburbs. Families fill acres of affordableplanned neighborhoods and shopping centers. Corporate headquarters are flocking to new developments like Legacy West. While Plano is a commutable distance to just about anywhere, jobs increasingly will be within miles, as is every other modern amenity you might want: parks and trails, diverse restaurants, entertainment one-stops, churches of all denominations, major hospitals, and family-friendly events.

Though active for decades, Plano really started making a name for itself 20 years ago. The city concentrated its efforts on building a strong public school system. Combine that with being able to get a bigger, newer house for less than in the city, and families moved there. The spread continues west even today. While it grows older in some parts, Plano works to keep vibrancy and progress up to date, which may be why so many corporate headquarters have chosen to build national campuses in the city.

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS

EAST PLANO

This includes the oldest communities of Plano, like Historic Downtown, Old Towne, Douglass Community, and Haggard Park. You’ll find it diverse in culture, housing types, and styles. For example, a strong Asian community thrives in Woodlands/Fairfield, while Ranch Estates is known for large lots, ranch homes, and animals.

CENTRAL PLANO

You’ll find single-family, ranch-style homes mostly from the 1970s and 1980s with mature trees. This neighborhood is conveniently located near North Central Expressway.

WEST PLANO

The area is well known for two-story homes that are three or four times larger than homes in Central Plano. Granite has an urban appearance and high-rises. It’s home to the mixed-use destination Shops at Legacy and West Legacy.

NORTH PLANO

North Plano has a more diverse population, including a large Asian population. Homes in this area were built in the 2000s. Residents stay active at Russell Creek Park.

The neighborhoods are beautiful. There are so many parks and exciting places to discover. Most importantly, Plano has exceptional schools and a great reputation. I love having the perfect blend of suburban life and all the perks, not too far from the city!”

SARAH CRILLEY, WEST PLANO

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

WEST PLANO

EAST PLANO’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL

In September, the night and morning skies are illuminated with hot air balloons for three days, while the ground is filled with music, food, and family-centric fun. planoballoonfest.org

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Fall Zero Waste festival celebrates more than 100 cultures in the city through fashion, food, performances, free children’s activities, booths, and a fitness/wellness fair. planointernationalfestival.org

ASIAFEST

A family-friendly day in May exhibits all the different cultures of Asia with traditional costumes, food, and exhibitions. asianamericanheritage.org

QUICK FACTS

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: Samsung has announced a 60,000 square-foot expansion, and CarMax boosted its DFW footprint by opening a new technology innovation center in Plano.

PROUDEST OF: Public school performance, libraries, and number of corporate headquarters based in Plano.

GET INVOLVED: Find volunteer opportunities: plano.gov/213/VolunteersIn-Plano.

OUTDOOR GEMS:

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park with 56 miles of trails crisscrossing the city.

SURPRISING FACT: Plano is home to the largest collection of cricket fields in the Southwest.

DART RAIL ACCESS:

Lines: Red Line (full) , Orange Line (peak hours; weekdays only)

No. 1

Best City for a Staycation

— WalletHub, 2020

Number of stations: Two Approximate time to Downtown Dallas: 37 minutes No. 2

Happiest City in America

— Patch.com, 2020

No. 7

Best City to Buy an Affordable Family Home — SmartAsset.com, 2020

No. 8

Best City to be Stuck at Home — Lawnstarter.com, 2020

No. 5

Best City to Live — Niche.com, 2020

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE

EAST COLLIN COUNTY

Two large communities Allen and McKinney

make up most of East Collin County. This area is

to Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, the Heard Museum, and historic downtown McKinney.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY

EAST COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Allen Fairview Lucas McKinney

Murphy Parker Wylie

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

EAST

ALLEN

This wholesome community was newly built for families. Allen ISD has the largest high school in Texas with an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students. Its football stadium rivals professional operations with seating capacity for 18,000. The Eagles were football state champions in 2014 and 2017. But the entertainment isn’t all about Friday night lights. Allen Event Center puts on major concerts and national shows. Hydrous Wake Park keeps the kids cool, as does KidMania, one of the largest handicap-accessible playgrounds and spray grounds in Texas. Watters Creek offers fun times and shopping all in one.

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS

EAST ALLEN

Everything east of U.S. 75 is the original downtown plus a mix of newer and older homes nestled among mature trees and parks.

WEST ALLEN

Most homes west of U.S. 75 were built in the last 15 years. This area has upscale housing, much of which sits along creekside trails. Twin Creeks is a masterplanned golf course community, and Watters Creek is a mixed use center with shopping, dining, and midrise apartments.

QUICK FACTS

PROUDEST OF:

High school sports, especially football.

OUTDOOR GEMS:

Allen boasts 800 acres of developed park land and nearly 50 miles of hiking and nature trails, including Connemara Conservancy, a 70-acre nature preserve.

SURPRISING FACTS:

Its railroad water reservoir stone dam is thought to be the only one left in the United States. Allen’s Collin College campus is located inside Allen High School.

BIG RECENT NEWS:

The city will join the big leagues with a new $85 million convention center at Watters Creek.

EAGLE

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

McKINNEY

What once was a pioneer town has evolved into a growing, sophisticated city. McKinney pays homage to its roots through the Chestnut Square Historic Village, which is operated by the Heritage Guild of Collin County, and the historic Collin County Courthouse now serves as the McKinney Performing Arts Center, the cultural hub of downtown McKinney. A network of trails connects residents to dozens of parks, fitness centers, and sports complexes.

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS EASTSIDE

This includes well-established communities like Eldorado (one of the first master-planned communities with more than 700 homes and mature trees surrounding a country club) and the 30-block historic district, which dates from the 1890s and is the second-largest historic district in Texas.

WESTSIDE

The newer side of McKinney is made up of many unique planned neighborhoods, including: Craig Ranch—A 2,500-acre community anchored by the Tournament Players Club, which was named one of the 10 Best Courses in Texas by Golf Digest

Stonebridge Ranch—The largest planned community in the city, made up of 68 distinctive villages ranging from houses in the $160s to more than $2 million. It’s integrated with hills, lakes, and miles of hike-and-bike trails.

Tucker Hill—Neighborhoods that recreate an Americana feel, incorporating aspects of historic communities in architecture, horticulture, sidewalks, parks, and open spaces into a newly built community.

Adriatica—New homes inspired by the ancient beauty of a Croatian village in the Adriatic Sea. A future development will include a replica of St. Mark’s Square in Venice.

Westridge—Seven neighborhoods positioned around a golf course and woven with hike-andbike trails and a community park.

MAIN STREET

STONEBRIDGE RANCH

ADRIATICA VILLAGE

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: CITY OF MCKINNEY

PHOTO: CITY OF MCKINNEY

HEARD MUSEUM

Best Place for First-Time Home Buyers

— WalletHub.com, 2019

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

OKTOBERFEST

Find authentic German music, traditional costumes, dancing, and a beer garden that covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square.

mckinneyoktoberfest.com

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Enjoy horse-drawn carriages, traveling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and activities for all ages. downtownmckinney.com

ARTS IN BLOOM

See more than 150 local and regional artists showcase their talents throughout the 12-block area of downtown.

RED WHITE & BOOM!:

Celebrate Independence Day with a free parade and classic car, truck, and cycle show that starts in downtown and ends with music and fireworks at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch.

QUICK FACTS

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: McKinney Village at the Medical District is a $30 million mixed-use and health science district to up the medical offerings in McKinney.

PROUDEST OF:

Downtown Square and accompanying events, and its many top city rankings.

SURPRISING FACT:

Home to Franconia Brewing Company, a local brewery with German beer-making methods.

OUTDOOR GEMS:

Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a 289-acre habitat for native and endemic wildlife species, winding with trails from diverse ecosystems, for the primary purpose of educating children about nature.

GET INVOLVED:

Volunteer McKinney helps residents find volunteer opportunities and support local nonprofits and community groups. volunteermckinney.org

“The school district is wonderful, and our children love their schools and teachers. My wife and I have been so impressed with the curriculum, administration, and staff. They all have such a strong interest in our children having a safe, strong environment to learn and get the most of their education. ”

JASON CLAYTON, McKINNEY RESIDENT No. 9

MCKINNEY ROOFTOPS

PHOTOS:

OF MCKINNEY

IRVING/LAS COLINAS

Irving/ Las Colinas calls itself the “Headquarters of Headquarters” for good reason. Eight Fortune 500 companies call the city their global headquarters. What’s to love? Convenience, for one. The central location makes it an easy commute to almost anywhere in the area, especially Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport— which is one reason so many companies have opted to relocate here. Within Irving lies Las Colinas, a mixed-use, master-planned community (one of the first in the United States), developed in 1972 by a wealthy cattle rancher. With luxury hotels, pretty houses, private clubs, urban lofts, and good restaurants, it is the epitome of modern American life.

NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Addison

Carrollton Coppell

Farmers Branch Irving Las Colinas

PHOTOS: IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PHOTO: IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

LAS COLINAS

IRVING CONVENTION CENTER MUSTANGS OF LAS COLINAS

ADDISON

The town is dedicated to its residents, charging city staff to find a way to say yes to service requests. You’ll find evidence of this in details like the Addison Athletic Club, a 52,000-squarefoot, residents-only facility, and the Treehouse, an incubator for small businesses. Addison Circle, with the landmark BluePrint sculpture, is event-centric, known regionwide for Kaboom Town fireworks on the Fourth of July and Oktoberfest in the fall. Also popular are the holiday lights at the 12-acre Vitruvian Park. The smallish town just north of Dallas has more than 175 restaurants, and the Belt Line strip within is often called Restaurant Row. Other places of interest include the WaterTower Theatre and the Addison Airport.

WATERTOWER THEATER, ADDISON

CJ COMU, ADDISON RESIDENT

CARROLLTON

The city boasts that it is 20 minutes from everything. It is slated to be a rail transit hub, with travel going in six directions over the next two decades. Downtown Carrollton’s charming 100-year-old buildings contain small jewelers, boutiques, and restaurants. The center gazebo stands watch while railroad tracks weave among pedestrians. Public school children, for the most part, attend the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

DALLAS

PHOTO: TOWN OF ADDISON

“It’s a great place to live! We have a community of people that cares about the city and is passionate about its future. We also love the many trails in Addison.”

CARROLLTON MUNICIPAL CENTER

PHOTOS: CITY OF CARROLLTON

ADDISON CIRCLE

PHOTO: IMANI LYTLE

DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

DENTON’S HISTORIC TOWN SQUARE

DENTON

The city of Denton is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, which provide an infusion of youthful energy and a lively music scene. A charming historic town square is still the center of much activity. Housing is very affordable, and the neighbors are the kind you can share a cup of coffee with. Go north of Denton, and you’ll realize what “big sky country” is all about—and if you want land, we’ve got plenty of it. You can have a ranch. And some animals. And never see your next-door neighbor, if that’s what you want.

THE COLONY

Affectionately known as “the city by the lake,” The Colony features 23 miles of shoreline along Lake Lewisville and two lake parks. But the big news is the new construction occurring. Two nature-centric, master-planned communities, Austin Ranch and The Tribute, just arrived. The state’s only Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Topgolf venue, and an 80-acre sports facility called The Colony Five Star also call The Colony home.

LITTLE ELM

A beach in North Texas? Yep. Along Lake Lewisville are miles of sand, fire pits, a pavilion and snack bar, 10 regulation volleyball courts, an amphitheater, and a playground. Little Elm has 66 miles of shoreline within its city limits and a lake attitude to go along with it. As you can imagine, community events throughout the year center around the waterfront, including Christmas on the Beach.

DENTON COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Argyle

Bartonville

The Colony

Canyon Corinth

Roads

Oak Flower Mound

Creek

Village

Elm

Point Ponder Sanger Shady Shores

PHOTO: UNT

THE COLONY’S GRANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MIKE MEZEUL II

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

PHOTOS: CITY OF LITTLE ELM

South of Denton are Highland Village and Flower Mound , among others. The former sits on Lewisville Lake and is popular with people who like trails and good schools. Flower Mound ranked 16th on Money Magazine’s 2018 Best Places to Live list for its pedestrianfriendly Riverwalk development, stellar schools, and small-town feel.

Settled shortly after Texas received its statehood in the early 1840s, Lewisville grew rapidly after the completion of an enormous reservoir in 1954, now known as the aforementioned Lewisville Lake. Further growth occurred due to its convenient location at the crossroads of Interstate 35E and the recently completed Sam Rayburn Tollway. Lewisville takes arts, leisure, and recreation seriously with venues such as the Lewisville Grand Theater and Lewisville Railroad Park, 14 miles of trails, and all the outdoor amenities of the lake.

RACE AND ETHNICITY

PHOTO:

JUDY KEOWN/CITY OF FLOWER MOUND

BRIDLEWOOD GOLF COURSE, FLOWER MOUND

COUNTY

Two big communities— Richardson and Garland —make up Northeast Dallas County, which includes the Telecom Corridor, named for its concentration of high-tech firms such as Texas Instruments and Ericsson. Rowlett takes its name from a nearby creek, but Lake Ray Hubbard is the main reason people choose this upscale suburb. Rowlett has more than 30 miles of shoreline and has benefited from recent extensions of the President George Bush Turnpike and DART.

GARLAND

The city of Garland has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of biking and hiking trails, while foodies and treasure hunters will lose themselves in unique dining and shopping. Garland’s eclectic arts scene can be found at entertainment venues such as the Granville Arts Center. Residents have a wide variety of neighborhood and education options to choose from.

FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER, GARLAND

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Garland Richardson Rowlett Sachse

PRIDE OF PLACE.

With affordable homes in established neighborhoods, a sought-after school district, and more than 60 parks, Garland is a great place to raise kids. Or be one.

PERFECT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS.

Garland has charming homes at all price levels that are close to beautiful parks and trails.

THE MORE CULTURES, THE MERRIER.

Garland is known for its diverse and welcoming community. Live on your terms, in a vibrant city that truly supports you.

TAP INTO A UNIQUE VIBE.

Creativity flows in Historic Downtown Garland. Come enjoy craft brew and craft BBQ while watching a new town square get crafted across the street.

RECREATION DESTINATION.

Come hit a bucket of balls or experience three beautiful regulation courses that challenge and delight at Firewheel Golf Park.

RICHARDSON

Residents of Richardson—a first-ring suburb of Dallas—love the close proximity to the urban experience of the inner city. But make no mistake, the town has a culture and community feel of its very own. Families clamor to enroll in RISD schools, known for teachers who go above and beyond to see students succeed, and a progressive set of magnet programs. People who want a taste of international flavor visit for Bollywood films, true dim sum, ethnic grocery stores, Persian delicacies, temples, mosques, and worldly excursions of all kinds. In fact, almost 40 percent of Richardson residents identify as an ethnicity other than Caucasian. The Telecom Corridor’s massive presence is filled with work opportunities. New live-work-play areas like CityLine were built around several DART stations. Houses are a mix of ages and sought after by era along with a recent trend of new builds. Acclaimed festivals and the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts up the culture and music quotient while the University of Texas at Dallas promotes science and innovation.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

REGIONS/ NEIGHBORHOODS

WEST RICHARDSON

The area west of U.S. 75 contains sought-after neighborhoods Canyon Creek, with ranch and mid-century modern homes, and Richardson Heights, filled with its ranch homes being redeveloped by young professionals and families. It’s known for its tree-lined streets.

EAST RICHARDSON

The area east of U.S. 75 with neighborhoods from a range of different eras is filled with diversity in culture, food, and shops. It’s where you’ll find the Telecom Corridor and the new Cityline development. East Richardson is also home to DFW Chinatown, a strip of Chinese restaurants and businesses on Greenville Avenue.

THE PANHANDLE

The northeast part of the city is filled with new, larger homes and the 416acre Breckinridge Park.

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: CITY OF RICHARDSON

TELECOM CORRIDOR

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

WILDFLOWER! ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

This three-day, outdoor family event in May is one of the best deals going. Catch more than 80 musical acts on five stages, including well-known rock, indie, and country groups for a relatively low ticket price. An art guitar auction, live butterfly habitat, an activity-filled kids’ area, song and art competitions, and other extras are just icing on the cake.

wildflowerfestival.com

COTTONWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL

This semiannual event features juried, museum-quality works from the nation’s top visual artists in 14 categories. Located in Cottonwood Park, this prestigious art show has been a part of Richardson life for more than 40 years. It includes an ArtStop kids’ area and local bands performing throughout. Admission in both May and October is free.

cottonwoodartfestival.com

HUFFHINES ART TRAILS

Every year during the fourth weekend in October, the tree-lined trails of Huffhines Park come alive with close to 200 exhibiting artists and craftsmen to choose from. It includes a kids’ scavenger hunt, activity area, and local entertainment—and it’s free.

huffhinesarttrails.com

SANTA’S VILLAGE

This tiny Christmas kids’ town is open during the entire month of December with activities at each dwelling.

Hometown Thursdays are reserved for Richardson residents only.

“The school’s communication is tremendous. We are in constant communication with teachers about where our kids are. They teach the kids at their level so they have groups within classes. ”

PROUDEST OF:

Proximity to Dallas, RISD public schools, and diverse cultures and ethnic food offerings for its residents.

NEW DEVELOPMENT:

CityLine, a $1.5 billion development, supports a daytime population of 16,000 people and includes two major parks, State Farm and Raytheon offices, a DART station, two hotels, entertainment options, apartments, and stores galore.

SURPRISING FACT:

Between 69 and 110 acres of mixed wildflowers are seeded in three seasons every year in public areas and the roadsides in an annual citywide planting program.

OUTDOOR GEMS:

The Heights Family Aquatic Center is a city-run water park complete with water slides, a current channel, and beachfront entry.

GET INVOLVED:

Richardson volunteers take on community projects throughout the city.

Niche.com,

JEFF COUSENS, RICHARDSON RESIDENT

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

WILDFLOWER! MUSIC FESTIVAL

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

BUTTERFLY TRAIL, MESQUITE

EAST DALLAS AREA

ROCKWALL

MESQUITE

Not to be confused with the East Dallas neighborhood of Dallas, the East Dallas region of DFW is about 14 miles east of Dallas and includes more than half a dozen communities. In the heart of the region lies Lake Ray Hubbard , one of the larger lakes in Texas. Seen together, the area is a mix of city conveniences and room to breathe.

Rockwall sprawls along the east side of the lake, and people who live here appreciate the swimming, boating, water skiing, and more that comes with living close to the water. The fastgrowing community claims a hometown feel with all of the advantages of a major city, and it draws people from all over to its summer evening concerts by the lake.

Mesquite is called the Rodeo Capital of Texas, but it’s also home to the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation’s healthiest housing markets, and the $69.5 million, 250,000-squarefoot Vanguard High School, which educates students in construction science, technology, engineering, and health science.

EAST DALLAS AREA COMMUNITIES

Balch Springs Fate Forney Heath Mesquite Rockwall Seagoville

Sunnyvale

PHOTO: KEVIN BROWN /CITY OF MESQUITE

Point

Crossing

Hope

Royse City

PHOTO:

PHOTO:

/CITY OF MESQUITE

EDC

SOUTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

CEDAR HILL | DESOTO | LANCASTER | WAXAHACHIE

Southern Dallas County, often called “the Best Southwest,” is about 15 miles south of the city of Dallas. It encompasses a handful of down-to-earth communities situated among what the partnership of cities there calls “a topographical paradise of beautiful hillsides, lush natural landscapes, and Joe Pool Lake.” The area goes a long way toward proving that DFW is not all concrete and cowboys— that we enjoy an abundance of nature right out our back door. And you have to see it to believe it.

The largest of the towns here is DeSoto, which attracts families with affordable houses and civic-minded neighbors. In fact, the

town has been named an All-America City, an award that nods to the community’s ability to tackle problems with uncommon results.

Broadcast and communications towers make Cedar Hill visible from a distance, but don’t let those harbingers of technology fool you—this is a pretty, lake-adjacent community that prioritizes the natural environment.

Lancaster is only 15 minutes from downtown and all Dallas offers yet retains quiet suburban charm, award-winning schools, and robust economic growth. Surrounded by freeways—it’s easy to venture out or enjoy hometown life from your front porch.

DALLAS

PHOTO: QUINCY PRESTON

IN 2019, GOOGLE BROKE GROUND ON A NEW DATA CENTER IN MIDLOTHIAN.

PHOTO: REBECA POSADAS-NAVA

DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE

CEDAR HILL

CEDAR HILL EDC

COUNTY KAUFMAN COUNTY

COUNTY

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS. FIRST RING SUBURB STRENGTH.

“Grand Prairie had everything we needed – a skilled workforce, a friendly business climate and proximity to many of our best customers.”

- David Menaine, Chief Operating Officer

Companies continue coming to North Texas despite COVID-19. Grand Prairie offers several key reasons to consider locating here, including:

A location in the middle of almost 8 million people with minutes-away proximity to both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field

A grid of interstate and state highways

> Texas’ “Prairie Coast” with development sites, amenities and activities available “Forkside” (along the West Fork of the Trinity River, including some within an Opportunity Zone), creekside, pondside or lakeside (at or near Joe Pool and Mountain Creek Lakes).

CITY IN THE US

ARLINGTON

GRAND PRAIRIE

Arlington and Grand Prairie are the halfway points between Dallas and Fort Worth. The two communities value both work and play. The area is home to several well-known sports, entertainment, and amusement park venues, as well as The University of Texas at Arlington, American Airlines, Bell, Lockheed Martin, and a GM assembly plant, among others.

Arlington officials like to say that the city was built on two words: “We can.” And here you can see a Texas Rangers game, attend a Dallas Cowboys football game, ride a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, or shoot down a water flume at Hurricane Harbor. You can enjoy River Legacy Park’s 1,300 acres of forests and greenbelts. And you can find a lot of down-to-earth folks who work hard to make things like airplanes, cars, and pet products.

In Grand Prairie, you can also see a show at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, watch horse racing at Lone Star Park, or look at weird stuff at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The city states that “generally speaking, our residents are thirtysomething, dual-income homeowners,” adding that “families who have lived here for generations welcome newcomers … for the same reasons the natives don’t want to leave—location and hometown atmosphere.”

PHOTO: CITY OF ARLINGTON

PHOTO: CITY OF ARLINGTON

PHOTO: CITY OF ARLINGTON

GENERAL MOTORS, ARLINGTON

RIVER LEGACY PARK

ARLINGTON HIGHLANDS

GRAND PRAIRIE PREMIUM OUTLETS

PHOTO: CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE

ARLINGTON & GRAND PRAIRIE AREA

STADIUM

THAT IT WAS ONLY A 25-MINUTE COMMUTE TO WORK.”

AARON THRONEBERRY, REALTOR & LEASE LOCATOR

“THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE, AND I’M CONTINUING TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. LIVING IN DALLAS, YOU GET THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN A BIG CITY WITHOUT THE CLAUSTROPHOBIC FEELING OF BEING PACKED IN. ”

PAULA GRUNOW, SUPERVISOR, STRATEGY AT ZENITH

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MEREDITH MILLS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

“DALLAS CATERS TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS, SO THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEW FRIENDS OR PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS.”

LAURYN WILLIAMS, OLYMPIC MEDALIST AND FOUNDER, WORTH WINNING

“I’VE LOVED GETTING TO KNOW DALLAS AND TRULY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DIFFERENT AREAS, UNIQUE CULTURE, AND CHARMING PEOPLE.”

— REGAN OLSON, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, TAKE COMMAND HEALTH

“I HAD NO COMPREHENSION OF HOW MASSIVE, DIVERSE, AND REWARDING THIS REGION IS. I SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO RELISH NEW DALLAS EXPERIENCES.”

AMIE KROMIS, SKANSKA USA, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF VENDOR DIVERSITY

“I ULTIMATELY CHOSE UPTOWN FOR ITS PROXIMITY TO EVERYTHING FOOD GALORE, PARKS AND TRAILS, NIGHTLIFE, AND OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS. NOT TO MENTION

GRAPEVINE

As the oldest city in Tarrant County, Grapevine gladly lives up to its name. Wine flows down the Urban Wine Trail, featuring eight Texas wineries. The Annual Grapefest in Historic Downtown Grapevine pours samples of regional wine by the gallon. But it isn’t all about vino. It’s heaven for families—or at least the kids. The Great Wolf Lodge is a mecca for the young, accompanied by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad pulled by Thomas The Tank Engine, Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, LegoLand, and the events at The Gaylord Texan Resort. For the big kids, get ready to boat, ski, windsurf, fish, camp, and picnic at Lake Grapevine or shop the massive Grapevine Mills mall. Centered around almost 30 city parks and playgrounds, neighborhoods of all price ranges boast one of the lowest property tax rates in the area.

GRAPEFEST’S GRAPE STOMP

+

GUIDE

PHOTOS: GRAPEVINE CVB

OVER LAKE GRAPEVINE

GRAPEVINE URBAN WINE TRAIL

SOUTHLAKE

affluent suburb is forward-thinking with a plan for progress in place through 2030. Already, the city paired with private entities to create a town square housing the town hall and post office along with shopping, a movie theater, and a hotel surrounded by parks. Homes in these mostly new planned communities cost a bit more than average and belong to the Carroll ISD. Proximity to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport makes it popular with frequently traveling executives.

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Colleyville Euless

Hills

Keller

Club

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

McPHERSON PARK

FORT WORTH AREA

The city of Fort Worth began in 1849 as an army outpost protecting settlers from the raids of Native Americans. It grew rapidly after the Civil War due to its location on the Chisholm Trail, on which cattle were driven to Kansas to be transported via train—earning it the nickname “Cowtown.” The name stuck, and the now cosmopolitan city still uses a longhorn steer as part of its official logo and maintains the Fort Worth Stockyards as a historic district and tourist destination. But people who call the area home know this city’s present encompasses more than its past.

In the last decade, it has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, yet Fort Worth has preserved the duality of its smalltown feel and its refined, cosmopolitan side.

A healthy job market, affordable housing, and the energy associated with several colleges and universities contribute to its vibrancy. And then you have the cultural offerings: Fort Worth has exceptional museums (including Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Modern) and galleries, as well as the gorgeous Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square. The general vibe of Fort Worth is different from that of Dallas, and though the cities are usually tied together by outsiders, they are distinct in many ways.

PHOTO: CITY OF FORT WORTH

PHOTO: DANIEL T. POPE

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

PHOTO: BARBARA SMYERS/ISTOCK

ATTRACTIONS

Amon Carter Museum of American Art Bass

Performance Hall

Billy Bob’s Texas

Cowtown Coliseum

Fort Worth

Botanic Garden

Fort Worth

Stockyards

Fort Worth Zoo

Kimbell Art Museum

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Sundance Square

DENTON COUNTY

LIVING

IN THE DALLAS REGION

HOSPITALS GETTING AROUND EDUCATION HOUSING

LIVING

HOUSING

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN DALLAS

The Dallas Region’s booming economy adds an average of 267 additional people per day. These incoming residents have a diverse range of housing choices—from urban lofts to white picket fences to rambling suburban estates—in neighborhoods and schools that are equally diverse and nationally recognized. Connecting these communities is one of the fastestgrowing public transit and highway systems in the nation.

“MY UPTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD OFFERS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO ME.”

JACQUELINE TWILLIE

CITY: Dallas

NEIGHBORHOOD: Uptown

COMPANY/TITLE: ZeroGap, President

When did you move here? Where from?

I moved here from Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016.

Where else have you lived?

I lived in Ohio (while earning my MBA at Tiffin University) and in Louisiana, where I was born.

What made you ‘Say Yes to Dallas’?

I said ‘’Yes” to Dallas because I love that there are two airports, making it easy to travel and catch a flight at any time of the day. I also chose Dallas because of the diverse base of large corporations in the city. There are so many cool neighborhoods in Dallas, and it makes it easy to have unique social experiences.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?

I chose Uptown because of its mix of local restaurants and its proximity to both Love Field and to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. I love that Uptown is walkable, and the Katy Trail is a huge bonus.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

I enjoy being outdoors and working out in the fresh air. My Uptown neighborhood —which includes the Katy Trail—offers tremendous opportunities to me. Dallas is filled with neighborhoods that include

greenspace and parks. It’s an outdoor workout lover’s dream.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?

Stay in Airbnbs in the neighborhoods that interest you most and visit the restaurants and shops. You’ll uncover gems in the various neighborhoods that will help you determine the spot that is best for you.

Tell us about the work environment here. As an entrepreneur, the work environment is exciting. I’ve been able to form great partnerships and serve clients to advance in the leadership and development of women who work within traditionally male-dominated industries. My company has been a catalyst in assisting women to deepen their impact and lead with greater confidence.

