DALLAS® Newcomer + Relocation Guide - Summer 2023

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

RELOCATE BETTER

WELCOME

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

A LETTER FROM THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER

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

Research & Innovation, Senior Vice President

Duane Dankesreiter

Regional Marketing & Talent Attraction, Senior Vice President

Jessica Heer Communications & Media Relations, Vice President

Dana Jennings

Education & Workforce, Senior Vice President

Jarrad Toussant

Public Policy & Advocacy, Senior Vice President

Matt Garcia

Inclusion & Community Engagement, Senior Vice President

Latosha Herron Bruff

Membership & Revenue Growth, Senior Vice President

Meghan Kelley Wehner

Member Engagement, Senior Vice President

Sharon Carson

Research & Innovation, Vice President

Eric Griffin

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

JESSICA HEER

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

Preston quincy@dallasnext.com

Editorial Director David Seeley Creative Director

Michael Samples

Project Editors

Sandra Engelland

Maddie Preston

Editor

Glenn Hunter

Editor John Branch

DALLAS

Group Publisher Kyle Moss kyle@dallasnext.com

DALLAS® Publications

Steve Reeves steve@dallasnext.com Director of Media Operations

Kevin Fitch fitch@dallasnext.com

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ONLINE

n Want to see how much money you’ll save moving here? Test our cost-of-living calculator.

n Trying to narrow down a neighborhood or city? View bonus photos to get a better feel for each city’s distinct character.

n Like maps but want details about each point? Find them online.

n Still need more? Find articles, facts, links, essential contacts, and photos online.

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

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.

n Want to share? Find shareable articles, everything in this magazine, and online extras. SayYestoDallas.com

PHOTO: RON SMITHSON/ISTOCK

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

The Dallas Region is a modern metro area with more than 200 cities, each unique in personality. Explore stories from locals— who have moved from all over the world—who chose Dallas to start or continue a career, to raise a family, and to experience one of the most vibrant and affordable places in the nation. Say Yes to Dallas. It’s 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

DALLAS

DALLAS - OAK CLIFF

RICHARDSON

IRVING-LAS

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

DALLAS THE COLONY PLANO

FLOWER MOUND

But don’t worry, we have plenty of room. Our area is the size of New Jersey and Delaware combined, and we add more than 400 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 2022, 43 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 in Dallas. 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 70 nonstop international flight routes and 192 nonstop domestic routes.

We are among the fastestgrowing regions in the country.

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: MICHAEL SAMPLES

LAKE CLIFF PARK

might feel like you get a raise when you move to Dallas.

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

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.

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.

“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: CITY OF FRISCO

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

You

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.

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OUTDOOR

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COMMUNITIES

INSIGHT INTO DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS AND SURROUNDING CITIES

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

URBAN LIVING

Dallas’ urban core is an exciting and diverse collection of environments, experiences, and neighborhoods— each with its own character, personality, and purpose.

From historic buildings and museums to first-rate art facilities and an endless selection of amazing restaurants, Dallas’ urban core provides a place for almost any taste.

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 Arts District 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, Civic 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

URBAN LIVING

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.

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.

VICTORY PARK

Victory Park is home to one of downtown’s most recognizable sporting venues, the American Airlines Center, where you can see the 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.

PHOTO: DANA MCCURDY

PHOTO: HARWOOD

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

JONES DAY

URBAN LIVING

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

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 a 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

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

WEST DALLAS

This area has long been home to La Bajada, a largely Hispanic workingclass 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 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

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.

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GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

HIGHLAND PARK

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

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

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.

OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS 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.

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 openminded, 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 four top 100 schools in the nation— the School For The Talented And Gifted (TAG) (8), Irma Rangel (20), School of Science and Engineering Magnet (22); and Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet (48) all at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

SWISS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT

CITY OF 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. 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 CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

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 a 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 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.

DENTON COUNTY

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY

Anna Melissa

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

Weston Princeton

Aubrey Lowry Crossing

Roads Midlothian

New Hope

Krugerville Royse City

Neylandville

COMMUNITIES

McKinney Allen Lewisville Carrollton Cedar Hill DeSoto

Farmers Branch

EAST COLLIN COUNTY

Addison

Little Elm Forney

Fairview Hutchins Duncanville Wilmer

Parker Murphy Red Oak Ovilla

Richardson

Celina Ferris

Wylie

The Colony Sachse Fate

University Park Highland Park

Farmersville Cockrell Hill

DALLAS COUNTY Frisco Garland

Lucas Heath

Balch Springs

Rowlett

Coppell Sunnyvale Seagoville

Prosper Rockwall Lancaster

Mesquite

SOUTHERN DALLAS

Shady Shores St. Paul Hebron Waxahachie

Glenn Heights Ennis

Campbell Lavon

Greenville McLendonChisholm

Wolfe City Celeste Union Valley

AREA

COLLIN COUNTY

Caddo Mills Nevada West Tawakoni

Blue Ridge Lone Hawk Cove

ROCKWALL COUNTY

KAUFMAN COUNTY

Quinlan

HUNT COUNTY

EAST DALLAS AREA

Josephine Cottonwood

Oak Ridge Scurry Pecan Hill

Talty Crandall Kemp Palmer

Terrell Alma

Combine Kaufman

Oak Grove Grays Prairie Garrett

Rosser

Post Oak Bend City Maypearl Bardwell

Mabank

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.

PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

DR PEPPER BALLPARK

WEST COLLIN COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

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.

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.

5 Happiest Cities

— Smartasset, 2023

No. 1

Best Real Estate Market in U.S.

— WalletHub, 2022

No. 1

Safest City in the U.S.

— Smartasset, 2023

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: CITY OF FRISCO

TOYOTA STADIUM

PGA HEADQAURTERS

HALL OFFICE PARK

PHOTO: PGA

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

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

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)

Number of stations: Two Approximate time to Downtown Dallas: 37 minutes

No. 1

Best City for a Staycation

— WalletHub, 2020

No. 2

Happiest City in America

— Patch.com, 2020

No. 7

Best City to Buy an Affordable Family Home

— SmartAsset.com, 2020

No. 5

Most Affordable City in America for Early Retirees

— Smartasset, 2020

No. 3

Safest City in the U.S.

