Relocation Guide

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Dallas Relocation + Newcomer Guide

Say Yes to Dallas’ Relocation + Newcomer Guide is a magazine provided free for your prospective candidates. Available in a vibrant print version and online, it includes information on Dallas’ many communities, career and job opportunities, parks and outdoors, living, culture and entertainment, and more.

Your candidates can hold Dallas in their hands with the Say Yes to Dallas Relocation + Newcomer Guide. From neighborhood guides to happy hour hotspots, they can get a sense of what living in Dallas is really like.

DOWNLOAD > REQUEST SINGLE COPY > REQUEST BULK SHIPMENT >

LGBTQ+ Community

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The LGBTQ+ community thrives in the Dallas Region, with a widespread sentiment of welcome throughout the cities and business communities. Both the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index in 2022, which measures cities inclusion of LGBTQ+ residents.

You can find a strong LGBTQ+ community in the Dallas Region. Many companies based in the Dallas area, such as American Airlines, Dallas Mavericks, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments are leading the fight for diversity and gay rights in the state.

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 Dinner (vegan), and Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers.

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LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

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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 GLBT Chamber of Commerce – Achieving equality through business and proponents of the LGBT WE Zone

Get involved in the community – find an event to go to here!

Out of the Closet Thrift Store – Offers free HIV testing and other medical support. The proceeds of shopping and donating go support the Aids Healthcare Foundation.

Cyberbullying Safety Guide – Make sure to know how to protect yourself in different situations online with these tips and practical suggestions for various situations, such as cyberbullying.

Visit Dallas– LGBTQ+ events in Dallas.

An Immediate Sense of Belonging

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City: Dallas

Neighborhood: Knox-Henderson

Company/Title: Weaver, Senior Associate II

When did you move here? Where from?
April 2018 from Melbourne, Australia.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas?
In 2016, I lived and worked in Dallas for a short three months, and obviously liked it enough to move here permanently. During this time, I very quickly got a feel for Texan and Dallas culture and the region’s demographic, which I found very appealing. Texan culture is particularly inclusive – I felt an immediate sense of belonging in Texas like a jigsaw piece falling into its place. Dallas is a booming city with enormous economic growth, job opportunities and a vibrant social scene from sports to music, festivals and dining. I felt and continue to feel that Dallas offers limitless professional and social opportunities in an innovative and exciting landscape, while maintaining its southern salt-of-the-earth charm.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
For the most part, I relied on my experience in Dallas during 2016; however, I also heavily researched each area online and reached out to Dallas locals and real estate agents. Deep Ellum, Uptown, Knox-Henderson and everything in between offer very similar living accommodations with slight differences in resident ages and life stages.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
At risk of sounding like a broken record – the demographic. I was eager to find a place and space where I would be surrounded by mid-twenty-year-old young professionals already progressing within their careers. Also, I enjoy the proximity to the city, bars, restaurants and the American Airlines Center (AAC) which I frequent. I would be hard pressed to find another city where I am able to live with the same level of comfort and amenities so close to the central business district and surrounded by such a lively social population.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
Carefully research the different neighborhoods of Dallas and speak to similar-minded locals. Rental prices vary significantly through the seasons and some careful planning can help this work in your favor. Perseverance is critical for those considering moving internationally. Dallas has a relatively small expat community and settling in processes/activities can be difficult at times – but not impossible! That aside, the rewards of moving to Dallas far outweigh the difficulties of the move. Pack your bags and head on over!

What would you miss most about the area if you had to leave?
I would miss having such immediate and convenient access to social opportunities with like-minded and similar-aged people.

Tell us about the work environment here.
At Weaver in Dallas, the work environment is challenging in the best possible way. A genuine care for each employee’s progression, personal and professional lives, and comfort is clear. The Dallas professional scene is competitive and filled with ambitious hard workers. However, Weaver respects each employee’s time and personal commitments and staff are trusted to balance their time appropriately without feeling pressured or exhausted.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
During the summer I relish any weekend I can have by the pool. Dallas is hot and then it gets hotter. Over the winter I find myself in Deep Ellum, Knox-Henderson, or attending a variety of sports games.

What is your passion, and how does the Dallas Region help fulfill it?
I am passionate about meeting people and growing my social and professional networks. Dallas has infinite opportunities to continue to meet people in comfortable settlings.

