Your First Week in Dallas
A step-by-step guide to getting settled during your first seven days in Dallas. From setting up essential utilities to learning the lay of the land, this checklist covers everything you need to hit the ground running in your new city.
Set up utilities and internet
Contact your electric provider (Texas has a deregulated energy market, so you choose your provider), set up water service through Dallas Water Utilities, and arrange internet installation. Electricity must be set up before you move in.
- 💡 Use Power to Choose (powertochoose.org) to compare electricity rates from competing providers.
- 💡 AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are the most common internet providers in Dallas.
- 💡 Set up electricity at least 3-5 business days before your move-in date to avoid delays.
Locate your nearest grocery stores
Find the closest H-E-B, Kroger, Tom Thumb, Trader Joe's, or Whole Foods to your new home. H-E-B is a Texas staple with excellent quality and prices. Central Market is H-E-B's upscale option for specialty items.
- 💡 H-E-B is the most popular grocery chain in Texas and offers great value.
- 💡 Costco and Sam's Club are popular for bulk shopping; memberships are widely used.
- 💡 Many Dallas grocery stores offer curbside pickup and delivery through their apps.
Get a Texas phone number (if desired)
While not required, getting a local 214, 469, 972, or 945 area code can make local calls and contacts easier. Contact your carrier to add a Texas number or update your existing one.
- 💡 Dallas area codes include 214, 469, 972, and the newer 945.
- 💡 Most carriers can swap your number online or through their app for free.
- 💡 Some people keep their original number for personal use and add a Texas number for local business.
Explore your neighborhood on foot
Walk around your new neighborhood to find nearby restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and services. Introduce yourself to neighbors and get oriented with the streets and landmarks around your home.
- 💡 Dallas is generally a car-dependent city, but many neighborhoods have walkable pockets.
- 💡 Check the Katy Trail, White Rock Lake Trail, or your nearest park for outdoor recreation.
- 💡 NextDoor and local Facebook groups are great for connecting with neighbors.
Set up your GPS and learn key routes
Program your commute to work, nearest hospital, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. Learn the major highways (I-35E, I-30, US-75, Dallas North Tollway, LBJ Freeway/I-635) and toll road systems.
- 💡 Download the TollTag app or get a TollTag from NTTA to use the Dallas North Tollway and other toll roads.
- 💡 Waze and Google Maps are essential for navigating Dallas traffic and finding the fastest routes.
- 💡 Avoid I-35E and US-75 during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Set up a TollTag account
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) operates the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, Sam Rayburn Tollway, and other toll roads throughout the metroplex. A TollTag provides discounted rates and avoids ZipCash surcharges.
- 💡 Without a TollTag, you'll receive ZipCash bills by mail at a higher rate.
- 💡 TollTags can be purchased online or at NTTA customer service centers.
- 💡 The TollTag also works on toll roads throughout Texas, including in Houston and Austin.
Open a local bank account (if needed)
If your current bank has limited Texas presence, consider opening an account at a local or regional bank. Major banks with strong DFW presence include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Texas Capital Bank.
- 💡 Credit unions like EECU and Resource One offer competitive rates and local service.
- 💡 Most national banks have extensive branch and ATM networks throughout DFW.
- 💡 Many employers can set up direct deposit within your first week.
Register for DART transit (if applicable)
If you plan to use public transit, set up the GoPass app for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail and bus services. DART operates an extensive light rail system connecting downtown Dallas to Plano, Richardson, Irving, and other suburbs.
- 💡 The GoPass app lets you buy and store transit passes on your phone.
- 💡 DART light rail runs from downtown to DFW Airport via the Orange Line.
- 💡 Monthly passes offer significant savings if you commute by transit daily.
Find a primary care physician
Locate a primary care doctor near your home or office and schedule an initial appointment. Dallas has excellent healthcare options including Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern, Texas Health, and numerous private practices.
- 💡 Check your insurance provider's network before choosing a doctor.
- 💡 UT Southwestern and Baylor Scott & White have online portals for finding physicians by specialty and location.
- 💡 Urgent care clinics like CareNow and MedSpring are widely available for non-emergency visits.
All Moving Checklists
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Dallas?
For most residents, yes. Dallas is a car-oriented city with a sprawling metro area. While neighborhoods like Uptown and Downtown have good walkability and DART rail provides some transit options, the majority of daily life in DFW requires a vehicle.
What is the electricity market like in Texas?
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you choose your own electric provider from dozens of competing companies. Use powertochoose.org to compare rates, contract lengths, and plan types. Be sure to read the Electricity Facts Label for any plan you consider.
How do toll roads work in Dallas?
Dallas has an extensive toll road network operated by NTTA. You can get a TollTag (transponder) for discounted rates, or cameras will capture your license plate and mail you a ZipCash bill at a higher rate. TollTags are strongly recommended for anyone commuting in DFW.