Your First 90 Days in Dallas
By now you have handled the essentials. This checklist focuses on deeper integration into the Dallas community over your first three months, from establishing a professional network to finding your go-to spots and truly making Dallas feel like home.
Establish your professional network
Dallas has a thriving professional community with numerous industry associations, chambers of commerce, and networking organizations. Join groups relevant to your field and attend events to build relationships that can accelerate your career and social integration.
- 💡 The Dallas Regional Chamber hosts regular networking events and programs for professionals.
- 💡 Industry-specific groups like the Dallas CPA Society, DFW Tech Events, and the Dallas Bar Association offer targeted networking.
- 💡 LinkedIn local events and meetups are popular ways to connect with professionals in Dallas.
- 💡 The Young Professionals of Dallas (YPD) is active across many neighborhoods and industries.
File for your homestead exemption
If you purchased a home, file for a homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax burden. This exemption can save you thousands of dollars annually and is one of the most valuable financial moves for Texas homeowners.
- 💡 The general homestead exemption removes $140,000 from your home's value for school tax purposes.
- 💡 You must file by April 30 of the year following your home purchase.
- 💡 If you live in Collin County or Denton County, file with those appraisal districts instead.
- 💡 You only need to file once; the exemption remains until you move or change homestead.
Find your go-to restaurants and cafes
Dallas has an incredible food scene spanning every cuisine and price point. By your third month, you should have a shortlist of favorite spots for casual dining, date nights, coffee, and weekend brunch. Exploring the restaurant scene is one of the best ways to enjoy your new city.
- 💡 Tex-Mex is a Dallas staple; try local favorites across different neighborhoods.
- 💡 The BBQ scene in DFW is world-class with multiple award-winning joints.
- 💡 Uptown, Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum, and Knox-Henderson each have distinct dining personalities.
- 💡 The Dallas Observer and Eater Dallas are great resources for restaurant recommendations.
Get involved in community activities
Join a recreational sports league, volunteer organization, religious community, or hobby group to build lasting relationships outside of work. Dallas offers extensive opportunities for community engagement across the entire metroplex.
- 💡 Dallas Sports & Social Club and WAKA offer adult kickball, volleyball, and softball leagues.
- 💡 The North Texas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and local shelters welcome volunteers.
- 💡 Running clubs like the Luke's Locker Run Club and November Project are active and welcoming to newcomers.
- 💡 Faith communities are a cornerstone of Dallas social life; many churches and temples host newcomer events.
Learn the seasonal weather patterns
Dallas has distinct seasons with hot summers, mild winters, and a spring severe weather season. Understanding the weather patterns will help you plan activities, maintain your home, and stay prepared for extreme conditions.
- 💡 Summer highs regularly exceed 100 degrees F; plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings from June through September.
- 💡 Spring (March-May) brings severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes; know your nearest shelter.
- 💡 Winter ice storms happen a few times per year and can shut down the city; keep emergency supplies at home.
- 💡 Fall (October-November) is widely considered the best weather season in Dallas.
Explore beyond your neighborhood
Venture into DFW communities beyond your immediate area. Visit Fort Worth's Stockyards and Cultural District, explore Grapevine's Main Street, hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve, or discover the charming squares of McKinney and Denton.
- 💡 Fort Worth's Cultural District has world-class museums including the Kimbell Art Museum and Modern Art Museum.
- 💡 The Fort Worth Stockyards offer the twice-daily cattle drive and authentic Western heritage.
- 💡 Cedar Ridge Preserve (operated by Audubon) is the best hiking near Dallas city limits.
- 💡 Day trips to Waco, the Texas Hill Country, or Turner Falls in Oklahoma are popular weekend getaways.
Evaluate your commute and adjust
After three months of daily commuting, assess whether your route, timing, and mode of transportation are working for you. Consider alternatives like flex hours, toll road routes, or DART rail if your current commute is causing stress.
- 💡 Many DFW employers offer flexible work arrangements that can help avoid peak traffic hours.
- 💡 The Dallas North Tollway and George Bush Turnpike are often faster than free alternatives during rush hour.
- 💡 DART Park and Ride lots allow you to drive to a station and take the train downtown.
- 💡 Carpooling with coworkers who live nearby can save money and reduce commute stress.
Plan for Texas summer heat
If you arrived outside of summer, prepare now for the intense Dallas heat that runs from June through September. Ensure your HVAC is in top shape, stock up on sun protection, and plan your summer activities accordingly.
- 💡 Have your HVAC system professionally serviced before summer begins.
- 💡 Keep your car stocked with water bottles and a sunshade for the windshield.
- 💡 Many Dallas residents shift outdoor activities to early morning or after sunset during summer.
- 💡 Indoor activities like museums, movies, and shopping malls become more popular during the hottest months.
Review your financial plan for Texas
After a few months in Texas, review your financial situation to ensure you are taking full advantage of the state's tax benefits and adjusting for any differences in cost of living compared to your previous location.
- 💡 Confirm you are no longer paying state income tax from your previous state (some states have clawback provisions).
- 💡 Review your property tax assessment if you purchased a home; you can protest the appraisal if it seems too high.
- 💡 Consider increasing your retirement contributions with the savings from no state income tax.
- 💡 Work with a CPA familiar with Texas residency rules if you moved mid-year.
Make Dallas home
By 90 days, you should be feeling more settled and comfortable. Reflect on what is working well and what you might want to change. Consider whether your neighborhood, commute, and lifestyle align with your long-term goals. This is the time to commit to making Dallas your home.
- 💡 Host a housewarming gathering to celebrate your move and strengthen new friendships.
- 💡 Start attending local events like the State Fair of Texas (October), Dallas Arts Month (April), or Taste of Dallas.
- 💡 Personalize your living space with local art from Dallas galleries or the Deep Ellum area.
- 💡 Follow local news sources like the Dallas Morning News and D Magazine to stay informed about your new city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel at home in Dallas?
Most relocators report feeling comfortable within 3-6 months. Dallas is known as a welcoming city with a large transplant population, which makes it easier to build a social network. Getting involved in activities, exploring neighborhoods, and building routines accelerates the adjustment period.
What is the best time of year to enjoy outdoor activities in Dallas?
Fall (October-November) and spring (March-May, weather permitting) are the ideal outdoor seasons in Dallas. Temperatures are mild, skies are generally clear, and the city hosts numerous outdoor events and festivals during these periods.
How do I protest my property tax appraisal?
You can file a protest with your county appraisal district (DCAD for Dallas County, CAD for Collin County) by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice. Many homeowners successfully reduce their assessed value by presenting comparable sales data. You can also hire a property tax consultant who works on a contingency basis.