Where do you feel most at home in the Dallas Region?
The Rustic or the Katy Trail Ice House. These restaurant/bars are lively, charming, social and casual. They blend a comfortable easy going social atmosphere with the outdoors, Texan culture and music.

How do you interact with your community?
I play on a volleyball league and another alternating sports league, frequent my religious community, regularly volunteer with the friendship circle, attend work-hosted social events and never miss a big sports watch party.

Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?
This year I have only travelled to Australia. For the most part this is easy (albeit long) as there are direct flights between Dallas and Sydney daily.

Support Your Expat

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Use these resources as your personal guide when talking with candidates and employees prior to moving or shortly upon arrival to the Dallas Region from another country.

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Key Messages about the Dallas Region

DFW MAP | The Dallas Region is home to some of the most livable cities in America. When deciding where to live, the sky is the limit. To help you understand living opportunities in the Dallas Region, communities are grouped into 12 distinct areas. Quick Links: DFW Map
POPULATION | The Dallas Region’s population of 7.5 million is larger than the combined populations of Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming! We are the fourth largest metro area behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, but we have the lowest cost of living. Quick Links: Demographics | People | Cost of Living Calculator
DIVERSITY | People of all backgrounds and interests will find a welcoming place in the Dallas Region. Quick Links: Demographics
AFFORDABILITY | The Dallas Region is one of the most affordable in the country for individuals. There is no state income tax in Texas. A typical middle management home is 223 square meters, has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, and costs as much as 50 percent less than other major U.S. metro areas. Quick Links: Cost of Living Calculator
WEATHER | The average year-round temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius), and the Dallas Region has more than 230 sunny days a year. Quick Links: Parks & Outdoors
GETTING AROUND | Our highway infrastructure is conducive to an easy commute. Quick Links: Highways | Drive Times | Public Transportation
TRAVEL | DFW International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the nation, located midway between Dallas and Fort Worth with 1,850 daily flights, seven runways on 26.9 square miles (17,207 acres) property. Texas Central Railway is developing the first high-speed rail line in the United States, which will connect Dallas and Houston. Quick Links: Taking Flight
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | The Dallas Arts District is nearly 70 acres – the largest urban arts district in the United States. Quick Links: Arts
SPORTS | 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). Quick Links: Sports
SAFETY | The Dallas Region offers many safe and secure communities that are a great environment for families. Quick Links: Dallas Regional Map | Family

Essentials Guide for the International Newcomer

INTERNATIONAL ESSENTIALS GUIDE | Newcomers are looking for a Dallas expert, someone to navigate the options when moving to the Dallas Region from an international country. Say Yes to Dallas provides an International Essentials Guide to help your candidates navigate a move to the Dallas Region. Quick Links: International Essentials Guide

12-Week Moving Checklist and U.S. Destination Tips

12-WEEK MOVING CHECKLIST | There are countless details to consider when your expat is preparing for an international assignment. This printable, 12-week moving checklist from Altair Global highlights important action items an expat will need to complete before departing to a new host location. Quick Links: Download Moving Check List
U.S. DESTINATION TIPS | Your expat will need to get established in the Dallas Region. This printable U.S. Destination Tips from Altair Global highlights all the important action items an expat needs to complete upon arrival in the Dallas Region. Quick Links: Download Destination Tips

Obtaining a U.S. Social Security Number

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) | Upon arrival in the U.S., a valid work visa will be required to apply, in person, for a social security number.
TIMELINE FOR SSN | Individuals may apply within 5-10 business days after final arrival. This timeline may vary depending on location. Once your expat has applied, it takes typically about 2 weeks to receive the social security card in the mail. A marriage certificate is required for the accompanying spouse. If the marriage certificate is not in English, your expat will either have to leave a copy with the Social Security Administration office to translate (which may take up to a month) or obtain a translation of the form from the country of origin’s embassy in advance and submit this along with the original certificate when applying.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SSN | A list of required documents is below. A birth certificate is not a required document. However, rules can vary by location and taking an original birth certificate and letter of employment is recommended. Spouses only need the first three documents.