Where do you go to experience culture?

My first choice is the African American Museum of Dallas. The museum was founded in 1974 as a part of the Special Collections at Bishop College, a historically black college that closed in 1988. The museum has operated independently since 1979 and is in historic Fair Park.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Dallas Region?

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que near Dallas Love Field and Saint Ann Restaurant in the Harwood District.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?

JACQUELINE TWILLIE

Katy Trail or White Rock Lake for outdoor picnics, workouts, and simply being outdoors.

What is your favorite festival/event?

A fun event is the annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and, of course, the horse and carriage rides in Uptown and Downtown Dallas during Christmas.

What is your passion, and how does the Dallas Region help fulfill it?

My passion is to eliminate the gender wage gap and to advance women’s leadership.

Dallas is a great region to build a business that supports the advancement of equality in the workplace for women.

TOP-NOTCH HEALTH CARE

Dallas-Fort Worth is home to exemplary medical facilities operating with the newest technology and seasoned and qualified professionals. Our state-of-the-art health care is supported by aggressive research and educational programs, and residents here find it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle with world-renowned physicians and top-notch hospitals providing the highest-quality health care. Wherever you live, there is a medical expert nearby able to treat conditions of all sorts, ranging from serious to minor concerns. But don’t take our word for it: in 2022, 40 Dallas-Fort Worth general hospitals were listed as either nationally ranked or high performing by U.S. News & World Report. Three children’s hospitals made the list.

MAJOR HOSPITALS

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

MEDICAL CITY DALLAS HOSPITAL

TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DALLAS

PARKLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL FORT WORTH

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER

METHODIST DALLAS MEDICAL CENTER

JOHN PETER SMITH HOSPITAL

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE ALL SAINTS MEDICAL CENTER-FORT WORTH

MEDICAL CITY PLANO

$132

AVERAGE DOCTOR’S VISIT

$123

AVERAGE OPTOMETRIST VISIT

$130 AVERAGE DENTIST VISIT

U.S NEWS BEST HOSPITALS 2022

UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 10 specialties

> High performing in 7 procedures/ conditions

> Ranked the No. 2 hospital in Texas

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 2 specialties

> High performing in 6 specialties

> High performing in 7 procedures/ conditions

> Ranked the No. 4 hospital in Texas

PARKLAND HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SYSTEM Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 1 specialty

> High performing in 6 specialties

> High performing in 2 procedures/conditions

> Ranked the No. 6 hospital in Texas

TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL SOUTHWEST Fort Worth

> High performing in 4 specialties

> High performing in 4 procedures/conditions

> Ranked the No. 10 hospital in Texas

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER DALLAS Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 10 specialties

SOURCE: DRC Research

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER OF DALLAS

COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER

METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER

MEDICAL CENTER OF ARLINGTON

TEXAS HEALTH ARLINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

TEXAS HEALTH HUGULEY HOSPITAL

TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL PLANO

MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

METHODIST CHARLTON MEDICAL CENTER

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTERGRAPEVINE

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER-IRVING

DALLAS VA MEDICAL CENTER

TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL SOUTHWEST FORT WORTH

COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER OF MCKINNEY SUBSIDIARY, L.P.

TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DENTON

METHODIST MANSFIELD MEDICAL CENTER

TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD

CITY HOSPITAL AT WHITE ROCK LAKE

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTERCARROLLTON

MEDICAL CITY DENTON

DALLAS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

LIVING IN THE DALLAS REGION

Getting around the Dallas area is easy, thanks to a well-developed network of interstate freeways, state highways, tollways, and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) public transportation system, enabling easy access to key job centers in Dallas and its suburbs. With two major airports—DFW International, situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, and Dallas Love Field, located just 6 miles northwest of downtown—the Dallas Region has quick and easy access to the rest of the world.

AJAY VONKAREY

What made you decide to choose Dallas?

The warmer weather, low cost of living, great school districts, and soccer at FC Dallas were all things that drew me to DFW.

How did you choose Frisco specifically?

How has your opinion of Dallas-Fort Worth changed since moving here?

AJAY VONKAREY

COMPANY: Alpha Sirius Inc.

CITY: Frisco

When did you move here? Where from?

I moved in April 2015 from New Jersey.

I liked the school district, the amount of space my home had, and being close to my friends. Frisco is clean, calm, and new. It’s one of the fastest growing cities. Frisco is very residential and is a great community for families with kids. It’s easy to find play dates, carpooling groups, and new friends to hang around. With the warm weather, kids can be outdoors the majority of the time, which was not possible in the New Jersey/New York area. Most of the houses in Frisco are new and large compared to the Dallas or Oak Lawn areas. If you are a family with kids and considering public schooling, then Frisco and Plano are great areas, as they have really good school districts.

Dallas is a great place—growing a lot, tons of opportunities. It’s urban, but there’s nothing like leaving the dog out in the backyard and not having to take him down a four-story building. If you’re looking for a slow pace of life but still close proximity to lots of action, move to Dallas.

How is the experience of raising kids in Dallas-Fort Worth?

In regards to raising kids in Frisco, the huge advantage we have is the amount of parks and open spaces. FISD has also been fantastic. In fact, my wife attended one of the FISD meetings and was quite impressed by the way it was run and managed, the preparation and the depth of information provided. She was even impressed by the office building and compared it to a conference hall of the American Express offices.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

“A SLOW PACE OF LIFE BUT STILL CLOSE PROXIMITY TO LOTS OF ACTION.”

THE INTERSECTION OF U.S. HIGHWAY 75 AND I-635 IN NORTH DALLAS — ALSO KNOWN AS THE HIGH FIVE

MAKING SENSE OF HIGHWAY NAMES

In DFW, we call some roads by their number, like “75,” and some by their name, like “George Bush Turnpike.” Here’s your handy guide to highways with more than one name.

ALTERNATE NAME WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE ON A MAP Airport Freeway S.H. 183 from S.H. 114 to the south DFW International Airport entrance

President George Bush Turnpike

John W. Carpenter Freeway

C.F. Hawn Freeway

Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway (LBJ)

Loop 12

Tom Landry Highway

Marvin D. Love Freeway

North Central Expressway

George W. Bush Expressway

Julius Schepps Freeway

Stemmons Freeway

R.L. Thornton Freeway

Elmer Weaver Freeway

Woodall Rodgers Freeway

PGBT, S.H. 190, S.H. 161 in Las Colinas

S.H. 183 and S.H. 114 from I-35E to the north Dallas Fort Worth International Airport entrance

U.S. Highway 75 south of downtown

I-635 begins at the north entrance of DFW International Airport and circles the city from the north, east, and south; it includes I-20 in the south

Inner-city loop including Northwest Highway on the north, Buckner Boulevard on the east, Ledbetter Drive on the south, and Walton Walker Boulevard on the west

I-30 between I-35E in Dallas and I-35W in Fort Worth

U.S. Highway 67 from I-35E to I-635 south of downtown

U.S. Highway 75 from downtown to the north

U.S. Highway 75 from Walnut Hill Lane to downtown Dallas

I-45 from downtown to the south

I-35E from downtown to the north

I-35E south of Dallas and I-30 from downtown to East Dallas

U.S. Highway 67 from I-635 to the south

Spur 366, the short freeway that connects I-35E with U.S. Highway 75 and I-45

MAJOR HIGHWAYS

Source: DRC research

GETTING AROUND LIVING

SAMRAYBURNTOLLWAY

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE

Moving around the Dallas area, you might find yourself on one of the North Texas toll roads. Here’s what you need to know before you do.

NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITY ( NTTA) : The organization sanctioned by the State of Texas to develop and maintain toll roads in North Texas.

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY ( DNT ) : Runs northsouth, connecting motorists between downtown Dallas and cities in Collin, Denton, and northern Dallas counties, passing through Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Addison, Farmers Branch, Plano, and Frisco. It links with the Sam Rayburn Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, I-635, and I-35E.

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE ( PGBT ) : Makes a partial loop around the Dallas area, currently extending from I-20 in the Grand Prairie area west of Dallas; north across I-30 into Irving, Carrollton, and North Dallas; east to Richardson and into Garland; before turning south through Sachse and Rowlett, across Lake Ray Hubbard to the interchange at I-30 in Garland.

SAM RAYBURN TOLLWAY (SRT ) : Formerly State Highway 121, extends northeasterly from Business 121 near the Dallas/Denton county line to U.S. 75 in Collin County. It links with U.S. 75 and DNT.

ZIPCASH

If you’re going to be a frequent traveler on one of the tollways or the turnpike, you’ll want to get a TollTag. The adhesive transponder sticks on your windshield and debits your NTTA account each time you use a toll road (there are no toll booths on North Texas toll roads). You can skip the whole TollTag business, but you won’t get a free ride. The NTTA bills the registered owner of the vehicle by mail via ZipCash, which costs 50 percent more than paying via TollTag.

BONUS: You can use your TollTag to pay for parking and pass-through at Dallas Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field airports. To open a TollTag account, go to ntta.org or call 972-818-6882. You can also apply for a tag in person at a regional NTTA partner, which includes government offices, libraries, and grocery stores all over the area.

WHAT ARE MANAGED TOLL LANES?

Texas has a low gasoline tax relative to many other states, which means it needs another way to fund the construction and operation of highways—and that way is tolls, specifically, managed toll lanes.

In a nutshell, managed toll lanes are taking the place of what were carpool lanes on freeways.

Commuters who want to avoid congestion during peak travel times can take a managed lane for a price.

DALLAS

LEWISVILLE LAKE

BRIDGE

MOUNTAIN CREEK LAKE BRIDGE

CHISOLM

PARKWAY

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

Source:

Research

PHOTO: J. P. FAGERBACK / CREATIVE COMMONS

Fort

KAUFMAN

MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The transportation sector is essential to Texas’ future. The movement of goods and people in an efficient manner ensures the economy remains competitive and prosperous.

North Texas continues to experience tremendous population growth, which places increased demand on the region’s transportation infrastructure.

To meet this demand, billions of dollars are being invested to maintain existing infrastructure, prevent congestion, and ensure mobility and safety by relieving chokepoints and expanding critical corridors. Dozens of projects are currently underway with many more planned for the future.

CURRENT EXPRESS/HOV & NEW MANAGED LANES

Current express/ HOV lanes

New TEXpress managed lanes

Transitional high-occupancy vehicle lane

CURRENT EXPRESS/HOV & NEW MANAGED LANES

roadways

The Dallas Region has the most managed lanes of any metro in the U.S. The area’s regional transportation planning agency has created a program to use managed lanes to ensure that critical transportation modes, such as buses, are able to maintain 50-70 mph speeds in order to reliably arrive on time.

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Current express/HOV lanes

New TEXpress managed lanes

Transitional HOV lane

Major roadways

TARRANT

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DOWNTOWN DALLAS

HWY 190 AND HWY 75

PHOTO: NTTA

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

PUBLIC TRANSIT

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which includes light rail and bus service, owns and operates the longest light rail transit system in the United States. It facilitates access to key job centers in Dallas and its suburbs, as well as the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. DART also interfaces with the Trinity Rail Express (TRE), a commuter train, to transport passengers between downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, with stops at several suburbs in between. Fort Worth residents are served by The T, a bus system that connects to the TRE. The A-Train, operated by the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA), connects DART riders in Carrollton to an additional five stations ending in Denton. In addition, the Dallas area has two operating streetcar systems. The M-Line trolley system connects the West Village in Uptown with downtown. The Dallas Streetcar began service in 2015 and connects downtown Dallas with the Bishop Arts District. TEXRail connects Downtown Fort Worth to Northeast Tarrant County, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

DFW RAIL SYSTEM

BY THE

Rapid

PHOTO: DART

DALLAS STREETCAR

M-Line Trolley to CityPlace/ Uptown Station

ROUTH

Parks

FIELD ROSS FEDERAL LIVEOAK

ELM

COMMERCE JACKSON WOOD YOUNG

FIELD

Transfer Center

PACIFIC

LIVEOAK GOOD LATIMER

TEXRail (Trinity Metro)

Trinity Railway Express (No Sunday Service)

A-Train (DCTA)

TEXRail (Trinity Metro)

M-Line Trolley

A-Train (DCTA)

Streetcar

CESAR CHAVEZ BLVD.

CANTON MARILLA

LATIMER

M-Line Trolley Dallas Streetcar Transit Center or Park & Ride

Center or Park & Ride

M-LINE TROLLEY

TAKING FLIGHT

Whether you are a family of four traveling to Mexico for vacation, a business traveler headed to Chicago for the day, or a busy corporate executive flying private, take-offs and landings are easy here. Dallas is home to the world’s largest global airline, American Airlines, and the U.S.’s largest domestic carrier, Southwest Airlines, as well as three fullservice general aviation airports serving private and executive clients.

Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the highestcapacity commercial airport in the world, connecting the area to the entire planet. The airport offers travelers a high-frequency schedule and access to any major city in the continental United States in less than four hours. More than a dozen new international routes have been added in the last two years, and more are on the way. Plus, DART’s Orange Line runs to DFW International, meaning it’s possible to take public transportation to the airport. Dallas Love Field is a convenient generaluse airport, located just seven miles from downtown Dallas, that is home to low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines. Alaska Airlines also provides service out of Love Field after acquiring Virgin America in 2017. The airport recently completed a $519 million renovation that included a centralized terminal with 20 gates, a new lobby, and an expanded baggage claim area. Together, these things mean a big future for this little airport.

Corporate jets most often operate out of Addison Airport, in North Dallas; McKinney National Airport, 30 miles north of Dallas; or Dallas Executive Airport, just south of downtown. These airports offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities and firstclass service to their clients.

PHOTO: KAMERAWORLD/ISTOCK

DALLAS

D.C.

DALLAS

DALLAS

NONSTOP FLIGHT TIMES FROM DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DESTINATION — FLIGHT TIME IN MINUTES

Asia/Pacific

Istanbul, TK — 726

Tokyo-Haneda, JP — 805

Tokyo-Narita, JP — 817 Seoul, KR — 892

South America

Bogota, CO — 329 Lima, PE — 418 Santiago, CL — 565

São Paulo-Guarulhos, BR — 609 Buenos Aires, AR — 621

Middle East

Doha, QA — 870 Dubai, UAE — 883

Europe

London-Heathrow, EN, GB — 538 Madrid, ES — 569

Paris-De Gaulle, FR — 569 Frankfurt, DE — 585

Helsinki-Vantaa, FI — 607

Canada

Toronto, ON — 176 Calgary, AB — 229 Vancouver, BC — 257

Alaska & Hawaii

Anchorage, AK — 378 Kona, HI — 439

Kahului/Maui, HI — 490 Honolulu/Oahu, HI — 511

Caribbean

Montego Bay, JM — 215

Providenciales, TC — 226

San Juan, PR — 274

Punta Cana, DO — 275

Saint Thomas, VI — 297 St. Lucia, LC — 313

Central America

Belize City, BZ — 171

Comayagua, HN — 174

San Pedro Sula, HN — 187

Guatemala City, GT — 189

Roatan, HN — 190

San Salvador, SV — 203 Liberia, CR — 227 San Jose, CR — 237

Mexico

Monterrey, MX — 97

Hermosillo, MX — 114

Chihuahua, MX — 115

Durango, MX — 122

Merida, MX — 122

Torreon, MX — 120

Zacatecas, MX — 123

San Luis Potosi, MX — 128

Aguascalientes, MX — 138

Leon/Guanajuato, MX — 143

Queretaro, MX — 145

Huatulco, MX — 149

Mazatlán, MX — 149 Cancún, MX — 152

Cozumel, MX — 153

Guadalajara, MX — 153

Mexico City, MX — 153

Morelia, MX — 158

Oaxaca, MX — 160

Puerto Vallarta, MX — 161

San Jose del Cabo, MX — 172

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, MX — 172

Loreto, MX — 188

Manzanillo, MX — 191

La Paz, MX — 192

Acapulco, MX — 195

U.S. Midwest

Kansas City, MO — 67

Wichita, KS — 70 Springfield, MO — 74

St. Louis, MO — 77 Omaha, NE — 81

Manhattan, KS — 82

Garden City, KS — 89 Columbia, MO — 89

Grand Island, NE — 101

Indianapolis, IN — 101 Springfield, IL — 106

Des Moines, IA — 108

Evansville, IN — 108

Peoria, IL — 110

Milwaukee, WI — 111

Cedar Rapids, IA — 113

Champaign, IL — 113

Bloomington, IL — 114

Moline, IL — 114

Columbus, OH — 119

Sioux Falls, SD — 121 Detroit, MI — 126 Madison, WI — 129 Cincinnati, OH — 129

Chicago-Midway, IL — 130 Dayton, OH — 131

Fort Wayne, IN — 132

Chicago-O’Hare, IL — 137

Rapid City, SD — 140

Grand Rapids, MI — 140

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN — 142 Cleveland, OH — 152 Fargo, ND — 152

Bismarck, ND — 162

South Bend, IN — 209

U.S. Northeast

Pittsburgh, PA — 135

Washington-National, DC — 149 Philadelphia, PA — 162 Syracuse, NY — 166

New York-LaGuardia, NY — 172

Washington-Dulles, VA — 172 Baltimore, MD — 172 Buffalo, NY — 174

Harrisburg, PA — 176 Hartford, CT — 198 Newark, NJ — 208

New York-JFK, NY — 213 Boston, MA — 218

U.S. South

Oklahoma City, OK — 35 Waco, TX — 38

Houston-Hobby, TX — 42 Tulsa, OK — 42 Tyler, TX — 43

San Antonio, TX — 43

Wichita Falls, TX — 47

Killeen, TX — 48

Abilene, TX — 48

Houston-Intercontinental, TX — 48

Lubbock, TX — 48

Lawton, OK — 49

Longview, TX — 49

Little Rock, AR — 49

College Station, TX — 50

Midland/Odessa, TX — 51

Texarkana, AR — 52

Shreveport, LA — 54

San Angelo, TX — 57

Fort Smith, AR — 59 Austin, TX — 60

Memphis, TN — 63

New Orleans, LA — 64

Northwest Arkansas, AR — 64

Alexandria, LA — 65 Monroe, LA — 66

Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX — 67

Harlingen, TX — 68

Lake Charles, LA — 70

Del Rio, TX — 71

Amarillo, TX — 74 Lafayette, LA — 75

Baton Rouge, LA — 77 Jackson, MS — 77

El Paso, TX — 79

Corpus Christi, TX — 80

Laredo, TX — 80 Nashville, TN — 86 McAllen, TX — 88

Gulfport/Biloxi, MS — 90

Brownsville, TX — 90 Mobile, AL — 93 Columbus, GA — 95

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL — 95 Birmingham, AL — 96

Huntsville/Decatur, AL — 100

Montgomery, AL — 102

Pensacola, FL — 103

Panama City, FL — 111 Chattanooga, TN — 113

Knoxville, TN — 117 Louisville, KY — 118 Tampa, FL — 119

Tallahassee, FL — 120

El Dorado, AR — 120

Greenville, MS — 120 Harrison, AR — 120

Hot Springs, AR — 120

Sarasota, FL — 120 Atlanta, GA — 122 Lexington, KY — 124 Orlando, FL — 125 Charleston, SC — 126

Fort Myers, FL — 129

Greenville/Spartanburg, SC — 132

Fayetteville, NC — 134

Raleigh/Durham, NC — 134

Stillwater, OK — 134

Tri-Cities, TN — 134

Jacksonville, FL — 134

Gainesville, FL — 136 Columbia, SC — 136

Savannah/Hilton Head, GA — 140

Fort Lauderdale, FL — 141 Charlotte-Douglas, NC — 146

Greensboro, NC — 149 Asheville, NC — 152 Augusta, GA — 152

West Palm Beach, FL — 155

Myrtle Beach, SC — 157

Key West, FL — 159

Miami, FL — 160

Richmond, VA — 163

Norfolk, VA — 167

Wilmington, NC — 191

U.S. West

Roswell, NM — 88

Denver, CO — 89

Santa Fe, NM — 104

Clovis, NM — 105

Albuquerque, NM — 109

Colorado Springs, CO — 111

Flagstaff, AZ — 115

Phoenix, AZ — 115

Carlsbad, NM — 120

Durango, CO — 122

Aspen, CO — 123

Gunnison, CO — 128

Salt Lake City, UT — 128

Montrose (Telluride), CO — 134

Grand Junction, CO — 135

Las Vegas, NV — 136

Tucson, AZ — 137

Idaho Falls, ID — 139

Vail/Eagle, CO — 141

Steamboat Springs, CO — 141

Bozeman, MT — 147

San Diego, CA — 149

Yuma, AZ — 154

Los Angeles, CA — 156

Jackson Hole, WY — 174

Long Beach, CA — 176 Sacramento, CA — 178

San Jose, CA — 179 Oakland, CA — 181

Palm Springs, CA — 182

San Francisco, CA — 182 Ontario, CA — 183

Bakersfield, CA — 184

Billings, MT — 190 Boise, ID — 190

Orange County, CA — 193 San Luis Obispo, CA — 195 Eugene, OR — 197

Santa Barbara, CA — 198 Missoula, MT — 199 Portland, OR — 199

Burbank, CA — 202

Monterrey, CA — 204

Seattle/Tacoma, WA — 204 Fresno, CA — 207 Reno, NV — 208 Spokane, WA — 223

Kahului/Maui, HI — 490 Honolulu/Oahu, HI — 511

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR EVERY CHILD

Students

PHOTO: UTD

Communication.

Choosing the right school for your child is a key component when selecting where to settle down and raise a family. The Dallas Region offers a variety of schooling options: public, public charter, private or parochial, and homeschooling. Whether you have little ones in need of early childhood care or are looking for quality higher education for your college-bound student, our breakdown will help you find the perfect fit for your family. “EDUCATION IS A HUGE FOCUS.”

Dallas natives are always trying to introduce me to something new.

TERRENCE D. SMITH

School districts in the DallasFort Worth region are locally administered and independent of each other. District lines generally relate to city boundaries, but they are not exclusive to them. For example, Richardson ISD includes students in Richardson and parts of Dallas and Garland. Dallas

Independent School District—or DISD, as it is known locally—is the region’s largest school district, with 145,113 students and a nationally recognized magnet program.

Students attending Dallas ISD schools live in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Hutchins, Mesquite, Seagoville, University Park, and Wilmer. Since 2007, the district has more than quadrupled the number of schools that have reached the state’s highest accountability rating. In Tarrant County, Fort Worth ISD dominates, with more than 76,000 students.

WHICH SCHOOL?

THE DISTRICTS SPEAK

Though all school districts strive to give students a quality education, there are differences from district to district. The following information was provided to us by each of the school districts. School districts not included here simply didn’t respond to our survey prior to press time, but they may have responded later. For more extensive information on these and other DFW area school districts, go to mydallasmove.com. If possible, before you choose a school or a district, call and ask for a tour. There’s no substitute for getting a personal feel for a school and the people who run it.

ALLEN ISD

SIZE: 21,617 students, pre-K through grade 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Allen ISD is recognized as one of the top school districts by numerous third-party rating systems, including Niche.com, which gives Allen ISD an A+ rating and ranks the school district as the best district in Collin County and the sixth best district in Texas. Money Magazine ranked the City of Allen as the secondbest place to live in America, citing the school system as a major factor. While Allen High School is one of the largest schools in the state, having one high school lends to the feeling of community in Allen, and allows the district to offer a wide variety of programs to students.

PHILOSOPHY: Allen ISD cultivates innovation in education that empowers every learner to realize his or her full potential.

ARLINGTON ISD

SIZE: 56,840 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Arlington ISD is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is known for its collaboration and innovative opportunities for students. Home to the Texas Association of School Boards’ 2016 Texas Superintendent of the Year—Dr. Marcelo Cavazos—and the 2014 Outstanding School Board of Texas, AISD has maintained a vision to be a premier school district and leader in education.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Arlington ISD is to empower and engage all students to be contributing, responsible citizens striving for their maximum potential through relevant, innovative, and rigorous learning experiences. The vision is that the AISD will be a premier school district and a leader in education.

AUBREY ISD

SIZE: 2,450 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Aubrey ISD is a fast-growth district located in the Dallas-Fort Worth region along the Highway 380 corridor in northeastern Denton County. Aubrey is just 18 miles from the Dallas North Tollway, yet still has that small-town atmosphere. Aubrey ISD serves the communities of Providence Village, Krugerville, Cross Roads, and Aubrey. Aubrey was a small rural district housed in one building for 20 years until the first elementary school was built in 1986. Today,

Aubrey ISD has grown to over 2,400 students spread over five campuses. The district is expected to grow by 800 students in the next five years.

PHILOSOPHY: Aubrey ISD is a small district with a big vision. The district’s plan has a vision of inspiring passion, empowering excellence, and nurturing innovation. The school district is challenging its students and teachers to be world class. The community is very excited about the progress made.

Aubrey hires outstanding teachers who are focused on the individual needs of their students. Teachers are challenged to be world class, and to incorporate Aubrey ISD family values (integrity, respect, compassion, loyalty, service, and excellence) into everything they do.

BIRDVILLE ISD

SIZE: 22,736 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Birdville ISD is the fifth-largest school district in Northeast Tarrant County. The district’s 33 campuses serve the community of Richland Hills and portions of Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Watauga, Colleyville, and Fort Worth. During the 2019–20 school year, BISD will continue its Schools with a Specialization (SWAS) initiative by adding an additional campus to the offerings. These programs go above and beyond the state-required curriculum.

PHILOSOPHY: BISD’s vision of “Excellence, Integrity and Service”

is the foundation for continued student and staff excellence in its 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools, and one career and technology campus.

BOLES ISD

SIZE: 540 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Boles ISD received a B rating in Texas’ A-F accountability system. All three campuses— elementary, middle, and high school— are located next to one another, making it convenient for parents who have children at multiple campuses. We have a small teacher-to-student ratio, high academic achievement, and competitive extracurricular activities. Boles ISD does not charge a transfer fee.

PHILOSOPHY: Boles ISD produces productive people.

CEDAR HILL ISD

SIZE: 8,000 students, pre-K through 12.

KEY ATTRIBUTES: In the last five years, the Texas Education Agency has awarded CHISD 180 distinctions. In 2018, the district was named to the AP Honor Roll because of its efforts to increase student participation in AP exams.

PHILOSOPHY: CHISD’s curriculum focuses on rigorous STEAM education. Science, technology, engineering, art, and math are brought to life at every grade level. Also, CHISD develops scholar life skills through Longhorn Essentials, or 10

expectations. Students at every grade level are required to make eye contact when someone is speaking, stand to answer questions, and be the best person they can be. See a complete list at chisd.net.

COMMUNITY ISD

SIZE: 2,400 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Community ISD is a fast-growing district loaded with the small-town and rural charm you would expect in an area with deep agricultural roots. Community ISD was formed in 1947, when Lavon, Nevada, Copeville, and Josephine consolidated to form a single school district. Located in southeast Collin County, the district spans 89 square miles and is within a 25-minute drive of Greenville, Rockwall, Wylie, McKinney, Garland, Mesquite, and Rowlett.

PHILOSOPHY: Come to Community ISD and #ExperienceTheBLUE! Home of the Brave Nation, where we are inspiring students, staff, and the community to believe, lead, unite, and excel.

COPPELL ISD

SIZE: 13,052 students, pre-K through 12.

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Coppell ISD is considered a premier public school system with a statewide reputation for educational excellence and a storied legacy of focusing on

educating the whole student. While the City of Coppell is just over 14 square miles, Coppell ISD encompasses more than 23 square miles. Within Coppell ISD boundaries, 63 percent of the district is comprised of the City of Coppell, 33 percent the City of Irving, 3 percent the City of Lewisville, and 1 percent the City of Dallas (Cypress Waters).

PHILOSOPHY: The district’s mission states: “Working together, we are committed to profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships to positively impact our world.” Coppell ISD achieves our mission through our Core Values, which revolve around the themes of Engagement, Great Teaching, Redefining Success, and Relationships. Coppell ISD’s new mission and core values evolved from the district’s recent Strategic Design process. Details on this process can be found at www.coppellisd.com/ strategicdesign.

