The no-fluff guide to getting settled in Dallas-Fort Worth after your move.
Contents
- The no-fluff guide to getting settled in Dallas-Fort Worth after your move.
So you’ve made the move — boxes unpacked (mostly), address updated, fridge restocked. Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth!
Whether you landed here for work, family, or just a change of pace, the size of this place can be a little overwhelming at first. Nearly 8 million people spread across dozens of suburbs and cities, each with their own quirks, speed limits, and favorite taco spots.
This checklist skips the house-hunting advice and gets straight to what you need now: where to go, who to call, what to set up, and how to make this place start to feel like home. Think of it like your local cheat sheet — written for real life in 2025, not some outdated guide from five years ago.
Let’s get you settled.
Quick Orientation: What to Know About DFW
Before you get too far into scheduling your DMV visit or comparing pediatricians, here’s a quick rundown of how DFW actually works — geographically, logistically, and day-to-day.
The Metroplex is massive.
Dallas-Fort Worth isn’t one big city — it’s a web of over 200 cities, towns, and unincorporated zones. The whole region is often called “DFW” or “the Metroplex,” and yes, people will ask what part you’re in — “Dallas side or Fort Worth side?”
Highways are life.
If you’re not on a highway, you’re probably trying to get to one. Major roads like I-35E, I-30, 635 (LBJ), and the Bush Turnpike are how you’ll get around. Waze and Google Maps are your best friends until you get the hang of the loops and exits.
Toll roads are everywhere.
Many of DFW’s “fastest” routes are toll roads. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) handles most of them, and you’ll want to sign up for a TollTag ASAP to avoid higher charges by mail. Rates are electronic and vary by road and time.
The weather will surprise you.
It’s not just hot — it’s a mix of sweltering summers (95–105°F), spring storms with hail, and random February freezes. Allergy season hits hard, and mosquitoes aren’t shy. You’ll learn quickly which weather app you trust most (hint: many locals prefer WeatherBug or WeatherUnderground for accuracy).
Utilities are… a bit different.
Electricity is deregulated in most of the Metroplex, meaning you get to choose your provider. Use comparison sites like Power to Choose (powertochoose.org) to find the best rates for your area. Trash, water, and recycling are handled by your specific city.
School zones don’t follow city lines.
You might live in Dallas but be zoned for Richardson ISD. Or be in Fort Worth but under Keller ISD. Always double-check boundaries when enrolling or looking up services — district websites are more reliable than Google Maps.
DFW traffic patterns take time.
Morning rush runs 7:00–9:00 AM. Evening starts as early as 3:30 PM. I-635, I-35E near downtown Dallas, and the I-30/121 interchange are some of the most congested zones. Plan your first couple weeks with a flexible mindset.
Perfect — here’s Section 2 revised with helpful subheadings to make it easier to scan while still keeping the tone conversational and informative.
Essential To-Dos Within the First Week
Get Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registered
Texas gives new residents 30 days to update their driver’s license and register their vehicle. Don’t wait until the last week — appointments at the DMV and county tax offices fill up fast, especially in high-growth areas like Collin and Tarrant counties.
To get your license, you’ll need proof of residency, your Social Security number, and current license from another state. Before you can register your vehicle, it must pass a Texas safety inspection. Once that’s done, bring the inspection certificate, proof of insurance, and your title or registration to your county’s tax office to finish the process. Most counties (like Dallas and Denton) let you make appointments online.
Set Up Utilities
In most of DFW, electricity is deregulated, meaning you choose your provider. Use PowerToChoose.org to compare plans by ZIP code. Rates vary, but as of early 2025, the average price per kWh in North Texas is around 14.2¢. Popular providers include TXU, Reliant, Gexa, and Pulse Power.
Water, trash, and recycling are handled by your city. Each municipality has its own process, so check your city’s official website to set up service. Don’t forget to confirm pickup schedules and bulk item rules — some cities require special requests for large trash pickups.