1. 1. Passport
  2. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  3. Original copy of marriage certificate
  4. Work Visa
  5. Any other documents received by U.S. Immigration

QUICK LINKS | Applicants can visit the Social Security Administration or call 1-800-772-1213 for more information on obtaining a U.S. Social Security Card.

Obtaining a U.S. Driver’s License

OBTAINING A U.S. DRIVER’S LICENSE (Adults 18 and Older) | New Texas residents can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
U.S. DRIVER’S LICENSE RECIPROCITY | Texas has license issuance reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. Expats who have a valid, unexpired driver’s license from one of these countries is not required to take the knowledge or skills exams if the out-of-country driver’s license is surrendered. However, if your expat does not wish to surrender the out-of-country driver’s license, all required exams must be taken and passed. The reciprocity only applies to passenger vehicles, not commercial vehicles or motorcycles. Foreign licenses not in English or Spanish will need to have a translation service or consulate translation prior to arriving. This translation requirement also applies for marriage licenses. An international newcomer with a driver’s license from any country other than the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, or Taiwan must take and pass both the knowledge and skills exams.
TIMELINE | A new Texas resident can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas. An expat must wait until receiving a Social Security number and card before applying for or testing for a U.S. license. Prior to the end of the 90-day grace period, a new Texas resident must apply for a Texas license in person at any driver’s license office to continue to drive legally. When applying for the new Texas license, the individual must surrender any unexpired U.S. state, U.S. territory, or out-of-country driver’s license.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Two forms of identification are required when applying for a U.S. driver’s license. A passport (including the I-94 card) must be accompanied by the newly obtained Social Security card.
QUICK LINKS | Expats can visit Texas Department of Public Safety or call (512) 424-2600 for more information on obtaining a U.S. driver’s license in Texas. For more information on general reciprocal driving provisions, please review the Driving Privilege Reciprocity page.

Purchasing or Leasing an Automobile & Obtaining Insurance

PURCHASING OR LEASING AN AUTOMOBILE | ExpatRide provides assistance with car purchases or leases for new and used cars to individuals and businesses without a U.S. credit history. Competitively priced insurance can also be obtained for new or used cars. No U.S. driver’s license is needed to set up insurance coverage.
PURCHASING AN AUTOMOBILE TIMELINE | The process can begin before or after a move to the U.S.; 7-9 days from application approval to delivery of automobile.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE AN AUTOMOBILE | A U.S. driver’s license may or may not be required in your state. However, the following documents are required in order to apply:

1. 1. Copy of passport with photo and work visa
  2. Copy of valid driver’s license
  3. Letter of employment stating salary, term, and allowance
  4. A Social Security number and card are required to register a vehicle and take possession.

OBTAINING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE | Insurance costs vary state by state, city by city, and zip code by zip code. In order to get a quotation for automobile insurance, a description of the car and the address of permanent housing is needed. If the home country automobile insurance provider will issue a safe driver certificate, individuals can bring the document and may be eligible for a lower insurance rate
OBTAINING RENTER’S INSURANCE | Insurance can also be purchased through the same company that provides automobile insurance. Renter’s insurance is strongly recommended (and may be required by the lease for the new property). This type of insurance protects individuals from loss or damage to personal effects. More importantly, it provides liability insurance for accidents to others that might occur on property.
AUTOMOBILE QUICK LINKS | Visit ExpatRide for more information on purchasing or leasing an automobile. Other resources to purchase an automobile include Edmunds and Carmax. Visit American International Group (AIG) for additional information on obtaining renter’s or automobile insurance.

Opening U.S. Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

OPENING U.S. BANK ACCOUNTS | U.S. banks and credit unions offer many financial services, checking/savings accounts, credit/debit cards, online bill pay, loans, insurance, and financial planning. Look for the acronym “FDIC” to be displayed to ensure the bank is insured. FDIC is short for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an independent agency created by the United States that insures up to $250,000 per depositor per bank and consumer protection is at the core of its mission.
TIMELINE TO OPEN U.S. BANK ACCOUNTS | Opening a bank account is one of the first major tasks that can be accomplished upon arrival into the U.S. Accompanied assistance to set up a local bank account takes an average of two hours.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OPEN U.S. BANK ACCOUNTS | The documents and information typically required to open an account with a U.S. bank are:

1. 1. Two forms of photo identification such as a passport, visa, and/or employment ID
  2. Social Security number (some banks do not require a social security number)
  3. Local mailing address (a local business address may suffice). Once permanent/temporary residence is established, an expat will need to update this information with the bank.
  4. Letter of employment
  5. Cash for initial deposit (ranges from $25-$500 depending on type of account being requested)
  6. Some financial institutions may have additional criteria.