CROWLEY ISD

SIZE: 15,700 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Crowley ISD is an acclaimed school district serving the southwest Fort Worth and Crowley communities. It’s bordered by two major interstates, I-20 and I-35W. The new Chisholm Trail Parkway runs through the middle of the district, with more interchanges of the Parkway in CISD than any other school district. A majority of the district’s 23 campuses are located in the city of Fort Worth. The district is home to two high schools: Crowley High School (5A) and North Crowley High School (6A). CISD has the highest percentage of high school students in Tarrant County enrolled in career and technical courses at the district’s B.R. Johnson Career and Tech Center. The district receives unprecedented community support from dedicated families, educators, corporations, and community leaders.

PHILOSOPHY: Crowley ISD students benefit from a laser focus on excellence in education—academics, arts, athletics, and real-world applications. Our mission is to provide all students with excellence in education so they may achieve their full potential. Crowley ISD provides all students with a world-class, high-quality education, inspiring and empowering them to succeed in the global community.

DALLAS ISD

SIZE: 143,113 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Dallas ISD is the 14th largest school district in the U.S. and is home to several of the state’s and country’s top-rated schools, including the School for the Talented and Gifted, the School of Science and Engineering, and the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Texas’ first allgirls public school. Dallas ISD schools are among those perennially selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools by

the U.S. Department of Education based on improved student academic achievement. A 2019 rating of “B” from the Texas Education Agency reflects significant growth in student academic achievement.

PHILOSOPHY: Taken together, these accolades have earned Dallas ISD the reputation as one of the country’s most-improved school districts. It boasts a growing selection of innovative school choice options, including magnet, STEAM, collegiate academies, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, single-gender schools and more—all highlight the district’s mission, “Educating all students for success.”

DENISON ISD

SIZE: 4,647 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Bordered on the north by the biggest and best lake in Texas, and set amid rolling hills and lush landscapes, Denison’s award-winning schools offer teaching and learning environments in one of the friendliest and most welcoming communities in Texas. Stimulating, supportive, encouraging, and challenging, Denison ISD’s educational philosophy is firmly rooted in student-centered learning facilitated by collaboration, innovation, and state-of-the-art technology. It is a progressive school district that supports its students and teachers with time, expert training, and valuable resources. Denison ISD values, recognizes, celebrates, and rewards the many successes of its teachers and students. Denison ISD is an integral part of a great community of friendly people who truly love, value, respect, and support their schools, teachers, and students.

PHILOSOPHY: We believe our students are unique and valuable individuals capable of higher levels of learning. Therefore, our commitment is to maintain high expectations so that students take responsibility for their learning. DISD designs learning experiences to accommodate students’ mastery of tasks in different ways and at different times. We expect students to assume responsibility for behaviors and actions. Our faculty and staff provide each student the information, assistance, and support that enable him or her to develop educational and career goals. We believe every employee of the district has the responsibility to provide and support quality learning experiences for student success. Denison ISD focuses on our core business: student learning.

DENTON ISD

SIZE: 30,267 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Excellent schools and a community grounded in public education since 1882 are key factors that make Denton County one of the 10 fastest-growing communities in the country. Recently named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live

in America,” Denton ISD covers 180 square miles and is one of the fastest growing school districts in the DallasFort Worth area. Denton ISD serves all or parts of 18 communities in the North Texas region.

PHILOSOPHY: Empowering lifelong learners to be engaged citizens who positively impact their local and global community.

FORNEY ISD

SIZE: 12,765 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Forney ISD offers a number of college and career opportunities for high school students through the district’s Dual Credit program, the Synergy Program, and through the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program. Students can earn college credits while still in high school as well as earn trade certifications in such fields as cosmetology, welding, electrical, and health services. The district’s Synergy Program allows high school students to work hand-in-hand with district administrators and local businesses in real-world work environments.

PHILOSOPHY: In partnership with parents and the community, Forney ISD shall create and sustain an environment to maximize the potential of each learner.

FORT WORTH ISD

SIZE: 76,858 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: With over 85,000 students in 83 elementary schools, 29 middle schools and 6th grade centers, 18 high schools, and 16 other campuses, Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the board of education, the district is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD schools. Fort Worth ISD is controlled locally through a board of education trustees elected by voters within each district. Nine trustees serve as single-member district representatives. All of the trustees serve four-year terms without pay. PHILOSOPHY: Our motto is singleness of purpose. Our mission: Preparing students for success in college, career, and community leadership. Our vision: Fort Worth ISD: Igniting in every child a passion for learning. Fort Worth ISD’s values include: student achievement, stakeholder collaboration, leadership development, respect for diversity, equity in access, perseverance and commitment, and continuous improvement.

FRISCO ISD

SIZE: 63,492 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: “Student opportunities model”—Frisco ISD has multiple high schools that are smaller than those in many school districts in the area and of similar size, with

enrollment up to approximately 2,100 students in grades 9-12. This provides many academic and extracurricular opportunities and allows students to be more involved and engaged at school.

PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to know every student by name and need. That means meeting the needs of the whole child, including students’ academic, physical, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

GARLAND ISD

SIZE: 53,921 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: We’re a large suburban district offering big-city benefits with a small-town feel, true school choice, selective magnets, innovative programs, and strong communities. Garland ISD also offers a tradition of excellence dating back more than 100 years; Chromebooks for every middle school student and iPads for every high school student; free PSAT, SAT, AP, and IB tests; exceptional fine arts and extracurricular programs; a new natatorium, which opened in 2019; a new, state-of the-art career and technical center with over a hundred career, training, and certification programs; and competitive athletics.

PHILOSOPHY: An exceptional education has long been the focus of Garland ISD. Our top responsibility is to provide a rigorous, innovative educational experience that prepares all students for life in college, career, or the military, along with developing meaningful relationships between schools, families, and the community in a safe and secure environment.

GRAND PRAIRIE ISD

SIZE: 28,230 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Grand Prairie ISD is a district of choice with numerous schools and programs of choice. Specializations and program offerings include International Baccalaureate, dual language, early college high schools, district/charter partnership, in-district charters, full-day pre-K, employee childcare, after-school care, early head start, career high school, single-gender schools, STEM, leadership, and fine arts academies.

PHILOSOPHY: Grand Prairie ISD’s mission statement is: “We will ensure student success through engaging learning experiences, collaborative leadership, and a focus on maximizing student achievement.” The district’s vision statement is: “We are a learning community vigorously pursuing student success.”

HIGHLAND PARK ISD

SIZE: 6,648 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: More than 97 percent of Highland Park ISD graduates attend college, with many attending the most prestigious universities in the country.

Highland Park High School students

consistently score well above the national and state average on college entrance exams. In the 2017-18 school year, Highland Park HS students scored a composite 27.5 on the ACT, 6.9 points above the state average.

PHILOSOPHY: Highland Park ISD, grounded in tradition and with an unyielding commitment to excellence, academics, integrity, citizenship, and service, empowers each and every student to achieve post-secondary success.

HURST-EULESSBEDFORD ISD

SIZE: 23,364 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: HEB ISD is one of only 61 school systems statewide to earn the Postsecondary Readiness Distinction. HEB ISD is consistently ranked among the top Texas school districts by Education Resource Group based on a combination of student performance and operating efficiency. The district attracts and retains the highest-quality teachers in the area through a reputation for excellence and the strongest teacher salaries in the region. HEB ISD has a history of leadership that prioritizes what’s best for students and leads intentional, continuous improvement district-wide; the school board was one of only eight governing teams selected as an inaugural Lone Star Governance Exemplar Cohort by the Texas Education Agency. Stellar fine arts programs have placed HEB ISD on the prestigious listing of the “Best Communities for Music Education” for 12 years in a row.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD is to continue its proud tradition of excellence as a diverse, high-

the last 20 years. Of the district’s 42 campuses, 26 of them are less than 17 years old. KISD serves a diverse population composed primarily of students living in Keller and Fort Worth but includes families from seven other municipalities as well. The district stretches from I-35W to Colleyville and Hwy. 170 to Haltom City.

PHILOSOPHY: The community of Keller ISD will educate our students to achieve their highest standards of performance by engaging them in exceptional opportunities.

LAKE WORTH ISD

SIZE: 3,096 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lake Worth ISD is a mid-sized district in northwest Tarrant County. The heart of the district is nestled between Lake Worth and Marine Creek Lake. The district serves the City of Lake Worth, along with small portions of Samson Park and Fort Worth.

performing organization committed to ensuring each student is empowered today to excel tomorrow.

IRVING ISD

SIZE: 32,682 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Irving ISD’s distinguishing initiatives include its Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, the largest net-zero middle school (which produces as much energy as it consumes) in the world, and the district’s year-long Attendance Success Initiative designed to keep students in school. The district has partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint, and is collaborating with Verizon to expand its Verizon Innovative Learning program for middle schools for 24/7 free access to technology in the classroom and at home. The district opened the Elise Walker Outdoor Learning Center to give students of all ages a chance to experience science outside the classroom. Irving ISD is home to the Robert Scott Pohl Planetarium at Nimitz HS, which is one of the first school planetariums in Texas. The district offers the comprehensive and nationally recognized Signature Studies Program, which offers students career-focused classes while in high school. The district also has three early childhood schools, which offer half-day and full-day, tuition-based pre-K. Irving ISD is one of only 11 districts in the state to offer H.I.P.P.Y. (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) to empower parents to become their child’s first teacher and to prepare them for preschool and beyond. Through Partners in Education, more than 200 companies and nonprofit organizations partner with Irving ISD schools and programs to provide

time, talent, and treasure.

PHILOSOPHY: District administrators and teachers are focused on maximizing the potential of every student.

JOSHUA ISD

SIZE: 5,600 students, pre-K-12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: The district writes its own rigorous curriculum maps with learning objectives that are designed to challenge students at every grade level. Lessons are evaluated on a regular basis using the Continuous Improvement Model for student success. Students are encouraged to take Advanced Placement classes and to take advantage of the dual-credit program with Hill College. In order to better integrate technology, the Bring Your Own Device program has been implemented in grades 9 to 12. JISD offers the opportunity for students to prepare for and take the GED, as well as implements a rigorous credit recovery program at the middle and high school levels. JISD provides full-day kindergarten at each campus. Full-time guidance counselors and licensed nurses are available at all campuses. For more information, go to joshuaisd.org.

PHILOSOPHY: Joshua ISD will be a highly acclaimed model of educational excellence. Joshua ISD develops productive citizens of exceptional character who are lifelong learners.

KELLER ISD

SIZE: 35,000 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Keller ISD has been one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state of Texas over

PHILOSOPHY: Lake Worth ISD believes that every student has worth, is capable of learning, and can achieve high standards; that education and communication are the shared responsibility of the student, school, home, and community; in inspiring each other and holding one another accountable in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment; that all members of the school community are lifelong learners; and in the power of effective instruction, using sound research, data, and fidelity of practice.

LEWISVILLE ISD

SIZE: 49,361 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lewisville ISD (LISD) consistently has one of the highest numbers of National Merit Scholars across the state. In addition, the district has six National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, the highest designation a school can earn from the United States Department of Education. LISD has four 6A high schools, one 5A high school, and two career centers. LISD provides access to many digital resources while maintaining sound data security and privacy practices. Because of this, Lewisville ISD is one of a small number of school districts across the nation, and one of three schools in Texas, to earn the distinguished Trusted Learning Environment Seal from CoSN.

PHILOSOPHY: Lewisville ISD’s promise to our students, staff, parents, and the communities we serve is simple—all of our students enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create. The district ensures it fulfills its mission by designing and implementing a learning organization that provides engaging, innovative experiences every day. LISD’s vision is built on four cornerstones: student experience, community engagement, resource stewardship, and student learning. These guiding principles underscore our commitment to real innovation and limitless opportunities for our students.

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW + NEXT IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH

LIVING

LITTLE ELM ISD

SIZE: 7,768 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Little Elm ISD offers a smaller community feel with big opportunities for students and families. We are a one-high school district where we are all Lobos. This unique characteristic sets us apart from other districts in our area. We offer a multitude of opportunities for our students, families, and community to explore a robust educational experience.

PHILOSOPHY: The Mission of Little Elm ISD is: to engage, equip, and empower each student to realize their full potential. The vision of the Little Elm ISD community is to be “THE destination district.”

LOVEJOY ISD

SIZE: 4,400, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lovejoy ISD is one of four school districts in Texas achieving the high rating of an A and 97 percent. Lovejoy ISD will always be a district with just one high school, with a projected enrollment not to exceed 1,900 students. Lovejoy is a Pre-AP-for-all school district and requires each senior to complete a senior project to satisfy the Lovejoy ISD graduation requirements.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Lovejoy ISD is as follows: A school in partnership with parents and community, committed to providing opportunities for students to reach their academic and personal potential in a changing world. In Lovejoy we work to ensure that each student is: intellectually equipped, open to the challenges of learning, well-rounded, fair and respectful of others, engaged in a healthy lifestyle, and working for justice through community service.

MANSFIELD ISD

SIZE: 35,256 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Mansfield ISD is a Texas Education Agency “A” Rated School District. Mansfield ISD is a highly sought-after school district, and the community recognizes that it’s a great place to live, learn, and teach. The district spans across Johnson and Tarrant County and encompasses sections of Mansfield, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and small portions of Burleson, Fort Worth, Venus, Alvarado, and Kennedale.

PHILOSOPHY: Mansfield ISD is a destination district committed to excellence. The mission of Mansfield ISD is to inspire and educate students to be productive citizens. The values

of the district are: students first, continuous improvement, integrity, communication, positive relationships, and resiliency. Vision 2030, Mansfield ISD’s current strategic plan, started in July 2021.

MAYPEARL ISD

SIZE: 1,165 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Maypearl ISD is located west of Waxahachie and south of Midlothian in scenic Ellis County. Maypearl ISD is a smaller district that offers great opportunities for our students without losing the hometown environment. We may be small, but we have a big future ahead!

PHILOSOPHY: Our staff work hard to teach and care for each of our students like they are our own. We have a very positive and supportive environment among our parents and community. The mission of Maypearl ISD, a tradition-rich community, is to cultivate the unique potential of all students through innovative education. The vision of Maypearl ISD, where all learners will embrace their unique potential to excel, is for students to serve others and own their future. At Maypearl ISD, we value: every student as our first priority; building relationships; safe, secure environments; collaboration and

teamwork for all; and a commitment to excellence.

MCKINNEY ISD

SIZE: 23,398 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: McKinney ISD is one of the few school districts in Texas that establishes middle and high school attendance-zone boundaries based on socioeconomic factors. This approach allows the district to maintain greater socioeconomic parity among its secondary schools, and this results in greater opportunities for all of our students. MISD boasts a number of innovative career and technology education programs. The district offers an aviation program and is one of the few public high school programs in the country featuring an FAA-approved flight simulator upon which students can log flight hours toward their pilot certification. Aviation course offerings prepare students to pursue careers as pilots or aviation mechanics. The district also offers a dual-language program affording students an opportunity to become fluent in both English and Spanish at the conclusion of the program. The program is currently offered at Caldwell Elementary in all grade levels. The classes at Caldwell comprise approximately one-half native English speakers and one-half native Spanish speakers. Students learn the academic curriculum through both languages simultaneously. Students serve as language models for each other, while accelerating their learning.

PHILOSOPHY: We are a cohesive, diverse community providing engaging learning experiences for all. We will provide engaging learning experiences so students can become effective communicators, quality contributors, and socially responsible citizens.

MESQUITE ISD

SIZE: 38,527 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: A cultural shift is underway in the Mesquite ISD community thanks to Mesquite ISD’s ReadPlayTalk (RPT) initiative. RPT is our research-based, communitysupported initiative to champion early childhood literacy among our students. Through volunteer, business, organization, and campus partnerships, we are encouraging parents and guardians to read, play, and talk with their children from birth. Our goal by 2020: all third-graders will be on a grade 3 reading level. Reaching this milestone statistically quadruples the odds for these students to graduate high school. In Fall 2021, MISD opened Vanguard High School,a school of choice serving students who are interested in a nontraditional high school experience. Students can choose from 16 different programs of study and earn multiple industry certifications, as well as dual credit. The campus opened with 500 freshmen and 500

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

EAGLE STADIUM, ALLEN

sophomores organized into four schools based on their selected program of study. MISD students from any of our five high school attendance zones can attend Vanguard.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Mesquite ISD is to educate all students and empower them to expand their opportunities to enrich our community. Mesquite ISD operates within a set of four core values: people first; cultivating culture; continuous learning; and commitment to community.

MIDLOTHIAN ISD

SIZE: 9,410 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: In Midlothian ISD, we believe our culture is the heart and soul of our schools. Our culture provides more than a legacy of excellence— it’s something much more meaningful. Our culture speaks to how much we truly care for every child, teacher, and staff member, along with their families. We are passionate about our students and learning. We treat each person with respect, and kindness always matters in every interaction. We believe in celebrating the power of diversity. Honoring and celebrating every individual is powerful. It’s where heart and kindness foster a family environment. Because we see each person as an individual, learning is personalized, resulting in achieving new heights.

PHILOSOPHY: In Midlothian ISD, we inspire excellence today to change the world tomorrow. We believe that

safe, engaging, rigorous, and diverse learning environments provide the best opportunity for students to reach their fullest potential. We believe a high quality staff with appropriate resources is essential to creating educational experiences that promote student success. We believe that effective communication, purposeful collaboration, and strong partnerships create an atmosphere of trust and a strong sense of community vital to student achievement.

MILLSAP ISD

SIZE: 1,010 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Millsap ISD is a small, rural community with traditional values where students’ needs are met on an individual basis, and we do whatever it takes to make each child’s dreams come true. Your child, their dreams, our mission.

PHILOSOPHY: Every decision is based on the district’s mission to inspire, develop, and educate every student in a safe environment to be a productive, responsible citizen prepared for lifelong success. We value the development of the whole child, community/ parental partnerships, and mutual respect; value positive relationships with students, staff, and parents; believe student success is our ultimate measure; and practice ethical behavior and personal integrity.

NORTHWEST ISD

SIZE: 25,383, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Northwest ISD

is uniquely situated in Fort Worth and serves families in more than 14 different communities, spanning 234 square miles, and parts of three counties (Denton, Tarrant, and Wise). It’s one of the fastest-growing school districts in the area; demographic projections show enrollment in NISD will increase by 6,800 students during the next five years, exceeding an enrollment of 30,900 by 2023-2024 and reaching 38,000 by 2028-2029. As a fast-growth district, NISD strategically plans for new facilities that enhance the student learning environment.

PHILOSOPHY: Northwest ISD, in collaboration with students, families, communities, and global partners, will engage in a culture of learning that prepares all students to confidently navigate their futures. Built on a dream to provide children with the best educational program possible, Northwest ISD was formed in 1948 when four single-schoolhouse districts joined together. Now, 70 years later, our community’s belief to put kids first and provide the best education possible is still evident.

PLANO ISD

SIZE: 50,154 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTE: Plano ISD is ranked among the top school districts in Texas and the nation.

Plano ISD has been recognized among the best places to work, most recently “Best Place to Work in Plano” by Star Local Media. Strong academic and extracurricular programs make Plano ISD home to a number

CHOOSING A DISTRICT

In Texas, public school districts operate independently and are governed by elected school boards that implement state guidelines through a selection of instructional programs, curriculum, and local expectations that often exceed state minimums.

Districts are governed by an independently elected school board of trustees that hires a superintendent as CEO; sets a district philosophy (vision and mission) and local policies; selects a curriculum within the state guidelines; and sets the ISD tax rate, budget, and district boundaries.

Here’s what you need to consider in finding the right school district for you.

THE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL’S PHILOSOPHY VS. YOUR FAMILY’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS

> Vision, mission, goals

> School and class size

> Grade-level alignment (K-4, K-5, K-6, etc.)

> Curriculum variations

> Parent engagement

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (INCLUDING STAFF AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE )

The Dallas County area education coalition, COMMIT!, and its partners offer a way of best assessing student achievement within schools and districts. Find it online at commit2dallas.org.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS

> Athletics

> Career and technology

> Dual credit

> Extracurricular activities

> Fine arts

> Gifted and talented

> Performing arts

> Special education

DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS

Each district has a unique profile. Visiting district websites and reading the expanded district profiles at mydallasmove.com will reveal their distinct features and offerings.

PHOTO: DISD

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

LIVING

of state, national, and international winners and champions in fine arts, athletics, science, and career and technical education.

PHILOSOPHY: Plano ISD schools empower students to be able to adapt to new learning and career opportunities throughout their lives, and collaborate with and contribute to the global community, and to be disciplined and creative in their thinking. The district’s mission is to provide an excellent education for each student. District goals include ensuring continued improvement in student success and ensuring efficient use of financial resources.

PROSPER ISD

SIZE: 14,600 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Prosper ISD is the fastest-growing school district in DFW with enrollment expected to more than double by 2025. Prosper ISD currently offers a wide variety of CTE and STEM options, G/T and AP offerings, a comprehensive SPED program, and an unrivaled duallanguage program through middle school.

PHILOSOPHY: Prosper ISD believes that students are first in all decisions. We value their success and wellbeing. Innovation in curriculum and technology is important. We are intentional in creating opportunities that will propel students forward. We believe in recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with the Prosper heart. We also value the importance of a supportive and demanding community and try to protect our small-town feel. We have a commitment to the Graduate Profile and in providing a safe and nurturing environment for students and staff. We are grounded by tradition and soaring to new beginnings.

RED OAK ISD

SIZE: 5,900 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Red Oak ISD is a highly acclaimed district currently ranked top 3 percent in the nation and No. 1 for teachers in Ellis County by Niche.com. At the state accountability level, we received a B rating with 11 distinctions. We are a small, suburban district covering 42 square miles just 20 miles south of Dallas, in north Ellis County. We serve 5,900 students from Red Oak, Glenn Heights, Ovilla, Pecan Hill, and Oak Leaf, with seven campuses and over 900 employees. Highly ranked for diversity and safety, we offer excellent academic and extracurricular programs toward our mission of Realizing Our Individual Students’ Dreams (ROISD).

PHILOSOPHY: All Red Oak ISD students and staff strive to incorporate the 4 Talons of the Hawk—Academic Readiness, GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity), character, and service toward our mission of Realizing Our Individual Students’ Dreams.

RICHARDSON ISD

SIZE: 37,787 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Richardson ISD is an established, successful, tradition-rich school district with commitment to the success of all students. Smaller, neighborhood schools with a history of parent and community involvement and support put a strong emphasis on college and career readiness and STEM. Richardson ISD’s offerings include: school-wide enrichment model blending gifted instruction and techniques into general curriculum for all students; focus on differentiated instruction for each student based on individual learning profile and understanding of curriculum; commitment to smaller, neighborhood schools; magnet school options at all grade levels; wide range of career and technical education offerings across many industries; high community expectations and exceptional community support for schools; a wide range of co- and extracurricular options; investment in teachers and staff development for professional and paraprofessional employees; emphasis on school safety and security.

PHILOSOPHY: Richardson ISD’s mission is to serve and prepare all students for their global futures. Whether students will continue their education in college or are interested in entering the workforce, RISD seeks to equip all graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ability to confidently succeed in whatever path they choose.

ROCKWALL ISD

SIZE: 16,987 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Rockwall ISD is composed of 14 elementary schools, two high schools, one alternative high school, and one college and career academy. The Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy, which opened in 2018, is a vital part of the STEM program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The academy offers pathways designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore career options and professional certifications.

Rockwall ISD’s high-school graduation rate is 97.6 percent; 88 percent of the district’s students met STAAR standards. The average number of years of experience for a Rockwall ISD teacher is 12.4 years.

PHILOSOPHY: Rockwall ISD empowers learners to embody independence, value relationships, and achieve excellence as thriving members of a dynamic global community.

ROYSE CITY ISD

SIZE: 6,254 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: RCISD encompasses 74.48 square miles and claims a tri-county boundary: Rockwall, Collin, and Hunt Counties. All campuses in the district are accredited by the Texas Education Agency and our secondary campuses by the Southern Association

FOR EXPANDED DISTRICT PROFILES, VISIT SAYYESTODALLAS.COM.

of Colleges and Schools. From kindergarten to high school, diverse programs are available to support the regular curriculum along with gifted and talented and special needs students. Royse City ISD is located in a rural-but-growing area located 30 miles east of Dallas.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of Royse City ISD is to provide meaningful and innovative educational experiences that cultivate a passion for learning. We believe that every student is capable and deserves to learn each day in order to meet his or her unique potential; that building relationships is key to educating every student; that uniquely meaningful work engages students in profound learning; that Royse City ISD will prepare students for successful, meaningful, and fulfilling futures; and in upholding the traditions and values of the district and community.

WAXAHACHIE ISD

SIZE: 9,679 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Waxahachie ISD is home to one traditional high school, one early college high school, three junior high campuses, eight elementary schools, an early learning (pre-K) center, and an alternative education campus. Waxahachie ISD’s mission is “excellence in education,” and the district consistently outperforms the state averages in STAAR testing and SAT/ACT scores. In its state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education center, WISD provides training in 15 of the 16 career clusters. The district’s fine arts programs are among the best in the state: Waxahachie ISD is home to this year’s TMEA honor band. In addition, WISD is a top athletic competitor, even in the “district of doom,” which many say is the toughest 6A district in the state.

PHILOSOPHY: We believe that meaningful engagement and relationship building are essential for student success; that students have unique qualities and deserve a unique education; that parents, educators, and the community guide each student in designing and fulfilling his or her educational vision; and that every student deserves the opportunity to learn through success, failure, and discovery. We also believe that change and growth occur best in a stimulating and innovative learning environment; that students learning to voice their individual thoughts is imperative for progress in both themselves and the community, and that all students deserve to be taught by highly effective teachers who are committed to professional growth and passionate about learner success.

WHITE SETTLEMENT ISD

SIZE: 6,900 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: White Settlement

ISD, home of the Fightin’ Brewer Bears, offers a hometown, community atmosphere with all the benefits of city living. The district is composed of nine schools and has nearly 900 employees. WSISD offers four elementary campuses (one of which is a certified STEAM Academy), a Fine Arts Academy, an intermediate school (grades 5 and 6), a middle school (grades 7 and 8), a high school (grades 9 through 12), and an alternative campus. WSISD is a growing suburban school district that serves more than 6,900 students who reside in the City of White Settlement and a portion of the City of Fort Worth.

PHILOSOPHY: WSISD fosters a culture of excellence in which all Brewer Bears are empowered to be innovators and leaders of tomorrow through engaging, hands-on instruction, the latest technology, and extracurricular programs that meet the needs and interests of every student.

WYLIE ISD

SIZE: 17,482 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: For more than 100 years, Wylie ISD has emphasized academic excellence through outstanding educational opportunities and award-winning extracurricular activities, all based on community values. And as we continue through the 21st century, we remain focused on ensuring our students are prepared for a lifetime of success through a world-class education. Wylie ISD offers an outstanding academic program with a focus on character education beginning in elementary school. The curriculum includes a wide range of programs from culinary arts to television production. The district emphasizes technology in the classroom and as a communications tool for parents.

PHILOSOPHY: The Wylie Way is a movement in our schools that fosters responsible, caring, and ethical young people through an emphasis on the core values of the Wylie ISD community. The core values are fundamental beliefs of Wylie ISD. They are the guiding beliefs that dictate the behavior and actions of our employees and students. They include: respect and responsibility, caring and giving, grit and preparation, and gratitude and celebration.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

KIPP TEXAS—

DALLAS-FORT WORTH

SIZE: 3,119 students, grades pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: KIPP public charter schools are a non-profit network of college-preparatory schools educating students pre-K through grade 12. KIPP Texas is dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for college success and choice-filled lives. KIPP Texas is part of the national KIPP network of college-preparatory public charter schools. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system, and enrollment is open to all students.

PHILOSOPHY: We envision that KIPP Texas—DFW will have a transformational impact on the community of Dallas-Fort Worth. It will prove what is possible to city leaders and education entities and set an example of excellence that can be emulated in other school districts. It is our goal that KIPP Texas—DFW students will serve as role models to their families and communities. We aspire for our college graduates to return to their communities, give back, and demonstrate the impact that education has had on their lives.

LIFE SCHOOL

SIZE: 5,600 students at eight locations in North Texas

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Life School is a tuition-free open enrollment public charter school that offers a wide array of academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities to develop the whole person. As character educators, we help to shape the character of students so they are ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready for life.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of Life School is to develop leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Our vision is to develop leaders by providing excellence in education to enhance the communities we serve.

LUMIN EDUCATION

SIZE: 300 students. Students range from 3 to 6 years old and grades 1 through 3.

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lumin Education provides Association Montessori Internationale-certified teachers, before- and after-school care, emphasis on parent involvement, and free public education.

