Looking for a new place to live? Do you want to know if the vastness of Dallas suits you or if your lifestyle matches to the hustle and bustle of New York? While ultimately, it’s a subjective choice, let’s compare these two vibrant cities.
In this article, we navigate the things that made them unique from one another. Given that these two cities offer different benefits, it might be challenging for people who want to make the right choice. But there are certain aspects of living that set them apart, making New York an ultimately superior choice between the two.
1. Diversity
New York is famed for its extraordinary cultural diversity, acting as a melting pot where individuals from across the world contribute to a rich blend of languages, cuisines, and traditions. One of the greatest aspects of relocating to NYC is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Whether it’s businesswomen, bakers, models, musicians, fashion icons, poets, or writers, you’ll encounter individuals from every imaginable background on the bustling streets of the city.
And when it comes to languages, there are around 800 languages spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically varied places on Earth. Approximately 36% of the city’s population is foreign-born, representing countries from all around the globe.
While Dallas is indeed diverse, it may not reach the same level of diversity found in New York. As of 2021, 23.8% of Dallas residents are foreign-born. Most people in Dallas are white, Hispanic, or African-American.
The latter is especially known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and a diverse mix of people from various backgrounds.
2. Arts and Entertainment Scene
If you love art and culture, living in New York City will be a blast for you. The Big Apple doesn’t just have one art district – besides the popular Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, and Brooklyn Museum – you can also find the Chelsea art district, SoHo art district, and more. There are many cultural events happening throughout the year. You can watch Broadway, check out museums, or visit galleries that will melt your art lovers’ hearts.
New York is home to the world-famous Broadway, and NYC’s Theatre District has 40 professional theatres (420 if you count the rest of the city) where you can watch all kinds of performances.
New York City is also a comedian’s mecca – there’s a big chance that you can catch A-listers like Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, and the like in super intimate settings. Along with these famous comedians, you can also watch thousands of up-and-coming comedy artists trying to make it in NYC.
Meanwhile, Dallas also offers various entertainment options. The Dallas Arts District includes renowned institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art. However, these museums are not as famous and expansive as museums in the Big Apple. Vibrant arts and music scenes are typically concentrated in a neighborhood like the Deep Ellum.
3. Public transportation
Public transport is king in New York. The city’s transportation system is a benchmark for cities around the world. Their extensive and iconic subway is open 24/7, making sure you can get anywhere, any time of the day. A SingleRide ticket costs $3 and is valid for one journey within two hours of purchase. Opting for a MetroCard at the station can save a bit, and for more significant savings and convenience, get an unlimited 7-day pass. You can easily survive in New York without a car.
Meanwhile, you will depend on your car to get to places in Dallas. If you don’t enjoy driving, Dallas may not be your destination. In this city, everything is spread out, and walking to a grocery store or restaurant can be challenging – you almost need to drive to go anywhere. While many Texas cities offer free downtown parking, the comfort and convenience of mass transit in Texas don’t quite match up to New York.
Residents in both cities always complain about the traffic, but the driving situation in Dallas is worse – the city consistently lists as the city with the most dangerous drivers in the US.
4. Economy and career opportunities
New York City stands as a global financial hub for various industries such as finance, media, fashion, and technology. As a prominent global city and the epicenter of capitalism, surely there are more jobs in New York than in Dallas.
The city’s financial sector, particularly Wall Street, serves as the global financial center. New York City is home to two of the world’s leading stock exchanges—the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.
While Dallas has a diverse and thriving economy, the industries in the city mainly consist of technology, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy. It offers a different variety, quantity, and diversity of careers than New York.
5. Nightlife
As a city that never sleeps, you can always find something fun to do in New York at any time of the day. It has countless bars, clubs, and entertainment options that cater to all tastes. There’s always something happening in the city, and you don’t need lots of money to enjoy them.
The city’s unique vibe is hard to replicate – it’s where people go to see the world and expand their horizons. People are drawn to New York because of its constant activity, fast-paced lifestyle, and the feeling of being at the center of the world.