— Smartasset, 2023

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

EAST COLLIN COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

EAST COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

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.

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.

STONEBRIDGE RANCH

ADRIATICA VILLAGE

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: CITY OF MCKINNEY

PHOTO: CITY OF MCKINNEY

No. 2

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

Safest City in the U.S. — Smartasset, 2023

HEARD MUSEUM

MCKINNEY ROOFTOPS

PHOTOS: CITY 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.

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.

PHOTOS: TOWN OF ADDISON

CARROLLTON MUNICIPAL CENTER

PHOTOS: CITY OF CARROLLTON

ADDISON CIRCLE KABOOM TOWN

WATERTOWER THEATRE, ADDISON

NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

PHOTO: IMANI LYTLE

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

DENTON COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Argyle

Bartonville

The Colony

Copper Canyon

Corinth

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

Cross Roads

Denton

Double Oak

Flower Mound

Hebron

Hickory Creek

Highland Village

Lewisville

Little Elm

Northlake

Oak Point

Ponder

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.

Sanger

Shady Shores

DENTON’S HISTORIC TOWN SQUARE

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.

DENTON COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

PHOTO: JUDY KEOWN/CITY OF FLOWER MOUND

BRIDLEWOOD GOLF COURSE, FLOWER MOUND

NORTHEAST DALLAS 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.

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

PHOTO: CITY OF GARLAND

FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER, GARLAND

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.

CHOOSE YOUR DINING ADVENTURE.

Garland’s eclectic eateries and unique restaurants offer a wide variety of authentic international cuisines. Foodies wanted.

RECREATION DESTINATION.

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

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.

PERFECT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS.

Garland is a collection of vibrant neighborhoods, each one with a charm of its own.

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.

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

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

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

QUICK FACTS

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.

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.

No. 66

Best Places to Live in America — Livability.com, 2021

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 of 10

Best Neighborhoods for Home Buying in Texas — Niche.com,

“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. ”

JEFF COUSENS, RICHARDSON RESIDENT

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

WILDFLOWER! MUSIC FESTIVAL

ROADSIDE WILDFLOWERS

HEIGHTS FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

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

Fate

Springs

Forney

Heath

Mesquite

Rockwall

Seagoville

Sunnyvale

PHOTO: KEVIN BROWN /CITY OF MESQUITE

BUTTERFLY TRAIL, MESQUITE

EAST DALLAS REGION BY THE NUMBERS

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.

PHOTO: QUINCY PRESTON

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

SOUTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

PHOTO: REBECA

SOUTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

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, 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

ARLINGTON & GRAND PRAIRIE AREA BY THE NUMBERS

PHOTO:

“I ULTIMATELY CHOSE UPTOWN FOR ITS PROXIMITY TO EVERYTHING FOOD GALORE, PARKS AND TRAILS, NIGHTLIFE, AND OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS. NOT TO MENTION THAT IT WAS ONLY A 25-MINUTE COMMUTE TO WORK.”

AARON THRONEBERRY, REALTOR & LEASE LOCATOR

“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

“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. ”

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

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

AMIE KROMIS, SKANSKA USA, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF VENDOR DIVERSITY

PAULA GRUNOW, SUPERVISOR, STRATEGY AT ZENITH

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.

PHOTOS: GRAPEVINE CVB

NORTHEAST

FIREWORKS OVER LAKE GRAPEVINE

GRAPEFEST’S GRAPE STOMP

GRAPEVINE URBAN WINE TRAIL

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

SOUTHLAKE

This 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.

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

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

FORT WORTH AREA BY THE NUMBERS

LIVING

IN THE DALLAS REGION

HOSPITALS GETTING AROUND EDUCATION HOUSING

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

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?

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.

JACQUELINE TWILLIE

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

$141

AVERAGE DOCTOR’S VISIT

$140

AVERAGE OPTOMETRIST VISIT

$130

AVERAGE DENTIST VISIT

U.S NEWS BEST HOSPITALS 2022

UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER

Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 9 specialties

> High performing in 17 procedures/ conditions

> Ranked the No. 2 hospital in Texas

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 1 specialty

> High performing in 5 specialties

> High performing in 13 procedures/ conditions

> Ranked the No. 4 hospital in Texas

PARKLAND HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Dallas

> High performing in 3 specialties

> High performing in 8 procedures/conditions

> Ranked the No. 14 hospital in Texas

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER DALLAS

Dallas

> Nationally ranked in 10 specialties

SOURCE: 2022 Average Annual Price Report for Urban Area and State, C2ER

SOURCE: DRC Research

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

COMPANY: Alpha Sirius Inc. CITY: Frisco

When did you move here? Where from?

I moved in April 2015 from New Jersey.

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?

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.

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

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.

President George Bush Turnpike PGBT, S.H. 190, S.H. 161 in Las Colinas

John W. Carpenter Freeway

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

C.F. Hawn Freeway U.S. Highway 75 south of downtown

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

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

WHAT DOES IT COST?

July 1. The average rate as of July 1, 2021 was 20.0 cents per mile. Here are a few examples of what you might pay on your commute.

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.

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.

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.

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

Source: DRC Research

PHOTO: J. P. FAGERBACK / CREATIVE COMMONS

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Construction underway or begins soon

Construction begins within 4 years Construction begins in 5-10 years

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

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.

DRIVE TIME

It’s common to work in one part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and live in another. It’s only a matter of getting from point A to point B. More than 90 percent of people who commute to work here do so by car, truck, or van. It’s easy, thanks to our well-developed network of interstate freeways, state highways, and tollways connecting job centers to fast-growing new communities. The following maps—based on morning rush hour—give you an idea of how long you can expect it to take.

