Resources - Orientation

What to wear?

The city of Dallas is known for its hotter temperatures, given its location in the southern region of the United States. This is especially true in the summer, where it is not uncommon for there to be severe heatwaves, and temperatures near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Summer is very hot with severe heatwaves
• Spring and autumn tend to be cooler than summer, though spring has more unpredictable weather.
• Winters tend to be mild, with daytime highs of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit not being uncommon

The city is very hot and experiences unpredictable weather (e.g., severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding, hail, and in some instances, tornadoes). Dress lightly, stay alert for any weather alerts, and bring an umbrella/raincoat just in case there are large storms. Note that nights can be chilly, so make sure to bring along sweaters as well.

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Where to live?

Similar to other US cities, Dallas’ downtown area is the center of business and commerce with easy commute within, but the cost of living is higher than in the outlying areas. The minimum wage and cost of living are generally lower (there are no state taxes) and have less public transportation options relative to other cities.

• Budget at least $1,200 for rent for living in the downtown
• At least $1,000 if you choose to live in an outlying community and $150 a month for utilities
• For less expensive options, consider sub-leasing, sharing an apartment with others, or outlying areas

The people who live here tend to rent out units in medium-size complexes and high-rise buildings. Living here would mean having to pay anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000, so there is a mix of cheap and expensive housing. For the average apartment, utility costs (electricity, heating, water, and garbage disposal) are around $140. Transportation to and from downtown is easy, with the city providing numerous train and bus services.

There are a number of towns near downtown Dallas, providing quick access to the city center while having lower rents. Garland, for instance, offers an array of apartments with rents ranging from $1000 to $1500. It is recommended to use a car when not living near downtown, as transit options are limited.

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How to get around?

Being a major city, Dallas provides a plethora of transportation services to its residents.

• The public transportation system is managed by DART
• The city’s public transit authority
• Train, bus, and trolley are the three services that are offered
• Operate daily from 5 am to midnight
• Specific schedules for each line can be found using the DART Trip Planner

To pay the fare, one can purchase a pass onboard a bus, from a ticket vending machine, or use the GoPass app/tap card. It is also possible to pay for single rides by using cash directly. The price of the passes tend to vary depending on the time of day and the type of pass one purchases. Single-ride fares are normally $2.50. More information about the types of passes and fares can be found HERE.

• Rail service: Red, blue, green, and orange lines – Click HERE
• Bus service: Serves the DFW Airport area and other major hubs – Click HERE
• Trinity Railway Express: Direct connections between Dallas and Fort Worth – Click HERE
• Paratransit Services: For travelers unable to take standard public transport – Click HERE
• Dallas Streetcar: Connects downtown Dallas and Oak Cliff – Click HERE
• M-Line Trolley: Free rides on historic trolley cars – Click HERE

Other options exist for travel within Dallas. Between Dallas to other cities, people take interstate bus services. Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station is the Amtrak station.

• Uber/Lyft are prominent services in the city, as are yellow cabs.
• Yellow cab services: Click here for Dallas Yellow Cab or Cowboy Cab
• Interstate train: Check out Amtrak
• Interstate bus: Check out Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus

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What attractions to see?

Dallas has much to offer when it comes to fun activities and leisure. Visitors will find no shortage of activities and experiences in the city.

• Dallas Museum of Art – Click HERE
• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Click HERE
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Click HERE
• Six Flags Over Texas: A 212-acre amusement park – Click HERE
• Dallas Zoo: The oldest and largest zoological park in Texas – Click HERE

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City Spotlights