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ESSENTIALS

ESSENTIALSNUTS AND BOLTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

MY DALLAS STORY | MOVING CHECKLIST | YOUR FIRST 30 DAYSIMPORTANT LAWS | TAX RATES | HELPFUL NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

ESSENTIALS

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SIX WEEKS UNTIL MOVE:

❏ Contact a real estate agent in Dallas. Many advertise in this guide.

❏ Start getting estimates from moving companies.

❏ Find out what expenses your employer will cover.

FOUR WEEKS:

❏ Check the pre-registration procedures for enrolling children in school. (See Education section on p. 130.) Get children’s transcripts and a list of textbooks they are currently using. Obtain a copy of the grading system at the current school. Ask teachers for a statement describing the student’s achievement level and interests. Get offi cial written descriptions of any unusual courses taken.

❏ Request copies of medical, dental, veterinary records, and birth certifi cates.

❏ Notify the post offi ce of your new address and obtain a change-of-address kit. Send change-of-address cards to friends, subscription services, creditors, alumni associations, and insurance companies.

❏ Begin packing seldom-used items and dispose of unwanted items through charities. (Get receipts for tax purposes.)

❏ Contact the IRS for forms and regulations regarding tax-deductible moving expenses.

❏ Transfer or arrange for insurance in Dallas to cover your home, furnishings, and automobile.

THREE WEEKS:

❏ Arrange to have appliances, utilities, laundry, phone, and cable television disconnected. Check on deposits. Set up connections at your new home.

❏ Make travel arrangements.

TWO WEEKS:

❏ Handle bills, stocks, investments, and banking transfers.

❏ Make special arrangements for transporting pets and plants. Some plants may not be transported across state lines—check with your moving company.

❏ Clean cupboards.

❏ Plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don’t need.

ONE WEEK:

❏ Discontinue delivery services, such as the newspaper.

❏ Clean and sort items in garage and attic.

❏ Clean out your safety-deposit box and place all valuables and documents together. Either carry them with you or send them ahead by registered, insured mail.

TWO DAYS:

❏ Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers.

❏ Arrange for cash or traveler’s checks for trip expenses and payment to the mover upon delivery.

❏ Reconcile and close checking account. Withdraw savings.

❏ Conclude any matters relating to the lease or sale of your home.

❏ Have movers pack.

❏ Pack luggage. Set aside items you will need immediately upon arrival—a few dishes, pots and pans, towels, soap, bedding, light bulbs, fl ashlights, and toilet paper.

❏ Leave forwarding address with apartment manager or new tenant.

MOVING DAY:

❏ Reconfi rm your delivery date with your mover and provide directions to your new residence.

❏ Pay close attention to the mover’s paperwork. You will need to sign it upon completion of loading.

❏ Supervise the movers to make sure your instructions are understood.

❏ Double-check residence for forgotten items before leaving.

MOVING CHECKLIST

‘YOU’RE NOT AN OUTSIDER IF YOU’RE NOT FROM TEXAS. PEOPLE ARE WELCOMING.’

MY DALLAS STORYP

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JEFF COUSENSOCCUPATION: Managing Partner - Dallas Sales & Marketing, Lucas Group

CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: Richardson How did you choose Richardson?Having four kids, we wanted good public

schools, not too far out in the suburbs or from work. The commute was a big thing for me. As long as I get out of the door by 7, I’m usually at work by 7:15. I think it’s easy. Mind you, I came from Chicago and the Bay area and it’s way worse there. The neighborhood’s great for the kids. If we could live somewhere, no kids, it would be in Uptown.

What do you like most about living there?You’re not an outsider if you’re not from Texas. People are welcoming. It’s been very eclectic - diff erent people, diff erent backgrounds, diff erent family situations … all that stuff . It is sort of like a melting pot.

What advice do you have for someone freshly relocated?It’s the mindset. If you come open minded, people are really friendly. Get used to how spread out it is. If it’s 10 miles away, time wise it’s going to be more. The freeways are diff erent. They’re

looping, turning, with interchanges. Once you get acclimated, you learn you don’t have to go down 75 to get downtown. You can take the Toll Road, or cut through to Preston and take it all the way down.

I’ve had clients relocate here. I tell them, take time to learn the neighborhoods because they are all very diff erent. Eat in the neighborhood restaurants and try to meet some people. Make sure what you do fi ts in with that community.

How’s the work environment here?Well, I do recruiting … so the market here was a big attraction. We’re not tied to oil and gas like Houston is. It’s very diverse. You have Hilti Tools moving here from Oklahoma, and Toyota moving from California. It’s a hot market. In the sales and marketing niche, I’ve had trouble keeping up with the workload, which I am not complaining about. The work pool is very strong. There are lots of people coming from retail and e-commerce.

JEFF COUSENS

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MOVING CHECKLIST

1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS. Research shows that knowing the people who live around you is good for both your physical and mental health. Don’t wait for your neighbors to come to you—be your own welcome wagon.

2. READ UP ON TEXAS AND DFW LAWS that could impact you. See our list on page 172.

3. GET YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED. Texas requires an annual state vehicle safety and emissions inspection. Many mechanic shops, gas stations, and oil change locations off er these inspections. Find one near you at txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/vIactivestationlocator. Be sure to take your proof of insurance.

4. GET YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION STICKER AND LICENSE PLATES. You can do this at your county tax assessor-collector’s offi ce. You’ll need to show proof of ownership, such as registration or title from your previous home state, as well as proof of insurance and vehicle inspection.

5. APPLY FOR A TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE at the Texas Department of Public Safety offi ce in your area. To fi nd the location nearest you, go to txdps.state.tx.us or call 512-424-2600.

6. If you’re going to commute to work via public transportation, FIND YOUR NEAREST DART (OR TRE) STATION OR BUS STOPS and plot your route. See our map on page 158 for routes. Buy passes and do a test ride.

7. If you’ll commute by car, MAP OUT FIRST AND SECONDARY ROUTES. If toll roads are in your future, get a TollTag. See the Access section for toll road maps and TollTag info. Test your routes.

