Geography of Dallas

It’s not a joke when they say everything is bigger in Texas. This sprawling city in north Texas is estimated to have a population of well over one million and to be one of the top ten most populous cities in the United States. But the population isn’t the only thing that’s big.

At just under four hundred square miles, Dallas proper is comprised of five different counties. And within thirty miles or less are the frequently visited suburbs and neighborhood communities of Plano, Richardson, Fort Worth, Frisco, Irving, Grapevine, and Flower Mound.

The central part of the city features the famous Dallas skyline and is comprised of a number of different districts that pay homage to both business and the arts. The eastern part of the city is known primarily for its architecturally rich neighborhoods, while South Dallas is home to the world-renowned State Fair of Texas in September and October as well as year-round thriving night life scene.

Because of the grand size of Dallas, visitors staying in the city may want to take advantage of public transportation such as the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). This popular transportation system links downtown and the city’s surrounding suburbs. In addition to this service, guests can also opt to rent a car, take a taxi, or even participate in ride sharing apps.

Business and Economy

Dallas has long since been a hub for business in Texas, which has greatly bolstered the city’s economy over the years. Today, financial services, telecommunications, information technology, healthcare, oil and gas, and transportation are just a few of the industries that are making Dallas a national front runner in big business.

The Dallas-Forth Worth area collectively has more than twenty Fortune 500 companies calling the area home. Some of the largest of these companies are:

• Exxon Mobil
• Pioneer Natural Resources
• EnLink Midstream
• McKesson
• AT&T

In addition to an ever-growing hub of Fortune 500 companies, the Dallas and Fort Worth area is nationally recognized for their healthcare industry with some of the nation’s most innovative hospitals such as:

• Baylor University Medical Center
• Parkland Memorial Hospital
• Children’s Medical Center of Dallas

Millions of business and leisure travelers come through the city’s two main airports each year. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is located in the northwest outskirts of the city giving travelers easy access to either Dallas or Fort Worth. Dallas Love Field is the other main airport and it is located north of downtown Dallas. For those exclusively traveling for business, the Dallas Executive Airport located slightly southeast of town may be another option.

Dallas Sports and Recreation

It is no fun to be all work with no play, and the city of Dallas provides opportunities to do both.

Sports fans can feel at home in Dallas with a thriving athletics community and passionate fans to cheer them on. While visiting you might just be able to catch a game of one of the following:

• Baseball. Fans of this diamond may want to catch a Texas Ranger game in their new home of Globe Life Field, which features a retractable roof and wider seats that are now closer to the field.
• Basketball. If the court is where you’d rather be, don’t miss out on a Dallas Mavericks Game at American Airlines Center (sometimes referred to as the AAC) in downtown.
• Football. Catch the time-honored tradition of Dallas Cowboy football at AT&T Stadium which is affectionately called Jerry World by many of the locals after the team’s owner.
• Hockey. Put your love for sports on ice at a Dallas Stars game, also located at American Airlines Center.
• Soccer. Kick it for a few hours at a FC Dallas soccer game at Toyota Stadium on the north side of town.

For those more interested in culture and the performing arts, Dallas is the place to be. The city hosts amazing art and museum exhibits, many of which are located in the Dallas Arts District. This posh area of town invites visitors to take advantage of world class musical concerts, eloquent performances, exquisite art and fine dining.

Dallas is also a hotspot for fun. With everything from amazing aquariums to the Dallas Zoo to amusement parks like Six Flags Over Texas to the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden to catching dinner and a bird’s eye view of the city from Reunion Tower, this amazing city has something for just about everyone.

Shopping in Dallas

Some say that Dallas is quickly becoming the fashion capital of Texas. Whether you enjoy shopping at high end boutique style stores or love the thrill of finding a bargain, the city offers both and everywhere in between.

A few favorites recommended by seasoned shoppers can include:

• The Galleria. If luxury is your thing, but shopping indoors is more your style, make a visit to Dallas’ renowned Galleria. Shoppers can find the glamourous, specialty boutique western wear, and everyday fashion.
• Highland Park Village. Shopping here is more of a luxury experience featuring a gorgeous retail center with premier stores and brands, as well as fantastic places to dine. This outdoor shopping location is a favorite due its classy open-air atmosphere and rich landscaping.
• NorthPark Center. This shopping mecca more closely resembles a high-end shopping mall that features well over two hundred retailers with elite brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Neiman Marcus as well as more affordable brands such as H&M and Zara.

Only in Dallas

If visiting in Dallas between late September and mid-October, do not miss the State Fair of Texas which is unique to this city. This fair perfectly embodies Texas because everything here is big, including the Ferris wheel and thrilling rides, the carnival games, the larger than life Big Tex figure, a variety of fried delicacies, exciting pig races and much more. Plan to make a whole day of it if your schedule allows.