DOWNTOWN DALLAS

HWY 190 AND HWY 75

PHOTO: NTTA

SOUTHERN DALLAS

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

Source: North Central Texas Council of Governments

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.

PHOTO: DART

DALLAS STREETCAR

1. West Village

2. Cityplace Tower

3. McKinney Plaza

4. William B. Travis Academy

5. Greenwood Cemetery

6. Uptown Visitors Center

7. Quadrangle

8. Hotel St. Germain

9. Maple Manor Hotel

10. Shops at The Crescent

11. Hotel ZaZa

12. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel

13. American Airlines Center

14. Klyde Warren Park

15. AT&T Performing Arts Center

16. Nasher Sculpture Center

17. Dallas Museum of Art

18. Crow Collection of Asian Art

19. Fairmont Hotel

20. Dallas World Aquarium

21. West End

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, takeoffs 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 few years. 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 general-use 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.

SOURCE: DRC research

PHOTO: KAMERAWORLD/ISTOCK

FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PHOTO: DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

NONSTOP FLIGHT TIMES FROM DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Alaska & Hawaii

Anchorage, AK — 412

Kahului/Maui, HI — 487

Honolulu/Oahu, HI — 493

Canada

Toronto, ON — 180

Montreal-PET, QC — 212

Calgary, AB — 232

Vancouver, BC — 265

South America

Bogota, CO — 320

Lima, PE — 490

Santiago, CL — 559

Sao Paulo-Guarulhos, BR — 605

Buenos Aires, AR — 619

Europe

Dublin, IR — 528

London-Heathrow, GB — 547

Madrid, ES — 556

Paris-De Gaulle, FR — 557

Amsterdam, NL — 564

Frankfurt, DE — 582

Helsinki, FI — 614

Rome-Da Vinci, IT — 625

Middle East

Dubai, UAE — 880

Doha, QA — 883

Asia/Pacific

Istanbul, TK — 693

Tokyo-Narita, JP — 802

Tokyo-Haneda, JP — 815

Seoul, KR — 882

Auckland, NZ — 902

Shanghai, CN — 915

Sydney, AU — 1012

Melbourne, AU — 1055

Caribbean

Nassau, BS — 190

Grand Cayman Island, KY — 200

Montego Bay, JM — 218

Providenciales, TC — 238

Santa Domingo, DO — 272

Punta Cana, DO — 276

San Juan, PR — 278

Saint Thomas, VI — 288

Aruba, AW — 290

St. Maarten, SX — 306

St. Lucia, LC — 338

Central America

Belize City, BZ — 171

Roatan, HN — 193

Guatemala City, GT — 195

San Pedro Sula, HN — 197

San Salvador, SV — 207

Comayagua, HN — 215

Guanacaste, CR — 236

San Jose, CR — 243

Mexico

Monterrey, MX — 106

Chihuahua, MX — 124

Torreon, MX — 127

San Luis Potosi, MX — 129

Zacatecas, MX — 138

Durango, MX — 139

Aguascalientes, MX — 141

Queretaro, MX — 142

Leon/Guanajuato, MX — 144

Morelia, MX — 151

Merida, MX — 152

Mazatlan, MX — 153

Guadalajara, MX — 154

Hermosillo, MX — 158

Cozumel, MX — 160

Mexico City, MX — 161

Puerto Vallarta, MX — 161

Cancun, MX — 162

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, MX — 169

Oaxaca, MX — 173

San Jose del Cabo, MX — 173

Loreto, MX — 176

Manzanillo, MX — 182

Acapulco, MX — 183

Huatulco, MX — 189

La Paz, MX — 196

Source: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

U.S. Midwest

Wichita, KS — 79

Springfield, MO — 82

Manhattan, KS — 92

Kansas City, MO — 93

Garden City, KS — 93

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO — 94

Columbia, MO — 99

St. Louis, MO — 103

Omaha, NE — 106

Grand Island, NE — 112

Evansville, IN —

Des Moines, IA —

Peoria, IL —

Springfield, IL —

Bloomington/Normal, IL — 117

Moline, IL — 119

Cedar Rapids, IA — 120

Champaign/Urbana, IL — 124

Sioux Falls, SD — 126

Indianapolis, IN — 127

Cincinnati, OH — 130

Madison, WI — 134

Dayton, OH — 137

Chicago-Midway, IL — 137

Milwaukee, WI — 137

Rapid City, SD — 140

Fort Wayne, IN — 140

South Bend, IN — 142

Columbus, OH — 142

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN — 142

Chicago-O’Hare, IL — 144

Grand Rapids, MI — 145

Green Bay, WI — 152

Fargo, ND — 156

Cleveland, OH — 157

Detroit, MI — 157

Bismarck, ND — 163

Traverse City, MI — 167

U.S. Northeast

Pittsburgh, PA — 157

Washington-Dulles, VA — 172

Buffalo, NY — 172

Washington-National, DC — 172

Baltimore, MD — 176

Harrisburg, PA — 176

Syracuse, NY — 186

Philadelphia, PA — 190

Hartford, CT — 203

New York-LaGuardia, NY — 204

Newark, NJ — 204

Burlington, VT — 211

New York-JFK, NY — 215

Boston, MA — 220

Portland, ME — 225

U.S. South

Waco, TX — 46

Tyler, TX — 49

Longview, TX — 55

Killeen/Fort Hood, TX — 55

Abilene, TX — 56

Lawton/Fort Sill, OK — 58

Wichita Falls, TX — 58

College Station, TX — 60

Texarkana, AR — 60

Austin, TX — 62

Oklahoma City, OK — 62

Shreveport, LA — 62

Tulsa, OK — 65

San Antonio, TX — 67

Fort Smith, AR — 68

Stillwater, OK — 68

San Angelo, TX — 68

Alexandria, LA — 72

Lubbock, TX — 73

Houston-Intercontinental — TX — 73

Northwest Arkansas — AR — 73

Houston-Hobby — TX — 73

Monroe, LA — 74

Little Rock, AR — 75

Midland/Odessa, TX — 75

Lake Charles, LA — 78

Amarillo, TX — 79

Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX — 80

Corpus Christi, TX — 84

Baton Rouge, LA — 84

Lafayette, LA — 84

New Orleans, LA — 86

Jackson, MS — 87

Greenville, MS — 87

Memphis, TN — 89

Laredo, TX — 90

Harlingen, TX — 94

McAllen, TX — 94

Gulfport/Biloxi, MS — 95

Brownsville, TX — 98

Mobile, AL — 101

El Paso, TX — 103

Birmingham, AL — 103

Pensacola, FL — 104

Hot Springs, AR — 105

Montgomery, AL — 107

Huntsville/Decatur, AL — 108

Nashville, TN — 108

El Dorado, AR — 110

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL — 114

Panama City, FL — 114

Chattanooga, TN — 119

Knoxville, TN — 124

Tallahassee, FL — 125

Louisville, KY — 125

Atlanta, GA — 127

Harrison, AR — 130

Lexington, KY — 131

Augusta, GA — 135

Greenville/Spartanburg, SC — 135

Asheville/Hendersonville, NC — 137

Columbia, SC — 139

Jacksonville, FL — 139

Savannah, GA — 140

Tri-Cities, TN — 140

Gainesville, FL — 141

Tampa, FL — 144

Charleston, SC — 147

Sarasota/Bradenton, FL — 148

Charlotte-Douglas, NC — 150

Greensboro, NC — 150

Hilton Head, SC — 152

Fort Myers, FL — 152

Daytona Beach, FL — 155

Myrtle Beach, SC — 156

Orlando, FL — 156

Raleigh/Durham, NC — 160

Wilmington, NC — 161

Fayetteville, NC — 161

Melbourne, FL — 162

West Palm Beach, FL — 162

Key West, FL — 165

Fort Lauderdale, FL — 168

Richmond, VA — 169

Miami, FL — 169

Norfolk, VA — 173

U.S. West

Clovis, NM — 85

Roswell, NM — 96

Albuquerque, NM — 110

Santa Fe, NM — 113

Colorado Springs, CO — 118

Carlsbad, NM — 121

Denver, CO — 127

Durango, CO — 127

Montrose (Telluride), CO — 135

Grand Junction, CO — 138

Vail/Eagle, CO — 140

Tucson, AZ — 141

Aspen, CO — 144

Gunnison, CO — 144

Hayden (Steamboat Springs), CO — 151