PHILOSOPHY: Lumin Education is guided by the Montessori philosophy of education. That philosophy is rooted in the conviction that, unless severely impaired, “children naturally have the same drive to develop in a cognitive sense as they

do in a physical sense. The desire of an elementary student to master equivalent fractions can be just as strong as the desire of the infant to crawl, unless the desire has been diminished by the circumstances of the child’s life.”

THE PEGASUS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

SIZE: 70 students, K-12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Located in Downtown Dallas, Pegasus School of Liberal Arts & Sciences is a tuition-free public school serving an ethnically, racially, and economically diverse student population. Pegasus School’s mission is to educate individuals in the liberal arts and sciences in order to prepare them for productive and meaningful lives in an increasingly complex world. Pegasus’ vision is to be an interdisciplinary public school committed to continuous improvement with a focus on developing and educating serious learners.

PHILOSOPHY: A well-rounded liberal arts education provides a strong foundation preparing students for meaningful futures by enhancing students’ problem solving skills and helping them develop strong character and self-discipline.

RICHLAND COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL

SIZE: 617, students in grades 11 and 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Serving Dallas County and its six contiguous counties, Richland CHS is an open enrollment charter school on the campus of Richland College. The program focuses on the college experience. All classes are taught by college professors in college classrooms with college adults. Students earn their associate degrees by graduation.

PHILOSOPHY: The educational philosophy of the Richland Collegiate High School rests upon the maxim that a successful education program addresses the whole student.

A mind-body-spirit approach is designed to enlighten a student’s mind while enriching his or her spirit through learning experiences attuned to skills and abilities; to best use those abilities; and to develop each student’s intellectual, emotional, and social foundation. At Richland College, this philosophy is summarized as: Teaching, Learning, Community Building.

TEXANS CAN ACADEMIES

SIZE: 3,379 students across eight campuses—two in Fort Worth and six in Dallas. Grades 9 through 12.

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Texans Can

Academies provide a safe and healthy learning environment to students who may not have succeeded elsewhere. Each classroom is home to a rich environment fostering reading and thinking skills, bringing struggling students up to grade level and beyond, and creating confidence and a positive outlook.

PHILOSOPHY: Texans Can Academies’ mission is to provide the highest quality education for all students in order to ensure economic independence. Studentcentered learning, a rigorous curriculum based on reading and thinking skills, and a sense of urgency in fulfilling every aspect of our mission mark our core values. Reading, we believe, is the key to empowerment, personal fulfillment, success, and employment; personal responsibility, character, values, and passion lead to good citizenship; and learning is best accompanied in a nurturing yet structured environment.

TRINITY BASIN PREPARATORY

SIZE: 3,550 students, four campuses, pre-K through grade 8

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Trinity Basin Preparatory is a free public charter school of choice that has served the Dallas-Fort Worth community for over 20 years. As a public charter school, TBP meets all accountability and instructional standards as set by the Texas Education Agency. TBP meets these standards by providing students with a structured learning environment that is individualized for their specific learning needs. Our classrooms are smaller, compared to traditional public schools, and generally have fewer than 22 students. Uniforms are required, and strict discipline is enforced to help ensure students feel safe and free to participate in the learning experience.

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of Trinity Basin Preparatory is to inspire every student to do more, expect more, and be more. To make this mission a reality, every student and employee of Trinity Basin Preparatory is expected to exemplify the following core values of a TITAN:

1. TRUTHFUL: We seek and speak the truth. We operate with integrity and honesty.

2. INNOVATIVE: We are creative and use resourcefulness in solving problems.

3. TENACIOUS: We are unshakable, determined, and we possess true grit.

4. ACCOUNTABLE: We are transparent in our actions and are accountable to each other.

5. NURTURING: We build

relationships and deeply care about all members of the TBP family.

UPLIFT EDUCATION

SIZE: 18,500 across 40 schools, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Uplift provides a whole scholar approach that sees each learner as an individual and supports his or her academic, social, and emotional well-being through curriculum and academics, a nurturing school community, supportive families, and unmatched college preparation.

PHILOSOPHY: Uplift Education is the largest public charter school network in North Texas. We have grown to a network serving more than 18,500 scholars in pre-K through 12th grade at 40 schools in North Texas. Uplift’s mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower students to reach their highest potential in college and the marketplace, and that inspire in students a lifelong love of learning, achievement, and service. Each school provides free, college-preparatory education in a community that has limited high quality public education options. Our goal is to completely close the achievement gap between students, regardless of their ethnic or socio-economic background, while ensuring that 100 percent of our students graduate and enroll in college. Uplift’s big goal is for 70 percent of its graduates to earn a college degree within six years.

WINFREE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

SIZE: 2,800 students, grades 9 through12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: Winfree Academy is a free, public high school that has been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth community for over 18 years. With six Dallas-Fort Worth campuses located in Irving, Lewisville, Richardson, Grand Prairie, North Richland Hills, and Dallas, we work with learners from over 86 ISDs. Learner ages range from 14 to 26. With four-hour school days, Winfree Academy meets the educational needs of learners who prefer a non-traditional way of learning and thrive on individualized instruction. This makes Winfree a great choice for learners who are self-driven, need credit recovery, or are unable to attend high school during traditional school hours.

PHILOSOPHY: Winfree Academy Charter School’s mission is to create a safe, supportive environment that educates, motivates, and trains learners so they can graduate from high school prepared with the skills and abilities needed for higher education, employment, and life.

I JUST HAD A BABY. HOW DO I FIND A DAY CARE OR PRESCHOOL?

To search for a licensed child care center or home, go to the Department of Family and Protective Services website (dfps. state.tx.us). Other resources include DFW Child (dfwchild. com) and Child Care Group (childcaregroup.org).

MY CHILD IS READY FOR KINDERGARTEN. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENROLLING HER?

Kindergarten is encouraged but not required in Texas. Students turning 6 as of Sept. 1 are required to attend school. To enroll your child in any Texas school, you must have:

> Birth certificate or other proof of identity

> Immunization records

> Student records from recently attended school

> Proof of residency in the district

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR?

Public schools begin the last week in August and include 180 days of instruction per year. Each district sets its own holiday calendars, typically including winter and spring breaks. Testing typically takes place in the spring for public schools. Private schools typically start earlier in August, and testing takes place in January or February.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOL?

HOW ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING?

You have many options. Explore tea.texas.gov/ for information on charter schools and home schooling. See the map in this section of the book and check out tepsac.org for information on private schools in your area.

DOES TEXAS FOLLOW THE NATIONAL COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS?

No. Texas does not follow the Common Core State Standards program. State of Texas learning standards are called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Every grade level and every subject have learning standards that drive curriculum development.

WILL MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT NEED TO RETEST FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED?

Yes, most likely. You’ll need to confirm with your new district and school.

WILL MY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HAVE TO TEST-IN FOR HIS GRADE LEVEL? HOW ARE THE GRADE LEVELS ALIGNED IN TEXAS?

No. If your child has passed the sixth grade in your state, he or she will start in the seventh grade in Texas. Grade-level alignment varies by district.

MY SON WILL BE STARTING HIGH SCHOOL RIGHT AFTER WE MOVE. WILL HE BE ABLE TO JOIN THE BASKETBALL TEAM?

Each district schedules its own tryouts, summer practices, and calendars. Speak with your new school to determine eligibility.

MY DAUGHTER WILL BE STARTING 10TH GRADE. WILL SHE LOSE HER CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION?

Probably not. Meet with your new school counselor as soon as possible to discuss graduation requirements.

MY CHILD HAS ALWAYS TAKEN AP CLASSES. WILL THEY BE OFFERED IN TEXAS? WHAT ABOUT DUAL CREDIT?

Yes. Most districts in the DFW region offer AP classes, International Baccalaureate programs, and dual-credit

learning opportunities. You’ll need to confirm with your individual district and school to be sure.

WILL TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL BE PROVIDED FOR MY CHILD?

It depends. Bus service is provided to students living more than two miles away from their schools. Transport is also provided in cases where students might face hazardous conditions such as crossing a major roadway or a lack of a crossing guard. Confirm with your new school.

MY SON HAS AUTISM. WILL THE DISTRICT PROVIDE SERVICES UNTIL THE AGE OF 22?

Yes. Your son will continue to be educated under an IEP as dictated by federal and state law. Get in touch with the district as soon as you can to ensure a seamless transition.

IF MY CHILD WANTS TO START COLLEGE AT A PUBLIC TEXAS SCHOOL, DO WE HAVE TO PROVE TEXAS RESIDENCY?

Yes. To be classified as a Texas resident and be entitled to pay resident tuition, a person must establish a domicile and maintain continuous residence in Texas for 12 months preceding the school census date.

THE BEST HIGH SCHOOLS

(SEM)

Talented

Lerma Rangel Young Women's

of Science and Engineering

Barefoot Sanders Law

Prairie Fine Arts

Women's Leadership Academy

Academy

Garza Early College At Mountain View

Education—North Hills Prep HS

Prairie Collegiate Institute

T. Washington SPVA

of Business and

Park

of

Summit International

Obama Male Leadership

Academy of Biomedical

Sorrells School of Education and

Williams Preparatory

Early College

NATIONAL

School of Innovation—Forth Worth Fort Worth

Peak Preparatory HS

International Academy of North Texas McKinney

Science Academy—Carrollton Carrollton

Tech HS at Coppell Coppell

Keller HS Keller

Byron Nelson HS Trophy Club

Harmony Science Academy—Euless Euless

TCC South/Fort Worth Collegiate High School Fort Worth

International Leadership of Texas—Arlington Grand Prairie

Heritage HS Frisco

James M Steele Accelerated HS Roanoke

McKinney North HS McKinney

McKinney Boyd HS McKinney

John Dubiski Career HS Grand Prairie

Uplift Infinity HS Irving

Frisco HS Frisco

iUniversity Prep Grapevine

Wylie HS Wylie

Mansfield HS Mansfield

Rockwall HS Rockwall

Allen HS Allen

Prosper HS Prosper

Cedar Hill Collegiate HS Cedar Hill

Flower Mound HS Flower Mound

Jack E Singley Academy Irving

International Leadership of Texas—Garland HS Garland

PICK YOUR PATH

There was a time that making a career choice came after high school graduation— sometimes well into college for some students. But Foundation High School Program requirements mean that students in Texas select one of five careerrelated pathways at the end of the eighth grade. It’s a big decision, which is why the Dallas Regional Chamber launched Pick Your Path, step-by-step guidelines designed to identify the requirements and track milestones for an endorsement in one of five areas of study: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), business and industry, public service, arts and humanities, or multidisciplinary studies. The effort launched in the Dallas Independent School District in the spring of 2014 in both English and Spanish and is being used in other school districts as well.

WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM?

The Foundation High School Program is a core set of classes in the areas of math, English, science, social studies, foreign language, fine arts, physical education, and electives that all students must complete as a foundation to graduate from high school in Texas.

WHAT IS AN ENDORSEMENT?

An

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Parents choose to send their children to private schools for all kinds of reasons. Some elect private schools for their kids for religious or moral reasons. Others are concerned about having smaller class sizes and more individual attention for their students. Others still are focused on the highest possible learning standards and rigorous college prep.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS RANKED BY 2021-22 TUITION*

Greenhill School**, $36,240

Shelton School**, $36,050

Alcuin School, $35,645

St. Mark’s School of Texas, $34,862

The Hockaday School, $34,350

The Episcopal School of Dallas, $34,075

The Winston School Dallas, $33,830

Parish Episcopal School**, $33,050

Yavneh Academy, $28,560

Trinity Christian Academy Addison**, $27,830

The Oakridge School, $26,680

Fort Worth Country Day, $26,650

All Saints Episcopal School Fort Worth**, $25,420

The Cambridge School of Dallas**, $25,300

Dallas International School**, $25,300

Bending Oaks School, $25,000

Trinity Valley School, $24,920

Ursuline Academy of Dallas, $24,900

Lakehill Preparatory School, $24,850

Vanguard Preparatory School, $24,000

Cistercian Preparatory School**, $23,800

Prestonwood Christian Academy (Plano), $23,376

The Novus Academy, $23,185

Hill School of Fort Worth**, $22,990

Fairhill School, $22,900

The St. Anthony School , $22,800

The Westwood School Upper School Campus**, $22,642

Jesuit College Preparatory School, $22,165

The Covenant School of Dallas, $21,990

Covenant Christian Academy, $21,990

Southwest Christian School**, $21,850

Legacy Christian Academy**, $21,600

The Selwyn School, $21,330

Dallas Christian School**, $21,194

The Key School, $20,800

Bishop Lynch High School, $20,700

Prince of Peace Christian School Carrollton**, $20,300

Fort Worth Christian School**, $19,760

John Paul II High School, $19,650

Liberty Christian School, $19,638

LEGEND

PRIVATE SCHOOL

50

SCHOOL (Ranked by tuition)

Grapevine Faith Christian School**, $19,250

The Clariden School**, $19,204

Nolan Catholic High School, $18,390

Yorktown Education, $18,000

E.A. Young Academy, $17,900

Covenant Classical School, $17,495

Dallas Academy**, $17,485

Bishop Dunne Catholic High School, $16,737

The Highlands School, $16,250

Northstar School, $15,900

McKinney Christian Academy**, $15,750

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, $15,725

SOURCE Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, School Websites

RESEARCHING SCHOOLS

The Dallas Region offers a variety of private school options. Some of the terms you will encounter as you look at private school options include:

> Learning differences schools—These schools provide for students with learning differences across the spectrum and can range from pre-K through 12th grade.

> Boarding schools—Several of the single-gender private schools offer full-time boarding as well as day student options.

> Language/culture

specific—Some schools offer immersion in specific languages, such as French, Chinese, and Japanese. Many of these schools offer Saturday and summer options for families who want students to attend a traditional school and supplement with cultural and language immersion.

> Montessori method—A child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood.

Schools incorporating this self-direction and discovery method are located across the region, but they generally do not extend beyond elementary. A number of public districts also have a Montessori choice option within the district.

> Classical—Usually characterized by small class sizes and a classics-based education, normally with fewer team athletic options.

> College preparatory Focused on academic rigor in preparation for demanding collegiate programs.

> Religious/parochial—Some schools are associated with specific religious denominations or churches and incorporate religious teaching as part of the curriculum.

WHICH SCHOOL?

DALLAS

PHOTO: GREENHILL SCHOOL

PHOTO: KYLA DAVIDSON

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING

In addition to the state’s more than 1,000 public school districts, Texas offers a variety of alternative schooling options for parents. These include public charter schools, which are monitored and accredited under the statewide testing and accountability system; private schools, which may or may not be accredited through various organizations; and home schooling, which is not accredited or regulated by any state agency or commission in Texas. Families may also be interested in online learning programs and high school equivalency programs.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed legislation giving the state the authority to create openenrollment charter schools. These schools are subject to fewer state laws than other public schools with the idea of ensuring fiscal and academic accountability without undue regulation of instructional methods or pedagogical innovation. Like school districts, charter schools are monitored and accredited under the statewide testing and accountability system.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The Texas Education Agency does not have oversight of private schools in Texas; however, the agency works with the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission to ensure that students can easily transfer from nonpublic to public schools and that teacher service at nonpublic schools is recognized at public schools for salary purposes.

Private schools may be accredited by a variety of organizations, but many private schools in Texas are not accredited by any organization.

HOME SCHOOLING

In 1995, the Texas Supreme Court affirmed the decision in the class action lawsuit Leeper vs. Arlington Independent School District that home schools can legally operate as private schools in Texas. According to the ruling, home schools must be conducted in a bona fide manner, using a written curriculum consisting of reading, spelling, grammar, math, and a course in good citizenship.

The Texas Education Agency has no regulatory authority over home schools, and the state of Texas does not award diplomas to students who are home schooled.

TEXAS VIRTUAL SCHOOLS NETWORK

Texas Virtual Schools Network (TxVSN), which launched in 2009, provides Texas students and schools access to interactive, collaborative, instructor-led online courses taught by state-certified and appropriately credentialed teachers. The TxVSN is made up of two components: the TxVSN statewide course catalog, which provides supplemental online courses to students in grades 8-12, and the TxVSN online schools program, which offers full-time virtual instruction through eligible public schools to Texas public school students in grades 3-12.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

VILLAGE TECH SCHOOL, DUNCANVILLE

PHOTO: MARC DUFRESNE/ISTOCK

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM

The High School Equivalency Program, or In-School GED Option Program, is designed to provide an alternative for high school students ages 16 and over who are at risk of not graduating from high school and earning a high school diploma.

TEXAS CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

Anyone age 18 and older who has not earned a high school diploma and is not currently enrolled in an accredited high school is eligible to earn a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. Any exceptions must meet eligibility requirements to test for the high school equivalency. This information was provided by the Texas Education Agency. For more, go to tea.texas.gov.

PICKING A PRESCHOOL

The first step in picking a preschool is making a short list of local preschools and touring each during its next open house. Afterward, take a few minutes to write down your impressions of the visit. Pay attention to your intuition, educational consultant Eleanor Munson, Ph.D., advises. Other parents who have already put their kids through preschool can offer firsthand recommendations, but make sure you do your own research and familiarize yourself with the school’s educational philosophy or mission, be it language immersion, the Montessori method, or a traditional approach. Begin your search of Dallas-area resources for education and child care by browsing the DFW Child online guide at dfwchild.com/ preschool-guide.

CHOOSING A SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL

When your child with special needs is ready to begin school for the first time, selecting one that will provide the best education and proper (and affordable) care is paramount to your child’s health and well-being. The key to finding the best fit? According to Adina Rich, educational consultant, special needs parenting coach, and special education advocate, it takes asking the right questions and being honest about your child’s needs and abilities. To avoid waiting lists, begin your search no later than the previous semester, and even if you’re set on one school, open yourself to more possibilities by giving several programs a closer look. To get started, browse through the directory of special needs resources at dfwchild.com/ special-need.

WHAT IS A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

While the education reform debate for public schools rages on, schools that adhere to the Montessori method take a different path. “The underlying philosophy of Montessori is that children are individual, selfmotivated learners who are assisted in learning by their teachers, or ‘guides,’ as they are called,” says Munson. Instead of focusing on test taking, highly-trained educators encourage their students—who are typically in mixed-aged classes—to move at their own pace, follow their own interests, and work independently.

The schools you’ll find in Dallas, which may serve kids from pre-K through 12th grade, are governed by one of two accrediting bodies: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and American Montessori Society (AMS). “If you’re looking for a ‘pure’ Montessori experience for your child, you’ll want an AMI school,” says Munson. “If you want your child’s education to include computers, technology, et cetera, you’ll want an AMS school.”

Not sure if this type of education is right for your child? “Your child doesn’t necessarily have to attend a Montessori-accredited school to enjoy the benefits of this type of educational philosophy,” Munson says. “Some preschools take the best of what each educational philosophy offers and combine these to form their curriculum.”

For an extensive look at both public and private Montessori schools, and more educational resources in Dallas, browse through the DFW Child Care Guide at dfwchild.com/child-care-preschool-guide.

— Elizabeth Smith, DFWChild Magazines

LIVING

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Dallas Region offers more than 70 accredited public and private institutions with robust programming in life sciences, engineering, and the arts. The University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of Texas at Arlington are among Texas’ seven emerging research universities and are currently expanding program capabilities and funding in an effort to become “tier one” research institutions, which are nationally recognized for the highest levels of innovation and academic excellence. UT Southwestern Medical Center is among the nation’s best in biology and biochemistry research, boasting countless clinical breakthroughs and innovations.

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

Below is a sample of other institutions of higher learning in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Bethel University

Grand Canyon University

Kaplan College

LeTourneau University

National University

Ogle School—Dallas

Parker University

Platt College

Texas Barber Colleges and Hairstyling Schools

University of Phoenix

West Coast University

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE (GRANBURY)

Private University Public University Community College

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (NORTHPORT)

AT ARLINGTON RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (TRINITY RIVER)

OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON (FORT WORTH)

TCU (TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY)

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (SOUTH)

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

DALLAS (NORTH WEST)

DALLAS COLLEGE (NORTH LAKE)

TARRANT COUNTY (SOUTHEAST)

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

TEXAS WOMAN S UNIVERSITY

SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (CORPORATE TRAINING CENTER)

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (NORTHEAST)

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

HILL COLLEGE (BURLESON)

HILL

NAVARRO COLLEGE (MIDLOTHIAN)

HILL COLLEGE (JOHNSON COUNTY)

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE (WISE COUNTY)

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE (MINERAL WELLS)

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE (FLOWER MOUND)

TEXAS A&M COLLEGE OF LAW

SCHOOL OF TARLETON STATE

DALLAS COLLEGE (NORTH SOUTH)

DALLAS COLLEGE (NORTH LAKE NORTH)

SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY FORT WORTH

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTONTEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TCU AND UNTHSC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

OF PHOENIXARLINGTON CAMPUS

OF TEXAS

provided

MONICA NAVARRO

CITY: Frisco

NEIGHBORHOOD: The Arbors at Willow Bay COMPANY/TITLE: Hilti, Senior Manager

When did you move here? Where from? May 2015, from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Where else have you lived?

Leon, Mexico (born and raised), LA, San Diego, Aliso Viejo, CA, Tulsa

What made you decide to choose Dallas?

There are many reasons why my husband and I jumped at the opportunity to move to the Dallas area when our company headquarters relocated to Plano. Affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, great schools and universities, a diverse population, and a variety of entertainment options are among some of the reasons. We also love the great restaurants, from local farm-to-table concepts to international ethnic cuisine. We enjoy the local breweries, parks, manageable traffic, plus two major airports that provide easy connections to the rest of the world.

How did you choose which part of town to live in?

Proximity to work, a great school district, new homes, and neighborhood safety were our main criteria.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best?

What makes it different?

Everything we need is within 15 minutes driving. I’m close to my favorite grocery stores, and there are a lot of restaurants and things to do in nearby McKinney, Plano, and Allen. We are not far from the main airports, Downtown Dallas museums, and Dallas restaurants.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?

My husband and I love the fact that downtown Dallas is not far from our home in Frisco and our office in Plano. We love the amazing museums like the DMA and Perot Museum, just to name two. The Dallas Aquarium has a great variety of sea life. Our company hosted an employee event there recently, and watching the families

and children enjoy the space was very nice. Also, the Dallas Arboretum is beautiful, and it is always changing with seasonal decorations. We’re now DFW sports fans.

MONICA NAVARRO

The Dallas and Fort Worth areas are replete with convenience and charm in lifestyle and housing opportunities. Whether you are a temporary business traveler or a family of five, the region offers diverse housing options for individuals and families of all sizes. If you lean toward urban chic, relocate to a trendy loft with skyline views and a cool-kid downtown ambiance. Want something walkable? The newest trend in housing here is mixed-use developments, where you can live above shops and restaurants and access pretty much everything you need on foot. Established neighborhoods with an abundance of singlefamily homes with yards are plentiful. Or, for a more relaxed small-town feel, neighboring communities provide homegrown pride (and lots of space), mixed with big-city conveniences and friendly neighbors. Whatever your style, the Dallas Region has the home for you. All you have to do is find it. What’s more, housing in the Dallas area is very affordable. If you’re moving from another major metro area, you’re going to be surprised to find out just how far your money goes.

The housing selections shown here were provided by CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company. They are representative of the options available at press time. They may or may not still be on the market, and they are not intended to represent every choice in every area of our city.

Photos provided by CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

BUYING A HOME

Home prices in Dallas-Fort Worth are still among the most affordable in the country, according to research from the Urban Land Institute.

The local housing market’s strength during global economic fluctuations is due to a combination of a lower cost of living (compared with other major metropolitan areas) and a diverse economic base that has kept unemployment figures well below national levels. The bottom line for families is that a dollar buys more square footage per home in DFW.

The ease of travel between smaller cities and major job centers allows employees to choose from a variety of communities and neighborhoods to accommodate their lifestyles and price points.

I t ’s not a dr e am ho m e w it hout n at ural g as.

W het her it ’ s heat i ng you r water, wa rm i ng you r home or helpi ng you cook for fa m i ly a nd f r iends, nat u ra l gas is t he sma r t energ y choice t hat saves you bot h t i me a nd money. It ’ s for t he env i ron ment t ha n ot her t r ad it iona l energ y re s ou rc es . S o spend less energ y power i ng you r d re a m home a nd more energ y enjoy i ng it. Choose natural ga s. atmosenergy.com/dreamhome

LIVING

POWER AND PROTECTION

The Dallas Region ranks close to the national median in terms of overall electric rates. Reliability in the system is better here because 85 percent of Texas operates on a separate power grid from that of the rest of the country. Since Texas has a deregulated electricity market, residents have the power to choose their providers, which creates flexibility in pricing and service. Powertochoose.org is the official electric choice website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the place where you can compare providers’ offers and select the plan that is right for you. Many providers offer rates well below the national average, but you have to take the time and make the effort to get a good rate—it doesn’t happen automatically.

Though most of the region sits atop two aquifers, our residential water supply comes primarily from surface water (reservoirs and lakes). Water rates for moderate users are lower than in many comparablesize cities in the country. Most cities in DFW have programs to encourage water conservation, and some impose watering restrictions due to drought conditions.

Natural gas prices are relatively low here, due in part to natural underground gas fields such as the Barnett Shale.

The charts here represent real-life examples of what you might expect in terms of power and insurance costs. Every home is different, and many factors contribute to insurance pricing. The prices you pay may or may not compare to these.

RATES &

FAHRENHEIT

NORMAL TEMPERATURE

GasElectricity

$300.00

powertochoose.org

—The official and unbiased electric choice website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas allows electricity providers to list their offers at no charge, so consumers can compare and choose what’s best for them.

helpinsure.com—The free service of the Texas Department of Insurance and Office of Public Insurance Counsel helps Texans with their auto, commercial, and residential property insurance needs.

Single Family Home: 1,755 Square Feet, 1 Story, Brick, Built in 1953, Dallas, TX (Dallas County) Utilities: Majority gas, including heating, gas water heater, and cooktop Home Insurance Rate: Monthly: $28.25

$800.00 $700.00

$300.00 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0

$250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0 $900.00 $800.00

Apartment: 1,020 Square Feet, 1 story, 3rd Floor, Stucco Built in 1952, Dallas, TX [Dallas County] Utilities: Electric air conditioning and natural gas heating, gas water heater and cooktop Rental Insurance Rate: Policy Amount: $300,000, Monthly Rate: $295.58

$700.00 $600.00 $500.00 $400.00

$600.00 $500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $200.00 $100.00 $0

$50.00

$200.00

$150.00 $100.00 $50.00

$900.00

$250.00

$800.00

$700.00

Gas/Propane Electricity

Water/Sewer

$600.00 $500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $200.00 $100.00

$800.00 $700.00 $600.00

AUTO

$800.00 $700.00

$500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $200.00 $100.00

$600.00 $500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $200.00 $100.00

$0 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0

$0 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00

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$0

$0

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$0 $250.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 $0

Home: 4,009 Square Feet, 2 story, Brick, with pool, Built in 2002, Dallas, TX [Dallas County]

Utilities: Electric air conditioning and cooktop, propane gas heating and water heater Home Insurance Rate: $667,000 [dwelling], $364,200 [property], $300,000 [liability]

Monthly Rate: $319

$0

Jan Jan

Feb Feb

Electricity

If you have a car accident in Texas and you are at fault, Texas law requires you to pay for the damage to the other person’s vehicle and for any medical expenses that person might incur as a result of the accident. To that end, the law requires all drivers to have basic liability coverage. The current minimum limits in Texas are $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. But cars are expensive and medical care more so. The minimum amounts might not be enough to pay all of the other driver’s costs if you’re in an accident, and the other driver can sue you to collect the difference. Consider buying more than the basic limits to protect yourself financially. The cost of auto insurance in Texas is near the national average.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Apartment: 629 Square Feet, 1 Story, Concrete, Built in 2015, Dallas, Tx (Dallas County) Utilities: All electric, including heating Home Rental Insurance Rate: $15,000 (Property), $50,000 (Liability), Monthly Rate: $28

Mar Mar

Apr

Condominium: 2,300 Square Feet, 2 Story, Brick, Built in 1994, Dallas, TX (Dallas County)

Utilities: All electric, including heating

Home Insurance Rate: Policy Amount: $150,000, Monthly Rate: $67.00

HOME

The average home insurance policy cost in Texas is higher than in many other places, but policies are different here, which makes comparing our rates with those of other states tough. The most common nationwide policy (called the HO-3) is not sold in Texas, though there are plenty of policies to choose from. When comparing insurance policies, pay attention to limits (the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for damages), perils covered (situations the insurance company covers), and the deductible (how much you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in). Policies with low deductibles, a high number of covered perils, and high limits cost more. As in other states, discounts on home insurance premiums are available in Texas for people who don’t make claims for several years, older homeowners, and homes with safety equipment such as smoke detectors and alarm systems.