Internet and Cell Service
AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are the dominant internet providers across DFW, with Frontier and Optimum also available in certain areas. In 2025, fiber speeds of 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps are standard in most neighborhoods. Compare availability by address rather than ZIP code, since access can change block by block.
Mobile service is strong throughout the region. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all have solid coverage, with 5G widely available. If you’re switching providers, most offer new resident deals or free eSIM activation if your phone supports it.
Forward Your Mail and Update Your Address
Set up mail forwarding through USPS online — it only takes a few minutes and costs $1.10 for identity verification. Then tackle your official address changes: bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance, employer records, and any subscriptions. This step seems tedious but saves a lot of headaches down the line.
Register to Vote
Texas requires registration at least 30 days before an election, and it’s done by county. You can register online if you have a Texas driver’s license, or by mail with a printed application. Visit VoteTexas.gov to get started and find your local elections office.
Identify Your Emergency Contacts
Take a few minutes to locate your nearest emergency room, urgent care, 24-hour pharmacy, and fire station. Save those addresses in your phone and consider bookmarking your city’s emergency alerts page or signing up for local notifications (some cities use CodeRED or Everbridge systems).
Getting Around DFW
Understanding the Highway System
If you’re new to North Texas, one of the first things you’ll notice is that nearly every drive involves at least one highway. That’s just how the region is built. Dallas-Fort Worth doesn’t have a single central hub — it’s a web of suburbs and cities, all linked by loops, spurs, and tollways.
The major ones to get familiar with are I-35E (Dallas side), I-35W (Fort Worth side), I-30 (east-west between the two), and I-20 (the southern loop). Then there’s I-635 (LBJ Freeway), the Bush Turnpike (SH 190), and the Dallas North Tollway — all of which are essential for getting from one part of the Metroplex to another.
Rush hour is very real here. In 2025, average commute times hover around 29–35 minutes depending on your route. Expect the worst backups between 7:00–9:00 AM and again from 3:30–6:30 PM.
How Toll Roads Work
You’ll see a lot of roads with signs like “NTTA” or “TollTag Only.” These are managed by the North Texas Tollway Authority. To avoid higher by-mail rates, sign up for a TollTag account — it links directly to your bank or card and deducts tolls as you drive.
If you’re using rental cars or just visiting, pay attention to signage. Many toll roads don’t have cash booths or toll plazas anymore. Miss the signs, and you’ll get a bill in the mail weeks later (plus a service fee).
Public Transit Options
Dallas and Fort Worth each have their own transit systems — they’re not interconnected, and coverage varies a lot depending on where you live.
In Dallas, the DART system includes light rail and buses. It’s most useful if you’re near downtown or commuting from neighborhoods like Lake Highlands, Mockingbird Station, or Richardson. The DART Silver Line, a new east-west rail route connecting Plano to DFW Airport, is expected to open in late 2025.
Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro runs buses and the TEXRail, which connects downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport. If you need to go from Dallas to Fort Worth or vice versa, the TRE (Trinity Railway Express) runs weekday service between the two cities.
In short: transit is an option — but not a great one unless you’re near a station. Most new residents end up relying on a car for daily life.
Airport Tips
You’ve got two major options: DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field. DFW is huge, international, and served by most major airlines. Love Field is smaller, easier to navigate, and Southwest Airlines’ main hub.
Love Field is often quicker for domestic flights, especially to other Texas cities or the West Coast. DFW is the better bet for international travel or longer routes. Parking at both airports is easy — but book online in advance for better rates, especially during holidays.
Apps Locals Actually Use
Waze is king for avoiding traffic jams. Most locals trust it over Google Maps for daily commutes. For tolls, the Tollmate app helps track charges and manage your account. If you’re using DART or TEXRail, download the GoPass app for schedules and digital tickets.