Grand Canyon, AZ — 153

Phoenix, AZ — 154

St. George, UT — 163

Salt Lake City, UT — 168

Jackson Hole, WY — 173

Yuma, AZ — 175

Las Vegas, NV — 175

Billings, MT — 176

Long Beach, CA — 176

Oakland, CA — 181

Idaho Falls, ID — 184

San Diego, CA — 184

Palm Springs, CA — 186

Bozeman, MT — 188

Ontario, CA — 188

Orange County, CA — 194

Burbank, CA — 198

Los Angeles, CA — 200

Boise, ID — 202

Bakersfield, CA — 204

Fresno, CA — 207

Missoula, MT — 207

Santa Barbara, CA — 208

Reno, NV — 210

Kalispell-Glacier, MT — 212

San Luis Obispo, CA — 216

Sacramento, CA — 220

San Jose, CA — 222

Spokane, WA — 224

Monterey, CA — 225

San Francisco, CA — 229

Santa Rosa, CA — 231

Portland, OR — 245

Eugene, OR — 246

Seattle, WA — 261

EDUCATION

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR EVERY CHILD

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS | THE DISTRICTS SPEAK

CHOOSING A DISTRICT | BEST HIGH SCHOOLS | PICK YOUR PATH

PRIVATE SCHOOLS | HIGHER EDUCATION | MONTESSORI SCHOOLS FAQS | ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING

Grad students in Dr. Pam Padilla’s lab, part of the Life Science Complex at UNT

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.

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

“EDUCATION IS A HUGE FOCUS.”

TERRENCE D. SMITH

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

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 143,430 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.

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: 21,420 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: 55,594 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: 3,101 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: 22,447 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: 529 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: 7,112 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: 3,335 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: 13,107 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: 16,227 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: 143,430 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: 31,771 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: 14,314 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: 74,326 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: 65,617 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

THE DISTRICTS SPEAK

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: 52,960 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: 27,284 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: 6,666 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: 22,814 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-

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

IRVING ISD

SIZE: 32,339 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: 5,862 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: 34,336 students, pre-K through 12

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

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: 3,632 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.

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: 49,113 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

LITTLE ELM ISD

SIZE: 8,245 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: 4,335, 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-APfor-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: 35,240 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: 1,176 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: 23,238 students, pre-K through 12

KEY ATTRIBUTES: McKinney ISD is one of the few school districts in Texas that establishes middle and high school attendancezone 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 onehalf 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: 38,311 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 researchbased, community-supported 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 non-traditional 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 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: 10,391 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

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

THE DISTRICTS SPEAK

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: 1,100 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: 27,479, 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: 49,241 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 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: 21,700 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: 6,287 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 extra-

FOR EXPANDED DISTRICT PROFILES,

curricular 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: 37,358 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: 17,818 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: 7,610 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 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: 10,065 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

VISIT SAYYESTODALLAS.COM.

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: 6,981 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

FAQ: NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM

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

> S tudent records from recently attended school

> Proof of residency in the district

(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: 18,155 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

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?

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

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

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.

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.

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

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.

THE BEST HIGH SCHOOLS

59 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth region were featured in U.S. News & World Report ’s 2022 America’s Best High Schools list. The ranking of the best 2,000 public high schools in the nation identified those that have proven the most effective in turning out college-ready graduates based on variables such as graduation rate, college acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, students enrolled in AP/IB/AICE courses, and others.

NATIONAL RANK SCHOOL CITY

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 endorsement is a broad area of interest that guides a student’s path of study through his or her high school years. All eighth-grade students select this plan to complete the required credits for graduation.