8. DRIVE OTHER ROADS, TOO. DFW is a big place, and it can be diffi cult to budget for traffi c. As you have time, pick a neighborhood that is not your own and drive to it. Do it a couple of times during diff erent parts of the day. Then challenge yourself to get there and back home without using GPS. This will help you orient yourself to the area and make life easier when you need to get someplace out of your comfort zone.

9. PRINT OUT EMERGENCY NUMBERS, such as fi re, ambulance, police, etc. Program these numbers into your phone as well. We have a list for you in this section, pages 167-169.

10. LOCATE THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM NEAREST YOUR HOME. See our hospitals map in the Living section on page 112. Take a test drive to determine the fastest route before you need it. Likewise, fi nd the nearest urgent care center to your home and offi ce—and review your health insurance policy to discover what it covers.

11. FIND A NEW DOCTOR. Find a new dentist. Find a new hairdresser. Find a guy to fi x your car when

it breaks. Having the people you will need in place before you need them is peace of mind. We think the best way to do this is to ask neighbors and co-workers for referrals.

12. IF YOU HAVE KIDS, REGISTER THEM IN SCHOOL. If they’ll be walking to school, map out their route and do a test run. If they’ll be taking the bus, fi nd out the schedules and routes. If school has already started, arrange a parent-teacher conference to start things off right.

13. If you have a dog, SCOUT OUT DOG PARKS. We’ve got a map for you in the Living section on page 106. Ask around for a veterinarian referral or check out a vet’s offi ce close to your home. Locate the all-night emergency vet clinic in your neighborhood.

14. GET UP TO SPEED ON CURRENT LOCAL NEWS. Subscribe to the newspaper or a community magazine, or bookmark the related websites. Check your cable television channels for local news stations and program your radio with your favorites.

15. READ UP ON OUR PAST. The Internet can help you do this.

16. JOIN A GYM near your home or offi ce. It’s a good way to meet people and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Alternatively, you may want to join a club, professional organization, or special interest group. DFW has an abundance of running clubs, book clubs, car clubs, environmental groups, theater troupes, and more. You’re sure to fi nd something that suits your interests.

17. If you’re keen on local politics, ATTEND A TOWN HALL MEETING. We’ve got a list of local government offi ces, pages 167-169, in this section. Call the one

in your community and ask about open meetings or visit their website.

18. REGISTER TO VOTE and locate your polling place. Go to votexas.org or dallascountyvotes.org for information.

19. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW CO-WORKERS. Join an after-work happy hour or ask someone to lunch or coff ee.

20. If religion is an important part of your life, EXPLORE THE CHURCHES, TEMPLES, MOSQUES, OR SYNAGOGUES in Dallas-Fort Worth. Our area has a plentiful and diverse selection of places to worship, so if your fi rst selection isn’t the right fi t, there’s likely another choice just around the corner.

21. GET OUTSIDE. DFW has a lot to off er an outdoors enthusiast. Check out our Living section on pages 105-110 for hiking trails, cycling paths, running trails, lakes, parks, and more.

22. SUPPORT THE HOME TEAM. Whatever your interest—football, basketball, baseball, hockey—we’ve got game. See our map and a list of upcoming events in the Living section on page 97. It’s also fun to connect with your college alumni group so you can support your own teams. It’s a good way to meet people with a background similar to yours and feel more at home.

23. VOLUNTEER. It’s good to give back, but helping out in your new community is also a great way to meet like-minded people. See resources for those interested in volunteering with area charities in this section.

24. GET SOME SLEEP. Moving is stressful. Take care of yourself.

24 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR

FIRST 30 DAYSWHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET ESTABLISHED, MAKE CONNECTIONS, AND FEEL AT HOME

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TAX PREPWhen you move to Texas, you won’t pay a personal income tax at the state or local level. You also won’t pay a local occupation tax or local wage tax. This means more money in your paycheck. Instead, you pay for local government services, such as education, through local property taxes, sales taxes, and business taxes. It’s a balance, to be sure, but for people who are moving to DFW from high-income-tax states, this change can feel like a fi nancial windfall.

SALES TAX RATES STATE: 6 1/4% (.0625)CITY: 1/4% (.0025) – 2% (.02), depending on local rateCOUNTY: 1/2% (.005) – 1.5% (.015), depending on local rateTRANSIT: 1/4 % (.0025) – 1% (.01), depending on local rateSPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS: 1/8% (.00125) – 2% (.02), depending on local rate

DFW COMMUNITIES SALES TAX SAMPLE 2016 Rates PER $100

CITY STATE RATE CITY RATE OTHER RATES TOTAL RATE

PLANO 0.0625 0.010 0.0100 MTA 0.0825DALLAS 0.0625 0.010 0.0100 MTA 0.0825DENTON 0.0625 0.015 0.0050 CTA 0.0825FORT WORTH 0.0625 0.010 .0005 MTA, .005 CCD 0.0825

NOTES: MTA = Metropolitian Transit Authorities, CCD = Crime Control District SOURCE: Texas Comptrollers Offi ce

SAMPLE TAX INFORMATION FOR DFW COMMUNITIES 2016 RATE PER $100 OF TAXABLE VALUATION

CITY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT OTHER TOTAL

PLANO $0.478600

DALLAS $0.782500

DENTON $0.683340

FORT WORTH $0.835000

COLLIN $0.208395

DALLAS $0.243100

DENTON $0.248409

TARRANT $0.254000

PLANO ISD $1.439000

DALLAS ISD $1.282085

DENTON ISD $1.540000

FORT WORTH ISD $1.322000

SET = School Equalization Tax; HD = Hospital District; WD = Water District; CCD = Community College District

CCD $0.081960 $2.234560SET $0.009271 $2.742960HD $0.279400CCD $0.122933

$2.501950WD $0.019400 $2.838397HD $0.227897

CCD $0.144730

COUNTIES RATE

Collin $0.225000Dallas $0.243100Denton $0.261990Ellis $0.380091Hood $0.368066Hunt $0.490379Johnson $0.422663Kaufman $0.588700Parker $0.333780Rockwall $0.375900Somervelll $0.461590Tarrant $0.285693Wise $0.346400