Building Your Local DFW Routine
Grocery Stores and Where to Stock Up
DFW has no shortage of grocery options, and which one becomes your go-to depends a lot on your priorities. If you want something quick and convenient, you’ll likely end up at Kroger or Tom Thumb. If you’re looking for specialty items or a more curated experience, Central Market and Sprouts have great selections. H-E-B has officially opened multiple locations in the Metroplex as of 2025, and they’ve quickly become a favorite for families — especially in Frisco, Plano, and McKinney.
Warehouse shoppers have access to Costco, Sam’s Club, and Trader Joe’s, all scattered throughout the region. Most neighborhoods also have an Aldi nearby for budget-friendly basics. Delivery services like Instacart, H-E-B Curbside, and Amazon Fresh are widely available in most ZIP codes.
Setting Up Healthcare
One of the first things you’ll want to do is choose a primary care provider and pediatrician, even if you’re not sick right now. Use your insurance provider’s directory to search in your ZIP code, or try services like Zocdoc to check availability and patient reviews.
If you need urgent care, clinics like Baylor Scott & White, CareNow, MD Kids, and MinuteClinic (inside CVS) are spread across the region and accept walk-ins. Emergency rooms vary in wait time — know where your nearest hospital is and check Google reviews before you ever need it.
Pharmacies are everywhere, but H-E-B, CVS, and Walgreens dominate. Independent pharmacies also exist in most towns and may offer faster service for common prescriptions.
Managing Trash, Recycling, and City Services
This part varies by city, so it’s worth bookmarking your city’s official website. You’ll find schedules for trash and recycling pickup, bulk item rules, and how to report service interruptions. In some places, you’ll need to request bins separately — don’t assume they come with your new home.
Cities like Plano, Richardson, and Arlington offer composting programs and apps to track pickup days. In Dallas, the Dallas Sanitation portal is your go-to. Most suburbs offer curbside recycling, but what they actually accept can differ — glass, for instance, isn’t accepted everywhere.
Fitness, Recreation, and Getting Outside
Every city has its own rec center, and they’re worth checking out — even if you don’t think you’ll use one. Many offer low-cost gym memberships, indoor pools, youth sports, fitness classes, and community events.
For outdoor activity, DFW is better than its highway-heavy reputation suggests. The Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, and Trinity Trails are all family-friendly and open year-round. These are great places to walk, run, or just let the kids burn off energy.
If you’re into boutique fitness, you’ll find everything from OrangeTheory and F45 to hot yoga, Pilates, and climbing gyms in nearly every part of town.
Everyday Life Helpers
Need a babysitter, dog walker, or last-minute lawn help? Apps like Care.com, Rover, Nextdoor, and Thumbtack are all popular locally. Nextdoor in particular is used heavily in DFW neighborhoods — both for hiring help and for figuring out which dentist is actually worth booking.
Absolutely — here’s Section 5 with more local specificity baked in. It includes real neighborhood names, rec centers, libraries, and events across Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding suburbs to make it much more useful for someone actually settling into DFW.
Join Your Neighborhood’s Digital Hub
Almost every city, suburb, and neighborhood in DFW has its own Facebook group, and they’re incredibly active. If you’re in Frisco, search for “Frisco Moms” or “Frisco Area Locals.” In Arlington, the “Arlington TX Community Group” has over 20,000 members. East Dallas Neighbors, Plano Moms, and DFW Black Professionals are just a few more examples.
Nextdoor is also widely used across the Metroplex. It’s where locals swap info on block parties, HOA updates, babysitter recommendations, and neighborhood alerts (like loose dogs or water outages).
Meetups, Groups, and Where People Actually Gather
DFW has a surprisingly strong Meetup.com scene — especially for newcomers. Try “New to Dallas-Fort Worth,” “DFW Parents of Littles,” or “DFW Social Hikers.” In Fort Worth, the “Cowtown Friends and Events” group regularly hosts dinners and brewery meetups. If you’re younger and single, groups like “DFW 30s & 40s Social” are super active with events in Deep Ellum, Trinity Groves, and Legacy West.