CAN YOU EARN INDUSTRY CERTIFICATE?

BUSINESSANDINDUSTRY

ARTANDHUMANITIES

MULTIDISCIPLINARYSTUDIES

RESEARCH COLLEGES

YEAR FALL:

LEAST3COLLEGES

PICK ENDORSEMENTYOURCLASSES

COMPLETECERTIFICATIONSINDUSTRY

SENIOR YEAR SPRING: APPLY FOR FAFSA

APPLY TO HIGH SCHOOL

GETACCEPTEDANDENROLL INYOURNEWSCHOOL

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

GRADUATE WITH AN ENDORSEMENT!

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 2022-23 TUITION*

LEGEND

39

40

41 Fort Worth Christian School, $19,760

42 Covenant Christian Academy, $19,533

43 Grapevine Faith Christian School, $19,250

44 The Clariden School, $19,204

45 Nolan Catholic High School, $18,390

46 E.A. Young Academy, $18,300

47 Covenant Classical School, $17,495

48 Northstar School, $17,400

49

50

Dallas Christian School, $20,076

Liberty Christian School, $20,031

Dallas Lutheran School, $17,050

Bishop Dunne Catholic High School, $16,737

recent tuition costs provided, not including other fees. Only schools offering 12th grade are shown. Tuition costs are for 12th grade, and when applicable: for a single child enrolled (no multi-child discounts); for resident students (not international); for non-parishoners; and for payment plan premium. **2022-23 tuition rates

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.

PHOTO: GREENHILL SCHOOL

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

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

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

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE (WISE COUNTY)

TARRANT COLLEGE (NORTHWEST CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR AVIATION, TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS)

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (NORTHEAST CAMPUS)

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (NORTHWEST CAMPUS)

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (TRINITY RIVER CAMPUS)

TEXAS WOMAN S UNIVERSITY AT ARLINGTON RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEXAS A&M COLLEGE OF LAW UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON - FORT WORTH ARLINGTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

TCU (TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY)

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE (FLOWER MOUND CAMPUS)

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE (EDUCATION CENTER AT GRANBURY)

Private University

Public University

Community College

HILL COLLEGE (GLEN ROSE)

HILL COLLEGE (JOHNSON COUNTY)

TERRELL SCHOOL OF TARLETON STATE

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE (SOUTH CAMPUS)

HILL COLLEGE (BURLESON)

DALLAS COLLEGE (IRVING

SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

TARRANT COUNTY (SOUTHEAST CAMPUS)

Photo by Michael Samples

Photo provided by CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Your Path Leads Here...

Richardson, Texas is a vibrant, first-ring community, strategically located in one of the brightest economic regions in the world – the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer ready access to:

• U.S. 75, I-635 and SH 190

• Six DART light rail stations

• DFW International Airport

• The University of Texas at Dallas – a Carnegie R1 University

• A thriving Innovation Quarter® or IQ®

• 40+ million square feet of office, flex and industrial space.

• An educated workforce

• Extensive housing options

• 30-minute-or-less drive time to all of Dallas and Collin Counties

• 800+ acres of parks, 40+ miles of trails and 250+ dining options

“EVERYTHING WE NEED IS WITHIN 15 MINUTES DRIVING.”

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

HOME SALES COMPARISONS

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.

HOUSING

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.

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.

$100,00-$318,000 $318,001-$430,000

$430,001-$577,500 $577,501-$899,000 > $899,000

Modern homes fueled by reliable natural gas.

Choosing a home with natural gas is the smart choice that saves homeowners time and money. Natural gas is efficient, affordable, and reliable energy for today and generations to come. Homeowners choose natural gas.

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.

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

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

Water/Sewer

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

Apartment: 629 Square Feet, 1 Story, Concrete, Built in 2015, Dallas, T X (Dallas County)

Utilities: All electric, including heating

Home Rental Insurance Rate: $15,000 (Property), $50,000 (Liability), Monthly Rate: $28

AUTO

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.

HOME

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

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.

SOURCE:

PHOTO: TRONG NGUYEN via iStock

VACANT DEVELOPED

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

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

BUILDING

7 Mixed-use developments are on the rise.

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

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

SOURCE: Zonda

SOURCE: Zonda

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

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

SOURCE: RealPage

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

Modern developments in every corner of the region make the transition of a Dallas move easier than ever. These well-thought-out living centers make it possible to have a community where you literally walk from the place you live to shopping, dining, entertainment, green space, public transport, and sometimes even your workplace. Imagine how much time that frees up, and how flexible your schedule becomes—not to mention the social opportunities it affords. In Dallas-Fort Worth, you are lucky to have many options for this style of living. We highlight just a few notable locations. Many more are in the process of being built.

MOCKINGBIRD

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

WEST

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.

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

LIVE-WORK-PLAY

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE SOUTHLAKE

PARKER SQUARE FLOWER MOUND

PLANO

EASTSIDE RICHARDSON

DOWNTOWN ROANOKE ROANOKE

CYPRESS WATERS DALLAS

McKINNEY MCKINNEY

STATION DALLAS

VILLAGE DALLAS

VICTORY PARK DALLAS

CULTURE

PEOPLE, ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

DALLAS & FORT WORTH ARTS DISTRICTS | ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS | FAMILY ACTIVITIES

SHOPPING | SPORTS | RELIGION | INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND DIVERSITY

LGBTQ | DEMOGRAPHICS | POPULATION | MARKET TAPESTRY

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.

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

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

PHOTO: WEST VILLAGE

PHOTO: VISIT DALLAS

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

GRANADA THEATER ON LOWER GREENVILLE AVENUE

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

WHERE THE FUN IS

Boutique 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.