CITIES

Addison $0.560472Allen $0.520000Anna $0.629000Arlington $0.644800Azle $0.679500Balch Springs $0.803000Bedford $0.476509Benbrook $0.650000Burleson $0.735000Carrollton $0.603700Cedar Hill $0.698760Celina $0.645000Cleburne $0.804018Cockrell Hill $1.119407Colleyville $0.339130Commerce $0.820000Coppell $0.579500Corinth $0.581930Crowley $0.739270Dallas $0.782500Decatur $0.703000Denton $0.683340DeSoto $0.744900Duncanville $0.758447Ennis $0.699000Euless $0.462500Everman $1.230000Fairview $0.359999

Farmers Branch $0.602267Fate $0.291100Flower Mound $0.439000Forest Hill $0.990000Forney $0.651111Fort Worth $0.835000Frisco $0.450000Garland $0.704600Glenn Heights $0.935530Granbury $0.397584Grand Prairie $0.669998Grapevine $0.289271Greenville $0.699000Haltom City $0.699990Heath $0.417311Hickory Creek $0.387319Highland Park $0.220000Highland Village $0.569630Hurst $0.587900Hutchins $0.682459Irving $0.594100Joshua $0.775270Kaufman $0.777725Keene $0.897823Keller $0.430000Kennedale $0.767500Krum $0.647489Lake Dallas $0.668068Lake Worth $0.460660Lancaster $0.867500Lewisville $0.436086Little Elm $0.661687Lucas $0.317948Mansfi eld $0.710000McKinney $0.573000Melissa $0.610000Mesquite $0.687000Midlothian $0.708244Murphy $0.510000North Richland Hills $0.610000Parker $0.365984Plano $0.478600Princeton $0.689890Prosper $0.520000

Providence $0.857815Red Oak $0.649000Richardson $0.625160Richland Hills $0.595633River Oaks $0.794444Roanoke $0.375120Rockwall $0.454300Rowlett $0.787173Royse City $0.677100Sachse $0.757279Saginaw $0.513000Sanger $0.679500Sansom Park $0.767304Seagoville $0.743800Southlake $0.462000Sunnyvale $0.407962Terrell $0.724200The Colony $0.667500Trophy Club $0.473000University Park $0.248761Watauga $0.618411Waxahachie $0.680000Weatherford $0.511600WhiteSettlement $0.755693Willow Park $0.536700Wylie $0.848900

SCHOOLS

Aledo ISD $1.595000Allen ISD $1.590000Alvarado ISD $1.461000Alvord ISD $0.013540Anna ISD $1.670000Argyle ISD $1.570050Arlington ISD $1.390080Aubrey ISD $1.510000Avalon ISD $1.233400Azle ISD $1.203000Birdville ISD $1.412952Bland ISD $1.488000Blue Ridge ISD $1.571490Bluff Dale ISD $1.090000Brock ISD $1.550000

Burleson ISD $1.540000Carroll ISD $1.390000Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD $1.391700Castleberry ISD $1.376600Cedar Hill ISD $1.516000Celina ISD $1.640000Cleburne ISD $1.630000Collin College (CCD) $0.081222Community ISD $1.625000Coppell ISD $1.492700Crandall ISD $1.520000Crowley ISD $1.650000Dallas Co. Community College (CCD) $0.122933Dallas ISD $1.282085DeSoto ISD $1.460000Duncanville ISD $1.521480Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD $1.540000Ennis ISD $1.540000Era ISD $1.308000Everman ISD $1.525000Farmersville ISD $1.390000Ferris ISD $1.355000Forney ISD $1.540000Fort Worth ISD $1.352000Frisco ISD $1.460000Frost ISD $1.220800Garland ISD $1.353300Glen Rose ISD $0.974000Godley ISD. $1.540000Granbury ISD $1.250000Grand Prairie ISD $1.595000Grandview ISD $1.400000Grapevine-Colleyville ISD $1.396700Gunter ISD $1.620000Highland Park ISD $1.152700Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD $1.316000Irving ISD $1.445000Italy ISD $1.584972Joshua ISD $1.610000

Kaufman ISD $1.460000Keene ISD $1.430000Keller ISD $1.520000Kennedale ISD $1.486724Krum ISD $1.540000Lake Dallas ISD $1.670000Lake Worth ISD $1.670000Lancaster ISD $1.540000Leonard ISD $1.266200Lewisville ISD $1.420000Lipan ISD $1.505000Little Elm ISD $1.540000Lovejoy ISD $1.670000Mansfi eld ISD $1.510000Maypearl ISD $1.317000McKinney ISD $1.620000Melissa ISD $1.670000Mesquite ISD $1.460000Midlothian ISD $1.540000Milford ISD $1.170000Millsap ISD $1.665000Mineral Wells ISD $1.430000Northwest ISD $1.452500Palmer ISD $1.475000Peaster ISD $1.400000Perrin Whitt ISD $1.240000Pilot Point ISD $1.370000Plano ISD $1.439000Ponder ISD $1.467840Poolville ISD $1.383500Princeton ISD $1.620000Prosper ISD $1.670000Quinlan ISD $1.240000Red Oak ISD $1.540000Richardson ISD $1.390050Rio Vista ISD $1.600000Rockwall ISD $1.465000Royse City ISD $1.670000Sanger ISD $1.372067Boles ISD $1.542940Bland ISD $1.488000Campbell ISD $1.040000Celeste ISD $1.490060Caddo Mills ISD $1.455000Commerce ISD $1.543600

Cooper ISD $1.490000Community ISD $1.625000Cumby ISD $1.300000Scurry-Rosser ISD $1.250000Fannindel ISD $1.260000Greenville ISD $1.309170Leonard ISD $1.266200Slidell ISD $1.135000Lone Oak ISD $1.318950Springtown ISD $1.429000Sunnyvale ISD $1.426000Wolfe City ISD $1.344000Tarrant County College (CCD) $0.144730Terrell ISD $1.600000Tolar ISD $1.441200Trenton ISD $1.460000Van Alstyne ISD $1.520000Venus ISD $1.587600Waxahachie ISD $1.553900Weatherford ISD $1.469000White Settlement ISD $1.540000Whitewright ISD $1.350000Wylie ISD $1.640000

OTHER

Dallas County Parkland Hospital (HD) $0.286000Dallas County School Equalization (SET) $0.010000Tarrant County Water District (WD) $0.020000Tarrant CountyHospital (HD) $0.227897

Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

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ESSENTIALSSALES TAX RATES STATE: 6 1/4% (.0625)CITY: 1/4% (.0025) – 2% (.02), depending on local rateCOUNTY: 1/2% (.005) – 1.5% (.015), depending on local rateTRANSIT: 1/4 % (.0025) – 1% (.01), depending on local rateSPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS: 1/8% (.00125) – 2% (.02), depending on local rate

DFW COMMUNITIES SALES TAX SAMPLE 2016 Rates PER $100

CITY STATE RATE CITY RATE OTHER RATES TOTAL RATE

PLANO 0.0625 0.010 0.0100 MTA 0.0825DALLAS 0.0625 0.010 0.0100 MTA 0.0825DENTON 0.0625 0.015 0.0050 CTA 0.0825FORT WORTH 0.0625 0.010 .0005 MTA, .005 CCD 0.0825

NOTES: MTA = Metropolitian Transit Authorities, CCD = Crime Control District SOURCE: Texas Comptrollers Offi ce

MUST-HAVE CONTACT INFOAddison, Town of 972-450-7001 addisontx.gov

Allen Economic Development Corporation 972-727-0250 allentx.com

Arlington, City of 817-459-6777 arlingtontx.gov

Athens Economic Development Corporation 903-675-4617 athensedc.com

Azle, City of 817-444-2541 ci.azle.tx.us

Balch Springs, City of 972-286-4477 cityofbalchsprings.com

Bedford, City of 817-952-2101 ci.bedford.tx.us

Benbrook Economic Development Corporation 817-249-3000 benbrook.org

Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation 940-683-3490 cityofbridgeport.net

Burleson, City of 817-426-9600 burlesontx.com

Carrollton, City of 972-466-3000 cityofcarrollton.com

Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation 972-291-5132 cedarhilltx.com

Celina Economic Development Corporation 972-382-8949 celinaedc.com

Cleburne, City of 817-645-0900 cleburne.net

Colleyville, City of 817-503-1000 colleyville.com

Commerce Economic Development Corporation 903-886-1121 commercetx.org

Coppell, City of 972-462-0022 ci.coppell.tx.us

Corinth Economic Development Corporation 940-498-3284 cityofcorinth.com

Crandall Economic Development Corporation 972-427-8300 crandalledc.com

Dallas, City of 214-670-1221 dallascityhall.com

Dallas County 214-653-7011 dallascounty.org

Dallas Regional Chamber 214-746-6600 dallaschamber.org

Decatur Economic Development Corporation 940-627-9109 decaturtx.org

Denison Development Alliance 903-464-0883 denisontx.org

Denton Chamber of Commerce 940-382-7151 dentonedp.com

DeSoto Economic Development Corporation 972-230-9611 dedc.org

Duncanville, City of 972-780-5000 ci.duncanville.tx.us

Ennis, City of 972-878-1234 ext. 2238 ennis-texas.com

Euless, City of 817-685-1422 eulesstx.gov

Everman, City of 817-293-0525 evermantx.net

Fairview Economic Development Corporation 972-562-0522 fairviewtexas.org

Farmers Branch, City of 972-919-2512 farmersbranch.info

Farmersville Economic Development Corporation 972-782-6151 farmersvilletx.com

Flower Mound, Town of 972-539-7378 fl ower-mound.com

Forest Hill, City of 817-568-3000 foresthilltx.org

Forney Economic Development Corporation 972-564-5808 forneytexasedc.org

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

817-336-2491 ext. 228 fortworthchamber.com

Frisco Economic Development Corporation 972-668-5550 friscoedc.com

Garland Chamber of Commerce 972-272-7551 garlandchamber.com

Glenn Heights, City of 972-223-1690 glennheights.com

Grand Prairie, City of 972-237-8081 gptx.org

Grapevine, City of 817-410-3135 ci.grapevine.tx.us

Greenville Economic Development Corporation 800-295-4141 ci.greenville.tx.us

Haltom City 817-222-7723 haltomcitytx.com

Haslet, City of 817-439-5931 haslet.org

HEB Economic Development Foundation 817-540-1053 heb.org

Hickory Creek, Town of 940-497-2528 hickorycreek-tx.gov

Highland Village, City of 972-899-5131 highlandvillage.org

Hurst, City of 817-788-7044 ci.hurst.tx.us

Hutchins, City of 972-225-4449 hutchinsedc.org

Irving–Las Colinas Economic Development Commission 214-507-5091 irvingchamber.com

Johnson County Economic Development Corporation 817-866-0820 johnsoncountytx.org

Justin Economic Development Corporation 940-648-3800 cityofjustin.com

Kaufman Economic Development Corporation 972-932-5332 kaufmanedc.org

Keene, City of 817-641-3337 ext. 36 keenetx.com

Keller, City of 817-743-4000 cityofkeller.comKemp, City of 903-498-3191 kempedc.comKennedale, City of 817-985-2100 cityofkennedale.comLake Dallas, City of 940-497-2226 lakedallas.com

Lake Worth, City of 817-237-1211 ext. 225 lakeworthtx.org

Lancaster Economic Development Corporation 972-218-1300 lancaster-tx.com

Lewisville, City of 972-219-3400 cityofl ewisville.comLittle Elm, City of 214-975-0406 littleelmtx.usMansfi eld Economic Development Corporation 817-453-1006 mansfi eld-texas.com

McKinney Economic Development Corporation 972-562-5430 mckinneyedc.com

Mesquite, City of 972-288-7711 ci.mesquite.tx.usMidlothian Economic Development Corporation 972-775-3481 cedmidlothian.org

Murphy Economic Development Corporation 972-468-4030 murphytx.org

North Central Texas Council of Governments 817-640-3300 nctcog.org

North Richland Hills, City of 817-427-6060 nrhtx.comPantego Economic Development Corporation 817-617-3705 townofpantego.com

Pilot Point, City of 940-686-2165 cityofpilotpoint.orgPlano Economic Development 972-208-8300 planotexas.org

City of Plano 972-941-7000 plano.govPrinceton, City of 972-734-2416 princetontx.govProsper, Town of 972-346-3502 prosperedc.comQuad Cities DFW 817-281-9376 netarrant.orgRed Oak, City of 972-617-3638 redoaktx.orgRichardson Economic Development Corporation 972-792-2800 telecomcorridor.com

