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DFW welcomes over 100,000 new residents every year. This guide covers everything you need to set up your life in one of America's fastest-growing metroplexes.
DFW has deregulated electricity. Use PowerToChoose.org to compare rates from 100+ providers
Contact your city for water service. Each city (Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, etc.) has its own water utility
Atmos Energy serves most of DFW. CoServ covers parts of Denton and Collin counties
AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Frontier are the main providers. Coverage varies by city and neighborhood
Visit any DPS Mega Center (Garland, Carrollton, Fort Worth, or Frisco). You have 90 days to transfer
Register at your county tax office: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton County
Register to vote in your county. Check votetexas.gov for your registration status
File by April 30 to reduce your property taxes. File with your county appraisal district
Major systems: Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern, Parkland, Medical City, JPS (Fort Worth)
DFW has thousands of dental practices. Use our directory to find top-rated options near you
If you have pets, set up with a local vet ASAP. Banfield, VCA, and many independent practices available
CareNow, NextCare, and MedExpress have locations across DFW. Know your nearest ER
CVS, Walgreens, Tom Thumb, Kroger, and H-E-B (south DFW) all have pharmacies
DFW has 50+ ISDs. Top-rated: Frisco, Carroll (Southlake), Highland Park, Lovejoy, Allen, Plano, and Prosper ISDs
Each ISD has a boundary locator on their website to find your assigned schools
Popular chains: Primrose Schools, KinderCare, Children's Lighthouse, Goddard School — available across DFW
Most ISDs offer extensive extracurriculars. Also check YMCA, city rec programs, and local sports leagues
Essential! Get a TollTag for the Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn, PGBT, and other toll roads. Saves 50% vs pay-by-mail
Key corridors: I-35E, I-35W, I-30, I-635 (LBJ), US-75, DNT, PGBT. Rush hour is 7-9am and 4-7pm
Dallas-area light rail and bus. TEXRail connects Fort Worth to DFW Airport. DCTA serves Denton County
Katy Trail (Dallas), Trinity Trails (Fort Worth), Shawnee Trail (Frisco), Arbor Hills (Plano) — great for biking and walking
Schedule varies by city. Check your city's website for pickup days and guidelines
Most DFW cities offer single-stream curbside recycling. Blue bins typically provided
Most cities offer monthly bulk pickup for large items. Schedule on your city's website
Yard waste bags typically picked up on recycling day. Available at local hardware stores
Tom Thumb, Kroger, H-E-B (expanding into DFW), Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, H Mart, 99 Ranch, Aldi
Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, IKEA (Grand Prairie & Frisco), Nebraska Furniture Mart
NorthPark Center, Galleria Dallas, Stonebriar Centre, Southlake Town Square, Legacy West, Sundance Square
Dallas Farmers Market, Cowtown Farmers Market (Fort Worth), and seasonal markets in suburbs
Dallas, Fort Worth, and most suburbs have excellent free library systems with programs for all ages
Every city has community centers, pools, and sports facilities. Check your city's parks department
Check DailyDFW forums for mom groups, running clubs, book clubs, sports leagues, and neighborhood groups
Fort Worth Stockyards, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, The Star (Frisco), AT&T Stadium, Sundance Square
Moving to DFW? Let us handle the details. Our free concierge service connects you with trusted local professionals — no fees, no hassle.
Connected with top DFW real estate agents who know every neighborhood
Vetted local movers with guaranteed quotes — no surprise fees
We walk you through setting up electric, water, gas, and internet
Guidance on enrolling in any DFW ISD and finding the right school zone
Trusted referrals for cleaning, handyman, landscaping, and more
100% free. A concierge will reach out within 24 hours.
Get matched with a top-rated local real estate agent who specializes in your target neighborhood. Free, no obligation.