Dallas, TX Area Guide

The area now known as Dallas was part of Spain’s vast colonial empire for centuries before the city was officially founded in 1841. The late 19th century brought enormous growth in both industry and population, and the young city rapidly developed into a modern metropolis with railroad access, electricity, and the first zoo in Texas (which is still in operation today). Aviation became a major industry starting during the First World War, with Love Field being established as a pilot training facility. Oil buoyed the city’s economy during the Great Depression, and helped turn Dallas into a financial powerhouse. A building boom starting in the late 1970s transformed the historic community into the city we see today, although many grand historic buildings have been preserved to honor Dallas’ rich legacy.

Thanks to its vibrant collective of cultural influences, Dallas is packed full of incredible dining options. Whether you're craving exquisite European cuisine, unpretentious diners, or the ever-popular Tex-Mex and barbecue, there will be plenty to satisfy your appetite, often only minutes from your Dallas apartment.

If you're looking for a food truck, head over to the Truck Yard on Lower Greenville. Lovingly referred to by locals as an "adult playground" with a tree house bar and at least three food trucks parked in the 15 thousand square feet of shady dining area, the Truck Yard is a one-of-a-kind Dallas experience. The trucks rotate daily, so check their schedule to see if something yummy catches your eye.

While Dallas sometimes gets a bad reputation for traffic, just about every neighborhood in town is extremely walkable. If you decide to make your nest a bit outside the urban core, don't worry about being cut off from the city. There is no shortage of public transport in the area, and downtown is only a 20 minute DART light rail ride away from places like Richland. Also, McKinney Avenue Uptown is serviced by the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority streetcars, which are free to the public.

Trammell Crow Park is a massive green space following the banks of the Trinity River as it flows past Downtown. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden features an exquisite collection of lush flowers and greenery on the shores of White Rock Lake. Smaller parks like Uptown’s Reverchon Park are scattered among the city’s countless neighborhoods, providing attractive and relaxing recreation grounds for everyone.

As one of America’s largest cities, the rental market in Dallas is incredibly diverse and covers a huge range of prices. Affordable apartments are available in several styles and sizes, and it’s not terribly difficult to find rates under $600 per month. On the other end of the spectrum, upscale houses and swanky properties go for over $10,000 monthly. Average rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment hover around $1,000 and just under $1,500 for a two-bedroom unit, making it one of the more affordable large cities in the country.

No matter where your Dallas apartment is located, you will have no trouble finding excellent shopping options close to home. The West Village in particular finds its residents coexisting with all sorts of business, including charming boutiques and upscale shops.

In north Dallas, just off the toll way, you can visit the Dallas Galleria, which houses over 200 shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Virtually all of your shopping needs can be met here, just 10 minutes away from your Highland Terrace apartment in Richardson.

Food Truck Yard, Magnolia Hotel, Dallas Union Station, Fair Park (Texas State Fair), Old Red Museum, Winspear Opera House, West Village trolleys, Dallas Zoo