7 Mockingbird Station Dallas

7 West Village— Dallas

7 Victory Park— Dallas

7 Southside on Lamar—Dallas

7 Park Lane Place Dallas

7 Montgomery Plaza—Fort Worth

7 Museum Place— Fort Worth

7 Sundance Square— Fort Worth

7 Legacy Town Center Plano

7 Frisco Town Square Frisco

7 Village on the Parkway— Addison

7 Rockwall Commons Rockwall

7 Midtowne Midlothian

7 Southlake Town Square— Southlake

7 Parker Square— Flower Mound

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

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.

1 NORTHPARK CENTER

2 NORTH EAST

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

SOURCE: Dallas Business Journal, DRC Research

SHOPPING CENTERS = SHOPPING CENTER

GALLERIA

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

MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY

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

SPORTS ESPORTS

titles.

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

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 roughly $2 billion in market revenue this year. And North Texas is becoming a big player.

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.

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

< 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.

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

BAPTIST DALLAS

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

> 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

CHUA DAO QUANG BUDDHIST TEMPLE, GARLAND

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

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.

PHOTO: KASUMI CHOW PHOTOGRAPHY

A DIVERSE REGION

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.

POPULATION DIVERSITY

LGBTQ 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.

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

THE RAPID INFLUX OF RESIDENTS HAS LED DFW TO BECOME ONE OF THE FASTER GROWING U.S. METROS IN THE PAST DECADE TOTAL POPULATION: 7,759,615

11,250,000 WILL LIVE IN THE DFW AREA BY 2045

DAVID MARTIN

PHOTO: MERISSA DE FALCIS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

“DALLAS IS A CITY WITH A BIG HEART”

KLYDE WARREN PARK

FOREIGN BORN

RACE/ ETHNICITY

LABOR FORCE

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

1980–2020 CITY AND COUNTY POPULATION

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

PARKS & OUTDOORS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

WHITE ROCK DOG PARK

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

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!

“THERE IS INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER.”

MARGOT MARTIN PHOTO: MERISSA DE FALCIS

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

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

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

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE

Plano

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

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

GREEN SPACE IN DFW

TRINITY PARK

Fort Worth

7 Next to the Fort Worth Zoo, along the banks of the Trinity River

7 Annual events such as Mayfest and the National Veterans Day Run

7 Miniature railroad

7 Natural surface trails for hiking, biking, and running

7 Fishing and duck feeding

Dallas

7 9.33-mile hike and bike trail

7 Shoreline picnic areas

7 Kayak and paddleboard rentals

7 Audubon Society bird watching area

7 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Dallas

7 5.2 acres downtown

7 Performance pavilion, walking trails, dog park, children’s playground, games area

7 Free events such as book signings, group exercise, movies, music, and more

7 Food trucks every day

7 Accessible by M-Line Trolley, DART, and D-link

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK

KLYDE WARREN PARK

PHOTO: CITY OF MESQUITE

SOURCE: DRC Research

1 MCKINNEY DOG PARK

2 FRISCO DOG PARK

3 CANINE COMMONS DOG PARK

4 JACK CARTER PARK DOG PARK

5 TOYOTA OF LEWISVILLE RAILROAD PARK

6 NORTHBARK DOG PARK

7 BUSH CENTRAL BARKWAY

8 WAGGING TAIL DOG PARK

9 COPPELL DOG PARK

10 REDDING TRAIL

DINING WITH DOGS

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.

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.

TRAILS

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

1 ERWIN PARK

2 FRISCO NW COMMUNITY PARK TRAIL

3 KNOB HILLS

4 ARBOR HILLS

5 NORTHSHORE TRAIL

6 KATIE JACKSON

7 SQUABBLE CREEK

8 ROWLETT CREEK PRESERVE

THE FIVE MOST POPULAR TRAILS, ACCORDING TO DORBA*

1 Big Cedar Wilderness Trail - Dallas

2 Boulder Park - Dallas

3 Northshore Trail – Flower Mound

4 River Legacy Parks Mountain Bike Trail - Arlington

5 Rowlett Creek Preserve - Garland

*Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association For more information, go to dorba.org.

9 HORSESHOE

10 HARRY MOSS PARK

11 L.B. HOUSTON NATURE TRAILS

12 RIVER LEGACY

13 OAK CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE

14 BOULDER PARK

15 BIG CEDAR

16 GOAT ISLAND PRESERVE

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

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.

WHITE ROCK LAKE

East Dallas

7 Fishing and picnicking

7 Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals

7 Corinthian Sailing Club— White Rock Rowing

7 9-mile running and biking trail around the lake

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

Dallas, Kaufman, Collin, and Rockwall Counties

7 Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie)

7 Boating, including boat rentals

7 Three marinas, a number of boat ramps, and several yacht clubs

7 The Harbor Rockwall, featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

Northeast of Denton

7 Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie)

7 Lake Ray Roberts Marina

7 Boating, including boat rentals

7 Walk-in campsites and picnic pavilions

7 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

7 Boating, including boat rentals

7 Five marinas

7 Nice campgrounds

7 Lots of beaches and picnic areas

7 Party cove

MORE PLACES TO MAKE A SPLASH

7 Lake Arlington—Arlington

7 Benbrook Lake—Southwest Tarrant County

7 Eagle Mountain Lake—Northwest Tarrant County

7 Lake Lavon—near Wylie

7 Lake Worth—Fort Worth

7 Lake Tawakoni—near Greenville

7 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

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: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: JUSTIN TERVEEN, PROVIDED BY TRINITY COALITION

Kayaking offers hidden views of the region’s natural wonders.

GOLF

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

No. 1

Golf Digest ’s ranking of DFW on its list of Top 20 Cities for Golf (2020)

100

Number of golf courses in the Dallas Region

PHOTO: ROCKWALL EDC

list was compiled by cross-referencing lists from Golf Advisor, Golf Channel, Golf Digest, Golf Week, and the Dallas Business Journal.

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.