OPENING U.S. CREDIT CARDS | If interested in opening a credit card in the U.S. without having a credit history, an expat can check with his/her bank to determine if the bank can issue a credit card against money that has been deposited into the account. An individual can make monthly payments on the card to help establish credit history in the U.S. If interested in opening a bank account prior to arrival to the U.S. or applying for a credit card without having credit history in the U.S., Altair partners with HSBC who can assist your employees with these processes.

Arranging and Contracting for Utilities in the U.S.

ARRANGING AND CONTRACTING FOR UTILITIES IN THE U.S. | “Utilities” describe the services provided by the electric, gas, television, cable, satellite, internet, and telephone companies. Some utility companies may require that a deposit be paid prior to establishing service. If a deposit is required, the customer service department representative will provide the amount due and how payment must be made. Some deposits may seem unusually high, but the collection of deposits is standard in the U.S. for anyone without a U.S. credit history. Any required deposit will most likely be refunded in its entirety after a period of time (typically one year or less).
UTILITY QUICK LINKS | Visit AT&T and Verizon for television, internet, cellular, and telephone. Visit Power to Choose for electricity and Atmos Energy for gas utilities in Texas.
TIMELINE TO ARRANGE UTILITIES | Each utility company has its own timeline and waiting period. Contact utility companies directly as soon as all required documents have been obtained.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO ARRANGE UTILITIES | Recording or service representative may state that a Social Security number and/or a U.S. state driver’s license are required to set up utilities. For an expat who has not yet obtained these documents, the individual can inquire if a passport can be used in lieu of these standard forms of identification. When requesting service, an international newcomer will typically need to provide the following information:

1. 1. Social Security number and/or passport number
  2. Address of residence and a daytime telephone number

OBTAINING CELLULAR SERVICE | Cellular service is difficult to obtain without a U.S. credit history. While a contract may be possible, the provider will likely charge anyone without a U.S. credit history a high deposit to be paid before establishing service. To avoid high deposits, an expat can purchase a prepaid or pay-as-you-go phone. Several cellular phone providers offer prepaid plans allowing cellular phone service without a contractual agreement. Most prepaid plans offer international long distance plans. This type of service requires the user to purchase additional minutes on an as-needed basis.

Navigating the System: FAQ

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Answers to Common Questions

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

A: To search for a licensed child care center or home, go to the Department of Family and Protective Services. Other Resources include DFW Child and Child Care Group.

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

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

Birth certificate or other proof of identity
Immunization records
Student records from recently attended school
Proof of residency in the district

Q: WHAT IS THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR?

A: 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.

Q: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOL? HOW ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING?

A: You have many options. Explore tea.state.tx.us for information on charter schools and home schooling. Visit private schools or check out tepsac.org for information on private schools in your area.

Q: DOES TEXAS FOLLOW THE NATIONAL COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS?

A: 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 and what is taught in the classroom.

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

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

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

A: 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.

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

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

Q: MY DAUGHTER WILL BE STARTING 10TH GRADE, WILL SHE LOSE HER CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION?

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

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

A: Yes, most districts in the Dallas Region offer AP classes, International Baccalaureate programs, and dual credit learning opportunities. You’ll need to confirm with your individual district and school to be sure.

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

A: 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. Please visit Alternative Schools for more information on special needs education.

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

A: It depends. Bus service is provided to families living more than 2 miles away from their schools. Transport will also be provided in cases where students might face hazardous conditions, such as crossing a major roadway or no crossing guard. Confirm with your new school.

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

A: 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.

Q: WHAT IS A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

“The underlying philosophy of Montessori is that children are individual, self-motivated learners who are assisted in learning by their teachers, or ‘guides,’ as they are called,” says educational consultant Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. 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? “You 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 Everything guide online at dfwchild.com/everything. – Elizabeth Smith, DFWChild Magazines