Faith-based communities also play a big role here, especially in Southlake, Allen, and Cedar Hill, where churches often host free movie nights, parent support groups, and community dinners that are open to newcomers.
Libraries That Do Way More Than Books
Public libraries in DFW are community goldmines. They’re not just for checking out books — they host everything from toddler storytime to resume workshops to summer STEM camps.
A few standouts:
- Plano Public Library – Monthly LEGO nights, ESL classes, and robotics clubs
- Irving Library (South Branch) – Bilingual baby storytime and free family movie nights
- Fort Worth Central Library – Teen programs, Dungeons & Dragons nights, and family gardening workshops
- Frisco Library (now in a massive new space) – 3D printing lab, parenting classes, and sensory playtime for toddlers
Check your city’s library site — most have online calendars and email newsletters you can subscribe to.
Rec Centers Worth Visiting
Every major city in DFW runs at least one public recreation center, and many offer affordable classes and sports leagues for all ages. Some of the most popular include:
- The Apex Centre in McKinney – Indoor pool with slides, fitness classes, and childcare
- The REC of Grapevine – Full gym, indoor playground, and adult rec leagues
- Tom Muehlenbeck Center in Plano – Lap pool, rock climbing wall, teen zone
- MLK Jr. Community Center in Dallas – Hosts cultural events, job fairs, and free workshops
Most centers offer both resident and non-resident rates, and registration is usually done online.
Events That Bring People Together
DFW loves a good festival, and most cities have at least one signature event every year. These are great for meeting people and getting a feel for your local culture:
- Klyde Warren Park Family Fun Days (Dallas) – Free crafts, games, and food trucks every month
- Main Street Fest (Grapevine) – Carnival rides, music, wine tastings, and kids’ zone
- Levitt Pavilion Concerts (Arlington) – Free outdoor music with picnic lawn seating
- Plano Balloon Festival – Iconic hot air balloon launches, fair food, and family activities
- Fort Worth Open Streets – Car-free community festival with games, fitness demos, and local vendors
Many of these events are free or low-cost, and cities promote them heavily on Instagram and city websites.
Friendly Advice for Newcomers
The sprawl here means you may not bump into your neighbors unless you’re intentional. Start by saying yes to one thing — a library program, a rec class, or a local group hangout — and go more than once. Familiar faces make a huge difference.
And don’t wait to introduce yourself. People in DFW are usually welcoming, especially when they hear you’re new. Ask which splash pad is the best or which grocery store is worth the drive — it’s a great way to start a conversation.
Here’s Section 6 – Weekend & First Month Fun, focused on helping new DFW residents explore, make memories, and get comfortable with their surroundings fast. This section mixes local favorites, free options, and family-friendly recs — all with 2025-specific references where relevant.
Weekend & First Month Fun
Moving is exhausting — but once you’ve unpacked the basics, it’s time to get out and actually enjoy where you live. One of the easiest ways to start feeling grounded in DFW is to spend your weekends doing what locals do: park-hopping, eating out, and exploring neighborhoods that aren’t your own.
Get the Kids Out of the House
If you have kids (or just need to wear them out), the Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo are both worth a visit early on. The Fort Worth Zoo is nationally ranked and recently added a Texas Wild! exhibit with an indoor play barn and new wildlife habitats. Dallas Zoo, on the other hand, has a DART station right at the front gate and is easier for central Dallas families to access without parking stress.
For indoor fun, especially during hotter months, check out Crayola Experience in Plano or Peppa Pig World of Play in Grapevine Mills. Both are great for younger kids. Teens? Try Group Dynamix in Carrollton for team challenges or Main Event for arcade games and bowling.
And of course, you can’t beat local parks for free fun. Klyde Warren Park (Dallas), Parr Park (Grapevine), and Celebration Park (Allen) are three crowd-pleasers, each with shaded play areas, splash pads, and space to roam.
Try These Free (or Close to Free) Activities
One thing DFW does really well: free events. There’s almost always something happening, especially on weekends.
