Living and Working In….
Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas
What’s the Weather Like?
Dallas
Demographics:
Population:
Dallas: 1,257,676
Fort Worth: 782,727
Ratio (2010):
Female Persons:
Male Persons:
Bachelor’s degree or higher (2010):
Fort Worth
Quick Facts:
Average Annual Income:
$46,800
Unemployment Rate:
Dallas:
5.9%
Fort Worth:
5.7%
Average Work Commute Time:
21 minutes
Average Annual Incomes in Dallas-Fort Worth by
Industry
Top Employers:
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∙30 Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas
∙Moving to Fort Worth
50.5%
49.5%
27.5%
1. AMR Corporation (American Airlines)
2. Bank of America Corp
3. Texas Health Resources Inc.
4. Dallas ISD
5. Baylor Healthcare System
6. AT&T
7. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
8. JP Morgan Chase & Co.
9. UT-Southwestern Medical Center
10. City of Dallas
Giovanni Giordano
Background
Geneseo major and graduation year: Communication, 2004
Current Employer: Tyler Technologies
Job Title: Senior Account Representative
Job Description: I sell Appraisal and Tax Software and Traditional
Appraisal Services to State and Local Government.
Giovanni’s perspective on Chicago
What’s the job climate in Dallas/Fort Worth for individuals in your
career field?
Texas, specifically Dallas, is a hot spot where small to medium sized corporations settle. Technology is a
growing sector and in the most need for fresh new talent.
What made you decide to live and work in Dallas/Fort Worth?
Unfortunately it was my company who asked me to relocate, however they gave me four choices in
Dallas, Denver, Chicago and Salt Lake City. Out of all the locations, it was my opinion that Dallas
offered the best all-around experience in my professional, social and family life.
What’s the cost of living like in Dallas/Fort Worth? How difficult is it to find affordable housing?
Surprisingly the cost of living here is very reasonable! You can live in the center of the city, within
walking distance to virtually all forms of entertainment for less than half of any of the 3 largest North East
Cities (Boston, NY and Philadelphia). Not to mention, not having to pay a state income tax is a huge
plus. Coming from NY, it’s an automatic 8-9% increase in pay.
It’s not difficult at all to find affordable housing. From an apartment standpoint, there are more building
going up daily than any other city that I've seen, and I travel often. You can find an apartment within a
month of relocation if need be. From an ownership standpoint, the Dallas Metroplex area is growing at a
fast rate so areas like Frisco, Plano and Coppell are attracting new home buyers within 25 mins from the
city at affordable pricing. Property taxes are also reasonable, especially coming from NY.
What is the culture/nightlife like in Dallas/Fort Worth?
Honestly, I can write a book here...so much to do. Plain and simple, there is something for everyone.
How is the transportation system?
This is a tricky question...in terms of infrastructure, there is plenty and the highway system is vast. You
can get anywhere within DFW within 25 mins. With that said, you definitely need a car because the rail
system is lacking. Also, there is a toll system which eliminates traffic and gives commuters a more direct
route north of the city if you work that way like I do. Every day I spend $6 to get to and from work. At
first this was a major issue with me, but with gas prices being lower and no state income tax I got over
this quickly.
What are the most rewarding aspects of living in Dallas/Fort Worth?
This city has a lot of pride, matter of fact the whole state does. "Nobody does it bigger than Texas"...it’s
true with Dallas. The city is beautiful, the weather is beautiful and the people are very friendly and
welcoming. They take pride in their sports teams, they take pride in their health, and they take pride in
their leaders and their school systems, and if you have children this is important.
What are the most challenging aspects of living in Dallas/Fort Worth?
For me, the most challenging part was getting in with a circle of friends. Not that I am socially inept but
my career is challenging. I'm constantly on the road so meeting and interacting with people is somewhat
tough. Being so far from the Rochester area it’s also hard to connect with alumni or people who can
relate to you. Nobody has ever heard of a SUNY school! With that said, it was hard for me to think of a
challenge, this was the only one and after a few months I was settled in and comfortable.
What would be your number one piece of advice for a recent Geneseo graduate wishing to live and
work in Dallas/Fort Worth?
Take your time with a move, consider all aspects of your working life while picking a place to live. When
people say Dallas, it typically means within a 20 minute radius of the city. There are so many areas you
can choose to live in. Visit the city, visit the surrounding areas and really think about what it is that its
important to you. Is it social? Is it professional? Really dig deep. Otherwise you might find yourself
driving 45 mins to and from work every day.
Is there any last information or words of advice that you would like to share?
One thing I noticed right away before I moved from Philadelphia to Dallas is that Dallas is landlocked.
There are great cities within driving distance (Austin, Houston, San Antonio) however the closest beach is
8 hours away. There are plenty of lakes so if you like that or like to fish/hunt you will be all set. But if
you are a beachgoer like myself, or I should say used to be, you won't find one close.