DFW Fast Facts

Tips for those moving to DFW for the first time.
Moving comes with enough challenges, but here are some important factors to consider when planning to visit or move to Dallas/Fort Worth.
Driving in DFW – What You Should Know
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Commuting Is Surprisingly Efficient: Thanks to a dense network of highways and tollways, the average commute time is about 30 minutes.
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Driving between Dallas and Fort Worth takes about 35–45 minutes via I-30 or I-20, making cross-metro trips manageable for many commuters.
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Tollways Are Everywhere: DFW has over 30 toll roads and express lanes, including the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, and LBJ Express.
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Most tolls use TxTag, TollTag, or EZ TAG, and there’s a surcharge for pay-by-mail.
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Expect to pay $0.20–$0.60 per mile, and frequent users can rack up $100–$200/month depending on commute length.
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Frontage Roads Are a DFW Staple: Nearly all highways have one-way or two-way frontage roads running parallel, often with their own traffic lights and business access.
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These roads can be confusing but are essential for entering/exiting the highway and reaching nearby areas but extremely helpful when freeway traffic slows.
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Signage Can Be Sparse or Sudden: Exits and lane splits often have minimal or last-second signage, especially on older highways.
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It's not uncommon to miss a turnoff if you're not already familiar with the route.
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Construction Is Constant: DFW is growing rapidly, and with that comes constant highway expansion and rerouting—expect detours, lane closures, and changing traffic patterns.
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Driving Style Is Fast-Paced: Local drivers tend to drive 10–15 mph over the speed limit, and traffic often shifts quickly between slow congestion and open freeway speeds.
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Weather in DFW – What to Expect
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Hot Summers, Mild Winters: Summer highs often hit 95–105°F (35–40°C) with high humidity, especially in July and August.
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Heat index values frequently exceed 110°F, so staying hydrated and using AC is essential.
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Winters Are Short and Mild: Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), with rare ice events in January or February.
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Snow is rare but possible, usually only once or twice per year.
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Storm Season: Spring and early summer bring severe thunderstorms, hail, and the occasional tornado warning.
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Most homes and businesses monitor local alerts and use weather apps or NOAA radios for updates.
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Humidity Is Real: While humidity is typically lower here than in other parts of Texas, it’s not uncommon to see 70–90% humidity, especially in the morning, which can make temperatures feel more extreme.
Things to Do in DFW – Attractions & Activities​​​​
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Major Cities, Major Options: Between Dallas and Fort Worth, you’ll find world-class museums, professional sports, and thriving nightlife.
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Highlights include the Dallas Museum of Art, Fort Worth Stockyards, AT&T Stadium (Cowboys), and American Airlines Center (Mavs/Stars).
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Great for Foodies: DFW has an exploding food scene with authentic Tex-Mex, BBQ joints, and international cuisine in every direction.
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Outdoor Fun: Despite the heat, there are tons of parks, lakes, and trails—check out White Rock Lake, Trinity Trails, or Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.
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Big Events Year Round: From the State Fair of Texas to Fort Worth’s rodeo season, there’s always something happening locally.
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Get a full list of my favorite DFW attractions:
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Housing & Neighborhoods – Where to Land
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Wide Range of Options: DFW has everything from urban high-rises to quiet suburban neighborhoods with good schools and larger lots.
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Affordability Varies: The average home price in DFW is around $375K, though it varies widely by area.
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Frisco, Plano, and Southlake are known for high-end suburbs; Arlington, Irving, and Denton offer more affordability and central access.
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Apartments Are Plentiful: There’s a strong rental market, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300–$1,800/month depending on location.
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Traffic vs. Lifestyle Tradeoff: Many people choose housing based on commute preferences, balancing suburban peace with highway access or urban convenience.
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Ultimately, there are many options depending upon your lifestyle, budget, and family/education needs. Learn more about top DFW neighborhoods:
Or contact me below to begin your personalized search.
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