Meanwhile, residents of Dallas admit that it’s a boring city. A Redittor said that it’s because back in the 1960s, when the downtown area was taking shape, the architects decided it should be solely for work. The surrounding areas became “bedroom communities” for commuting. While there have been recent attempts to breathe new life into downtown, it’s an uphill battle to change the vibe of the city after so many years of it being a “dead zone” after 5 PM.
6. Food scene
When it comes to food, NYC takes the crown. From iconic New York staples like pizza and bagels to an unparalleled variety of global cuisines, the city boasts the largest collection of authentic ethnic food worldwide. Whether it’s dim sum, ramen, tacos, or pastrami, you can find culinary delights from around the globe without leaving town. Food lovers can enjoy anywhere from Brooklyn street food trucks to Michelin-star restaurants.
On the other hand, Dallas’s food scene is also broad-ranging and diverse, with influences from various parts of the world. However, since Dallas is heavily segregated, it also affects the food scene. For example, most Vietnamese food is found in Arlington or Garland, Nepalese food is in Irving, and almost all Korean food is in two neighborhoods. You can find many choices, but you have to drive a lot to try them out. But if you love tacos, you can surely find them all throughout Dallas.
7. Education
New York is home to some of the world’s top universities, making it an attractive destination for college students and academics. Prestigious colleges and universities like Columbia University and New York University (NYU) offer a wide range of programs that attract students from all over the world. The city’s cultural richness also means more educational resources – thanks to the country’s world-class museums, libraries, and research facilities.
Dallas is also home to several colleges and universities offering a range of academic programs. However, the institutions in New York are more world-renowned. However, pursuing a course at a prestigious college is considerably cheaper in Texas than in New York.
8. Weather
The comparison when it comes to weather is pretty close – it depends on what you are willing to endure. The weather in New York is pretty moderate – it doesn’t get really cold and rarely gets very hot. The extreme southern portion that includes New York City and the Long Island area is warmer and subtropical. But the winters can feel harsh for some people, as you will have to wear thick layers and deal with snow and ice. The worst weather disaster you may experience here is snowstorms.
Meanwhile, Dallas is more prone to extreme weather. While generally, the weather in Texas is great, this part of the Lone Star State can be susceptible to hurricanes, flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and cyclones that cause heavy rains and flooding. Summers can be scorching hot, but the winters are moderate; it doesn’t snow that much in the city.
9. Iconic landmarks
From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building, New York boasts iconic landmarks that draw millions of tourists each year. The landmarks in New York bring a distinct identity to the city, reflecting its culture and history.
Dallas has its share of landmarks but may not have the same concentration of globally recognized symbols as New York. If you’re from abroad and can travel to both cities, your friends will be more impressed with your New York photos than your Dallas travels. It can also be argued that New York has much more iconic landmarks than Los Angeles, a city located in the western section of the United States. To know more, check out 10 Reasons Why New York Is Better Than Los Angeles.
10. Architecture
When you hear the word “cityscape,” what image comes first to your mind? Most probably, it’s the image of metropolitan New York. The city is filled with iconic buildings – from towering skyscrapers to historic architecture. As with architecture, it also offers diverse views, as modern skyscrapers can be found near historic neighborhoods with older architectural styles like colonial and neo-colonial styles, to art deco and gothic styles. Most people may find the architectural and historical richness of New York more appealing.
Conclusion
In the friendly competition between New York and Dallas, it’s clear that New York stands out, especially in terms of convenience, career opportunities, and cultural attractions. Not only is it a top-tier metropolis, a melting pot of cultures, and a hub for research, but it’s also a fantastic place where you can meet all kinds of people and you can pursue all kinds of interests. While both cities have their strengths and weaknesses, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. One thing is certain: Few cities in the United States or around the world can match or exceed the overall quality of life that New York offers to both residents and visitors alike.