Roanoke, City of 817-491-2411 roanoketexas.comRockwall Economic Development Corporation 972-772-0025 rockwall.com

Rowlett, City of 972-463-2489 rowlett.comRoyse City 972-524-4700 roysecity.comSachse Economic Development Corporation 972-675-0562 sachseedc.com

Saginaw, City of 817-232-4640 saginaw.tx.usSanger, City of 940-458-7702 sangertexas.orgSeagoville Economic Development Corporation 972-287-9944 seagovilleedc.com

Sherman Economic Development Corporation 903-868-2566 sedco.org

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

1 6 8 / D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

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Southlake, City of 817-748-8400 cityofsouthlake.com

State of Texas Economic Development & Tourism 800-843-5781 governor.state.tx.us

Sunnyvale, City of 972-226-7177 townofsunnyvale.org

Terrell Chamber of Commerce 972-563-5703 terrelltexas.com

The Colony Economic Development Corporation 972-624-3127 thecolonyedc.org

Trophy Club, Town of 682-831-4600 ci.trophyclub.tx.us

Watauga, City of 817-514-5813 cowtx.org

Waxahachie, City of 469-309-4000 waxahachie.com

Weatherford ED Authority 817-594-9429 ext. 102 ci.weatherford.tx.us

Westlake, Town of 817-490-5720 westlake-tx.org

Wilmer, City of 972-441-3574

Wylie, Development Corp. of 972-442-7901 wylieedc.com

DFW AREA APPRAISAL DISTRICTS

Collin County Appraisal District 469-742-9200 collincad.org

Dallas County Appraisal District 214-631-0910 dallascad.org

Delta County Appraisal District 903-395-4118 delta-cad.org

Denton County Appraisal District 940-349-3800 dentoncad.com

Ellis Central Appraisal District 972-937-3552 elliscad.com

Hunt County Appraisal District 903-408-4000 hctax.info

Johnson County Central Appraisal District 817-648-3000 johnsoncad.com

Kaufman County Appraisal District 972-932-6081 kaufman-cad.org

Parker County Appraisal District 817-596-0077 parkercad.org

Rockwall Central Appraisal District 972-771-2034 rockwallcad.com

Tarrant County Appraisal District 817-284-0024 tad.org

Wise County Appraisal District 940-627-3081 appraisaldistrict.net/countyappraisal.asp?county=wise

DALLAS COUNTY

Agricultural Extension Service 972-231-5362

County Commissioners Court 214-653-7361

County General Information 214-653-7475

County Judge 214-653-7555

County Taxes 214-653-7811

County Welfare 214-819-1800 ext. 1801

District Attorney 214-653-3600

Health Department 214-819-2000

Immunizations 214-819-2000

Justice Center (Inmate Aff airs) 214-761-9025

Marriage License 214-653-7099

Vital Statistics/Records 214-670-3248

Voter Registration 214-819-6389

CITY OF DALLAS Emergency 911

Animal Control 311

Building Inspection 214-948-4480

Chamber of Commerce 214-746-6600

City Council 214-670-4050

City Manager 214-670-3296

Civil Service Board 214-670-3748

Controller 214-670-3538

Dallas City Services 311

Dallas Convention Center 214-939-2724

Dallas Police Department / Jack Evans Police Headquarters 214-671-3001

Dallas Public Library 214-670-1400

DFW Airport 972-973-8888

Emergency Preparedness 214-670-4275

Garbage Collection 214-670-8613

Environmental & Health Services 214-670-3092

Love Field Airport 214-670-6073

Mayor’s Offi ce 214-670-4054

Court & Detention Services 214-670-0109

Park and Recreation 214-670-4100

Taxes 214-631-0910

Tree Trimming (for trees too close to power lines), TXU 972-791-2888

Visitor Information Center 214-571-1000

Zoning 214-948-4480

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 800-525-5555 txdps.state.tx.us

Dallas Courtesy Patrol 214-653-3465dallascounty.org/department/sheriff /courtesy_patrol.php

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) 214-749-2662 dart.org

North Texas Tollway Authority 214-461-2000 ntta.org

NTTA Roadside Assistance 972-444-4357

DFW WORKFORCE BOARDS

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas 888-548-9675 dfwjobs.com

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County 817-413-4000 workforcesolutions.net

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas 214-421-2460 wfsdallas.com

HUMAN SERVICES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

American Cancer Society 800-227-2345

American Red Cross – Dallas 214-678-4800

American Red Cross – Fort Worth 817-335-9137

Arthritis Foundation 800-283-7800

Austin Street Shelter 214-428-4242

Callier Center for Communications Disorders – UT Dallas

214-905-3000

Cancer Care Services 817-921-0653

Catholic Charities 214-638-4997

Child Care Associates 817-838-0055

Dallas Life Foundation 214-421-1380

Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind 214-821-2375

Dallas Urban League 214-413-1760

Deaf Action Center 214-521-0407

Down Syndrome Guild 214-267-1374Easter Seals Greater Northwest Texas 817-332-7171

ECI of Richardson 972-705-5291

Goodwill Industries of Dallas 214-638-2800

Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth 817-332-7866

Greater Dallas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 214-522-8600

Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center 214-521-4673

(CONTINUED) MUST-HAVE CONTACT INFO

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E / 1 6 9S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

ESSENTIALSMental Health America of Greater Dallas 214-828-4192

Mental Health Association of Tarrant County 817-335-5405

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 877-275-6233

North Dallas Shared Ministries 972-620-8696

Poison Center 800-222-1222

Rape Crisis Center Dallas 972-641-7273

Recovery Resource Council (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse) 817-332-6329

The Salvation Army 214-424-7200

Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas 214-828-1000

The ARC of Dallas 214-634-9810

The ARC of Greater Tarrant County 817-877-1474

The Bridge Emergency Youth Services 817-335-4673

The Women’s Center of Tarrant County 817-924-9572

Union Gospel Mission 214-637-6117

United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas 800-999-1898

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000

Youth Crisis and Runaway Hotline 800-621-4000 (24 hours)

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Dallas County Dental Society 972-386-5741