>

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

MARIE GABRIELLE RESTAURANT AND GARDENS

PHOTO: DANA M c CURDY

PHOTO: HARWOOD

PHOTO: CHASE MARDIS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

JOBS

AN OVERVIEW OF DFW EMPLOYMENT

MAJOR EMPLOYERS

KEY OCCUPATIONS

WHAT PEOPLE EARN

INDUSTRY CLUSTERS

FORTUNE 1000 HEADQUARTERS

THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

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.

BIG-TIME BUSINESSES

CONSTRUCTION

AECOM

Andres Construction Services

Austin Industries

Balfour Beatty

Beck Group

Builders Firstsource

Centex Corporation

D.R. Horton

Eagle Materials

Fluor Corporation

Green Brick Partners Inc

Highland Homes

Hill & Wilkinson

Invitation Homes

Lehigh Hanson Company

McCarthy Building Companies

MEDCO Construction

Pogue Construction

Primoris Services Corp

SRS Distribution

TDIndustries

Turner Construction

U.S. Concrete

ENERGY

Atmos Energy Corporation

Bass Enterprises

Delek US Holdings

Denbury Resources

Energy Transfer LP

EnLink Midstream Partner

Exxon Mobil Corporation

Halliburton

HF Sinclair

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

Hunt Consolidated/Hunt Oil

Luminant

Matador Resources Co

Murex

Oncor Electric Delivery

Pioneer Natural Resources

ProFrac Holdings

Range Resources

Reliant, an NRG Company

TXU

Vistra Energy

EDUCATION & HEALTH CARE

Abbott Laboratories

Access Healthcare Services

American Heart Association

AMN Healthcare

Axxess

Baylor Scott & White Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

Children’s Health

CHRISTUS Health

Collin College

Cook Children’s Health Care System

Dallas College

Galderma

JPS Health Network

McKesson

Medical City Healthcare

Methodist Health System

Parkland Hospital

Tarrant County College

Tenet Healthcare

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.

KEY OCCUPATIONS IN DFW TARGET INDUSTRIES

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

The Dallas area is home to a large and diverse array of companies. Whatever your field, you will find many options for work here. These 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.

FORTUNE 1000 HEADQUARTERS

Dallas-Fort Worth continues to draw Fortune and Global 500 headquarters by growth and expansion of local companies as well as by relocations of headquarter operations. It is both a testament to the vibrant, diverse economy in DFW today as well as a natural progression for this region that is so recognized internationally for its strengths in advanced services and headquarter 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

* Fortune and Global 500 Companies + Announced in 2022

acquiring Sinclair Oil and Sinclair Transportation

Texas Health Resources

UnitedHealthcare

University of North Texas System

University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas at Dallas

UT Southwestern Medical Center

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

American Airlines Center

Arcis Golf

AT&T Stadium

Brinker International

CEC Entertainment

Cinemark Holdings

CorePoint Lodging Inc

Dave & Buster’s

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group

Inc

Fiesta Restaurant Group

Hilton

Hotels.com

Invited

La Madeleine

Live Nation

Lone Star Park

LSG Sky Chefs USA

Pei Wei

PGA of America

Pizza Hut

Six Flags Entertainment Park

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

Caterpillar

Celanese Corporation

Cisco Systems

Coca Cola Southwest Beverages

Commercial Metals

Dal-Tile Corporation

Darling Ingredients

Diodes

Encore Wire Corp

Ericsson

EssilorLuxottica

Farmer Brothers Co

Flowserve Corporation

Fossil Group

Frito-Lay North America

Fujitsu Network Communications

General Motors

Gulfstream Aerospace

Integer Holdings Corp

Interceramic

Interstate Battery

Keurig Dr Pepper

Kimberly-Clark

Kraft Heinz Company

Kubota

L-3 Technologies

Lennox International

Lockheed Martin

Mary Kay

NCH Corporation

Nokia North America

Overhead Door Corp

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

Trinity Industries

Triumph Aerostructures

Valhi

Williamson-Dickie

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

AAA Texas

Alkami Technology

Allstate

Amegy Bank

Bank of America

Bank of Texas

Billingsley Company

Capital One Bank

CBRE Group, Inc.

Charles Schwab

Citi

Comerica Bank

CyrusOne

Digital Realty

Ebby Halliday

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Fidelity Investments

Frost Bank

GEICO

Globe Life

GM Financial

Goldman Sachs & Co.

Hillwood Development Company

HUB International

JLL

JPMorgan Chase

Liberty Mutual

Moneygram International

Mr Cooper

Options Clearing Corporation

ORIX USA

Pegasus Bank

PlainsCapital Bank

PNC

Regions Bank

Santander Consumer USA

State Farm Insurance

TD Ameritrade

Texas Capital Bank

TIAA

Toyota Financial Services

TPG

Truist Bank

Veritex Holdings Inc

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

Accenture

Allied Universal

AT&T

Atos

Boston Consulting Group

Conifer Health Solutions

CoreLogic

Deloitte

DXC Technology

Ernst & Young

FedEx Office

Freeman Company

Google

HKS

IBM Corporation

Intuit

Jacobs Engineering Group

KPMG

McAfee

Microsoft

NTT Data

PwC

RealPage

Ryan

Salesforce

Sammons Enterprises

Tata Consultancy Services

Thomson Reuters

Thryv

T-Mobile

Tyler Technologies

Verizon Wireless

Weaver

TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

7-Eleven

Amazon

American Airlines Group

Andrews Distributing Company

At Home Group Inc

Aurora

Ben E Keith Company

BNSF Railway

Boeing Distribution

Consolidated Electrical Distributors

Container Store Group

Copart

Dallas Love Field

DFW International Airport

Gamestop

Greyhound Lines

Hilti North America

HOLT CAT

J.C. Penney

Match Group

Michaels Companies

Mode Transportation

MV Transportation

NEC Corporation of America

Neiman Marcus Group

Pier 1 Imports

Rent-A-Center

Republic National Distributing

Company

Sabre Corporation

Sewell Automotive Companies

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southwest Airlines

Target

Tom Thumb - Albertson’s

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.