- Levitt Pavilion in Arlington hosts free outdoor concerts from March through October. Bring lawn chairs and snacks.
- Trinity Trails in Fort Worth offer over 100 miles of biking and walking paths with scenic river views and trailheads near coffee shops and playgrounds.
- Dallas Museum of Art has free general admission and hosts family-focused art-making days twice a month.
- Grapevine’s Nash Farm gives you a glimpse of 19th-century farm life, complete with chickens, demonstrations, and seasonal events like Spring Into Nash or Fall Round-Up.
- Frisco’s Rail District holds monthly outdoor movie nights, local market pop-ups, and seasonal festivals that are walkable and family-friendly.
Follow your city’s Parks and Rec or Visit page on social for a heads-up on these events — they usually promote them in advance.
Easy Day Trips That Don’t Feel Far
Sometimes you need a break from your new neighborhood. The good news? DFW is surrounded by charming, easy-to-reach spots for low-effort adventures.
- Denton has a walkable town square with indie bookstores, murals, and live music.
- Waxahachie is known for historic homes, antique shopping, and the popular Scarborough Renaissance Festival (April–May).
- Lake Lewisville is perfect for a beach day vibe — you can rent a kayak or just post up near the shore with snacks.
- Fort Worth Stockyards offer twice-daily cattle drives, Western-themed shops, and a ton of kid-friendly history.
- Dallas Arboretum along White Rock Lake is especially gorgeous in spring and fall, with seasonal exhibits like the Pumpkin Village or 12 Days of Christmas walk-through displays.
Eat Like You’ve Lived Here for Years
Skip the national chains (they’re everywhere) and try some DFW favorites instead. If you want to feel like a local quickly, here’s a short list that rarely disappoints:
- Torchy’s Tacos – quirky taco combos with locations across the Metroplex
- Bubba’s Cooks Country (Dallas) – classic fried chicken, drive-thru style
- Twisted Root Burger Co. – creative burgers and house-made pickles, very kid-friendly
- Empa Mundo (Irving) – the best empanadas you didn’t know you needed
- Joe T. Garcia’s (Fort Worth) – iconic Mexican restaurant with a huge patio and cash-only charm
Each part of DFW has its own favorites. Ask neighbors what’s good near you — locals are passionate about their favorites.
Pro Tips from DFW Locals
Skip I-635 During Rush Hour
You’ll hear it often: “Avoid 635 if you can.” Known as LBJ Freeway, this stretch is infamous for bottlenecks, especially near the High Five interchange in North Dallas. If you’re commuting, try alternate routes like George Bush Turnpike (190) or side roads like Belt Line or Spring Valley.
Learn the School Zone Times
Speed limits drop sharply near schools, and enforcement is no joke. Flashing signs mean the zone is active, and tickets can get pricey. If you’re new to the area, map your routes around school start and end times until you know where the zones are.
Sunday Errands Are a Whole Thing
Grocery stores, Target, and Costco are packed from late morning through early evening on Sundays. If you need to do errands without a crowd, either go early (before 10 AM) or wait until Monday. Some stores, like Central Market and Trader Joe’s, are open late and much calmer on weeknights.
Don’t Sleep on City Websites
Local government websites might not look flashy, but they’re full of genuinely useful tools. You can find bulk trash pickup dates, water restrictions, free compost giveaways, and even discounted pet adoptions. Bookmark the pages for your city’s Parks and Rec, library, and sanitation department.
You’ll Hear DFW-Specific Slang
It doesn’t take long to pick up the regional lingo:
- “The Tollway” = Dallas North Tollway
- “635” (no “I-”) = LBJ Freeway
- “Over by the Bush” = George Bush Turnpike
- “Inside the loop” = generally refers to neighborhoods inside Loop 12 or 635
- “The Metroplex” = the whole Dallas-Fort Worth region
If someone says something like, “I live up near The Colony, but work down off 121,” they’re expecting you to know it’s a 45-minute commute — and a pretty normal one.
