KnowYard Community

How do adults actually make friends in a new city?

Moved here 8 months ago for work. Know my coworkers and that's about it. I'm in my early 30s. No kids. Don't go to church.

Salary negotiation in DFW: How I got $18K more than the initial offer

Just closed a negotiation for a Senior PM role in Plano. Initial offer: $112K. Final: $130K + $5K signing bonus. Here's exactly what I did.

• Researched the role on Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind
• DFW Senior PM range: $110-145K depending on company/industry
• My target: $130K (75th percentile for the market)

Dating scene here is... something else

Been single for about 6 months. Back on the apps. Some observations about dating around here.

• Every third profile is someone holding a fish they caught
• The question "what church do you go to" comes up on the first date more often than I expected
• Distances are insane. Matched with someone who seemed great — they live 45 minutes away. That's a 90-minute round trip for a dinner date

RoboCop was filmed in Dallas and nobody ever talks about it. What other movies have DFW connections?

I was watching RoboCop for the millionth time and my girlfriend goes "wait is that Dallas City Hall?" YES IT IS. The entire movie was shot in Dallas even though it's set in Detroit. You can spot downtown buildings, the convention center, all of it.

I go to the movies 3x a week in DFW. Here are the theaters worth your time and the ones scamming you.

I have AMC A-List AND an Alamo season pass. Yes I have a problem. But I've been to every theater in this city and I have strong opinions.

RoboCop was filmed in Dallas and nobody ever talks about it. What other movies have DFW connections?

I was watching RoboCop for the millionth time and my girlfriend goes "wait is that Dallas City Hall?" YES IT IS. The entire movie was shot in Dallas even though it's set in Detroit. You can spot downtown buildings, the convention center, all of it.

Auto repair shop ripoffs in DFW: Know the tricks and your rights

Auto repair is one of the top consumer complaint categories filed with the Texas AG. Here are the most common shop scams.

• Written estimate required. Texas Occupations Code 2305.151 requires a written estimate before work begins.
• Authorization required. No work beyond the authorized estimate without your explicit approval.
• Right to old parts. You can request all replaced parts be returned to you.

DFW tech job hunting tips: How to actually get hired in 2026

The DFW tech job market is competitive. Here's what's actually working.

• LinkedIn — still the #1 source for DFW tech jobs. Optimize your profile for DFW keywords.
• Indeed — volume is high, quality varies. Good for filtering DFW-specific roles.
• Glassdoor — use for research + job listings. Source: glassdoor.com

DFW pet boarding and daycare: Where to leave your fur baby when you travel

Left my dog at Camp Bow Wow in Frisco for a week while we went to Mexico and I have mixed feelings. The webcam was nice for peace of mind but the play areas looked overcrowded when I checked.

DFW nightlife safety tips: How to have fun and get home safe

DFW nightlife is great but smart planning keeps it that way.

• Uber/Lyft: Always have both apps installed. DFW surge pricing can be $40-80 from Deep Ellum at bar close (2AM). Pre-schedule a ride before you go out.
• DART: Last trains leave downtown around midnight on weekends. Plan accordingly. Source: dart.org
• Designated driver: The OG method. Rotate the responsibility.

Trade school and vocational training in DFW: Careers that don't need a 4-year degree

Not everyone needs a bachelor's degree. DFW trades are booming and paying well.

• HVAC technician — DFW demand is massive (it's Texas, AC is life). Median: $52,000. Top earners: $75,000+. Source: BLS.gov.
• Electrician — licensed journeyman median: $58,000. Master electrician: $80,000+. Source: BLS.gov.
• Plumber — median: $55,000. Master plumber: $80,000+. DFW construction boom = constant demand.

Road construction has been going on for 3 years and nothing changed

There's a stretch of highway near me that has been under construction since before the pandemic. Orange barrels. Lane closures. Reduced speed limits. For THREE YEARS.

Doctor/dentist recs that take insurance and aren't booked 3 months out?

I've been trying to find a primary care doctor and a dentist for two months. Everyone is either not taking new patients, doesn't take my insurance, or has the next available appointment in August.

Who has the worst drivers -- your city or the one next door?

Every city in Texas thinks the city next to them has the worst drivers. It's like a universal Texas experience.

Is anyone else spending $400+/month on gas commuting?

My commute is 35 miles each way. That's 70 miles a day, 350 miles a week. My truck gets 20 mpg on a good day. Gas is hovering around $3.20.

USAA in DFW: The military-adjacent employer everyone wants to work at

USAA has a massive DFW presence in Plano. Here's the inside scoop.

• Financial services for military and their families
• Plano campus: 5,000+ employees
• You do NOT need to be military to work there (common misconception)

Fake job scams targeting DFW: The warning signs and how to verify real opportunities

Job scams are spiking in DFW as the market tightens. The FTC reported $508 million lost to job scams nationally in 2023, up 116% from 2020.

• Fake warehouse jobs in DFW airport area
• "Amazon flex" clones asking for deposits
• Fake remote work opportunities from "companies" with addresses in far Denton County strip malls

Texas heat survival tips for people who aren't from here

Your first Texas summer is going to be a shock. Here's what got me through mine.

• Hydrate before you're thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty you're already dehydrated. Keep water with you always.
• Car prep matters. Windshield sunshade, tinted windows, and a remote start if your car has it. Your steering wheel at 3pm is a branding iron without a shade.
• Plan around the heat. Outdoor stuff before 10am or after 7pm. Midday is for indoor errands and AC.

Is Texas getting too expensive or are we just not keeping up?

Groceries are up. Rent is up. Insurance is up. Gas somehow went down and then right back up.

I just moved to DFW: What do I need to know? (The honest version)

Just got here from Portland. My company relocated me. I know literally nothing about this place except that it's big and hot.

• What should I know that the "moving to Dallas" articles don't tell you?
• What mistakes do newcomers make?
• What's the culture actually like?

Fentanyl in DFW: What every parent needs to know right now

This is not fearmongering. This is data.

• 2021: 427
• 2022: 539
• 2023: 612

What Texas stereotype is actually 100% true?

I've been here long enough to know which stereotypes are BS and which ones are dead on. The big trucks one? Absolutely real. Every third vehicle on the highway is an F-150 or bigger.

Auto repair shop ripoffs in DFW: Know the tricks and your rights

Auto repair is one of the top consumer complaint categories filed with the Texas AG. Here are the most common shop scams.

• Written estimate required. Texas Occupations Code 2305.151 requires a written estimate before work begins.
• Authorization required. No work beyond the authorized estimate without your explicit approval.
• Right to old parts. You can request all replaced parts be returned to you.

Best breakfast tacos near me -- GO

I need a solid breakfast taco spot. Not a sit-down brunch place charging $16 for two tacos on a fancy plate. I want a no-frills spot where the tortillas are fresh, the salsa has actual heat, and I can eat for under $10.

Best Texas road trip you've ever taken?

Looking to plan something for a long weekend. Done the usual stuff close to home but want to go further out.