Starting out as a simple trading post for early American migration into the west, Dallas has long been a beneficiary of its prime geographical location. Connecting the east to the west and the north to the central parts of the south—initially through rail and now through four major interstate highways and a pair of major airports—it’s no wonder why Dallas has grown to become one of the most vibrant, well-known cities in the US of A.
Home to the Cowboy in mindset, style, and in sports, Dallas has long cultivated an eclectic mix of southwestern traditions, big foods, modern art, premiere architecture, and Mexican-American culture. The city’s population is ninth-largest in the US, with over 1.2 million residents. It is home to five of the most celebrated sports teams in the country, including the Stars, Mavericks, Rangers, and Cowboys. And it plays host to America’s largest and longest-running fair, the Texas State Fair, that sees millions of people celebrating Texas culture every year and enjoying the kinds of attractions, entertainment, and culinary treats that only the Dallas area can provide.
Once a land of oil and cotton, Dallas has since established itself as an epicenter of industry, finance, science, and big business. It’s a southern hub for Fortune 500 companies, claiming 4 of the top 100, and more than 20 overall, and it’s currently ranked 12th on the Forbes List for Job Growth and 10th for Best Places for Business and Careers.
In addition to being a major player in the Southern United States, the city of Dallas also acts as the heart of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), otherwise known as The Metroplex, encompasses the better part of five Texas counties, including Denton, Collin, Rockwall, Dallas, and Tarrant, and touts a staggering 2.3 million households and 7 million-plus people, making it the fastest-growing US metro in the last 10 years.
Such a statistic is not that surprising, however, when you take into consideration DFW’s more-than-affordable median home value ($205,000), its higher-than-national-average median household income ($59,946), and the fact that unemployment (3.7 percent) and cost-of-living (101 based on COLI) remain low or around average, especially when compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Ranch-style homes remain the mainstay in much of DFW, but Cape Cod, colonial, contemporary, and modern-style homes can be found here and there in various areas, offering residents—especially those in the suburban areas—a measured mix of size, style, value, and affordability.
No matter the style of home, living in DFW comes with its own set of home improvement projects and requirements, and studies show that homeowners in the DFW area spend more time working on their homes than those in other areas.
With clay soil, flat land, and with droughts and floods becoming about as common as brisket and white bread, roofs, yards, and foundations are suffering, and as a result, inspections, repairs, and refurbishments are on the rise.
And then there’s the heat. For a state that sees some of the hottest temperatures in the country, HVAC and pool maintenance services are a speed-dial requirement in DFW. And to better enjoy the barbecue, many are adding outdoor living spaces onto their homes in the form of decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. Landscaping and frequent lawn care are also key to keeping trees and lawns looking neat and trim—which is a matter of pride in some Texas neighborhoods.
Whatever the project, hiring a valued professional should be easy and worry-free. Because the right contractor can not only save you time, money, and energy, but they can provide the peace of mind of a job done right. That’s why we take the time to verify all our contractors and guarantee their work before certifying them as an official Best Pick.
For more information on permits, licensing, and insurance requirements in the Lone Star State, please see the following section.
The state of Texas only requires contractors to obtain licensing for specialty services, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lawn treatment, mosquito control, and security systems, among others. For more information on the types of licensing required, and for a broader list of services, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Texas is the only state in the US that does not require Workers’ Compensation insurance. However, general liability insurance is required.
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