Whether you’re a Dallas native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Dallasite understands to be true. We asked our readers to share Dallas’ unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.
You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Dallas, these might be a little difficult to explain.
The unspoken rules everyone knows
- “Everyone knows it’ll be 32 degrees in the morning and 100 degrees by the afternoon. So layer your wardrobe and peel like a banana.” — Yolonda W.
- ” Fort Worth is not “basically” Dallas. Fort Worth is Fort Worth. Dallas is Dallas. Do not say you live in Dallas when your zip code says Richardson on it.” — @dmthecreator
- “Always stay on the corner of whichever side you’re walking on the Katy Trail or you’ll get hit by a bike — or worse — a rollerblader.” — @aquahina
- “Be in tune with the culture that is embedded in the city.” — Anna I.
We’re kind to our neighbors
- “Capture the story, always capture yourself, and be unique.” — @sweetlifeofluscious
- “Support your friends every Sunday, knowing the Dallas Cowboys aren’t going to win the Superbowl this year.” — @aquahina
- “Support local, for sure. Whether it’s restaurants, shops, or events, people really take pride in Dallas-based businesses. " — @Kathytranx
- “Clean up behind yourself, treat your neighborhood with ownership.” — @roycestrollvan
We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting
- “You don’t get on the highway if you can do it just as fast from the service road (flash traffic). Also, avoid toll roads if you don’t have a toll tag.” — @dallasfoodblogger
- “Always Uber; there’s not going to be easy parking.” — @quinn83542
- “Beware of brunch traffic.” — @kreepy_kate
Sometimes you just have to laugh
- “Nothing beats Hutchins BBQ, so don’t come here with that Tennessee BBQ crap.” — Azmina P.
- “Give up on the 35 ever being fixed.” — @catlouhughes
- “Just know you are going to lose one tire to a pothole living here. So laugh when it happens. Try not to cry.” — Evelyn W.
- “No matter what that social media post said the majority of guys here are NOT over 5'11. Sorry not sorry.” — Destiny N.
We take our nightlife and food seriously
- “Zero proof is the new trend 100%. And you can’t use the word mocktail or non-alcoholic. ZERO PROOF the word itself is the trend.” — @cholestherol
- “Bottle Blonde does not count as Deep Ellum.” — @alexgwriter
- “After 11 p.m. you’ll be waiting in a line to get into most popular clubs/bars.” — Quinn H.
- “The food is incredible here. I lived in Miami and in Detroit but the food here tops it all.” — @sculptedbyzeina
