Moving to DFW from out of state: Everything nobody tells you

Moved from Chicago to DFW 4 years ago. Here's what I wish someone had told me.

The good:

• No state income tax. This alone was a 4-5% raise.
• Cost of living is lower (but closing the gap fast)
• Job market is enormous — DFW has more Fortune 500 HQs than any metro except NYC
• Food scene is world-class and diverse
• People are genuinely friendly

The bad:

• Property taxes are brutal. No income tax but 2.1-2.5% property tax. On a $400K house that's $8,400-10,000/year.
• You NEED a car. DART exists but it's not a real transit system. Budget $400-600/month for car + insurance + gas.
• Summer heat is not a joke. 100+ degrees for weeks. June-September you live indoors or in pools.
• Toll roads everywhere. The DNT, PGBT, Sam Rayburn — budget $100-200/month in tolls if you commute on them.
• Sprawl. Dallas to Fort Worth is 35 miles. "DFW" is the size of some states. Your friend in Frisco and your friend in Arlington live 50+ miles apart.

Neighborhood guide for transplants:

• From NYC/Chicago: Start in Uptown or Lower Greenville. Most urban feel.
• From LA: Bishop Arts or Deep Ellum. Creative vibes.
• From suburbs elsewhere: Frisco, McKinney, Southlake. You'll feel at home.

Sources:

• Tax Foundation — Texas vs. other states tax comparison
• Zillow — DFW cost of living data
• NCTCOG — DFW transportation data
• Bureau of Labor Statistics — DFW metro employment data