Summer Isn’t Just Hot — It’s Survival Mode
Temperatures over 100°F are common for weeks at a time. Parks get too hot after 11 AM, so early mornings or shaded splash pads are your best bet. Keep a sunshade and reusable water bottles in the car year-round. Misting fans, neck coolers, and blackout curtains will all earn their keep.
Pro Tips from Locals
Skip I-635 During Rush Hour
You’ll hear it often: “Avoid 635 if you can.” Known as LBJ Freeway, this stretch is infamous for bottlenecks, especially near the High Five interchange in North Dallas. If you’re commuting, try alternate routes like George Bush Turnpike (190) or side roads like Belt Line or Spring Valley.
Learn the School Zone Times
Speed limits drop sharply near schools, and enforcement is no joke. Flashing signs mean the zone is active, and tickets can get pricey. If you’re new to the area, map your routes around school start and end times until you know where the zones are.
Sunday Errands Are a Whole Thing
Grocery stores, Target, and Costco are packed from late morning through early evening on Sundays. If you need to do errands without a crowd, either go early (before 10 AM) or wait until Monday. Some stores, like Central Market and Trader Joe’s, are open late and much calmer on weeknights.
City Websites Are Pretty Good
Local government websites might not look flashy, but they’re full of genuinely useful tools. You can find bulk trash pickup dates, water restrictions, free compost giveaways, and even discounted pet adoptions. Bookmark the pages for your city’s Parks and Rec, library, and sanitation department.
You’ll Hear DFW-Specific Slang
It doesn’t take long to pick up the regional lingo:
- “The Tollway” = Dallas North Tollway
- “635” (no “I-”) = LBJ Freeway
- “Over by the Bush” = George Bush Turnpike
- “Inside the loop” = generally refers to neighborhoods inside Loop 12 or 635
- “The Metroplex” = the whole Dallas-Fort Worth region
If someone says something like, “I live up near The Colony, but work down off 121,” they’re expecting you to know it’s a 45-minute commute — and a pretty normal one.
Summer Isn’t Just Hot — It’s Survival Mode
Temperatures over 100°F are common for weeks at a time. Parks get too hot after 11 AM, so early mornings or shaded splash pads are your best bet. Keep a sunshade and reusable water bottles in the car year-round. Misting fans, neck coolers, and blackout curtains will all earn their keep.
After You Arrive & Settle In
Now that you’ve unpacked the basics, tackled the paperwork, and figured out where the best tacos are (important), this is when the city starts to feel like yours. The first few weeks might feel like a blur, but once you’ve gotten through your first thunderstorm, your first weekend traffic on 75, and your first library event or local festival — you’ll start to feel at home.
Get the Essentials Locked Down
If you haven’t already:
- Visit your nearest DMV or county office to wrap up registration and licensing
- Take a practice drive to your most important routes — school drop-offs, work commute, doctor’s office, etc.
- Save your go-to spots in Google Maps for easy access (pharmacy, urgent care, rec center, grocery)
- Set reminders for things like car inspection renewals and trash day — every city does it differently
Explore on Your Own Time
Don’t feel pressure to see all of Dallas-Fort Worth right away. Pick one new place to visit each weekend — a park, a museum, a coffee shop, or just a neighborhood you haven’t seen yet. This region is huge, and there’s something for every kind of vibe, whether you’re more Fort Worth Stockyards or Lower Greenville brunch.
Take advantage of your city’s welcome resources — many suburbs offer new resident guides or even community welcome kits. And don’t hesitate to ask neighbors for advice. People here tend to be proud of where they live, and more than happy to help someone new figure it out.
You’re Not Behind
It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone already knows what they’re doing — but the truth is, a huge percentage of DFW residents moved here within the last 5–10 years. You’re not late to the party, you’re just early in your story here.
Want to keep this guide handy?
👉 Download the DFW Newcomer Cheat Sheet (PDF) — perfect to save, print, or share with a fellow new neighbor.
Welcome to DFW. You’ve got this.