PHOTO: TIAGO_FERNANDEZ VIA ISTOCK

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

FROM THE GROUND UP

If you search and don’t find just the right house for your needs, there’s always the custom-built route. Choosing every detail of a home, from the floor plan to the doorknobs, is exciting for a lot of people. Costs amount to about the same as buying a pre-owned home, and you get exactly what you’ve always wanted. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has many reputable homebuilders, and housing starts hit a 14-year high in the third quarter of 2020.

One- and two-story traditional and contemporary single-family homes are the foundation for most new subdivisions, though patio homes (zero-lot-line houses) are also very popular in our area. It’s also possible to customize a townhouse or condominium that’s in the early stages of construction or preconstruction.

75126 (Forney)

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

$347,634

76227 (Aubrey) $419,539

75407 (Princeton) $310,236

76052 (Haslet) $388,750

75189 (Royse City) $344,161

75009 (Celina)

$544,022

76179 (Saginaw) $355,195

76226 (Argyle) $580,347

76247 (Justin) $405,697

75078 (Prosper) $626,546

75068 (Little Elm)

$458,081

76165 (Waxahachie) $382,878

76065 (Midlothian) $459,213

76048 (Granbury) $312,731

75071 (McKinney) $507,201

75159 (Seagoville) $291,982

76036 (Crowley)

$358,507

75409 (Anna) $296,477

76126 (Benbrook) $429,882

76008 (Aledo) $498,945

76049 (Granbury) $366,184

76087 (Hudson Oaks)

$448,902

76082 (Springtown) $379,485

76120 (N.E. Fort Worth) $306,024

75454 (Melissa) $455,383

SOURCE: MetroTex Association of REALTOR®s from the MLS, Mar 2021-Feb 2022

PHOTO: TRONG NGUYEN via iStock

VACANT DEVELOPED LOTS

VACANT DEVELOPED

LOTS are the lots on a recorded plat with streets and utilities in place, ready for a home to be built.

1-16 17-54 55-123 124-220 221-528

SOURCE: Zonda

BUILDING BLOCKS

7 Mixed-use developments are on the rise.

7 Transit-oriented developments on the DART line are catering to commuters.

FUTURE LOTS are lots that are planned but have not yet been developed with any or all infrastructure, such as streets and utilities.

FUTURE LOTS 1-285 286-1,080 1,081-2,500 2,501-5,000 5,001-13,900

SOURCE: Zonda

7 New construction is abundant, should you wish to live in a finished house where no one has lived before.

7 Unlike some parts of the country, it’s unusual to find a basement in our area.

7 Slab foundations are common, and should be watered during the summer.

7 Central heat and air conditioning are standard in new homes in DFW.

7 Golf course communities aren’t just pretty places to live and play, they are also plentiful here.

7 Planned residential developments follow a particular design from start to finish and provide a variety of housing options and efficient use of land.

PHOTO: JOHNNYH5 via iStock

INDEPENDENT

FACILITIES

EMERALD RIDGE TOWNHOMES

SENIOR LIVING

Many older people love Dallas-Fort Worth’s mild climate, travel accessibility via DFW International Airport and Love Field, outstanding health care, and senior-friendly activities and organizations. Many families relocating to Dallas will opt to relocate an older loved one with them. More than 12 percent of the population in Dallas-Fort Worth is 65 or older, according to 2018 U.S. Census Bureau data, and the area has a wide variety of housing options for seniors. In recent years, active adult communities catering to an older population have been reimagined as agerestricted subdivisions with golf courses, swimming pools, walking trails, and more, while independent living facilities provide a chance for seniors to live rich, full lives without the hassles of homeownership. Many builders have products aimed at active adult buyers. These are often in communities with traditional buyers. The active age-targeted residential subdivisions shown on the map are specifically targeted to active adult buyers. Not shown below are affordable housing/subsidized properties

AGE-TARGETED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS

DORADO

PARC PLACE

AUTUMN OAKS

THE BENTLEY

ARBROOK

THE CHATEAU

PINEWOOD HILLS

LAKELAND HILLS

BROADWAY PLAZA

MACARTHUR HILLS

ARLINGTON PLAZA FOX RUN ESTATES

COURT

DOGWOOD ESTATES

THE HILL VILLA TRINITY TERRACE

LAKEWOOD VILLAGE

HIGHLAND SPRINGS

TRINITY COURTYARD

SUNRISE PLANO

PARKVIEW IN ALLEN

ATRIA AT HOMETOWN

COTTONWOOD ESTATES LEWISVILLE ESTATES

AT IRVING

IN FRISCO

WATERFORD AT PANTEGO

WATERFORD AT MESQUITE

AT CLUB HILL

COLLEYVINE RANCH

AT JOSEY RANCH

VANTAGE AT CITYVIEW

C YOUNG MEMORIAL HOME

HERITAGE PLACE AT HUGULEY

TOWN VILLAGE NORTH DALLAS

QUAIL PARK

GARDENS AT CHISHOLM TRAIL

THE REMINGTON AT VALLEY RANCH

CORINTHIANS

MOUNTAIN CREEK RETIREMENT LIVING

MEADOW LAKES

CONSERVATORY AT KELLER TOWN CENTER

LAKE FOREST GOOD SAMARITAN VILLAGE

SAMARITAN SOCIETYDENTON VILLAGE

PIONEER RIDGE GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVING

GREENWAY VILLAGE AT CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER

LIBERTY HEIGHTS GRACIOUS

HOME FOR AGED MASONS CLINIC NURSING CENTER

CRESCENT POINT/ CRESCENT PLACE

VILLA ASUNCION

PRESTON PLACE

LAKESTONE TERRACE

MEADOWSTONE PLACE

ATRIA CANYON CREEK

TOWN VILLAGE RIDGMAR

WELLINGTON AT ARAPAHO

CONSERVATORY AT PLANO THE WATERFORD AT PLANO

TOWN VILLAGE ARLINGTON

THE FORUM

WATERFORD AT FORT WORTH

FRANKLIN PARK LEWISVILLE

TRADITION OF PRESTONWOOD

CHRISTUS ST JOSEPH VILLAGE

LEGACY AT WILLOW BEND

THE STAYTON AT MUSEUM WAY

PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE NORTH

THE TRADITION

MONTCLAIR ESTATES OF GARLAND PARKWOOD

TREEMONT MY RETIREMENT HOME SUMMER GLEN PLAZA AT EDGEMERE CHURCHILL ESTATES

THREE FOUNTAINS

THE WELLINGTON AT NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

FIVE STAR PREMIER RESIDENCES

HORIZON BAY

WATERCREST AT MANSFIELD/ ISLE AT WATERCREST

WATERMERE AT SOUTHLAKE/ ISLE AT WATERMERE

TOWER PLACE

ROBSON RANCH

FRISCO LAKES

KERALA ESTATES

SENTE MEADOWS DUPLEX

CHAMPIONS CIRCLE/GREENS

PHOTO:

APARTMENT LIFE

Apartment dwelling in the DFW area depends on your preferences: all types and sizes are found throughout our region. Communities range from traditional apartment complexes to luxury high-rise buildings to large-scale communities with every bell and whistle imaginable. Some newer apartment communities offer amenities such as dog runs, workout facilities, tanning services, and community activities ranging from movies on the lawn to wine tastings to Monday Night Football parties. In recent years, mixed-use communities—which include not only multiple apartment buildings, but also restaurants, shops, movie theaters, and underground parking—have popped up all over, appealing to a segment of people who desire an urban, walkable neighborhood experience without the responsibilities of homeownership.

TEMPORARY HOUSING

What if you need to relocate to Dallas before you find a place to live? Should your company want you to start your job in Dallas right away, or if you’ve sold your house before you have a new one to move into, you need a company that specializes in temporary housing. These companies keep ready-to-go units in apartment buildings that are stocked with everything you need to be comfortable— furniture, kitchen wares, bedding, electronics—and all the utilities already turned on. All you have to do is show up with your suitcase. You can work through a real estate agent or your corporate relocation company to find a business that specializes in this service. Typically, the length of your stay will depend on the number of days approved by your company’s relocation policy.

AT YOUR SERVICE

You may want to live in an apartment building with a concierge. Several Dallas-area luxury apartment buildings employ people who not only monitor who enters and leaves the building, but who also assist residents, collecting mail when they are away on vacation, letting in repairmen when they can’t be home, taking in packages and other deliveries, and handling emergencies if they are away. Talk to your real estate agent or work with an apartment locator who specializes in high-end rentals to find the right level of service for you.

PHOTO: BILLINGSLEY COMPANY

SOURCE: RealPage

MOCKINGBIRD STATION DALLAS

Centered around a parkand-ride DART Station. Houses an Angelika Film Center, restaurants, shopping, loft-style offices, and dwellings.

WEST VILLAGE DALLAS

Pioneering walkable district in the heart of Uptown. Accessed by DART and the M-Line Trolley. Magnolia Theatre joins scene-packed dining and unique retail.

VICTORY PARK DALLAS

Anchored by the American Airlines Center with a big crowdgathering screen-filled plaza. High-rise living is upscale and serviceoriented.

BISHOP ARTS DALLAS

First built in the 1920s around Dallas’ busiest trolley stop. Recent redevelopment maintains the vintage artsy character with 160 shops and restaurants.

MAIN STREET DISTRICT DALLAS

Downtown Dallas urban revival at its best. Preserved buildings let hotels pair with residences. Active nightlife and dining.

CEDARS/SOUTHSIDE

DALLAS

Conversion of an old Sears distribution center into lofts with community space for artists, bars, and retail.

WEST 7 TH FORT WORTH

The former headquarters of Acme Brick is now a pedestrian-friendly urban entertainment district not far from downtown, near TCU.

SUNDANCE SQUARE FORT WORTH

Park free on the 35 blocks of brick-paved streets in downtown Fort Worth. Features restored turnof-the-century buildings and an expansive plaza.

FRISCO SQUARE FRISCO

Incorporates Frisco’s City Hall and public library along with lots of shopping, apartment buildings, and office space.

LEGACY & LEGACY WEST PLANO

The Shops at Legacy is the vibrant heart of the Legacy Business Park. Legacy West has 250+ acres of retail, residential, hotel, and offices.

ADDISON CIRCLE ADDISON

You’ll remember it for the giant blue steel sculpture in the center of a roundabout. You’ll visit for events like Kaboom Town and Oktoberfest.

WATTERS CREEK ALLEN

The first LEED-certified retail complex in Texas offers open-air shopping, dining, office space, and apartments along with concerts and events.

ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER FORT WORTH

National large retailers shoulder grocery stores, a Cinemark movie theater, casual restaurants, and three residential complexes.

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE SOUTHLAKE

The city made a modernized “old-tyme” town square with City Hall and post office in the center of sidewalk shopping and eating.

PARKER SQUARE FLOWER MOUND

Newly built but antiquelooking awning-covered storefronts surround a park with gazebo. Also home to the campus of North Central Texas College.

EASTSIDE RICHARDSON

Next to a DART line for a downtown commute and the Telecom Corridor. Services plus a variety of dining options on-site could render you car-free.

DOWNTOWN PLANO PLANO

Named as one of America’s best downtowns, it includes a vibrant community of urban living, arts, unique shops, and restaurants.

DOWNTOWN ROANOKE ROANOKE

They redesigned the town’s established Oak Street and plaza, but maintained the historic downtown feel.

CYPRESS WATERS DALLAS

This thousand-acre planned community sits around a 36-acre lake near Coppell. Includes one of the nation’s first “net-zero” elementary schools.

DOWNTOWN McKINNEY MCKINNEY

The revamped original historic town square sits in the middle of quaint shops, local restaurants, and entertainment venues.

&

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

FROM NYC TO OCC

RITA VARGHESE

POSITION: Associate Principal, OCC

What made you say “yes” to OCC?

OCC is growing. It’s always great to work for a company that’s growing because there’s opportunity for learning and to advance your career. The culture is very supportive, and leadership is willing to listen to your needs and to help you acquire new skills.

What can you find at OCC that you can’t find anywhere else?

OCC is committed to supporting my professional development, as well as the development of my colleagues, through internal face-to-face programs, online courses, and career development workshops that help you learn about our company, other departments, and our industry. In addition, colleagues can benefit from a formal education tuition reimbursement program and support to attend external technical trainings. OCC

also supports the Options Industry Council, an unbiased provider of education on the options industry. In 2017, OCC launched an innovative student debt contribution program that allows colleagues to pay off student loans more quickly, reducing the interest owed and supporting a path to improve financial wellness. The development opportunities are great, and my ability to better balance between work and family is everything I’ve ever wanted.

What are the benefits to OCC being in the Dallas Region?

I was working in New York City for more than eight years, and I wasn’t sure if there was an opportunity for me in the Dallas region. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoy my role at OCC, my commute to the office is better, the weather has been a great benefit, and everyone I’ve met in the area is so welcoming and friendly. OCC benefits from being in the Dallas Region, because there is a large pool of talent and people with different backgrounds and experiences—our region is really a great melting pot, and I’m happy to be part of it.

What does OCC do to give back to the community?

OCC helps market participants manage their financial risk, and we believe it’s

important to support organizations who help people at risk through employee participation and donations. I joined our Dallas office employee charity committee. Our emphasis is on choosing smaller charities where we can have a greater impact. Last year, we raised money with more traditional events like onsite barbecues, Jeans Week, and a few competitive challenges, like “Lock Up the Boss,” where a manager is nominated by colleagues to be “detained” in their office. The manager can only be released when colleagues have raised enough money to bail them out. The money raised goes to our office’s designated charity. We compete in teams, and it’s a great morale builder, too. [One of those charities] is Family Gateway, which provides stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness.

If you could describe OCC in one word, what would it be?

I would say “engaged.” We’re very involved in the community. OCC also funds OIC—the Options Industry Council, which offers free education to the public about the risks and benefits of exchange-listed options. I feel like the fact that OCC wants to educate the public on these things is very charitable of them.

The Dallas Region is a modern urban oasis that serves as home to people from around the country and world, creating a diverse culture and a global region. Whether you’re looking for fine arts, entertainment, professional sports, or giving back, you’ll never run out of activities in Dallas—fun here knows no bounds.

RITA VARGHESE

ART AND SOUL

The Dallas Region has not one but two major arts districts.

The Dallas Arts District, which is anchored by the Dallas Museum of Art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, and AT&T Performing Arts Center, is nearly 70 acres— the largest urban arts district in the country. Here, you can catch a performance of Texas Ballet Theater, a Broadway touring production, classical or local musicians, a night of live storytelling, TED talks, movies and music under the stars, festivals, art exhibits, and so much more. We’d be willing to bet you could spend every weekend in our Arts District and never run out of new things to do. What’s more: The Fort Worth Cultural District claims five internationally recognized museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Beyond our fantastic cultural centers, the Dallas Region is home to hundreds of smaller museums and public galleries, scores of professional and community theaters, dozens of local symphony and chamber orchestras, dance troupes, and opera associations. No matter what artistic pursuit you’re into, you can find it here.

FALL/WINTER

TURTLE CREEK CHORALE

KIMBELL ART MUSEUM

CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: CROW COLLECTION OF ASIAN ART

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL MCGARY

PHOTO: KIMBELL ART MUSEUM

PHOTO: DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

MORTON H. MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER

MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

CULTURE

FALL/WINTER

PHOTO: TIM HURSLEY COURTESY OF NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

Dallas is an entertainment field of dreams. You could start with the 75-acre master-planned development that is Victory Park—packed with trendy shops and restaurants; the House of Blues; The W Hotel; and American Airlines Center, home of the Mavericks and the Stars, as well as a concert venue extraordinaire—and move on to McKinney Avenue, which teems at night with hordes of pretty people going from hot spot to hot spot all the way from The Rattlesnake Bar at The Ritz-Carlton to The Magnolia Theatre at the West Village. For something a little more laid-back (but no less entertaining), you could hit Greenville Avenue for its funky shops, rooftop bars, and live music at the historic Granada Theater; or you could bop around Bishop Arts, Oak Cliff’s repository of everything cool and home to some of Dallas’ most sought-after restaurants (Lucia, Stock & Barrel, Oddfellows—to name just a few) and bars.

The suburbs have more than their fair share of things to do, too. Plano’s Shops at Legacy brim with boutique shopping, best-in-class restaurants and bars, and the Angelika Film Center, while Frisco Square has Cinemark Next Gen-XD Theater, Toyota Stadium, and amenities such as the Black Box Theatre at Frisco Discovery Center. But we’re only scratching the surface here; there’s so much more to explore.

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

VICTORY PARK

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER

PHOTO: WEST VILLAGE

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

WEST VILLAGE

GRANADA THEATER ON LOWER GREENVILLE AVENUE

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

WHERE THE FUN IS

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

PHOTO: FORT WORTH CVB

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

Chic

Modern mixed-use centers are where people live, work, and play—and shopping is a large part of the latter. Here are a few that have come online in recent years. They offer lots of opportunity for fashionable acquisitions.

Mockingbird Station Dallas

West Village— Dallas

Victory Park— Dallas

Southside on Lamar—Dallas

Park Lane Place Dallas

Montgomery Plaza—Fort Worth

Museum Place— Fort Worth

Sundance Square— Fort Worth

Legacy Town Center Plano

Frisco Town Square Frisco

Village on the Parkway— Addison

Rockwall Commons Rockwall

Midtowne Midlothian

Southlake Town Square— Southlake

Parker Square— Flower Mound

Historic downtowns are being redeveloped into regional shopping destinations, including those in Plano, McKinney, Denton, Carrollton, and Grapevine.

GALLERIA

SHOP LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Dallas is a fashionable place in every respect. Our ladies love to dress, our men love to look good, and we all love our houses and gardens to seem like something right out of a magazine. Home and high-end clothing retailers Neiman Marcus and Stanley Korshak, as well as more casual companies such as JCPenney and Fossil, help us come by it naturally. And there’s no shortage of places to shop. The Dallas Region has every modern retail wonder you might imagine: posh indoor malls packed with amenities (think: modern sculpture, an ice skating rink, spas, and more) and every major retail brand; relaxed, open-air centers that encourage you to wear out your credit cards, grab a bite, and linger long after you meant to go home; and boutique districts that beckon with independent businesses with individual flair. We’ve got outlet malls for bargain shoppers and scores of vintage shops for those who love history. In short, you’ll find whatever your heart desires.

SHOPPING CENTERS

SHOPPING CENTER

NORTHPARK CENTER

NORTH EAST MALL

STONEBRIAR CENTRE

THE PARKS AT ARLINGTON

GRAPEVINE MILLS MALL

GALLERIA

SOUTHWEST CENTER MALL

THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND

RIDGMAR MALL

TOWN EAST MALL

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

VISTA RIDGE MALL

LA GRAN PLAZA

IRVING MALL

WEST VILLAGE

THE VILLAGES AT ALLEN

THE VILLAGES AT FAIRVIEW

HULEN MALL

ARLINGTON HIGHLANDS

FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE MALL

CENTRE AT PRESTON RIDGE

ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

UPTOWN VILLAGE AT CEDAR HILL

THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY

FAMILY

Moms and dads know that when it comes to kids, entertainment is key. And entertainment in the Dallas Region comes in many forms, from flatout fun to fun with an educational aspect. Whether you have animal lovers, nature fans, budding Einsteins, aspiring sports stars, or kids who just want to play ’til they pass out, we have the perfect activity for your family. The lists here are only the beginning. For many more suggestions on what to do with kids in the Dallas Region, go to dfwchild.com.

IN-TOWN ADVENTURE

DALLAS ARBORETUM Dallas

DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM/CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND TOLERANCE Dallas

DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM Dallas DALLAS ZOO Dallas

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Fort Worth FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS Fort Worth

FORT WORTH ZOO Fort Worth

FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM Dallas

FOUNDERS PLAZA PLANE OBSERVATION PARK DFW Airport

GALLERIA ICE SKATING CENTER Dallas GRAPEVINE VINTAGE RAILROAD Grapevine

GREAT WOLF LODGE Grapevine HYDROUS WAKE PARK Allen, Little Elm I-FLY (INDOOR SKYDIVING) Frisco, Hurst LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Grapevine

MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY Dallas

NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME Fort Worth

NOBLE PLANETARIUM Fort Worth

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE Dallas

SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER Frisco SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS Arlington

ANNUAL KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS

KIDFILM FESTIVAL (Jan)

SOUTHWESTERN EXPOSITION AND LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO (Jan)

DALLAS BLOOMS AT THE ARBORETUM (Mar)

DEEP ELLUM ARTS FESTIVAL (April)

FORT WORTH MAYFEST (May)

ADDISON KABOOM TOWN (July)

GRAPEVINE GRAPEFEST® (Sept)

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL (Sept)

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS (Sept–Oct)

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM (Sept-Nov)

AURORA DALLAS (Fall)

THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK (Nov–Dec)

ROAD TRIPS FOR KIDS

PHOTO: CHASE MARDIS

Houston Space Center: 4.25 hours

SeaWorld San Antonio: 4.5 hours

PHOTO: SEA WORLD SAN ANTONIO

PHOTO: HOUSTON SPACE CENTER

FALL/WINTER

PHOTO: DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

PHOTO: FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER

PHOTO: SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK

Dinosaur Valley State Park: 1.5 hours Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: 1.5 hours Schlitterbahn Waterpark: 3.75 hours

DALLAS ZOO

Baseball. Basketball. Football. Hockey. Soccer. Whatever your passion, Dallas has a winning professional team to cheer on (and if you prefer a professional team from elsewhere, that’s cool, too, because chances are that team will be in town in the future). Riding the NBA’s longest active sellout streak, the Dallas Mavericks won the 2011 NBA Championship. The Dallas Cowboys—who call billion-dollar state-ofthe-art AT&T Stadium in Arlington home—hold five Super Bowl titles.

The new Globe Life Field in Arlington features a retractable roof, and serves as the home of the MLB Texas Rangers. Also based in Arlington are the WNBA’s Dallas Wings

Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas has been a member of the league since its inception. The Dallas Stars claimed hockey’s holy grail, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999, and hold two President’s Trophies and three Western Conference

titles.

VENUES

ALLEN EVENT

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

The Dallas Region hosts two PGA Tour events. The AT&T Byron Nelson moved to its new home at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney in 2021, and the Fort Worth

Invitational takes place at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth each spring.

There’s auto racing at Texas Motor Speedway

We’ve also got minor league teams galore. The

Texas Elite Women’s Football team, the Texas Legends NBA D-League minor league basketball team, the Allen Americans hockey team of the ECHL, and the Frisco Fighters indoor football

EVENTS & VENUES

The 100K-square-foot ESPORTS STADIUM

ARLINGTON is the largest dedicated esports facility in North America. >

Esports is a growing industry projected to reach nearly $2 billion in market revenue by 2023. North Texas is making a splash in the rising tide.

DEVELOPERS

There are nearly 100 game studios, app developers, and digital tech firms in the gaming space located in the region, including:

ID is the creator of Doom, the most influential first-person shooter game in history. Quake helped launch the esports industry.

GEARBOX is the creator of the highly successful Borderlands series.

< In May 2019, Dallas became the third U.S. city to host the internationally renowned digital and gaming lifestyle festival, DreamHack. For the first time, DreamHack was held in conjunction with a major Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Masters Tournament.

DREAMHACK DALLAS 2019

ESPORTS STADIUM ARLINGTON

GLOBE LIFE FIELD

PHOTO: RACHEL WALTERS

PHOTO: ESPORTS STADIUM ARLINGTON

team, the Lone Star Brahmas junior hockey team, the Frisco RoughRiders AA baseball team, and the Dallas Sidekicks soccer team all keep sports fans entertained year-round.

RELIGION

The Dallas Region is a marvelous mix of people of all faiths, Christian and non-Christian alike. Members of every Protestant group will find church homes here, as well as Catholics, Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, and Unitarian Universalists. NonChristian faiths represented here include Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as smaller groups such as Bahá’í Faith, Jain, Sikh, Tao, and Zoroastrian

EDUCATION

SMU’s Guildhall is ranked as the No. 3 grad school for game design in the world.

Collegiate varsity esports squads and programs are growing:

TEXAS WESLEYAN offers scholarships to esports athletes.

UNT is home of the Nest esports design space.

UTA has the first esports club, founded in 2010.

UTD took 1st and 2nd place in the inaugural League of Legends tournament.

> Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the Arts District portion of Downtown Dallas, has the largest Latino parish congregation in the nation.

> Approximately two dozen Buddhist temples are located in the region, among them the Kadampa Meditation Center, offering meditation classes and workshops.

> There are several Sikh temples— among them the Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Richardson.

> Temple Emanu-El, founded in 1875, was the first Jewish congregation in North Texas and is the largest Reform synagogue in the South and Southwest United States.

> Dallas hosts the “world’s largest gay church,” Cathedral of Hope, with more than 4,000 members.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: FIRST BAPTIST DALLAS

RENDERING: HKS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

CATHEDRAL SHRINE OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE

CHUA DAO QUANG BUDDHIST TEMPLE, GARLAND

FIRST BAPTIST DALLAS

CHAPEL OF THANKSGIVING

INTERNATIONAL

Folks from Argentina to Zimbabwe call DFW home. According to the DFW International Community Alliance, more than 230 languages are spoken here. With a vibrant and growing immigrant population, the region provides all kinds of opportunities for people of many nations and ethnic groups to come together and share their cultures, talents, and perspectives on the world. The maps below represent clusters of various foreign-born populations in the region.

SOURCE: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2012 five-year estimates. Population groups are mapped by census tract. Individual dots are randomly located within a particular tract.

JAPANEL SALVADOR

CHINA INDIA

KOREA

VIETNAM

PHOTO: KASUMI CHOW PHOTOGRAPHY

The racial makeup of the Dallas Region is more diverse than you may think. Though the majority of our residents are Caucasian or Hispanic, our racial representation spans the world, encompassing ethnicities from every corner of the globe. Pockets of people from various countries pepper the metro area, giving the region a rich, international texture.

COMMUNITY

The LGBTQ community thrives in the Dallas Region, with a widespread sentiment of welcome throughout the cities and business communities. Many company headquarters based in the region, such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, Sabre Corporation, GameStop, and Dallas Mavericks, are leading the fight for diversity and gay rights in the state—and those are just a few of the business supporters.

KEY NEIGHBORHOODS

> OAK LAWN—This neighborhood, affectionately called “The Gayborhood,” hosts a high concentration of LGBTQ residents, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. Popular joints include Round-Up Saloon, Jr’s Bar & Grill, Sue Ellen’s, Station 4 (S4), and The Rose Room.

> OAK CLIFF—Home to the Bishop Arts District, Trinity Groves, Kessler Park, and many historic designated neighborhoods. Favorite restaurants include Hattie’s, Jonathan’s, Spiral Diner (vegan), and Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers.

LOCAL RESOURCES

> BLACK TIE DINNER—Largest fundraising dinner for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the nation.

> CATHEDRAL OF HOPE—Dallas hosts the “world’s largest gay church,” Cathedral of Hope, with more than 4,000 members.

> THE DALLAS VOICE—Keep in touch with the Dallas LGBTQ community through the weekly magazine.

> NORTH TEXAS LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE—Achieving equality through business and proponents of the LGBTQ WE Zone.

> OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT STORE Offers free HIV testing and other medical support. The proceeds of shopping and donating go to support the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

> RESOURCE CENTER—The Dallas-based center provides culturally sensitive, LGBTQ-friendly services including low-cost mental health counseling, vaccinations, lab work, transgender health, and HIV services.

SOURCE:

PHOTO: IMANI LYTLE

OAK LAWN

DAVID MARTIN

CITY: Dallas

NEIGHBORHOOD: Uptown/Victory Park

COMPANY/TITLE: Winstead PC – Associate

When did you move here? May 2015, from Los Angeles.

Where else have you lived? Tulsa, Miami, Los Angeles

What made you decide to Say Yes to Dallas?

Although I lived in Los Angeles for 11 years and attended law school there, the best job opportunity was in Dallas with Winstead PC. It was an added bonus that family lived here.

How did you choose which part of town to live in?

I live on the border of Uptown and Victory Park. I wanted to live near the city center and be a part of the revival that is happening in Downtown Dallas. Living near downtown also allows me to walk to work.

