Before moving to Dallas, you would like to know a few things.
Population: Dallas is a large and growing city, with estimates placing it around 1.3 million residents.
Living Cost: Compared to the national average, Dallas offers a somewhat lower cost of living. Housing is a significant expense but generally less expensive than in coastal cities.
Indian Population: Dallas has a thriving Indian community, though the exact percentage is difficult to pinpoint. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has a significant Indian population, with areas like Frisco and Plano known for their large Indian communities.
Rental Cost: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas sits around $1,201, which is lower than the national average for similar accommodations. However, rental prices vary depending on location, size, and amenities.
In short, Dallas is a populous city with a diverse community, including a sizable Indian population. The cost of living is generally considered affordable, with housing being the most significant expense. Renting an apartment is a viable option, with average costs lower than the national average.
I lived in other cities in the USA, such as Pittsburgh (PA), Wilmington (DE), Boston (MA), San Jose (CA), Atlanta (GA), and Palm Bay (FL). What caught my attention in the first two weeks is given below.
1) The weather. It is so bright and sunny! If you come from the northern states and do not like cold weather, this will be like heaven. In winter, snowfall occurs, but only for a few days a year. The state must be better equipped to remove snow everywhere, which is not a big issue. The snow melts away within a week, and the roads will be clean again.
2) The big roads. Even the front road of your house can be three or four lanes wide.
3) Vastness. In some other cities, I had my friends, office, groceries, and shopping mall all within 10 miles. Here, you may need to drive a lot, though optional. Taking home near your office will reduce the driving time, but it is not uncommon that you need to drive 30 to 60 miles during the weekend to attend your friend's birthday party.
4) A lot of yummy Indian restaurants. Dallas is heaven for Indian restaurants.
5) Durga puja - typically occurs in October. Here are some resources that can help you find Durga Pujas in Dallas and vicinity for this coming October:
Bengali Association of Dallas-Fort Worth (BADFW): Check their "Current Events" page closer to October. In 2023, they held their Durga Puja celebrations at Grand Central Plano in late October [BADFW Durga Puja].
Ankur Dallas Fort Worth: This organization also hosts a Durga Puja Extravaganza. You can visit their website in the future to see if they have announced their 2024 dates [Ankur Dallas Fort Worth Durga Puja].
Rhythm Cultural Association: While their website doesn't have information yet, this Bengali community organization might also host Durga Puja celebrations. Try searching online closer to October or reaching out to them directly.
Antarik: My friend Pratik is part of this puja.
By searching these resources in October, you should be able to find a list of Durga Pujas happening in Dallas and the surrounding areas.