10 Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas, GA
Dallas, a charming and historically significant tiny neighborhood 38 miles northwest of Atlanta’s downtown in Paulding County, was named one of the “Best Places to Live” in America in 2007 by CNN and Money Magazine.
The original settlers of this historic suburb came during the 1828 Georgia Gold Rush, but they were unhappy with the meager amount of gold they found. Instead, they stayed here to raise crops, which would later provide the foundation for Atlanta and Dallas.
Forty acres of land bought by Garret H. Spinks in 1852 became Dallas, and the city would be the site of multiple Civil War battles. As one of the top Georgia suburbs today, Dallas made it through the Civil War unscathed and even thrived during reconstruction.
Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Dallas, GA.
1. The cost of living in Dallas is 10% less than the national average
With a cost of living index of 90, there is a 10% decrease in the cost of living in Dallas compared to the national average. With an average property price of $342,858 and utilities 17% lower than the national average, housing in Dallas is significantly more affordable than the national average price of $430,000.
The cost of groceries, nevertheless, will be somewhat higher—about 3% more than normal. Similar to the low cost of living, the average monthly rent in this area is $1,161.
The Dallas area is perfect if you’re on a budget but yet want all the conveniences of a great suburb.
2. Paulding County School District serves Dallas
Some of the finest Georgia schools are located in Dallas, so you won’t have to worry about a thing! Great Schools has given 88% of the schools in the Paulding County School District, which includes Dallas, the grade of “Average” or higher.
To improve your child’s educational experience, the Paulding County School District also organizes events, summer programs, and more. Dallas, Georgia is home to a number of well-regarded elementary, middle, and high schools, including Roland W. Russom Elementary, East Paulding Middle School, and East Paulding High.
3. Summers are hot and humid
Humidity and heat are common in Dallas, as they are in Georgia. Temperatures in the winter typically range from mid-30s to low-40s Fahrenheit, but in the summer they can reach over 95 degrees.
Living in Dallas, you can be sure that you won’t see a snowflake very often. The city receives only two inches of snow per year, even if it has 53 inches of rain, which is much more than the US average of 38 inches!
4. A low crime rate
Dallas has lower crime rates compared to national averages. The violent crime rate in Dallas is 13.3, while the national average is 22.7. Likewise, property crime is 32.5, which is lower than the average of 35.4 nationally.
So both violent and property crime occur less frequently in Dallas than in typical cities across the United States.
5. Live in Dallas neighborhoods like Historic Downtown Dallas, Seven Hills, Cedarcrest, or Bentwater
With its picturesque streets and beautifully kept old houses, Historic Downtown Dallas is a living testimony to the city’s legacy. Main Street is home to a variety of charming cafes, unique shops, and specialty stores. This is a wonderful spot to meet locals and become absorbed in the culture of the city because of how friendly and accommodating the population is. Downtown events frequently feature performances by local artists and musicians, so be sure you don’t miss them.
If you’re looking for a community that’s perfect for families and active adults, Seven Hills is a great choice to check out. Community pools, playgrounds, and walking trails are just a few of the features offered by Seven Hills, a neighborhood well-known for its picturesque scenery and plenty of green spaces. Here, you can feel a strong sense of community thanks to the frequent meetings and events that bring the area together. For families seeking a secure and caring community, the area’s great schools are a major selling point.
Bentwater is sure to win you over whether you’re a golf enthusiast or one who’d like to live in a beautiful golf course setting. An 18-hole championship golf course and breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscapes are features of this area. Bentwater provides a variety of recreational amenities, not limited to golf, such as tennis courts and swimming pools. A feeling of opulence and peace permeates the neighborhood thanks to the meticulously kept houses and perfectly manicured grounds.
Cedar Mill offers a peaceful retreat from city life for individuals seeking a more rural environment. There is a lovely rural vibe to the area because of the combination of large homes and fields. For individuals who value tranquility in their lives, Cedarcrest provides a slower-paced lifestyle that is ideal. This small rural town is perfect for those who like gardening, horseback riding, and getting together for barbecues.
6. Work for Dallas employers like WellStar, Publix Supermarkets, Walmart, or Chattahoochee Technical College
Paulding County is a great spot to start a business or raise a family, so it should come as no surprise that Dallas provides its citizens with many secure job options. Anyone can find a job with one of the many local businesses or large chains like WellStar, Publix Supermarkets, Walmart, Chattahoochee Technical College, Visiting Angels, Dallas Metal Products, or the Paulding Chamber of Commerce.
The average pay in Dallas is $57,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $14.96.
7. Eat at spots like Hickory Hut, Frannick’s Café, or Sal’s Pizza
In search of some classic BBQ from the South? For all your smoky needs, go on down to Hickory Hut in Dallas. Diners from the south will be satisfied with the menu’s selection of smoked barbecue sandwiches, chili hamburgers, hot dogs, and the house’s beloved hickory fries.
If you’re looking for some amazing breakfast or lunch options, Frannick’s Café is the one to go. Offering a diverse selection of breakfast and lunch classics, the café prioritizes its customers and fosters a sense of community.
The New York-style pizza at Sal’s Pizza is perfect for a Friday night meal, and there are plenty of ways to get it: dine-in, pickup, delivery, or catering. Dallas locals know and love this rotating menu of hot pizza pies, calzones, wings, and pasta specialties.
Indulge in a mouthwatering sandwich and a steaming bowl of soup at the Wild Boar Sandwich Company, conveniently located in the middle of downtown Dallas. Delish Boar’s Head meat is expertly crafted into a variety of freshly created deli items that are available for takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery.
8. Explore the outdoors at The Silver Comet Trail or Sara Babb Park
The Silver Comet Trail is a paved path that spans 61.5 miles and takes bikers, joggers, and walkers from Cobb, Paulding, and Polk Counties to the Georgia-Alabama State boundary. With its year-round opening, the Trail provides the limitless opportunity to discover the vibrant seasons of Georgia and is the ideal way to enjoy the verdant splendor of Dallas without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a sunny spot to spend the day in Dallas with kids, pets, or by yourself, go no farther than Sara Babb Park. Park amenities consist of outdoor pavilions with grills, a playground, pathways, a pool with a snack bar, and fields for baseball, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
9. Learn about Dallas’ history at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
Covering 765 acres of southern heritage, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site is a Georgia State Park.
The historic Battle of Pickett’s Mill took place at this very spot; now, it’s a community park with four miles of trails, an information center, picnic areas, and even a pioneer cabin on the grounds. Visitors are welcome at the park every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
10. Atlanta is 44 minutes away
Dallas retains small-town charm with its quaint main street and friendly vibe. Yet the town is conveniently only a 44-minute drive from Atlanta’s big city opportunities for jobs, dining, and entertainment.
Residents enjoy the best of both worlds – laidback small-town living coupled with easy access to big-city amenities. Thus, this suburb balances maintaining its idyllic character while benefiting from its proximity to Atlanta.
To Sum it All Up
Dallas, Georgia offers residents the benefits of small-town living coupled with convenient access to big-city Atlanta. With below-average crime, job opportunities, quality schools, affordable housing, and a variety of dining and outdoor options, Dallas provides a safe and appealing environment to raise a family.
While summer heat can be intense, the winters are mild. For those seeking the tranquility of a historic Southern town along with proximity to a major metro hub, Dallas, Georgia strikes the right balance.
