About Dallas

SMU Dallas

Dallas TexasFrequently, newcomers to this part of the U.S. wonder, "What’s with all this Texas pride?" Well, here’s our attempt at an explanation and what to expect when you move to Dallas. Start by having a look at Facts on Dallas. Get an idea of Dallas' history at the Old Red Museum located inside our beautiful, historic courthouse  or see a panoramic view of the entire city from the Dome Lounge atop the modern Reunion Tower.

First off, Texas has a rich history. From the early days of Sam Houston's "Remember the Alamo" episode, to the "Cowboys and Indians" days, to the oil boom, unique events have set Texas apart.

Texas' proximity to Mexico furnishes the benefits of another culture. Take, for example, the fabulous Tex-Mex style of food, like fajitas, nachos y salsa!

The state's wide open plains eventually led to ranches (for example the famous Southfork Ranch), along with cowboys and cattle (try a trip to either the Mesquite Rodeo or Fort Worth's historic Stockyards), thick & tasty barbecue, and the "Texas skies" above the cattle-grazing ranchland.

Fort Worth Rodeo Heading into the twenty-first century, Texas is a leading cosmopolitan area, ranging from NASA's Lyndon B Johnson Space Center in Houston to the home of the former Superconducting Super Collider. If it's sports or entertainment you're looking for, watch the Cowboys, Stars, or Rangers. Also visit DFW's Six Flags Over Texas Theme Park, Sixth Floor Museum (JFK), and State Fair of Texas, or San Antonio's Sea World.State Fair

When it comes to shopping and dining, Dallas is the place to be, New York City excepted. Take, for example, the Highland Park Village, the first ever shopping center in the U.S. Besides Dallas' many exclusive boutiques, the city has every major department store, from Dallas-born Neiman Marcus to Nordstrom's, including over a dozen malls such as Snider Plaza and Northpark. And bargain hunters beware, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is surrounded by a half dozen outlet centers such as the famous Grapevine Mills Mall!

The weather systems that hit Dallas generally follow the Rocky Mountains down from the Northwest U.S. Mildly cold in the winter with only a snowfall or two, fall & spring are nice, with frequent 90-100+F high temperatures in the summer.

Dallas Skyline