Dallas County Medical Society 214-948-3622

DFW Hospital Council 972-719-4900

Health Industry Council of DFW 972-256-2291

Tarrant County Medical Society 817-732-2825

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000

United Way of Tarrant County 817-258-8000

Visiting Nurse Association 214-905-6053

CHILD CARE LICENSING OFFICES

Dallas 214-951-7902 / 800-582-6036

Denton 940-381-3447

Fort Worth 800-582-8286 / 817-321-8604

Plano 469-229-6900 ext. 6901

DISD

Administration Building 972-925-3700

Athletics 972-749-2450

Attendance and Truancy 214-932-5030

Child Abuse/Domestic Violence 888-572-2873

Communications 972-925-3900

Counseling Services 972-925-3505

Customer Service Center 972-925-5555

Early Childhood Education 972-925-8930

Health Services 972-925-3386

Physical Education 972-925-6790

Safe and Drug-Free Schools 972-925-8040

Special Education 972-581-4100

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

American Red Cross 214-678-4800 redcross.org/tx/dallas-fort-worth/locations

Austin Street Shelter 214-428-4242 austinstreet.org

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 214-871-0876 bbbs.org

Community Council of Greater Dallas 214-379-4357 ccgd.org

Dallas Life Foundation 214-421-1380 dallaslife.org

Lift 214-824-2000 lift-texas.org

North Dallas Shared Ministries 972-620-8696 ndsm.org

The Salvation Army 214-630-5611 salvationarmyusa.org

The Stewpot 214-746-2785 thestewpot.org

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 214-978-0000 unitedwaydallas.org

