🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Dallas home for several months, and I can confidently say that it’s a city that will surprise you. With its unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, Dallas is an attractive destination for remote workers looking for a mix of culture, history, and entertainment. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its relatively low cost of living and excellent internet connectivity, makes it an ideal spot for Dallas digital nomads.
One of the primary reasons I fell in love with Dallas is its eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. From the trendy bars and restaurants in the Design District to the historic charm of the Bishop Arts District, there’s no shortage of exciting places to explore. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the city’s many coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries that offer a productive and inspiring environment to get work done.
Dallas is also a city that’s deeply rooted in its history and culture. From the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to the Dallas Museum of Art, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the city’s rich heritage. And when you’re not working or exploring, you can enjoy the city’s thriving food scene, which features everything from classic Tex-Mex to modern vegan cuisine.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Dallas, there are several options that are particularly well-suited for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
- Uptown: This trendy neighborhood is located just north of downtown Dallas and is known for its vibrant nightlife, upscale apartments, and plenty of restaurants and bars. Uptown is also home to several coworking spaces, including WeWork and Common Desk, making it an ideal spot for remote workers.
- Oak Cliff: Located just south of downtown Dallas, Oak Cliff is a charming neighborhood that’s filled with historic homes, independent shops, and a thriving food scene. The neighborhood is also home to the Bishop Arts District, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
- Deep Ellum: This artsy neighborhood is located just east of downtown Dallas and is known for its street art, live music venues, and eclectic restaurants. Deep Ellum is also home to several coworking spaces, including The Common Desk and Industrious, making it a great spot for digital nomads who want to be in the heart of the action.
Cost of Living Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of living in Dallas is its relatively low cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is around $1,456 per month (approximately 1,300 EUR). However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Dallas can be relatively affordable, with the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant around $15-$20 (approximately 13-18 EUR) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around $50-$75 (approximately 45-67 EUR) per week.
- Transportation: Dallas has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $90 (approximately 80 EUR). If you prefer to drive, gas is relatively cheap, with the average cost of a gallon of gasoline around $2.50 (approximately 2.25 EUR).
- Coworking: The cost of coworking spaces in Dallas can vary depending on the location and amenities. On average, you can expect to pay around $200-$500 (approximately 180-450 EUR) per month for a dedicated desk.
Internet & Coworking
Dallas has excellent internet connectivity, with average speeds of around 43 Mbps. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet and a productive atmosphere. Some of my favorite coworking spaces in Dallas include:
- WeWork: With several locations throughout the city, WeWork offers a range of membership options and amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and copying services, and a community of like-minded professionals.
- Common Desk: This coworking space has several locations in Dallas, including in the Uptown and Deep Ellum neighborhoods. Common Desk offers a range of membership options, including dedicated desks and private offices, as well as amenities like high-speed internet and a community kitchen.
- The Wild Detectives: This unique coworking space is located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including dedicated desks and private offices. The Wild Detectives also features a bookstore and a community event space, making it a great spot for digital nomads who want to be part of a vibrant community.
Dallas has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of meetups and events to connect with like-minded professionals. Some of my favorite resources for meeting other digital nomads in Dallas include:
- Dallas Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great resource for connecting with other remote workers in the city, as well as finding out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad List: This online community features a range of resources and forums for digital nomads, including a section dedicated to Dallas.
- Meetup.com: This website features a range of meetups and events for digital nomads in Dallas, including groups focused on coworking, entrepreneurship, and outdoor activities.
Culture & Lifestyle
Dallas is a city that’s deeply rooted in its history and culture. From the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to the Dallas Museum of Art, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the city’s rich heritage. The city is also home to a thriving food scene, with everything from classic Tex-Mex to modern vegan cuisine.
As a digital nomad, you’ll appreciate the city’s vibrant nightlife, which features everything from rooftop bars to live music venues. Some of my favorite spots for a night out in Dallas include:
- The Rustic: This bar and restaurant is located in the Uptown neighborhood and features live music and a wide range of drinks.
- The Porch: This restaurant and bar is located in the Design District and features a wide range of drinks and a menu of Southern-inspired cuisine.
- Deep Ellum Brewing Company: This brewery is located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood and features a wide range of beers and a menu of pub food.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the necessary visa to work in the United States. The most common type of visa for remote workers is the B-1 visa, which is a business visa that allows you to work in the United States for a short period of time. However, it’s worth noting that the B-1 visa has certain restrictions, including the requirement that you not engage in any work that is considered “productive” or that generates income.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for an O-1 visa, which is a visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in a particular field. This visa requires a significant amount of documentation and can be more difficult to obtain, but it offers more flexibility and freedom to work in the United States.
It’s also worth noting that the United States does not currently offer a specific “digital nomad visa” like some other countries. However, there are rumors that the government may be considering introducing such a visa in the future.
💡 Practical Tips
As a digital nomad in Dallas, there are a few practical tips that you should keep in mind:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at most major cell phone stores, including AT&T and Verizon. A prepaid SIM card with data and minutes can cost around $30-$50 (approximately 27-45 EUR) per month.
- Transportation: Dallas has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $90 (approximately 80 EUR).
- Safety: Dallas is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, there are certain areas that are best avoided. Be sure to research your neighborhood thoroughly before moving and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
- Weather: Dallas has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in the summer. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.