Tell us about your city/ neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

There are so many great spots in my neighborhood. I love grabbing coffee at Magnolias or the Weekend. I enjoy catching up with friends at The Ginger Man or Katy Trail Ice House for a casual beer and food, as well as Bowen House or Parliament for a cocktail. I love walking through Klyde Warren Park on the way to the Joule Hotel in downtown for a meal at CBD Provisions, Americano, or a cocktail at the Midnight Rambler. I also love

that there are so many museums and theaters nearby.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?

On Saturday mornings, I love going for a run on the Katy Trail (also a must for any newcomer or visitor) or over the pedestrian bridge on the Trinity River.

I also love biking down the Katy Trail, across downtown, and riding up the Santa Fe Trail to White Rock Lake. One gets to experience neighborhoods both east and west of Highway 75 along the route, and it weaves a beautiful tapestry of the city. After the run or ride, I love grabbing brunch or breakfast tacos with friends at Velvet Taco. In the evening, I enjoy watching live music in Deep Ellum at the Armory, Twilite, Adair’s, and The Bomb Factory.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?

My desire is to be an agent of social justice in Dallas. I want to help facilitate the further integration of people of different races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and national origins. Dallas is a city with a big heart, filled with hundreds of organizations aimed at helping the vulnerable and forming relationships with those in need. I have had the privilege of working with Advocates for Community Transformation (ACT), an organization devoted to the formation of vibrant, healthy, and crime-free neighborhoods, and The One Heart Project, a mentoring program for incarcerated youth. Hit me up if you want to be a mentor! There are also numerous professional organizations aimed at career and industry development.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Demographics in the Dallas Region

are changing as the population diversifies. Just over 18 percent of residents are foreign-born, with Hispanics accounting for the largest minority group in both the region and the state. The region’s low cost of living means we enjoy a higher standard of living on a lower median household income than most other large metro areas.

NEARLY 1.3 MILLION RESIDENTS

WERE ADDED TO THE DFW AREA FROM 2010 TO 2020

RAPID INFLUX

DAVID MARTIN

PHOTO: MERISSA DE FALCIS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

“DALLAS IS A CITY WITH A BIG HEART”

KLYDE WARREN PARK

8,314 18,309 43,554 84,246 103,383 18,463 21.74%

ANNA 855 904 1,225 8,249 14,243 5,966 72.08%

CELINA 1,520 1,737 1,861 6,028 12,775 6,413 100.80%

FAIRVIEW 893 1,554 2,644 7,248 9,092 1,811 24.87%

FARMERSVILLE 2,360 2,640 3,118 3,301 3,473 164 4.96%

FRISCO 3,499 6,141 33,714 116,989 188,170 69,978 59.21%

LAVON 185 303 387 2,219 3,542 1,310 58.69%

LOWRY CROSSING 443 865 1,229 1,711 1,731 23 1.35%

LUCAS 1,371 2,205 2,890 5,166 7,955 2,665 50.38%

MCKINNEY 16,256 21,283 54,369 131,117 191,645 58,702 44.16%

MELISSA 604 557 1,350 4,695 10,199 5,352 110.42%

MURPHY 1,150 1,547 3,099 17,708 20,611 2,588 14.36%

PARKER 1,098 1,235 1,379 3,811 4,802 1,038 27.58%

PLANO 72,331 128,713 222,030 259,841 288,061 26,839 10.27%

PRINCETON 3,408 2,321 3,477 6,807 11,755 4,844 70.09%

PROSPER 675 1,018 2,097 9,423 22,358 12,637 130.00%

WYLIE 3,152 8,716 15,132 41,427 51,585 9,538 22.68%

DALLAS COUNTY 1,556,390 1,852,810 2,218,899 2,368,139 2,637,772 265,445 11.19%

ADDISON 5,553 8,783 14,166 13,056 15,945 2,854 21.80%

BALCH SPRINGS 13,746 17,406 19,375 23,728 25,351 1,394 5.82%

CEDAR HILL 6,849 19,976 32,093 45,028 48,463 3,374 7.48%

COCKRELL HILL 3,262 3,746 4,443 4,193 4,204 8 0.19%

COPPELL 3,826 16,881 35,958 38,659 41,818 3,037 7.83%

DALLAS 904,078 1,006,877 1,188,580 1,197,816 1,345,047 144,675 12.05%

DESOTO 15,538 30,544 37,646 49,047 53,523 4,174 8.46%

DUNCANVILLE 27,781 35,748 36,081 38,524 39,364 772 2.00%

FARMERS BRANCH 24,863 24,250 27,508 28,616 40,209 11,551 40.31%

GARLAND 138,857 180,650 215,768 226,876 242,507 15,152 6.66%

GLENN HEIGHTS 1,033 4,564 7,224 11,278 13,250 2,024 18.03%

GRAND PRAIRIE 71,462 99,616 127,427 175,396 194,614 18,635 10.59%

HIGHLAND PARK 8,909 8,739 8,842 8,564 9,180 606 7.07%

HUTCHINS 2,837 2,719 2,805 5,338 5,729 389 7.28%

IRVING 109,943 155,037 191,615 216,290 242,242 25,375 11.70%

LANCASTER 14,807 22,117 25,894 36,361 39,477 2,688 7.31%

MESQUITE 67,053 101,484 124,523 139,824 142,816 2,956 2.11%

RICHARDSON 72,496 74,840 91,802 99,223 120,981 21,400 21.49%

ROWLETT 7,522 23,260 44,503 56,199 66,285 9,938 17.64%

SACHSE 1,640 5,346 9,751 20,329 26,122 5,692 27.86%

SEAGOVILLE 7,304 8,969 10,823 14,835 16,878 1,911 12.77%

SUNNYVALE 1,404 2,228 2,693 5,130 6,678 1,476 28.37%

UNIVERSITY PARK 22,254 22,259 23,324 23,068 25,182 2,075 8.98%

WILMER 2,367 2,479 3,393 3,682 4,766 1,046 28.12%

DENTON COUNTY 143,126 273,525 432,976 662,614 859,064 192,296 28.84%

ARGYLE 1,111 1,575 2,365 3,282 4,204 940 28.80%

AUBREY 948 1,138 1,500 2,595 3,631 1,002 38.11%

BARTONVILLE 441 849 1,093 1,469 1,731 158 10.04%

CARROLLTON 40,595 82,169 109,576 119,097 136,879 17,358 14.52%

COPPER CANYON 465 978 1,216 1,334 1,469 143 10.78%

CORINTH 1,264 3,944 11,325 19,935 21,823 2,016 10.18%

DENTON 48,063 66,270 80,537 113,383 138,541 21,483 18.35%

DOUBLE OAK 836 1,664 2,179 2,867 3,051 169 5.86%

FLOWER MOUND 4,402 15,527 50,702 64,669 77,329 12,468 19.22%

HICKORY CREEK 1,422 1,893 2,078 3,247 4,735 1,301 37.89%

HIGHLAND VILLAGE 3,246 7,027 12,173 15,056 16,537 1,397 9.23%

JUSTIN 920 1,234 1,891 3,246 3,992 735 22.57%

KRUM

1,542 1,979 4,157 4,988 836 20.13%

LAKE DALLAS 3,177 3,656 6,166 7,105 7,944 804 11.26%

LEWISVILLE 24,273 46,521 77,737 95,290 106,586 10,666 11.12%

LITTLE

NORTHLAKE

1,255 3,646 25,898 50,314 24,088 91.85%

JOHNSON

ALVARADO

16,113

19,218 22,205

10,209

30,720 1,086 3.66%

GRANDVIEW 1,205 1,245 1,358 1,561 1,753

11.94%

JOSHUA 1,470 3,828 4,528 5,910 7,887 1,571 24.87%

KEENE 3,013 3,944 5,003 6,106 6,531

KAUFMAN COUNTY

COMBINE

1,035 1,184 1,133

1,443 1,739

PARKER COUNTY

6.68%

30.88%

16.54%

24.62%

14.64%

23.17%

39.07%

1,028

2,627

116,927 138,371 21,046 17.94%

ALEDO 1,027 1,169 1,726 2,716 4,674 1,955 71.90%

ANNETTA 454 672 1,108 1,288 3,176 428 15.57%

HUDSON OAKS 309 711 1,637 1,662 2,407 713 42.09%

RENO 1,174 2,322 2,441 2,494 3,047 553 22.17% SPRINGTOWN 1,658 1,740 2,062 2,658 3,049 393 14.80%

WEATHERFORD 12,049 14,804 19,000 25,250 31,836 5,855 22.54% WILLOW PARK 1,113 2,328 2,849 3,982 5,569 1,586 39.82%

ROCKWALL COUNTY 14,528 25,604 43,080 78,337 100,657 21,750 27.56%

FATE 263 475 463 6,357 14,206 6,651 88.03% HEATH 1,459 2,108 4,149 6,921 8,953 1,615 22.01%

MCLENDON-CHISHOLM NI 646 914 1,373 3,200 1,795 127.76% ROCKWALL 5,939 10,486 17,976 37,490 45,112 7,151 18.84% ROYSE CITY 1,566 2,206 2,957 9,349 12,998 3,613 38.50%

SOMERVELL COUNTY 4,154 5,360 6,809 8,490 9,016 515 6.06% GLEN ROSE NI 1,949 2,122 2,444 2,691 228 9.26%

TARRANT COUNTY 860,880 1,170,103 1,446,219 1,809,034 2,084,931 267,424 14.71% ARLINGTON 160,113 261,721 332,969 365,438 398,112 31,976 8.73% AZLE 5,822 8,868 9,600 10,947 13,347 2,444 22.42% BEDFORD 20,821 43,762 47,152 46,979 49,464 2,387 5.07% BENBROOK 13,579 19,564 20,208 21,234 23,566 2,310 10.87% BLUE MOUND 2,169 2,133 2,388 2,394 2,475 77 3.21% COLLEYVILLE 6,700 12,724 19,636 22,807 26,945 4,043 17.65%

CROWLEY 5,852 6,974 7,467 12,838 15,649 2,719 21.03% DALWORTHINGTON GARDENS 1,100 1,758 2,186 2,259 2,387 121 5.34%

EDGECLIFF VILLAGE 2,695 2,715 2,550 2,776 3,034 255 9.18%

EULESS 24,002 38,149 46,005 51,277 57,346 5,926 11.52% EVERMAN 5,387 5,672 5,836 6,108 6,248 211 3.50%

FOREST HILL 11,684 11,482 12,949 12,355 12,959 582 4.70%

FORT WORTH 385,164 447,619 534,694 741,206 895,008 146,527 19.58%

GRAPEVINE 11,801 29,202 42,059 46,334 53,976 7,365 15.80%

HALTOM CITY 29,014 32,856 39,018 42,409 44,339 1,895 4.46% HASLET 262 795 1,134 1,517 1,855 328 21.48%

HURST 31,420 33,574 36,273 37,337 38,992 1,588

MARKET TAPESTRY

The market tapestry is a fascinating snapshot of lifestyle choices. The main purpose of this type of demography- and geography-based data is targeted marketing efforts, but the high-level picture of types of neighborhoods and the people who live in them based on the activities and expenses of those people is a compelling story all on its own. Some segments develop as a result of age, some show up as a result of money, and still others result from ethnic influence.

PHOTO: AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

ESRI’s Tapestry Segmentation , shown on the map below, combines the “who” of lifestyle demography with the “where” of local neighborhood geography to create a model of various lifestyle classifications or segments of actual neighborhoods with addresses—distinct behavioral market segments. To create this map, U.S. census tracts are divided into 65 distinctive segments based on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics to provide an accurate, detailed description of U.S. neighborhoods. These segments are then grouped into the 14 Tapestry Segmentation LifeMode Summary Groups, which are characterized by lifestyle and life stage and share an experience such as being born in the same time period or a trait such as affluence.

AFFLUENT ESTATES

Established wealth— educated, well-travelled married couples

UPSCALE AVENUES

Prosperous married couples living in older suburban enclaves.

UPTOWN INDIVIDUALS

Young, successful singles in the city.

FAMILY LANDSCAPES

Successful young families in their first homes.

GEN X URBAN

Gen X in middle age; families with fewer kids and a mortgage.

COZY COUNTRY LIVING

Empty nesters in bucolic settings.

SPROUTING EXPLORERS

Young homeowners with families.

MIDDLE GROUND

Lifestyles of thirtysomethings.

SENIOR STYLES

Senior lifestyles reveal the effects of saving for retirement.

RUSTIC OUTPOSTS

Country life with older families in older homes.

MIDTOWN SINGLES

Millennials on the move—single, urban.

HOMETOWN

Growing up and staying close to home; single householders.

NEXT WAVE

Urban dwellers; young, hardworking families.

SCHOLARS AND PATRIOTS

Highly mobile college and military populations.

$132,800 $770,800 496,749 17.7%

$107,200 $354,100 93,204 3.3%

$94,600 $68,500 161,475 5.8%

$83,000 $243,900 728,360 12.6%

$69,100 $205,700 168,241 6.0%

$65,400 $212,600 111,992 4.0%

$59,500 $79,800 589,251 21.0%

$56,300 $62,700 170,423 6.1%

$52,700 $153,300 49,083 1.8%

$49,100 $116,000 106,158 3.8%

$41,400 $13,700 287,097 10.2%

$38,800 $39,900 87,301 3.1%

$42,300 $14,100 129,156 4.6%

$35,900 $11,800 23,764 0.8%

Esri, US Census Bureau, Infogroup

Median Household Income Population Percentage of DFW Population Median Net Worth

PARKS & OUTDOORS

PLACES TO PLAY AND MORE

TRINITY TRAILS, FORT WORTH

PHOTO: FORT WORTH CVB

PARKS | DOG PARKS | TRAILS | LAKES GOLF COURSES | HIDDEN GEMS

Dallas has over 230 sunny days a year, and lots of sunshine means lots of time to be outside. Dallasites have access to countless outdoor activities with sprawling parks, green spaces, and several lakes featuring boating, water sports, and trails for mountain biking, road biking, and hiking—you won’t have to go far to find your favorite spot.

MARGOT MARTIN

CITY: Dallas

“THERE IS INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER.”

NEIGHBORHOOD: Preston Center

COMPANY / TITLE: The Ballet Burn—Owner, Founder

When did you move here? From where?

2014 from Raleigh, North Carolina

Where else have you lived? New Orleans, Dallas, Seattle, Raleigh, back to Dallas

What made you decide to Say Yes to Dallas?

I have family here, and Dallas was the kind of city I was looking for to further my career. There is inspiration around every corner, and the market is teeming for more growth.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?

I chose Preston Center to open my business because it is a major hub of Dallas. Being located near the crossroads of two major thoroughfares and easily accessed from the toll road and 75 makes it a breeze to get to. There are a ton of fantastic restaurants, places to shop, and spas for extra pampering.

What do you do on the weekends or days off?

I spend a lot of time on the Katy Trail and at Mutts Canine Cantina. The city is surprisingly dog friendly, so my pup and I venture out to various patios for excellent people watching. I love the

Dallas Museum of Art and Klyde Warren Park.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?

I am a retired ballerina turned entrepreneur. My passion lies in teaching people how to move not only their bodies, but also their lifestyles, relationships, and hearts for the better. Dallas has an avid dance scene and an even more avid fitness scene. I knew that my passion would thrive here because of the nature of the city: fast paced, healthy, fit, and conscious.

Tell us about the work environment here. Commuting in Dallas can be a challenge, but it is manageable once you learn the ropes. There is a constant sense of hustle, which keeps me motivated to stay on my game.

What is your favorite restaurant in the region?

Mesero. I would eat there every day if I could.

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?

Dog parks are a priority, and Dallas has several. I am a member at Mutts Canine Cantina, which is a great place to meet people.

What is your favorite festival/event?

The Easter Parade on Turtle Creek is a blast!

PARKS & OUTDOORS

MARGOT MARTIN

PARKS AND TRAILS

Big cities are known for their big, pretty, and functional parks. And though parks are not the first things that come to mind when you think of Dallas, our city is no exception. Downtown’s Klyde Warren Park isn’t just a green space—it’s an award-winning innovation. Situated over Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets, it is a park built on thin air. And it’s an urban wonder. Within its 5 acres are a performance pavilion, a restaurant, walking trails, a mini dog park, a children’s playground, water features, an expansive lawn, and much more. White Rock Lake lies in East Dallas. The crown jewel of Dallas’ park system, the lake itself comprises more than 1,015 acres and offers a view of downtown. The lake and surrounding park areas attract walkers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers, and offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Or you can just lay out a picnic for a lazy day along the shore. But these are only two of the lovely parks in the Dallas Region. You won’t have to go far to find your favorite spot.

Nature Centers

Who says there’s no nature in Dallas?

We know better. Here are a few more spots to take in the bounty and beauty

7 Cedar Ridge Preserve—Dallas

7 Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park Dallas

7 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden—Dallas

7 Dallas World Aquarium—Dallas

7 Dallas Zoo—Dallas

Dinosaur Valley State Park— Glen Rose

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center—Cedar Hill Fort Worth Botanic Garden— Fort Worth

7 Fort Worth Japanese Garden— Fort Worth

7 Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge—Fort Worth

7 Fort Worth Zoo—Fort Worth

7 Fossil Rim Wildlife Center— Glen Rose

7 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary—McKinney

7 River Legacy Park—Arlington

7 Trinity River Audubon Center - Dallas

CEDAR HILL STATE PARK

Cedar Hill

7 Fishing, boating, and kayaking on Joe Pool Lake

7 1,200 acres with 15 miles of mountain biking trails

7 Walking trails through open fields and wooded areas

7 More than 350 wooded campsites

7 Penn Farm Agricultural History Center

RIVER LEGACY PARK

Arlington

7 1,300 acres of forests and greenbelts

7 10 miles of cross-country trails

7 A treetop playground that looks like a giant treehouse

7 A canoe launch with access to up to 8 miles of paddling

7 River Legacy Living Science Center

7 200 acres of rolling hills for exploring

7 Off-road biking trails

7 Picnic pavilion and kids’ playground

7 Butterflies, birds, and other wildlife

7 Dog friendly

MEADOWMERE PARK

Grapevine

7 252 acres on the shore of Lake Grapevine

7 Sloping sandy beaches and camping

7 Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking

7 Large, colorful children’s playground area

7 Migratory bird viewing

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE Plano

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

TRINITY PARK

Fort Worth

Next to the Fort Worth Zoo, along the banks of the Trinity River

Annual events such as Mayfest and the National Veterans Day Run

Miniature railroad

Natural surface trails for hiking, biking, and running

Fishing and duck feeding

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK

9.33-mile hike and bike trail

Shoreline picnic areas

Kayak and paddleboard rentals

Audubon Society bird watching area

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

KLYDE WARREN PARK

Dallas

5.2 acres downtown

Performance pavilion, walking trails, dog park, children’s playground, games area

Free events such as book signings, group exercise, movies, music, and more

Food trucks every day

Accessible by M-Line Trolley, DART, and D-link

PHOTO: CITY OF MESQUITE

SOURCE:

MCKINNEY DOG PARK

FRISCO DOG PARK

CANINE COMMONS DOG PARK

JACK CARTER PARK DOG PARK

TOYOTA OF LEWISVILLE RAILROAD PARK

NORTHBARK DOG PARK

BUSH CENTRAL BARKWAY

WAGGING TAIL DOG PARK

COPPELL DOG PARK

REDDING TRAIL DOG PARK

LES LACS TRAIL DOG PARK

TIPPS CANINE HOLLOW

BEDFORD BARK PARK

EULESS DOG PARK

WESTMINSTER DOG PARK

MOCKINGBIRD POINT DOG PARK

CENTRAL DOG PARK

MUTTS CANINE CANTINA

THE POOCH PATIO

MY BEST FRIEND’S PARK (AT KLYDE WARREN PARK)

MEADOWS FOUNDATION DOG PARK

BARK PARK CENTRAL

FORT WOOF DOG PARK

CENTRAL BARK DOG PARK

TAILS N’ TRAILS

BOOBOO’S BUDDIES DOG PARK (AT BOB JONES PARK)

RELOCATING WITH A FURRY FRIEND

There are more than two dozen public dog parks in the Dallas Region. Some are small, with just enough room for curious canines to romp a bit, but others are magnificent puppy playgrounds with separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and even places for dogs to swim.

Being a pet owner is also a responsibility. Here’s what you need to know about having a pet in DFW. If you are uncertain about something, contact animal control in your community or ask your veterinarian.

DINING WITH DOGS

Though there are scores of restaurants with pet-friendly patios all over Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s the rare establishment that caters specifically to those who don’t want to leave home without their furry best friends. That’s where Mutts Canine Cantina (muttscantina.com) and The Pooch Patio (thepoochpatio.com), both in Uptown Dallas, come in.

Tucked among the shops and apartments of the West Village, Mutts is a privatelyowned park for dogs of all sizes to play off-leash and owners to socialize with friends and make new acquaintances. Separate areas for large and small pups, and a patio where people can eat without having to share their meals with their pets, mean everybody’s happy. Membership is by the day or month.

Pooch Patio is a dog wash, doggie daycare, and bark boutique that also has a coffee and wine bar. Dogs are free to romp around both inside the building and out, and you’re welcome to bring in a doggie bag, er, lunch if you wish. No membership required.

Texas requires that your pet be vaccinated against rabies every year and that he or she wear current proof of that vaccination on his collar.

Dogs (and cats) must be registered with the city you live in and wear current registration tags. To register your pet, you will have to provide a current certificate of vaccination and pay a small annual fee.

Although Texas state law requires that only dogs known to be dangerous be leashed, most DFW-area cities have laws that require your dog to be leashed if he or she isn’t inside your house or in a fenced yard.

Likewise, many cities in our area have passed pooper scooper laws, so if your pet poops on someone else’s property or public property, pick it up. It’s not only the nice thing to do, it’s illegal not to.

CONNEMARA CONSERVANCY, ALLEN

WALK AND ROLL

On average, there are 232 sunny days a year in the Dallas Region, and lots of sunshine means lots of time to be outside. Walking, running, hiking, and biking are popular here, and we’ve got plenty of places to explore outdoors. The city of Dallas has more than 100 miles of hike and bike trails—and outside the city, where urban life gives way to more pastoral pursuits, you’ll find so many more. The Katy, Santa Fe, and White Rock trails are lovely paved paths, but if a walk (or ride) in the woods is more to your liking, it’s only a matter of effort. Certified Master Naturalist Bill Holston recommends Cedar Ridge Preserve in South Dallas for its wooded hills and wildlife, Dogwood Canyon in Cedar Hill for its hilly terrain and flowering trees in spring, and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano for its creeks, ponds, and easy-to-follow routes.

MORE NOTEWORTHY TRAILS

7 Arbor Hills Nature Preserve—Plano

7 Big Cedar Wilderness Trails—Dallas

7 Blue Ridge Park Trail— Allen

7 Cedar Hill State Park— Cedar Hill

7 Connemara Conservancy - Allen

7 Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge—Fort Worth

7 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary—McKinney

7 Joppa Preserve— Dallas

7 Oak Cliff Nature Preserve—Oak Cliff

7 Parkhill Prairie – near Farmersville

7 Post Oak Preserve— Seagoville

7 Scyene Overlook/ Piedmont RidgeSoutheast Dallas

7 Spring Creek Forest Preserve— Garland

7 Spring Creek Nature Area—Richardson

7 Tandy Hills Natural Area—Fort Worth

7 Texas Buckeye Trail –Southeast Dallas

7 Trinity River Audubon Center—Southeast Dallas

7 Twelve Hills Nature Center—Oak Cliff

PARK

NW COMMUNITY

HILLS

TRAIL

CREEK

ROWLETT CREEK PRESERVE

Big Cedar Wilderness Trail - Dallas

Boulder Park - Dallas

Northshore Trail – Flower Mound

River Legacy Parks Mountain Bike Trail - Arlington

Rowlett Creek Preserve - Garland

Off-Road Bicycle Association For more information, go to dorba.org.

MOSS PARK

HOUSTON NATURE

LEGACY

CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE

PARK

ISLAND PRESERVE

LAKES

The Dallas Region has shores galore (though we do have to replace the surfboard with a wakeboard). The roughly 8,000-acre Grapevine Lake in Grapevine (where else?) is best known for its diversity of watersports. You can engage in many types of activities there, from swimming and boating to jet skiing and windsurfing. The lake also has good fishing and nice campgrounds. Joe Pool Lake, southwest of Dallas, is nearly as big, at roughly 7,000 acres. Joe Pool Marina and Lynn Creek Marina have hundreds of wet slips for all kinds of boats; rentals are available, too. Though the lake has great camping in Cedar Hill State Park and nice beaches, it is best known for its excellent fish stock: largemouth black bass; white, striped, and yellow bass; carp; catfish; crappie; gar; and sunfish. Reeling one in is as easy as baiting a hook.

and picnicking

canoe, and paddleboard

Corinthian Sailing Club—

Rock Rowing

9-mile running and biking trail around the lake

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

LAVON LAKE

LAKE TAWAKONI

LEWISVILLE LAKE

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

RAY ROBERTS LAKE

LAKE BRIDGEPORT

LAKE GRANBURY

JOE POOL LAKE

EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE

CEDAR CREEK RESERVOIR

GRAPEVINE LAKE

LAKE WORTH

RICHLAND CHAMBERS RESERVOIR LAKE HALBERT

LAKE BARDWELL

BENBROOK RESERVOIR

SQUAW CREEK LAKE

PINTO

LAKE ARLINGTON

MOUNTAIN CREEK LAKE

LAKE PAT CLEBURNE

NORTH LAKE

WEATHERFORD LAKE

WHITE ROCK LAKE NEW TERRELL CITY LAKE

LAKE WAXAHACHIE

ALVARADO PARK LAKE

KAUFMAN LAKE

LAKE MINERAL WELLS

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

Dallas, Kaufman, Collin, and Rockwall Counties

Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie)

Boating, including boat rentals

Three marinas, a number of boat ramps, and several yacht clubs

The Harbor Rockwall, featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

Northeast of Denton

Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie)

Lake Ray Roberts Marina

Boating, including boat rentals

Walk-in campsites and picnic pavilions

Lantana Resort, with horse stalls

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Texas-sized Trinity River—the longest within a single state— winds through Dallas-Fort Worth and the Great Trinity Forest. It’s “Where Nature Happens,” offering hiking, biking, and a 130-mile paddling trail that spans nine cities.

“Nature happens here, on the river or in the forest—both of which are abundant in Dallas-Fort Worth,” says Steve Smith, who leads a group that wants people to know what bounty lies hidden in the heart of the region.

LEWISVILLE LAKE Lewisville

Boating, including boat rentals

Five marinas

Nice campgrounds

Lots of beaches and picnic areas

Party cove

MORE PLACES TO MAKE A SPLASH

Lake Arlington—Arlington

Benbrook Lake—Southwest Tarrant County

Eagle Mountain Lake—Northwest Tarrant County

Lake Lavon—near Wylie

Lake Worth—Fort Worth

Lake Tawakoni—near Greenville

Cedar Creek Reservoir—Henderson & Kaufman Counties

In fact, the group has trademarked the phrase “Where Nature Happens” to prove that up. It’s a welldeserved tagline, according to Smith, who says spreading the word is a mission for his team at the Trinity Coalition.

The Great Trinity Forest , a 6,000-acre wilderness that claims the status of “the largest hardwood forest in the U.S.,” is a gateway to the 710mile Trinity River that wends its way through DFW.

Both offer plenty of possibilities for outdoor adventures, family memorymaking, and Instagrammable moments.

Smith and his group, along with support from local municipalities, have created a contiguous 130-mile Trinity River Paddling Trail that received the National Park Service’s National Trail Designation in Fall 2020.

The paddling trail runs

Kayaking offers hidden views of the region’s natural wonders.

through nine DFW cities, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Carrollton, and Lewisville, with multiple launch sites.

The natural abundance of the Trinity Corridor offers something for most everyone, and there are many entry points and experiences of all types throughout the region.

In Dallas, you can bird-watch at the 128-acre Trinity River Audubon Center, hike and bike the 4.6-mile Trinity Skyline Trail, and experience the 75-acre Lower Chain of Wetlands

In Fort Worth, you can take a geocaching adventure with the TRWD Trinity Trails Geocaching Adventure GeoTour and enjoy the only waterfront stage in Texas at the Panther Island Pavilion.