Visiting Nurse Association 214-689-0000 vnatexas.org

Volunteer Center 214-826-6767 volunteernorthtexas.org

West Dallas Community Centers 214-760-8353 westdallas.org

ETHNIC CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

African Chamber of Commerce 214-628-2569

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas 972-241-6450

Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas 972-241-8250

British-American Business Council of North Texas 214-229-8801

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce 214-421-5200

East African Chamber of Commerce 214-267-9189

French-American Chamber of Commerce, DFW 972-241-0111

Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas 214-521-6007

Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce 972-230-0501

Israel Chamber of Commerce 214-272-4817

Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce 713-960-0845

U.S. China Chamber of Commerce 312-368-9911

U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce

214-346-9559

U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce 214-651-4300

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau visitdallas.com

Dallas Morning News dallasnews.com

Dallas Police Department dallaspolice.net

Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau fortworth.com

Fort Worth Police Department fortworthpd.com

Fort Worth Star-Telegram star-telegram.com

DFW CONSULATES

Canada 214-922-9806

France 214-953-0100 ext. 105

Germany 214-748-4915 / 214-752-3684

Iceland 214-272-2363

Japan 972-713-8683

Mexico 214-932-8670

Republic of Korea 972-701-0108

Romania 214-522-3799

Slovak Republic 214-251-8020

South Africa 214-943-1068

Spain 214-373-1200

Sweden 972-991-8013

Switzerland 214-965-1025

Taiwan 972-436-4242

Thailand 214-934-0022 ext. 2204

Tunisia 972-267-4191

Uganda 972-387-7860 ext. 13

United Kingdom 214-978-8930

S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

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1 7 0

JACK

HILL

FANNIN

COOKECLAY

GRAYSON

VAN ZANDT

HENDERSON

MONTAGUE

LAMAR

HOPKINS

BOSQUE

RAINS

DELTA

FREESTONE

ELLIS

HUNT

WISE

ERATH

COLLIN

DALLASPARKER

DENTON

TARRANT

NAVARRO

KAUFMAN

JOHNSONHOOD

PALO PINTO

SOMERVELL

ROCKWALL

DALLAS

FORTWORTH

Denton

Plano

Irving

Arlington

Frisco

Garland

Wylie

McKinney

Allen

Lewisville

Carrollton

Mansfield

Cedar Hill DeSoto

Euless

Reno

Anna

GrandPrairie

Ennis

Mesquite

Midlothian

Weatherford

Waxahachie

Cleburne

Grapevine

Prosper

Greenville

Terrell

Keller

Flower Mound

Rockwall

LakeRay

Hubbard

JoePoolLake

WhiteRockLake

GrapevineLake

EagleMountain

Lake

MountainCreekLake

Lewisville Lake

Lancaster

Burleson

Celina

Rowlett

Richardson

Corsicana

LittleElm

LakeDallas

Southlake

Forney

Lucas

Azle

Briar CDP

Heath

Northlake

Coppell

Rendon CDP

Hurst

Argyle

SunnyvaleMineralWells

Seagoville

Granbury

Red Oak

Melissa

Haslet

TheColony

Royse City

Sachse

Colleyville

Bedford

Benbrook

Fate

Parker

PecanAcresCDP

Cresson

FairviewCorinth

HaltomCity

Sanger

Joshua

Ovilla

Hutchins

Mildred

Alma

Stephenville

Decatur

Duncanville

Mabank

Athens

Weston

NewFairview

Combine

NorthRichland

Hills

CrowleyKaufman

Saginaw

Wilmer

Ferris

Eureka

Princeton

Commerce

Westlake

Bridgeport

Murphy

FarmersBranch

Retreat

Alvarado

BalchSprings

Keene

Talty

Kennedale

Bartonville

Roanoke

OakPoint

Rice

McLendon-Chisholm

Aurora

Boyd

Dublin

Addison

Willow Park

Glenn Heights

Cross Roads

Angus

Italy

Runaway Bay

Watauga

Aledo

Ponder

Krum

Campbell

Forest Hill

EagleMountain

CDP

HighlandVillage

CopperCanyon

Lavon

Crandall

Justin

Kemp

Milford

Hillsboro

Cool

Palmer

Pilot Point

Caddo Mills

Kerens

Venus

TrophyClub

Annetta

Rosser

Hickory Creek

Farmersville

PecanPlantation CDP

OakRidge

WhiteSettlement

Scurry

Aubrey

Oak Leaf

Glen Rose

Powell

Springtown

UniversityPark

Godley

Annetta North

Frost

Rhome

Tolar

RichlandHills

Paradise

Alvord

Bowie

Lake Worth

Chico

Pecan Hill

ShadyShores

DISH

Millsap

Nevada

Double Oak

Hudson‘Oaks

Everman

Lipan

Oak Valley

River Oaks

Oak Grove

St. Paul

Lakeside

WestTawakoni

Josephine

LowryCrossing

Cottonwood

Quinlan

Grandview

HighlandPark

Wolfe City

Celeste

Union Valley

New Hope

Annetta South

Blue Ridge

Pantego

Gordon

Goodlow

Oak TrailShores CDP

Lone Oak

Krugerville

Rio Vista

Briaroaks

Cross Timber

Hebron

Grays Prairie

Garrett

Post OakBend City

Graford

Newark

Sanctuary

Maypearl

Navarro

Barry

DalworthingtonGardens

Edgecliff Village

De Cordova Bend

Pelican Bay

Blooming Grove

Westover Hills Cockrell Hill

BlueMound

Bardwell

Emhouse

LakeBridgeport

Hawk Cove

Neylandville

Mustang

ShermanWhitesboro

Denison

Bonham

Gainesville

DFWINTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT

DALLASLOVEFIELD

DALLASEXECUTIVE

AIRPORT

DENTONMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

FORT WORTHALLIANCEAIRPORT ADDISON

AIRPORT

FORT WORTHMEACHAM

INTERNATIONALAIRPORT

NAS FORT WORTHJOINT RESERVE

BASE

FORT WORTHSPINKS

AIRPORT

ARLINGTONMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

LANCASTERREGIONALAIRPORT

MESQUITEMETRO

AIRPORT

ROCKWALLMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

McKINNEYNATIONALAIRPORT

GETTING THE LAY OF THE LANDStart talking to people about Dallas, and you’ll quickly realize there’s more here than just the city of Dallas. The o� cial North Texas metropolitan area comprises 13 counties and more than 9,300 square miles, making it the largest land-locked metropolitan area in the United States.

With more than 200 cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, there is the perfect community for everyone. Each community has its own personality, places of worship, schools, entertainment options, and more. Finding the part of town that makes the most sense for you just takes a little time. With a bit of guidance and patience, you’ll � nd a place that works for you, whether you are looking for an urban apartment as a single person with a pet or a spacious address in the suburbs for your family of � ve.

The Communities section, in the front of this magazine, breaks down Dallas neighborhoods, the suburbs, and outlying areas.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E 1 7 1

JACK

HILL

FANNIN

COOKECLAY

GRAYSON

VAN ZANDT

HENDERSON

MONTAGUE

LAMAR

HOPKINS

BOSQUE

RAINS

DELTA

FREESTONE

ELLIS

HUNT

WISE

ERATH

COLLIN

DALLASPARKER

DENTON

TARRANT

NAVARRO

KAUFMAN

JOHNSONHOOD

PALO PINTO

SOMERVELL

ROCKWALL

DALLAS

FORTWORTH

Denton

Plano

Irving

Arlington

Frisco

Garland

Wylie

McKinney

Allen

Lewisville

Carrollton

Mansfield

Cedar Hill DeSoto

Euless

Reno

Anna

GrandPrairie

Ennis

Mesquite

Midlothian

Weatherford

Waxahachie

Cleburne

Grapevine

Prosper

Greenville

Terrell

Keller

Flower Mound

Rockwall

LakeRay

Hubbard

JoePoolLake

WhiteRockLake

GrapevineLake

EagleMountain

Lake

MountainCreekLake

Lewisville Lake

Lancaster

Burleson

Celina

Rowlett

Richardson

Corsicana

LittleElm

LakeDallas

Southlake

Forney

Lucas

Azle

Briar CDP

Heath

Northlake

Coppell

Rendon CDP

Hurst

Argyle

SunnyvaleMineralWells

Seagoville

Granbury

Red Oak

Melissa

Haslet

TheColony

Royse City

Sachse

Colleyville

Bedford

Benbrook

Fate

Parker

PecanAcresCDP

Cresson

FairviewCorinth

HaltomCity

Sanger

Joshua

Ovilla

Hutchins

Mildred

Alma

Stephenville

Decatur

Duncanville

Mabank

Athens

Weston

NewFairview

Combine

NorthRichland

Hills

CrowleyKaufman

Saginaw

Wilmer

Ferris

Eureka

Princeton

Commerce

Westlake

Bridgeport

Murphy

FarmersBranch

Retreat

Alvarado

BalchSprings

Keene

Talty

Kennedale

Bartonville

Roanoke

OakPoint

Rice

McLendon-Chisholm

Aurora

Boyd

Dublin

Addison

Willow Park

Glenn Heights

Cross Roads

Angus

Italy

Runaway Bay

Watauga

Aledo

Ponder

Krum

Campbell

Forest Hill

EagleMountain

CDP

HighlandVillage

CopperCanyon

Lavon

Crandall

Justin

Kemp

Milford

Hillsboro

Cool

Palmer

Pilot Point

Caddo Mills

Kerens

Venus

TrophyClub

Annetta

Rosser

Hickory Creek

Farmersville

PecanPlantation CDP

OakRidge

WhiteSettlement

Scurry

Aubrey

Oak Leaf

Glen Rose

Powell

Springtown

UniversityPark

Godley

Annetta North

Frost

Rhome

Tolar

RichlandHills

Paradise

Alvord

Bowie

Lake Worth

Chico

Pecan Hill

ShadyShores

DISH

Millsap

Nevada

Double Oak

Hudson‘Oaks

Everman

Lipan

Oak Valley

River Oaks

Oak Grove

St. Paul

Lakeside

WestTawakoni

Josephine

LowryCrossing

Cottonwood

Quinlan

Grandview

HighlandPark

Wolfe City

Celeste

Union Valley

New Hope

Annetta South

Blue Ridge

Pantego

Gordon

Goodlow

Oak TrailShores CDP

Lone Oak

Krugerville

Rio Vista

Briaroaks

Cross Timber

Hebron

Grays Prairie

Garrett

Post OakBend City

Graford

Newark

Sanctuary

Maypearl

Navarro

Barry

DalworthingtonGardens

Edgecliff Village

De Cordova Bend

Pelican Bay

Blooming Grove

Westover Hills Cockrell Hill

BlueMound

Bardwell

Emhouse

LakeBridgeport

Hawk Cove

Neylandville

Mustang

ShermanWhitesboro

Denison

Bonham

Gainesville

DFWINTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT

DALLASLOVEFIELD

DALLASEXECUTIVE

AIRPORT

DENTONMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

FORT WORTHALLIANCEAIRPORT ADDISON

AIRPORT

FORT WORTHMEACHAM

INTERNATIONALAIRPORT

NAS FORT WORTHJOINT RESERVE

BASE

FORT WORTHSPINKS

AIRPORT

ARLINGTONMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

LANCASTERREGIONALAIRPORT

MESQUITEMETRO

AIRPORT

ROCKWALLMUNICIPAL

AIRPORT

McKINNEYNATIONALAIRPORT

ESSENTIALS

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Laws vary from state to state, city to city. Here are a few important laws that may be di� erent in Texas and/or the area you plan to live in.