IS AMONG THE BEST CITIES FOR STARTUPS — STARTUP GENOME

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

SOURCE: DRC Research

DALLAS

DFW IS A TOP REGION FOR FAST-GROWTH COMPANIES — INC.

RENDERING: WEST END INNOVATION DISTRICT

Deloitte Greenhouse Innovation Lab

Greenhouse Lab

Factory EricssonCenterExperience

Stoke

UNT Collab Lab

Sabre Innovation Hub

Makerspace at Sci-Tech Discovery Center

NTT Data Collaboration Center

Common Desk

Capital One Garage

COWORKING MAKERSPACE INCUBATOR OR ACCELERATOR

Central

Toyota Connected

AT&T Foundry

Samsung Research America

The Forge Rockwall Makerspace

Collective Office IBM Innovation Center Microsoft Technology Center Essilor Innovation Center

Venture Development Center (UTD) Blackstone LaunchPad UTDesign Makerspace

Spaces

GameStop Technology Institute

NEC Executive Briefing Center

Intelligent

Pinn Station

Union

Worx

The Study, Irving Innovation Center

Office

Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI)

Children’s Health Innovation Lab

Arts Mission Oak Cliff

WeWork Red Bird Entrepreneur Center

Addison Treehouse SMU DIG TechFW@UTA UTA FabLab StartupLounge UTA Technology Incubator

NTEETC Rockwall

Space

TI Kilby Labs

Women Veterans’ Enterprise Center

UNTD Paul Quinn College

ESSENTIALS

NUTS AND BOLTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

MOVING CHECKLIST | YOUR FIRST 30 DAYS

TAX RATES | HELPFUL NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

IMPORTANT LAWS

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

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.

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!!

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.”

PHOTO: ROBIN BALL

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 CO-WORKERS. 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.

SALES TAX RATES

Coppell ISD $1.217300

Crandall ISD $1.354600 Crowley ISD $1.442900

Cumby ISD $1.422900 Dallas ISD $1.184935

Decatur ISD $1.088300

Denton ISD $1.344600

DeSoto ISD $1.258200

Duncanville ISD $1.252900

Eagle MountainSaginaw ISD $1.434600

Ennis ISD $1.402900

Era ISD $1.024600

Everman ISD $1.327118

Fannindel ISD $1.022900

Farmersville ISD$1.288653

Ferris ISD $1.238500

Forney ISD $1.354600

Fort Worth ISD $1.281600

Frisco ISD $1.212900

Frost ISD $1.186900

Garland ISD $1.172500

Garner ISD $0.917252

Godley ISD $1.474600

Granbury ISD $0.999600

Grand Prairie ISD $1.307000

Grandview ISD $1.105900

GrapevineColleyville ISD $1.130800

Greenville ISD $1.103081

Gunter ISD $1.442900

Highland Park ISD $1.077800

Hurst-EulessBedford ISD $1.109800

Irving ISD $1.147400

Italy ISD $1.261429

Jacksboro ISD $1.381700

Joshua ISD $1.272600

Kaufman ISD $1.270200

Keene ISD $1.165470

Keller ISD $1.272900

Kemp ISD $1.192573

Kennedale ISD $1.226400

Krum ISD $1.417500

Lake Dallas ISD $1.442900

Lake Worth ISD $1.442900

Lancaster ISD $1.378100

Leonard ISD $0.942900

Lewisville ISD $1.236800

Lipan ISD $1.275200

Little Elm ISD $1.412900

Lone Oak ISD $1.304600

Lovejoy ISD $1.442900

Mabank ISD $1.075700

Mansfield ISD $1.334600

Maypearl ISD $1.154299

McKinney ISD $1.312900

Melissa ISD $1.442900

Mesquite ISD $1.284600

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

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

City of

Hill Economic Development Corporation

cityofcarrollton.com

cedarhilltx.com

celinaedc.com

cleburne.net

colleyville.com

commercetx.org

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

McKinney Economic Development Corporation

817-728-3650 mansfield-texas.com

972-562-5430 mckinneyedc.com

Mesquite, City of 972-216-6340 mesquiteecodev.com

Midlothian Economic Development Corporation

972-775-3481 cedmidlothian.org

Development Alliance 903-464-0883 denisontx.org

Denton Chamber of Commerce 940-382-9693 dentonedp.com

Murphy, City of 972-468-4118 murphytx.org North Central Texas Council of Governments 817-640-3300 nctcog.org

DeSoto Economic Development Corporation

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

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

(CONTINUED) MUST-HAVE CONTACT INFO

Southlake, City of 817-748-8400

State of Texas Economic Development & Tourism 800-843-5781

cityofsouthlake.com

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

Dallas Police Department / Jack Evans Police Headquarters 214-671-3001

Dallas Public Library 214-670-1400

DFW Airport 972-973-8888

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

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

Red Cross

Street Shelter

redcross.org/tx/dallasfort-worth/locations

bbbs.org

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

Chamber of Commerce 214-628-2569

Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas 972-241-6450 Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas

British-American Business Council of North Texas

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce

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

Iceland

Japan

Mexico

214-748-4915 / 214-752-3684

214-272-2363

972-713-8683

214-932-8670

Republic of Korea 972-701-0108

Romania

Slovak Republic

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Tunisia

Uganda

United Kingdom

214-522-3799

214-251-8020

214-943-1068

214-373-1200

972-991-8013

214-965-1025

972-436-4242

214-934-0022 ext. 2204

972-267-4191

972-387-7860 ext. 13

214-978-8930

THE LAY OF THE LAND

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.

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 92).

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

Owned and operated by the City of Dallas, Dallas Love Field's (DAL) vision is to lead the evolution of the airport experience. We do this by creating innovative airport experiences, promoting safety and comfort, valuing our employees, recognizing our unique role in the Dallas community, contributing a positive economic impact, and developing our facilities - including the new Garage C.

DAL parking garage rates are as low as $10/day. For more information, visit www.dallas-lovefield.com.

IT’S ONLY FAIR TO REDUCE YOUR FARE.