PHOTO:

PHOTO: JUSTIN TERVEEN, PROVIDED BY TRINITY COALITION

Each year, the Dallas Region hosts two PGA Tour tournaments: the AT&T Byron Nelson, which moved to its new home at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney in 2021, and the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. No, you don’t have to be a pro to play these courses—and you’ve got plenty of other options, too. We have more than 100 public golf courses in the area, and they touch on all skill levels and price points. Golf Digest named Dallas National Golf Club in Southwest Dallas the top course in the state. Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine makes several “best” lists. It’s an “overthe-top NFL-themed golf course once owned by Jerry Jones,” according to the Golf Channel—and a superb course despite the theme-park-sounding description. The Tribute and Old American golf clubs in The Colony also pop up on list after list, but there are many more worth a swing.

TOP-RATED DFW COURSES

No. 1

Golf Digest ’s ranking of DFW on its list of Top 20 Cities for Golf (2020)

Number of golf courses in the Dallas Region

PHOTO: ROCKWALL EDC

HIDDEN GEMS

Obscure-yet-public spaces still exist in the Dallas Region, for those willing to strap on sturdy/sensible footwear and step into the unknown. Say Yes to Dallas has compiled an inaugural list of places in the Dallas Region—living, dead, and spirit-infused —that urban explorers should visit, if they really want to be considered such. Our criteria were straightforward: These places must be accessible without committing misdemeanors, e.g., the need for hypnosis of groundskeepers or the use of chloroform on distracted security guards. They must be physical destinations as much as states of mind, and they must be places that most people pass by, but are mostly bypassed because they’re not places anyone has to be.

> THE GREAT TRINITY FOREST

6500 GREAT TRINITY FOREST WAY*,

DALLAS, TEXAS 75217

Note the asterisk at the address above. That’s because this place is so wild, even Google has trouble pegging it with an accurate location. That address belongs to the Trinity River Audubon Center, one of 12 destinations and multiple trailheads within a 6,000-acre plot of land in Southern Dallas. Much of the forest is a landfill that nature (and the City of Dallas) have reclaimed. Gear up if you’re planning a deep exploration. Far into the forest, in a place called Big Swamp, naturalists have reported lairs of water moccasins, snorting feral hogs, hand-size spiders, and chest-high poison ivy.

> DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

1515 S HARWOOD ST, DALLAS, TEXAS 75215

More than 100 years ago, before Interstate 30 sliced Dallas in half, the Cedars neighborhood was a premier destination filled with Victorian homes. Every week, mesdames and messieurs would depart their mansions and stroll past greenhouses to hear concerts at the neighborhood bandstand. Dallas Heritage Village has re-created this experience, right down to a reconstructed plantationstyle (haunted?) mansion known as Millermore. Side note: Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus fame was born here. Second side note: Bring your wallet.

> MEADOWS FOUNDATION DOG PARK

2917 SWISS AVE, DALLAS, TEXAS 75204

The Swiss Avenue Historic District is renowned as a showplace for early 20th century architecture, from Prairie to Craftsman to Italian Renaissance. Within the district lies our hidden gem for dog lovers: a place known to some just as the “Swiss Avenue Dog Park.” This hunk of green space, owned and operated by the Meadows Foundation, encourages users to abide by their own code of conduct: Bring your own water, be sure to clean up, and owners of small or leaping dogs must be mindful that the park’s fence can be compromised, especially by escape artists.

> DRAGON PARK

3520 CEDAR SPRINGS RD.,

DALLAS, TEXAS 75219

Dragons are nestled in the green space a few blocks from Dallas’ exhaustively traveled Katy Trail. Facebookers have described this place as a “little oasis in the midst of a major city.” Aside from the (of course) dragon, an archangel issues a clarion call, and a griffin (winged lion) stands guard at the park’s entrance. Though the address is listed on Cedar Springs, it’s best to enter from Hood Street.

> MARIE GABRIELLE RESTAURANT AND GARDENS

2728 N HARWOOD ST,

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201

Another example of urban green space, Marie Gabrielle hides in the shadows of foliage and can be easily missed.

An English garden and reflecting pools often serve as makeshift picnic spots for patrons of Marie Gabrielle Restaurant, but many people visit or happen upon this place out of pure curiosity. Like a woodland sprite, much of Marie Gabrielle’s charm lies in her seclusion and in the delight that comes in discovering her.

> MYSTERIOUS TEDDY BEAR SCULPTURES IN LAKESIDE PARK

4601 LAKESIDE DR., HIGHLAND PARK, TEXAS 75205

On Christmas Day 1995, the Harlan Crow family donated several larger-thanlife teddy bear statues to the town of Highland Park, where they remain to this day. Sure, there’s a waterfall, lily pads, and a rolling creek. But it always comes back to the teddy bears. The largest bear stands 8 feet 5 inches tall as a cub perches on its left hind leg.

FOR MORE HIDDEN GEMS, VISIT WWW.SAYYESTODALLAS.COM

PHOTO:

DANA M c

CURDY

PHOTO:

HARWOOD

PHOTO:

CHASE

MARDIS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO:

TANNER

GARZA

PHOTO: PGA

OF AMERICA HEADQUARTERS, FRISCO

The Dallas Region ranks as one of the most diverse economies in the nation, and companies are hiring to fill jobs in every major field. The pay is exceptional compared to cost of living, and Texas has no state income tax, which means its residents can save more of their job salary every year.

Aside from being home to a broad range of established national and global companies, the Dallas area is among the top 10 metro areas for high-tech jobs and home to technology companies, including AT&T, Match Group, and Texas Instruments.

VISIT SAYYESTODALLAS.COM TO FIND JOBS IN THE DALLAS REGION

BIG-TIME BUSINESSES

CONSTRUCTION

AECOM

Andres Construction Services Austin Industries Balfour Beatty Beck Group Brandt

Builders Firstsource Centex Corporation D.R. Horton Eagle Materials Fluor Corporation Green Brick Partners Hill & Wilkinson Invitation Homes Lehigh Hanson Company McCarthy Building Companies MEDCO Construction PLH Group Primoris Services SRS Distribution TDIndustries Turner Construction U.S. Concrete

ENERGY

Atmos Energy Corporation Basic Energy Services Bass Enterprises Comstock Resources Delek US Holdings Denbury Resources Energy Transfer EnLink Midstream Partner Exxon Mobil Corporation FTS International

Halliburton HollyFrontier Hunt Consolidated Luminant

Matador Resources Oncor Pioneer Natural Resources Range Resources Reliant, an NRG Company TXU

Vistra Energy EDUCATION & HEALTH CARE

Abbott Laboratories AMN Healthcare Axxess

Baylor Scott & White Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas CareNow Children’s Health CHRISTUS Health CIGNA Healthcare Conifer Health Solutions Cook Children’s Health Care System Dallas College Golden Living HMS Holdings McKesson Medical City Healthcare Methodist Health System Parkland Hospital

Tarrant County College Tenet Healthcare Texas Health Resources

CONTINUED ON P. 169

CANAAN BAKER

CANAAN BAKER

CITY: Lewisville

COMPANY/TITLE: Confidant Coaching Services

When did you move here?

From where?

2015, from Tampa, Florida.

Where else have you lived?

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas?

My job transferred me to Dallas in 2015. Since being here, I have

received three promotions in less than three years. During this time, I have successfully completed my master’s degree and launched my side career of coaching business, Confidant Coaching Services.

How did you choose which part of town to live in?

I currently live in Lewisville. I was initially attracted to this area because it is close to the Frisco/Plano area. In the future, I would like to own a home in that area.

Tell us about your city/ neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

I really like the Frisco/Plano area of the region. It’s a nice area, but it’s not so luxurious that I feel like I don’t fit in.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?

My passion is helping others succeed. Dallas has helped me fulfill that end by providing me with opportunities to advance my career, as well as resources to build my network and personal brand.

“MY PASSION IS HELPING OTHERS SUCCEED. DALLAS HAS HELPED ME FULFILL THAT END.”

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Though median wages and salaries in the Dallas-Fort Worth region generally track slightly below national levels, it is less expensive to live here than in some other major metropolitan areas. An abundance of affordable housing, lower grocery bills, and cheaper health care tip the cost-of-living scale in our favor. Below you can see the numbers of workers in various job sectors, median wages, and salaries in the DFW area compared to the entire United States.

Management

247,563 | Total Workers

$107,120 | DFW Median $100,381 | U.S. Median

Legal

32,640 | Total Workers $93,933 | DFW Median $85,405 | U.S. Median

Food Preparation and Serving Related 288,943 | Total Workers $21,632 | DFW Median $25,542 | U.S. Median

Business and Financial Operations 265,488 | Total Workers $76,835 | DFW Median $72,134 | U.S. Median

Education, Training, and Library 208,081 | Total Workers $54,267 | DFW Median $52,229 | U.S. Median

Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 130,811 | Total Workers $27,830 | DFW Median $29,245 | U.S. Median

Computer and Mathematical 170,294 | Total Workers $94,474 | DFW Median $90,522 | U.S. Median

Arts, Design, Sports, Entertainment, and Media 69,212 | Total Workers $47,757 | DFW Median $50,128 | U.S. Median

Personal Care and Service 107,781 | Total Workers $25,106 | DFW Median $27,269 | U.S. Median

Architecture and Engineering 70,791 | Total Workers $85,259 | DFW Median $83,221 | U.S. Median

Health Care Practitioners and Technical 197,803 | Total Workers $70,387 | DFW Median $70,283 | U.S. Median

Sales and Related 410,294 | Total Workers $32,386 | DFW Median $31,928 | U.S. Median

Life, Physical, and Social Science

26,629 | Total Workers $66,206 | DFW Median $70,117 | U.S. Median

Health Care Support 145,334 | Total Workers $27,144 | DFW Median $29,661 | U.S. Median

Office and Administrative Support 575,495 | Total Workers $39,437 | DFW Median $38,834 | U.S. Median

Community and Social Service 49,177 | Total Workers $50,752 | DFW Median $47,590 | U.S. Median

Protective Service 75,482 | Total Workers $43,867 | DFW Median $43,909 | U.S. Median

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 6,190 | Total Workers $25,896 | DFW Median $27,414 | U.S. Median

Construction and Extraction 187,064 | Total Workers $40,976 | DFW Median $46,342 | U.S. Median Production 201,718 | Total Workers $34,528 | DFW Median $37,190 | U.S. Median

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 158,843 | Total Workers $47,965 | DFW Median $48,048 | U.S. Median

Transportation and Material Moving 383,155 | Total Workers $36,026 | DFW Median $34,195 | U.S. Median

KEY OCCUPATIONS IN DFW TARGET INDUSTRIES

OCCUPATION

General and Operations Managers 70,680 71,939 73,016 73,944 $105,379

Computer and Information Systems Managers 12,867 13,213 13,502 13,743 $153,941

Financial Managers 17,901 18,446 18,917 19,324 $146,111

Accountants and Auditors 40,867 41,568 42,149 42,626 $77,995

Loan Officers 8,948 9,037 9,101 9,143 $76,044

Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other 17,669 18,037 18,339 18,582 $79,900

Computer Systems Analysts 21,852 22,326 22,712 23,029 $99,043

Computer User Support Specialists 23,326 23,830 24,248 24,597 $47,965

Network and Computer Systems Administrators 12,181 12,390 12,558 12,695 $86,857

Database Administrators and Architects 5,102 5,204 5,291 5,364 $106,579

Computer Programmers 8,264 8,289 8,285 8,264 $92,290

Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 53,386 55,609 57,557 59,277 $109,891

Mechanical Engineers 6,713 6,813 6,891 6,952 $94,184

Registered Nurses 62,252 63,215 64,018 64,690 $76,909

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers 11,029 11,096 11,151 11,198 $73,031

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers 42,279 42,616 42,846 42,997 $60,541

Bill and Account Collectors 12,286 12,146 12,003 11,857 $37,576

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks 44,982 45,307 45,530 45,665 $42,909

Customer Service Representatives 100,360 100,933 101,288 101,462 $37,187

Loan Interviewers and Clerks 9,397 9,430 9,443 9,443 $42,689

Receptionists and Information Clerks 22,896 23,300 23,642 23,936 $31,718

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants 12,277 12,212 12,116 11,999 $60,851

Office Clerks, General 86,894 87,502 87,924 88,192 $35,896

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 13,538 13,672 13,776 13,857 $63,628

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers 9,551 9,616 9,662 9,695 $36,231

Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators 28,573 28,648 28,673 28,663 $30,034

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 15,095 15,022 14,923 14,805 $38,038

Semiconductor Processing Technicians 1,945 1,941 1,934 1,926 $37,446

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

The Dallas area is home to a large and diverse array of companies. Whatever your field, you will find many

maps illustrate the industry clusters—from high tech to hospitality—in DFW.

HIGH TECH

ADVANCED SERVICES

ADVANCED SERVICES traditionally have meant headquarters, but also include financial, professional, and technical services ranging from management consulting firms to business insurers, accountants, and legal services.

for

FORTUNE 1000 HEADQUARTERS

Dallas-Fort Worth continues to draw Fortune and Global 500 headquarters by growth and expansion of local companies

as

DFW today as well as a natural

operations.

DENTON

SALLY BEAUTY #707

GRAPEVINE / SOUTHLAKE / COPPELL / WESTLAKE

CHARLES SCHWAB #188

GAMESTOP #526

AMN HEALTHCARE #694 MR. COOPER #777

IRVING

EXXON MOBIL* #6

MCKESSON* #9

CATERPILLAR+ #72

KIMBERLY-CLARK #182

PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES #248

FLUOR #259

VISTRA ENERGY #315

CELANESE #406

COMMERCIAL METALS #484

DARLING INGREDIENTS #631

NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP #637 FLOWSERVE #744

ARLINGTON / MID-CITIES

AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP #114 D.R. HORTON #124

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

RANGE RESOURCES #846

McKINNEY

GLOBE LIFE #594

ENCORE WIRE #910

PLANO

YUM CHINA HOLDINGS #359

RENT-A-CENTER #642

RICHARDSON

LENNOX INTERNATIONAL #676

DALLAS LOVE FIELD

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES #234

DALLAS-LBJ CORRIDOR

TENET HEALTHCARE #181

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS #198

AECOM #260

ATMOS ENERGY #768

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL #779 COPART #898 VALHI #950

NORTH DALLAS

MATCH GROUP #836

DOWNTOWN/ UPTOWN

AT&T* #13

ENERGY TRANSFER* #54

CBRE #126

BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE #176 HF SINCLAIR^ #197

JACOBS #262

ENLINK MIDSTREAM #485

PRIMORIS SERVICES #752

COMERICA #825

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

HEADQUARTERS,

UnitedHealthcare

University of North Texas System

UT Arlington UT Dallas

UT Southwestern Medical Center

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

American Airlines Center

Arcis Golf

AT&T Stadium

Brinker International CEC Entertainment Cinemark Holdings

Cinépolis ClubCorp Holdings

CorePoint Lodging

Dave & Buster’s

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group

Fiesta Restaurant Group Hilton Hotels.com

La Madeleine

Lone Star Park

LSG Sky Chefs USA

Pei Wei Pizza Hut

Six Flags Entertainment Smoothie King

Texas Motor Speedway

Topgolf Entertainment Group

Yum China Holdings

MANUFACTURING

Airbus Helicopters

Alcon Laboratories

American Leather Arcosa

Bell Helicopter

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Bombardier Aviation Borden Dairy Celanese Corporation

Cisco Systems Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Commercial Metals

Dal-Tile Corporation

Darling Ingredients Diodes Inc

Encore Wire Corp Ericsson

Essilor

Farmer Brothers

Flowserve Corporation

Fossil Group

Frito-Lay North America

Fujitsu Network Communications

General Motors

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Hilti North America

Huawei Technologies USA Integer Holdings Interceramic

Interstate Battery Justin Brands

Keurig Dr Pepper Kimberly-Clark Kubota

L-3Harris Technologies

Lennox International

Lockheed Martin Mary Kay

NCH Corporation

Nokia North America Overhead Door

PepsiCo

Peterbilt Motors Poly-America Qorvo Raytheon Technologies Reddy Ice

Sally Beauty Holdings Samsung Electronics America Smith & Nephew Solar Turbines

STMicroelectronics

Tetra Pak U.S. Texas Instruments Toyota Motor North America Triumph Aerostructures

Valhi Williamson-Dickie

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

AAA Texas

Alkami Technology Allstate Amegy Bank Bank of America Bank of Texas

BBVA

Billingsley Company Capital One Bank

CBRE Group, Inc. Charles Schwab Citi

Comerica Bank

CyrusOne Digital Realty Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Fidelity Investments Frost Bank Globe Life GM Financial Goldman Sachs & Co

VISIT SAYYESTODALLAS.COM TO FIND JOBS IN THE DALLAS REGION

Hillwood Development Company

HUB International JLL

JPMorgan Chase Liberty Mutual Moneygram International Mr. Cooper Group Options Clearing Corporation ORIX USA

Santander Consumer USA Silicon Valley Bank State Farm Insurance TD Ameritrade Texas Capital Bank TIAA

Toyota Financial Services Trammell Crow Company Truist Bank USAA

Veritex Holdings Wells Fargo Zillow

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

Accenture AT&T Atos

Boston Consulting Group Corgan CROSSMARK

Deloitte

DXC Technology Ernst & Young FedEx Office Freeman Company Google HKS IBM Corporation Intuit

Jacobs Engineering Group KPMG McAfee

McKinsey & Company Microsoft Corporation NTT Data PwC

RealPage Ryan Salesforce

Sammons Enterprises Thomson Reuters

Thryv

T-Mobile Tyler Technologies Verizon Wireless Weaver TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

7-Eleven Alaska Airlines Amazon American Airlines Group Andrews Distributing Company At Home Group

Ben E. Keith Company

BNSF Railway Boeing Container Store Group Copart Core-Mark Dallas Love Field

DFW International Airport FedEx

Furniture Marketing Group GameStop Greyhound Lines HOLT CAT

J.C. Penney Match Group

McLaren Michaels Companies MV Transportation NEC Corporation of America Neiman Marcus Group Pier 1

Rent-A-Center

Republic National Distributing Company

Sabre Corporation

Sewell Automotive Companies

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Southwest Airlines

Target The Kroger Co. Trinity Industries Tuesday Morning Uber Technologies Union Pacific UPS Waymo

THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Texas is arguably the No. 1 state in the country in which to do business, and Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the best places in the country to start a business. An explosion of new startups, coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators are building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth.

DALLAS IS AMONG THE BEST CITIES FOR STARTUPS

— STARTUP GENOME

DFW IS A TOP REGION FOR FAST-GROWTH COMPANIES

— INC. MAGAZINE

THE NORTH TEXAS INNOVATION ALLIANCE Formed in 2020, The North Texas Innovation Alliance (NTXIA) is a 501(c)(3) consortium of cross-sector partners across North Texas with the mission to be the most connected and resilient region in the country. The NTXIA is the largest Smart Region effort of its kind in the United States, and will enhance economic vitality and highlight the culture of innovation that supports companies in the region. NTXIA will address both current and evolving challenges by working collaboratively to drive innovative solutions that increase efficiencies, sustainability, economic growth, and quality of life. The consortium will also focus on regional standards and policies that will facilitate faster deployment and results. For more information, please visit www.NTXIA.com

RENDERING: WEST END INNOVATION DISTRICT

Fort Worth

Deloitte Greenhouse

CAMERON WOODS

CITY: The Colony

COMPANY/TITLE: Fay Financial/ Corporate Paralegal

When did you move here? From where?

I moved here from Chicago in August 2017. Where else have you lived? Florida, Pennsylvania

What made you Say Yes to Dallas? My reasons for choosing Dallas and returning to Texas were numerous, including: family ties, cost of living, and new opportunities in general.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?

I think the level of diversity has been a great surprise. There are all stripes of people here, living and working together.

MOVING CHECKLIST

STEP 1: DECIDE WHEN YOU WANT TO MOVE

Moving can be both exciting and stressful as you pick up your entire life to start over somewhere new. If you have the freedom to pick when you want to move, there are a few things to consider. If cost is a factor, moving during the off-season, such as in spring or late fall, will give you the least expensive rates from moving companies. Try to avoid booking your move on the weekends, during the summer, or on the first of the month as rates can be their highest. If you have children in school, you may need to move during the summer as it’s least disruptive to them.

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons and figured out when to move, use our 8-Week Moving Checklist to help you plan an organized move to get you settled in your new place.

EIGHT WEEKS UNTIL MOVE: GET ESTIMATES & MAKE LISTS

❏ Relocating for a job? Find out what expenses your employer will cover.

❏ If buying a home, contact a real estate agent in Dallas.

❏ Decide if you want to hire a moving company and start getting estimates.

SIX WEEKS UNTIL MOVE: PURGE & START PACKING

❏ Begin organizing your closets

It’s a very encouraging thing to see. Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

I live on the edge of Lewisville in The Colony, and it’s basically a nice and quiet enclave just north of the city. I really enjoy the space, friendly people, and general “cleanliness” of the area, if that makes sense.

Where do you go and what do you do on

the weekends or days off?

Well, since I’m from East Texas (Tyler) and also have immediate family down in Round Rock, I spend a lot of weekends road-tripping to catch up with family and friends. When I’m not on the road, I love finding new food places, catching good movies, or going to places where I can get both—Alamo Drafthouse!!

and sorting out clothing, accessories, and shoes you do not want to keep.

❏ Choose what you can donate to charity and schedule a charity organization of your choice to pick them up (for example, Salvation Army or a veterans’ charity).

❏ Have a garage sale or sell online (on Craigslist or eBay) value items and things that are not worth the cost of moving, but which you don’t want to give away for free.

FOUR WEEKS UNTIL MOVE: UPDATE ADDRESS

❏ Submit a change-of-address form. Go to your local post office and submit a changeof-address form in order to ensure that all your mail will be properly forwarded. You can do this online in order to save time.

❏ Request 1 or 2 days off from your work for date(s) planned for your move (unless you are changing jobs).

❏ Find a new primary doctor (and pediatrician, if you have children) and dentist and arrange for your medical records to be transferred.

❏ If you have children, check the pre-registration procedures for enrolling children in school.

❏ Talk to the current and future school/daycare to transfer school records and make plans for a smooth transition.

THREE WEEKS UNTIL MOVE: TAKE CARE OF SPECIAL ITEMS

❏ Gather important documents, jewelry, and valuables and pack them separately in your personal bags or ship them with a trackable delivery with insurance.

❏ If you’re driving long distance to your new home, have your car checked up and serviced for a long drive.

❏ Take an inventory of your most expensive or cherished possessions and take photos of them to have proof in case of damage.

TWO WEEKS UNTIL MOVE: FINISH UP LOOSE ENDS

❏ Check the pre-registration procedures for enrolling children in school.

❏ Use up food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, to minimize waste.

❏ Double-check that you’ve updated your address everywhere where needed.

❏ Notify movers ahead of time if you’re moving big appliances which may need special handling; likewise, for gas appliances, consult with your gas utility provider.

❏ Refill your medication prescriptions and keep them easily accessible by packing them in your handbag.

❏ Keep some cash on hand for

tips and small expenses, as you may not be able to pay by credit card everywhere.

❏ Update your shipping address on Amazon, eBay, PayPal, and other online shopping sites you use, and direct any scheduled or future shipments to the correct address.

ONE WEEK UNTIL MOVE: TAKE CARE OF FINAL DETAILS

❏ Plan to transfer utilities. Call your utility companies —electricity, water, gas, telephone, mobile, internet, TV cable, sewer, trash—and put in a request to turn off utilities at the old address on the day after your move.

❏ Pack a personal suitcase with toiletries, essentials, valuables, and comfortable clothes for each person in your household; keep these suitcases with you.

❏ Do a final box count to have an accurate count for your records and for the moving company, if they request it.

❏ Confirm the important details with your moving company to avoid any last-minute misunderstandings: phone numbers on both sides, contact person’s name, destination address, date and time when the truck will arrive, etc.

MOVING DAY:

You’re off to your new home!

“THERE ARE ALL STRIPES OF PEOPLE HERE, LIVING AND WORKING TOGETHER. IT’S A VERY ENCOURAGING THING TO SEE.”

CAMERON WOODS

PHOTO: ROBIN BALL

24 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR FIRST 30 DAYS

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET ESTABLISHED, MAKE CONNECTIONS, AND FEEL AT HOME

Settling into a new community takes time and often requires a checklist. Here are the things you need to do during those first few weeks to get established, make connections, and feel at home.

1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS. Research shows that knowing the people who live around you is good for both your physical and mental health. Don’t wait for your neighbors to come to you—be your own welcome wagon.

2. READ UP ON SPECIFIC TEXAS AND DALLASFORT WORTH LAWS that could impact you.

3. GET YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED. Texas requires an annual state emissions inspection. Many mechanic shops, gas stations, and oil change locations offer these inspections. Find one near you at txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/ vIactivestationlocator. Be sure to take your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

4. GET YOUR TEXAS VEHICLE REGISTRATION STICKER AND LICENSE PLATES. You can do this at your county tax assessor-collector’s office. You’ll need to show proof of ownership, such as registration or title from your previous home state, as well as proof of insurance.

5. APPLY FOR A TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE at the Texas Department of Public Safety office in your area. To find the location nearest you, go to txdps.state.tx.us or call 512-424-2600.

6. If you’re going to commute to work via public transportation, FIND YOUR NEAREST DART STATION OR BUS STOPS and plot your route. Buy passes and do a test ride.

7. If you’ll commute by car, MAP OUT FIRST AND SECONDARY HIGHWAY ROUTES. If toll roads are in your future, get a TollTag. Test out your routes.

8. DRIVE OTHER STUFF, TOO. DFW is a big place, and it can be difficult to budget for traffic. As you have time, pick a neighborhood that is not your own and drive to it. Do it a couple of times during different parts of the day. Then challenge yourself to get there and back home without using GPS. This will help you orient yourself to the area and make life easier when you need to get someplace out of your comfort zone.

9. PRINT OUT EMERGENCY NUMBERS, such as fire, ambulance, police, etc. Program these numbers into your phone as well.

10. LOCATE THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM NEAREST YOUR HOME. Take a test drive to determine the fastest route before you need it. Likewise, find the nearest urgent care center to your home and office—and review

your health insurance policy to discover what it covers.

11. FIND A NEW DOCTOR. Find a new dentist. Find a new hairdresser. Find someone to fix your car when it breaks. Having the people you will need in place before you need them is peace of mind. A good way to do this is ask neighbors and co-workers for referrals.

12. IF YOU HAVE KIDS, REGISTER THEM IN SCHOOL. If they’ll be walking to classes, map out their routes and do a test run. If they’ll be taking the bus, find out the schedules and routes. If school has already started, arrange a parentteacher conference to kick things off right.

13. If you have a dog, SCOUT OUT DOG PARKS Ask around for a veterinarian referral or check out a veterinarian’s office close to your home. Locate the all-night emergency vet clinic in your neighborhood.

14. GET UP TO SPEED ON CURRENT LOCAL NEWS. Subscribe to the newspaper or a community magazine or bookmark related websites. Check your cable/satellite/digital channels for local news stations and program your radio with your favorites.

15. READ UP ON OUR COLORFUL PAST.

16. JOIN A GYM near your home or office. It’s a good way to meet people and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Alternatively, you may want to join a club, professional organization, or special interest group. DFW has an abundance of running clubs, book clubs, car clubs, environmental groups, theater troupes, etc. You’re sure to find something that suits your interests.

17. If you’re keen on local politics, ATTEND A LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETING. Call the one in your community and ask about open meetings.

18. REGISTER TO VOTE and locate your polling place. Go to votexas.org for information.

19. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW COWORKERS. Join an after-work happy hour or ask someone to lunch or coffee.

20. If religion is an important part of your life, EXPLORE THE CHURCHES, TEMPLES, OR SYNAGOGUES in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our area has a plentiful and diverse selection of places to worship, so if your first selection isn’t the right fit, there’s likely another choice just around the corner.

21. GET OUTSIDE. DFW has a lot to offer an outdoors enthusiast, including hiking trails, cycling paths, running trails, lakes, parks, and more.

22. SUPPORT THE HOME TEAM. Whatever your interest—football, basketball, baseball, hockey—we’ve got game (and a lot of trophies)! It’s also fun to connect with your college alumni group so you can support your own teams. It’s a good way to meet people with a background similar to yours and feel more at home.