DRIVING LAWSDRIVER’S LICENSEYou have 90 days to obtain a Texas driver’s license after moving to the state. If you are over 18 and already have a valid, unexpired license from another state, you won’t have to take the driving or knowledge test. To obtain your new Texas license you must:> Submit an application to your local

Department of Public Safety> Provide proof of Texas residency > Submit a valid form of ID, such as a passport,

unexpired military ID card, or U.S. Citizen Identifi cation Card

> Pay a $25 fee

VEHICLE INSURANCEIn Texas, you are required to have liability car insurance. It’s OK if your auto insurance was issued by another state, but it will have to meet the minimum coverage requirement. In Texas, all drivers must have at least $25,000 in coverage for property damage, $30,000 for each injured person, and $60,000 for injuries per incident.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONVehicle inspections are still a part of the registration process and are performed at Offi cial Vehicle Inspection Stations licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Inspections must be done with 90 days of registering your vehicle. Emission testing is required in 17 Texas counties which must comply with federally mandated clear air requirements.

VEHICLE REGISTRATIONIn 2013, the State of Texas changed the vehicle inspection and registration requirements, eliminating the inspection sticker. Residents must have their vehicle inspected within 90 days of renewing the state vehicle registration sticker. Under the one-sticker system, It now serves as both the inspection and registration sticker. You can register your vehicle online, by mail, or in person.

HELMETSTexas does not require drivers or passengers of motorcycles to wear helmets. The state also does not require helmets for bicyclists. However, city regulations vary on the latter, and the city of Dallas requires helmets for bicyclists ages 17 and younger.

For more on driving laws, go to dmv.org/tx-texas/safety-laws.php

GUN LAWSLEGALITYThere are no legal restrictions to purchasing a gun in Texas. You do not need to obtain a license

to own a fi rearm or register a fi rearm that you own. It is legal to carry a shotgun or a rifl e without having a handler’s license. Handguns can be carried in some places without a Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL).

LICENSINGYou may carry a concealed handgun in most places in Texas if you have a CHL, but you must carry the CHL with you. Texas has reciprocity agreements with 30 states. However, there are some places and circumstances you cannot carry a handgun legally even with a CHL. Owners of any establishment can prohibit handguns on their properties if they post a legal notice.

For more on Texas gun laws, go to txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl

LABOR LAWSRIGHT TO WORKTexas is a right-to-work state. That means you cannot be denied employment for participation or nonparticipation in a labor union/organization. Your employer cannot discriminate against you for choosing to join or not join a union. Texas is also an employment-at-will state, which means the employer or employee can terminate employment at any time, for any reason, with few exceptions.

For more information on labor laws, go totexasattorneygeneral.gov/agency/righttowork.shtml

SMOKING AND DRINKING LAWSUSE/PURCHASE OF TOBACCO You must be older than 18 years of age to purchase tobacco products in Texas.

SMOKING RESTRICTIONSSmoking is not allowed in public places in Dallas, including city parks, libraries, buses, or within 15 feet of any pedestrian entrance. The city of Dallas has also banned smoking in bars and restaurants. However, many of the surrounding communities do allow smoking in bars.

DRINKING RESTRICTIONSThe legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Texas is 21. In Texas, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is considered driving while intoxicated (DWI). It is illegal in Texas to have open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle while you are driving or parked on a public highway.

DRY VERSUS WET AREASA wet area is one in which sales of all alcoholic beverages are permitted at all times. A dry area is one in which some or all alcoholic beverage sales are restricted some or all the time. There are also partially wet areas in which beer and wine sales are legal, but the sale of liquor is not. DFW is a complicated patchwork of all of the above.

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE LAWSMARRIAGE/DIVORCE REQUIREMENTSTo get married in Texas, you need to be at least 18

years old. Apply in person at a Texas County Clerk’s Offi ce to receive your marriage license. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing to be granted a divorce. Texas does not stipulate that a couple must be separated for any period of time prior to getting a divorce.

COMMON LAW MARRIAGE Texas recognizes common-law marriage. You and your partner simply need to either fi le a Declaration of Informal Marriage or agree that you are married, live together in Texas, and represent to other people that you are married to each other.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPSAs of the summer of 2015, the State of Texas recognizes marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships between individuals of the same gender, per the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

For more on marriage and divorce, go to dshs.state.tx.us/Vital_Statistics/Verifi cation_of_a_Marriage_or_Divorce.aspx

EDUCATION LAWSKINDERGARTENTexas does not require kindergarten. However, children ages 6 and over must attend school.

TESTINGTexas requires students to take standardized tests in grades 3-8 and high school end-of-course (EOC) exams. The tests are called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) system. The number of EOC tests a student is required to take depends on what that student plans to do after graduation.

For more on public education in Texas, go to tasb.org/legislative/documents/fullguide.pdf and see the Education section of this guide (beginning on page 130).

REAL ESTATEHOMESTEAD LAWThe Texas Homestead Exemption reduces taxes by lowering a home’s taxable value. All school districts off er a $15,000 homestead exemption, and some taxing units off er a separate exemption based on a percentage of a home’s assessed value. The homestead exemption applies only if the property is the owner’s primary residence. There are additional exemptions for people over 65. Also under the Texas Homestead Exemption your residence is protected from the forced sale by creditors, with the exception of the lender, the IRS, or a contractor who works on your house and increases its value. When you buy a house, call the county appraisal district and ask for the forms for declaring your homestead.

For more on the homestead exemption, go to comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/exemptions.html

IT’S THE LAW