23. VOLUNTEER. It’s good to give back, and helping out in your new community is a great way to meet like-minded people.

24. GET SOME SLEEP. Moving is stressful. Take care of yourself.

PHOTO:

MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES

VIA i STOCK

TAX PREP

When you move to Texas, you won’t pay a personal income tax at the state or local level. You also won’t pay a local occupation tax or local wage tax. This means more money in your paycheck. Instead, you pay for local government services, such as education, through local property taxes, sales taxes, and business taxes. It’s a balance, to be sure, but for people who are moving to DFW from high-incometax states, this change can feel like a financial windfall.

COUNTIES RATE

Collin $0.168087

Dallas $0.227946

Denton $0.233086

Ellis $0.339338

Hunt $0.428379

Johnson $0.420000

Kaufman $0.461171

Parker $0.329362

Rockwall $0.313100

Tarrant $0.229000

Wise $0.370125

CITIES RATE

Addison $0.614660

Allen $0.470000

Anna $0.569500

Arlington $0.619800

Azle $0.646149

Balch Springs $0.794629

Bedford $0.552000

Benbrook $0.617500

Burleson $0.685900

Carrollton $0.582500

Cedar Hill $0.697029

Celina $0.645000

Cleburne $0.690498

Cockrell Hill $0.850573

Colleyville $0.291778

Commerce $0.820000

Coppell $0.580000

Corinth $0.567000

Crowley $0.729545

Dallas $0.773300

Decatur $0.581692

Denton $0.565823

DeSoto $0.701554

Duncanville $0.700000

Ennis $0.724473

Euless $0.475000

Everman $1.149676

Fairview $0.345580

Farmers Branch$0.589000

Fate $0.339872

Flower Mound $0.405000

Forest Hill $0.997342

Forney $0.501069

Fort Worth $0.732500

Frisco $0.446600

Garland $0.756965

Glenn Heights $0.769146

Grand Prairie $0.669998

Grapevine $0.271811

Greenville $0.589000

Haltom City $0.645651

Heath $0.339307

Hickory Creek $0.307280

Highland Park $0.230000

Highland Village $0.563474

Hurst $0.625159

Hutchins $0.682459

Irving $0.594100

Joshua $0.711493

Kaufman $0.799976

Keene $0.844134

Keller $0.395000

Kennedale $0.764085

Krum $0.621598

Lake Dallas $0.614123

Lake Worth $0.458548

Lancaster $0.769287

Lewisville $0.443301

Little Elm $0.643948

Lucas $0.288397

Mansfield $0.690000

McKinney $0.497655

Melissa $0.568157

Mesquite $0.708620

Midlothian $0.675000

Murphy $0.495000

North Richland Hills $0.572184

Parker $0.365984

Plano $0.446500

Princeton $0.602549

Prosper $0.510000

Providence $0.732040

Red Oak $0.703645

Richardson $0.615160

Richland Hills $0.558551

River Oaks $0.720874

Roanoke $0.375120

Rockwall $0.350000

Rowlett $0.745000

Royse City $0.621500

Sachse $0.700734

Saginaw $0.479516

Sanger $0.633711

Sansom Park $0.670724

Seagoville $0.788800

Southlake $0.390000

Sunnyvale $0.453000

Terrell $0.764200

The Colony $0.650000

Trophy Club $0.445000

University Park $0.264388

Watauga $0.580400

Waxahachie $0.635000

Weatherford $0.458100

White Settlement $0.741795

Willow Park $0.566650

Wylie $0.643751

SCHOOLS RATE

Aledo ISD $1.392900

Allen ISD $1.406800

Alvarado ISD $1.372000

Alvord ISD $1.154290

Anna ISD $1.460300

Argyle ISD $1.400000

Arlington ISD $1.360800

Aubrey ISD $1.508700

Avalon ISD $1.028120

Azle ISD $1.222600

Birdville ISD $1.338000

Bland ISD $1.112000

Blue Ridge ISD $1.460300

SAMPLE TAX INFORMATION FOR DFW

SALES TAX RATES

STATE: 6 1/4% (.0625)

CITY: 1/4% - 2% (.0025 - .02), depending on local rate

COUNTY: 1/2% (.005) – 1.5% (.015) , depending on local rate

1/4 % (.0025) – 1% (.0025 - 0.01) , depending on local rate

SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS: 1/8% (.00125) – 2% (.00125 - .02) , depending on local rate

TAX

Boles ISD $1.210300

Brock ISD $1.390300

Burleson ISD $1.494600

Caddo Mills ISD $1.460300

Campbell ISD $0.872000

Carroll ISD $1.268600

Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD $1.201250

Castleberry ISD $1.313100

Cedar Hill ISD $1.238400

Celeste ISD $1.223600

Celina ISD $1.440900

Cleburne ISD $1.448600

Collin College (CCD) $0.081222

Commerce ISD $1.359800

Community ISD $1.460300

Coppell ISD $1.292000

Crandall ISD $1.372000

Crowley ISD $1.484100

Cumby ISD $1.420300

Dallas College (CCD) $0.123510

Dallas ISD $1.248235

Denton ISD $1.362000

DeSoto ISD $1.388600

Duncanville ISD $1.315900

Eagle MountainSaginaw ISD $1.457500

Ennis ISD $1.453700

Era ISD $1.042000

Everman ISD $1.370000

Farmersville ISD $1.353300

Ferris ISD $1.313800

Forney ISD $1.372000

Fort Worth ISD $1.343200

Frisco ISD $1.353300

Frost ISD $1.236690

Garland ISD $1.256300

Godley ISD $1.492000

Grand Prairie ISD $1.376300

Grandview ISD $1.178100

GrapevineColleyville ISD $1.275100

Greenville ISD $1.120481

Gunter ISD $1.468600

Highland Park ISD $1.084800

Hurst-EulessBedford ISD $1.160800

Irving ISD $1.207700

Italy ISD $1.287000

Joshua ISD $1.290000

Kaufman ISD $1.287600

Keene ISD $1.231270

Keller ISD $1.344000

Kennedale ISD $1.299100

Krum ISD $1.344930

Lake Dallas ISD $1.500300

Lake Worth ISD $1.519100

Lancaster ISD $1.470400

Leonard ISD $0.960300

Lewisville ISD $1.308700

Little Elm ISD $1.430300

Lone Oak ISD $1.222000

Lovejoy ISD $1.505000

Mansfield ISD $1.418300

Maypearl ISD $1.171700

McKinney ISD $1.376700

Melissa ISD $1.460300

Mesquite ISD $1.312000

Midlothian ISD $1.352000

Milford ISD $0.957700

Millsap ISD $1.274900

Mineral Wells ISD $1.303680

Northwest ISD $1.292000

Palmer ISD $1.273600

Peaster ISD $1.372000

Perrin Whitt ISD $1.140400

Pilot Point ISD $1.160300

Plano ISD $1.320750

Ponder ISD $1.407780

Poolville ISD $1.160300

Princeton ISD $1.460300

Prosper ISD $1.460300

Quinlan ISD $1.060300

Red Oak ISD $1.325600

Richardson ISD $1.390900

Rio Vista ISD $1.322990

Rockwall ISD $1.273600

Royse City ISD $1.460300

Sanger ISD $1.142300

Scurry-Rosser ISD $1.120300

Slidell ISD $1.047400

Springtown ISD $1.143200

Sunnyvale ISD $1.342000

Tarrant County College (CCD) $0.130170

Terrell ISD $1.344500

Trenton ISD $1.140300

Van Alstyne ISD $1.427900

Venus ISD $1.383500

Waxahachie ISD$1.344200

Weatherford ISD $1.239300

White Settlement ISD $1.460300

Whitewright ISD $1.111600

Wolfe City ISD $1.144716

Wylie ISD $1.459800

OTHER RATE

Dallas County Parkland Hospital (HD) $0.255000

Dallas County School Equalization (SET) $0.000000

Tarrant County Hospital (HD) $0.224429

Tarrant County Water District (WD) $0.028700

Sources: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise County Appraisal Districts

MUST-HAVE CONTACT INFO

Addison, Town of 972-450-7001 addisontx.gov

Allen Economic Development Corporation 972-727-0250 allentx.com Arlington, City of 817-459-6777 arlingtontx.gov

Athens Economic Development Corporation 903-675-4617 athensedc.com

Azle, City of 817-444-2541 ci.azle.tx.us

Balch Springs, City of 972-286-4477 cityofbalchsprings.com Bedford, City of 817-952-2101 ci.bedford.tx.us

Benbrook Economic Development Corporation 817-249-3000 benbrook.org

Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation 940-683-3490 cityofbridgeport.net

Burleson, City of 817-426-9600 burlesontx.com Carrollton, City of 972-466-3000 cityofcarrollton.com

Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation 972-291-5132 cedarhilltx.com

Celina Economic Development Corporation 972-382-3455 celinaedc.com

Cleburne, City of 817-645-0900 cleburne.net

Colleyville, City of 817-503-1000 colleyville.com

Commerce Economic Development Corporation 903-886-1121 commercetx.org

Coppell, City of 972-462-0022 ci.coppell.tx.us

Corinth Economic Development Corporation 940-498-3284 cityofcorinth.com

Crandall Economic Development Corporation 972-427-8300 crandalledc.com

Dallas, City of 214-670-1221 dallascityhall.com

Dallas County 214-653-7011 dallascounty.org

Dallas Regional Chamber 214-746-6600 dallaschamber.org

Decatur Economic Development Corporation 940-627-9109 decaturtx.org

Denison Development Alliance 903-464-0883 denisontx.org

Denton Chamber of Commerce 940-382-9693 dentonedp.com

DeSoto Economic Development Corporation 972-230-9611 dedc.org

Duncanville, City of 972-780-5000 ci.duncanville.tx.us

Ennis, City of 972-878-1234 ext. 2238 ennis-texas.com

Euless, City of 817-685-1422 eulesstx.gov Everman, City of 817-293-0525 evermantx.net

Fairview Economic Development Corporation 972-562-0522 fairviewtexas.org

Farmers Branch, City of 972-919-2512 farmersbranch.info

Farmersville Economic Development Corporation 972-782-6151 farmersvilletx.com

Flower Mound, Town of 972-539-7378 flower-mound.com

Forest Hill, City of 817-568-3000 foresthilltx.org

Forney Economic Development Corporation 972-564-5808 forneytexasedc.org

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce 817-336-2491 ext. 228 fortworthchamber.com

Frisco Economic Development Corporation 972-668-5550 friscoedc.com

Garland Chamber of Commerce 972-272-7551 garlandchamber.com

Glenn Heights, City of 972-223-1690 glennheights.com

Grand Prairie, City of 972-237-8081 gptx.org Grapevine, City of 817-410-3135 ci.grapevine.tx.us

Greenville Economic Development Corporation 800-295-4141 ci.greenville.tx.us

Haltom City 817-222-7723 haltomcitytx.com

Haslet, City of 817-439-5931 haslet.org HEB Economic Development Foundation 817-540-1053 heb.org

Hickory Creek, Town of 940-497-2528 hickorycreek-tx.gov

Highland Village, City of 972-899-5131 highlandvillage.org Hurst, City of 817-788-7044 ci.hurst.tx.us

Hutchins, City of 972-225-4449 hutchinsedc.org

Irving–Las Colinas Economic Development Commission 214-507-5091 irvingchamber.com

Johnson County Economic Development Corporation 817-866-0820 johnsoncountytx.org

Justin Economic Development Corporation 940-648-3800 cityofjustin.com

Kaufman Economic Development Corporation 972-932-5332 kaufmanedc.org

Keene, City of 817-641-3337 ext. 36 keenetx.com Keller, City of 817-743-4000 cityofkeller.com Kemp, City of 903-498-3191 kempedc.com Kennedale, City of 817-985-2100 cityofkennedale.com Lake Dallas, City of 940-497-2226 lakedallas.com Lake Worth, City of 817-237-1211 ext. 225 lakeworthtx.org

Lancaster Economic Development Corporation 972-218-1300 lancaster-tx.com Lewisville, City of 972-219-3400 cityoflewisville.com Little Elm, City of 214-975-0406 littleelmtx.us

Mansfield Economic Development Corporation 817-728-3650 mansfield-texas.com

McKinney Economic Development Corporation 972-562-5430 mckinneyedc.com Mesquite, City of 972-216-6340 mesquiteecodev.com Midlothian Economic Development Corporation 972-775-3481 cedmidlothian.org Murphy, City of 972-468-4118 murphytx.org North Central Texas Council of Governments 817-640-3300 nctcog.org North Richland Hills, City of 817-427-6060 nrhtx.com

Pantego Economic Development Corporation 817-617-3705 townofpantego.com Pilot Point, City of 940-686-2165 cityofpilotpoint.org

Plano Economic Development 972-208-8300 planotexas.org Plano, City of 972-941-7000 plano.gov Princeton, City of 972-734-2416 princetontx.gov

Prosper, Town of 972-346-3502 prosperedc.com Quad Cities DFW 817-281-9376 netarrant.org

Red Oak, City of 972-617-3638 redoaktx.org Richardson Economic Development Corporation 972-792-2800 telecomcorridor.com Roanoke, City of 817-491-2411 roanoketexas.com

Rockwall Economic Development Corporation 972-772-0025 rockwall.com Rowlett, City of 972-463-2489 rowlett.com Royse City 972-524-4700 roysecity.com

Sachse Economic Development Corporation 972-675-0562 sachseedc.com

Saginaw, City of 817-232-4640 saginaw.tx.us Sanger, City of 940-458-7702 sangertexas.org Seagoville Economic Development Corporation 972-287-9944 seagovilleedc.com

Sherman Economic Development Corporation 903-868-2566 sedco.org

Southlake, City of 817-748-8400 cityofsouthlake.com

State of Texas Economic Development & Tourism 800-843-5781 governor.state.tx.us

Sunnyvale, City of 972-226-7177 townofsunnyvale.org

Terrell Chamber of Commerce 972-563-5703 terrelltexas.com

The Colony Economic Development Corporation 972-624-3127 thecolonyedc.org

Trophy Club, Town of 682-831-4600 ci.trophyclub.tx.us

Watauga, City of 817-514-5813 cowtx.org

Waxahachie, City of 469-309-4000 waxahachie.com

Weatherford ED Authority 817-594-9429 ext. 102 ci.weatherford.tx.us

Westlake, Town of 817-490-5720 westlake-tx.org Wilmer, City of 972-441-3574

Wylie, Development Corp. of 972-442-7901 wylieedc.com

DFW AREA APPRAISAL DISTRICTS

Collin County Appraisal District 469-742-9200 collincad.org

Dallas County Appraisal District 214-631-0910 dallascad.org

Delta County Appraisal District 903-395-4118 delta-cad.org

Denton County Appraisal District 940-349-3800 dentoncad.com

Ellis Central Appraisal District 972-937-3552 elliscad.com

Hunt County Appraisal District 903-408-4000 hctax.info

Johnson County Central Appraisal District 817-648-3000 johnsoncad.com

Kaufman County Appraisal District 972-932-6081 kaufman-cad.org

Parker County Appraisal District 817-596-0077 parkercad.org

Rockwall Central Appraisal District 972-771-2034 rockwallcad.com

Tarrant County Appraisal District 817-284-0024 tad.org

Wise County Appraisal District 940-627-3081 appraisaldistrict. net/countyappraisal. asp?county=wise

DALLAS COUNTY

Agricultural Extension Service 972-231-5362

County Commissioners Court 214-653-7361

County General Information 214-653-7475

County Judge 214-653-7555

County Taxes 214-653-7811

County Welfare 214-819-1800 ext. 1801

District Attorney 214-653-3600 Health Department 214-819-2000

Immunizations 214-819-2000

Justice Center (Inmate Affairs) 214-761-9025

Marriage License 214-653-7099

Vital Statistics/Records 214-670-3248

Voter Registration 214-819-6389

CITY OF DALLAS

Emergency 911

Animal Control 311

Building Inspection 214-948-4480

Chamber of Commerce 214-746-6600

City Council 214-670-4050

City Manager 214-670-3296

Civil Service Board 214-670-3748

Controller 214-670-3538

Dallas City Services 311

Dallas Convention Center 214-939-2724

Dallas Police Department / Jack Evans Police Headquarters 214-671-3001

Dallas Public Library 214-670-1400

DFW Airport 972-973-8888

Emergency Preparedness 214-670-4275

Garbage Collection 214-670-8613 Environmental & Health Services 214-670-3092

Love Field Airport 214-670-6073

Mayor’s Office 214-670-4054

Court & Detention Services 214-670-0109 Park and Recreation 214-670-4100 Taxes 214-631-0910

Tree Trimming (for trees too close to power lines), TXU 972-791-2888

Visitor Information Center 214-571-1000 Zoning 214-948-4480

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 800-525-5555 txdps.state.tx.us

Dallas Courtesy Patrol 214-653-3465 dallascounty.org/ department/sheriff/ courtesy_patrol.php

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) 214-749-2662 dart.org

North Texas Tollway Authority 214-461-2000 ntta.org

NTTA Roadside Assistance 972-444-4357

DFW WORKFORCE BOARDS

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas 888-548-9675 dfwjobs.com

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County 817-413-4000 workforcesolutions.net Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas 214-421-2460 wfsdallas.com

HUMAN SERVICES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

American Cancer Society 800-227-2345

American Red Cross—Dallas 214-678-4800

American Red Cross—Fort Worth 817-335-9137

Arthritis Foundation 800-283-7800

Austin Street Shelter 214-428-4242

Callier Center for Communications Disorders— UT Dallas 214-905-3000

Cancer Care Services 817-921-0653

Catholic Charities 214-638-4997

Child Care Associates 817-838-0055

Dallas Life Foundation 214-421-1380

Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind 214-821-2375

Dallas Urban League 214-413-1760

Deaf Action Center 214-521-0407

Down Syndrome Guild 214-267-1374

Easter Seals Greater Northwest Texas 817-332-7171

ECI of Richardson 972-705-5291

Goodwill Industries of Dallas 214-638-2800

Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth 817-332-7866

Greater Dallas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 214-522-8600

Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center 214-521-4673

Mental Health America of Greater Dallas 214-828-4192

Mental Health Association of Tarrant County 817-335-5405

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 877-275-6233

North Dallas Shared Ministries 972-620-8696

Poison Center 800-222-1222

Rape Crisis Center Dallas 972-641-7273

Recovery Resource Council (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse) 817-332-6329

The Salvation Army 214-424-7200

Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas 214-828-1000

The ARC of Dallas 214-634-9810

The ARC of Greater Tarrant County 817-877-1474

The Bridge Emergency Youth Services 817-335-4673

The Women’s Center of Tarrant County 817-924-9572

Union Gospel Mission 214-637-6117

United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas 800-999-1898

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000

Youth Crisis and Runaway Hotline 800-621-4000 (24 hours)

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Dallas County Dental Society 972-386-5741

Dallas County Medical Society 214-948-3622

DFW Hospital Council 972-719-4900

Health Industry Council of DFW 972-256-2291

Tarrant County Medical Society 817-732-2825

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000

United Way of Tarrant County 817-258-8000

Visiting Nurse Association 214-905-6053

CHILD CARE LICENSING OFFICES

Dallas 214-951-7902 / 800-582-6036

Denton 940-381-3447

Fort Worth 800-582-8286 / 817-321-8604

Plano 469-229-6900 ext. 6901

DALLAS ISD

Administration Building 972-925-3700

Athletics 972-749-2450

Attendance and Truancy 214-932-5030

Child Abuse/Domestic Violence 888-572-2873 Communications 972-925-3900

Counseling Services 972-925-3505

Customer Service Center 972-925-5555

Early Childhood Education 972-925-8930

Health Services 972-925-3386

Physical Education 972-925-6790

Safe and Drug-Free Schools 972-925-8040

Special Education 972-581-4100

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

American Red Cross 214-678-4800 redcross.org/tx/dallasfort-worth/locations

Austin Street Shelter 214-428-4242 austinstreet.org

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 214-871-0876 bbbs.org

Community Council of Greater Dallas 214-379-4357 ccgd.org

Dallas Life Foundation 214-421-1380 dallaslife.org

Lift 214-824-2000 lift-texas.org

North Dallas Shared Ministries 972-620-8696 ndsm.org

The Salvation Army 214-630-5611 salvationarmyusa.org

The Stewpot 214-746-2785 thestewpot.org

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000 unitedwaydallas.org

Visiting Nurse Association 214-689-0000 vnatexas.org

Volunteer Center 214-826-6767 volunteernorthtexas.org

West Dallas Community Centers 214-760-8353 westdallas.org

ETHNIC CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

African Chamber of Commerce 214-628-2569

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas 972-241-6450

Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas 972-241-8250

British-American Business Council of North Texas 214-229-8801

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce 214-421-5200

East African Chamber of Commerce 214-267-9189

French-American Chamber of Commerce, DFW 972-241-0111

Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas 214-521-6007

Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce 972-230-0501

Israel Chamber of Commerce 214-272-4817

Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce 713-960-0845

U.S. China Chamber of Commerce 312-368-9911

U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce 214-346-9559

U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce 214-651-4300

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau visitdallas.com

Dallas Morning News dallasnews.com

Dallas Police Department dallaspolice.net

Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau fortworth.com

Fort Worth Police Department fortworthpd.com

Fort Worth Star-Telegram star-telegram.com

DFW CONSULATES

Canada 214-922-9806

France 214-953-0100 ext. 105 Germany 214-748-4915 / 214-752-3684 Iceland 214-272-2363

Japan 972-713-8683

Mexico 214-932-8670

Republic of Korea 972-701-0108 Romania 214-522-3799

Slovak Republic 214-251-8020

South Africa 214-943-1068

Spain 214-373-1200

Sweden 972-991-8013

Switzerland 214-965-1025

Taiwan 972-436-4242

Thailand 214-934-0022 ext. 2204

Tunisia 972-267-4191

Uganda 972-387-7860 ext. 13

United Kingdom 214-978-8930

GETTING THE LAY OF THE LAND

JACK COOKE CLAY MONTAGUE WISE

Start talking to people about Dallas, and you’ll quickly realize there’s more here than just the city of Dallas. The official North Texas metropolitan area comprises 11 counties and more than 8,600 square miles, making it the largest landlocked metropolitan area in the United States.

With more than 200 cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, there is the perfect community for everyone. Each community has its own personality, places of worship, schools, entertainment options, and more. Finding the part of town that makes the most sense for you just takes a little time. With a bit of guidance and patience, you’ll find a place that works for you, whether you are looking for an urban apartment as a single person with a pet or a spacious address in the suburbs for your family of five.

The Communities section, in the front of this magazine, breaks down Dallas neighborhoods, the suburbs, and outlying areas.

PALO PINTO

ERATH

DENTON

FORT WORTH

PARKER

TARRANT JOHNSONHOOD

Weatherford

Cleburne

Mountain Lake

Burleson

Azle

CDP

Wells

Pecan Acres CDP

City Joshua

Fairview

Bridgeport

Boyd

Park

Bay

Mountain CDP

Justin

Annetta

Plantation CDP

Settlement

North

Worth

Hudson ‘Oaks

Everman

Oaks

Lakeside

South

Gordon

Trail Shores CDP

Briaroaks Cross Timber

Graford

Newark Sanctuary

Village

Cordova Bend

Bay Westover Hills

Blue Mound

Bridgeport

FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIRPORT

FORT WORTH MEACHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NAS FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE

FORT WORTH SPINKS AIRPORT

FANNIN GRAYSON

ROCKWALL

KAUFMAN

DALLAS

HUNT COLLIN DALLAS

ELLIS

Mabank

Tawakoni

Wolfe City

ESSENTIALS

IT’S THE LAW

Laws vary from state to state, city to city. Here are a few important laws that may be different in Texas and/or the area you plan to live in.

DRIVING LAWS

DRIVER’S LICENSE

You have 90 days to obtain a Texas driver’s license after moving to the state. If you are over 18 and already have a valid, unexpired license from another state, you won’t have to take the driving or knowledge test. To obtain your new Texas license you must:

> Submit an application to your local Department of Public Safety

> Provide proof of Texas residency

> Submit a valid form of ID, such as a passport, unexpired military ID card, or U.S. Citizen Identification Card

> Pay a $25 fee

VEHICLE INSURANCE

In Texas, you are required to have liability car insurance. It’s OK if your auto insurance was issued by another state, but it will have to meet the minimum coverage requirement. In Texas, all drivers must have at least $25,000 in coverage for property damage, $30,000 for each injured person, and $60,000 for injuries per incident.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

Vehicle inspections are still a part of the registration process and are performed at Official Vehicle Inspection Stations licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Inspections must be done within 90 days of registering your vehicle. Emission testing is required in 17 Texas counties that must comply with federally mandated clear air requirements.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

In 2013, the State of Texas changed the vehicle inspection and registration requirements, eliminating the inspection sticker. Residents must have their vehicle inspected within 90 days of renewing the state vehicle registration sticker. Under the one-sticker system, It now serves as both the inspection and registration sticker. You can register your vehicle online, by mail, or in person.

HELMETS

Texas does not require drivers or passengers of motorcycles to wear helmets. The state also does not require helmets for bicyclists. However, city regulations vary on the latter, and the city of Dallas requires helmets for bicyclists ages 17 and younger.

For more on driving laws, go to dmv.org/tx-texas/safety-laws.php

GUN LAWS

LEGALITY

A new Texas law allows most Texans age 21 and older to carry handguns— open or concealed— without a state license, if no other state or federal law applies.

There are some places and circumstances you cannot carry a handgun legally even under the new handgun law. Owners of any establishment can prohibit handguns on their properties if they post a legal notice.

For more on Texas gun laws, go to dps.texas.gov/rsd/ltc/index.htm

LABOR LAWS

RIGHT TO WORK

Texas is a right-to-work state. That means you cannot be denied employment for participation or nonparticipation in a labor union/organization. Your employer cannot discriminate against you for choosing to join or not join a union. Texas is also an employment-at-will state, which means the employer or employee can terminate employment at any time, for any reason, with few exceptions.

For more information on labor laws, go to www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/ agency/right-to-work-laws-in-texas

SMOKING AND DRINKING LAWS

USE/PURCHASE OF TOBACCO

You must be older than 18 years of age to purchase tobacco products in Texas.

SMOKING RESTRICTIONS

Smoking is not allowed in public places in Dallas, including city parks, libraries, buses, or within 15 feet of any pedestrian entrance. The city of Dallas has also banned smoking in bars and restaurants. However, some of the surrounding communities do allow smoking in bars.

DRINKING RESTRICTIONS

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Texas is 21. In Texas, driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher is considered driving while intoxicated (DWI). It is illegal in Texas to have open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle while you are driving or parked on a public highway.

DRY VERSUS WET AREAS

A wet area is one in which sales of all alcoholic beverages are permitted at all times. A dry area is one in which some or all alcoholic beverage sales are restricted some or all the time. There are also partially wet areas in which beer and wine sales are legal, but the sale of liquor is not. DFW is a complicated patchwork of all of the above.

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE LAWS

MARRIAGE/DIVORCE REQUIREMENTS

To get married in Texas, you need to be at least 18 years old. Apply in person at a Texas County Clerk’s Office to receive your marriage license. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing to be granted a divorce. Texas does not stipulate that a couple must be separated for any period of time prior to getting a divorce.

COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE

Texas recognizes common-law marriage. You and your partner simply need to either file a Declaration of Informal Marriage or agree that you are married, live together in Texas, and represent to other people that you are married to each other.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

As of the summer of 2015, the State of Texas recognizes marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships between individuals of the same gender, per the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. For more on marriage and divorce, go to dshs.state.tx.us/Vital_Statistics/Verification_ of_a_Marriage_or_Divorce.aspx

EDUCATION LAWS

KINDERGARTEN

Texas does not require kindergarten. However, children age 6 and over must attend school.

TESTING

Texas requires students to take standardized tests in grades 3-8 and high school end-ofcourse (EOC) exams. The tests are called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) system. The number of EOC tests a student is required to take depends on what that student plans to do after graduation. For more on public education in Texas, go to www.tasb.org/legislative.aspx and see the Education section of this guide (beginning on page 84).

REAL ESTATE

HOMESTEAD LAW

The Texas Homestead Exemption reduces taxes by lowering a home’s taxable value. All school districts offer a $15,000 homestead exemption, and some taxing units offer a separate exemption based on a percentage of a home’s assessed value. The homestead exemption applies only if the property is the owner’s primary residence. There are additional exemptions for people over 65. Also, under the Texas Homestead Exemption your residence is protected from the forced sale by creditors, with the exception of the lender, the IRS, or a contractor who works on your house and increases its value. When you buy a house, call the county appraisal district and ask for the forms for declaring your homestead.

For more on the homestead exemption, go to comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/exemptions. html

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