KnowYard Community

What's one thing you wish you knew before moving to Texas?

Been here about a year now. There were things I expected — the heat, the big trucks, the BBQ obsession. All true.

DFW marathon and running event calendar 2026

DFW has a running event almost every weekend. Here's the major race calendar.

• Dallas Marathon — December 2026. Full, half, 50K, and relay. Flat, fast course through Dallas. Source: dallasmarathon.com
• Cowtown Marathon (Fort Worth) — February 2026. Full, half, ultra, 10K, 5K. Oldest marathon in DFW. Source: cowtownmarathon.org
• BMW Dallas Marathon Festival — includes Dallas Marathon + associated events. Source: dallasmarathon.com

From corporate to small business: Starting a business in DFW — the honest version

Left my $130K corporate PM job 18 months ago to start a business in DFW. Here's the reality nobody posts about on LinkedIn.

• Revenue: $87K
• Expenses: $34K (software, coworking space, insurance, LLC fees)
• Net profit: $53K

HEB vs Kroger vs Walmart: where do you actually shop?

I know HEB is the correct answer on the internet. But I want to know what people actually do week to week.

Best second and third date ideas in DFW when you want to go deeper

First date went well. Now you need to keep the momentum without repeating yourself.

• Dallas Museum of Art — free admission, hours of conversation starters, then walk to Klyde Warren for food trucks. Total cost: $0-20.
• Fort Worth Stockyards rodeo — $15-25 tickets, Fri/Sat nights. Totally unique. You'll have stories.
• Katy Trail walk + dinner in Knox-Henderson — walk first, see if the conversation flows, then reward yourselves with food.

Anyone else feel like their electric bill is a second mortgage?

July bill just hit: $387. For a 1,600 sq ft house. Thermostat set to 76.

EV charging situation here is actually improving

Got an EV last year and was worried about charging infrastructure. Honestly it's gotten way better around here even in the last 12 months.

DFW hidden gems: Places that have been here forever but most people don't know about

DFW is full of spots that aren't on any tourist list but are beloved by locals. Share yours.

Doctor/dentist recs that take insurance and aren't booked 3 months out?

I've been trying to find a primary care doctor and a dentist for two months. Everyone is either not taking new patients, doesn't take my insurance, or has the next available appointment in August.

Phone call scam: "Your Social Security number has been suspended" — targeting seniors in DFW

The Social Security Administration scam calls are hitting DFW hard again. Multiple reports from senior living communities in Richardson, Garland, and Mesquite.

• Robocall says your SSN has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity
• Press 1 to speak with an "agent"
• They claim warrants have been issued for your arrest

Parks and outdoor spots that are actually worth going to?

I've been here a while but I feel like I've only scratched the surface of outdoor stuff to do. I default to the same two parks every weekend and I'm getting bored.

Is Texas getting too expensive or are we just not keeping up?

Groceries are up. Rent is up. Insurance is up. Gas somehow went down and then right back up.

Best DFW companies for work-life balance: Ranked by actual employees

Compiled from Glassdoor ratings, Blind posts, and direct conversations with employees across DFW.

• "Fast-paced environment" = long hours
• "Wear many hats" = under-resourced team
• "Entrepreneurial spirit" = startup chaos at corporate pay

EV charging in DFW: A practical guide for electric vehicle owners

I drive a Tesla Model 3 in DFW. Here's the real EV experience.

• Plano (Legacy Dr) — 20 stalls, usually available
• Dallas (Knox/Henderson area) — 12 stalls, gets busy weekday evenings
• Fort Worth (Hulen area) — 16 stalls, rarely full

DFW brewery guide: Local craft beer worth trying

DFW's craft beer scene has exploded. Here are the breweries worth visiting.

• Peticolas Brewing (Design District) — Velvet Hammer is their flagship. Taproom open Wed-Sun. Source: peticolasbrewing.com
• Deep Ellum Brewing (Deep Ellum) — Deep Ellum Blonde and Dallas Blonde are DFW staples. Large taproom + tours. Source: deepellumbrewing.com
• Community Beer Co (Design District) — Mosaic IPA is one of the best IPAs brewed in Texas. Source: communitybeer.com

Heads up: Fake parking tickets being placed on cars in Deep Ellum with QR codes

If you parked in Deep Ellum recently and found an official-looking parking ticket on your windshield with a QR code to "pay your fine" — it's a scam.

• Yellow paper, looks like a real citation
• References "City of Dallas Parking Authority" (not a real entity)
• Lists a fine of $75-150

Best Texas road trip you've ever taken?

Looking to plan something for a long weekend. Done the usual stuff close to home but want to go further out.

Best tutoring services in DFW: What parents actually recommend

When your kid needs extra help, here are the vetted options.

• Mathnasium (multiple DFW) — diagnostic assessment, personalized plan. $200-300/month for 2x/week. Google Reviews consistently 4.8+. Source: mathnasium.com
• Kumon (multiple DFW) — daily worksheets + weekly in-center sessions. $150-200/month. Builds discipline. Source: kumon.com
• Russian School of Mathematics (Plano, Southlake) — rigorous math curriculum. $150-250/month. Source: russianschool.com

STAAR test changes and what DFW parents need to know for 2026

The STAAR test continues to evolve. Here's the current state for DFW families.

• STAAR is now primarily computer-based across DFW districts. Source: TEA.texas.gov.
• Redesigned format includes more open-ended questions, less multiple choice.
• Results now reported in categories: Masters, Meets, Approaches, Did Not Meet.

Car insurance comparison in DFW: What I actually pay and what you should too

DFW car insurance is expensive because we have expensive accidents. Here's the real data.

• GEICO: $142/month
• State Farm: $156/month
• Progressive: $131/month

Honest dating app breakdown for DFW: Hinge vs Bumble vs Tinder in 2026

I've used all three extensively in Dallas-Fort Worth. Here's the real breakdown.

• Best for serious dating in DFW. The algorithm actually learns your preferences.
• DFW-specific: Heavy SMU/UTD crowd if you're 22-28. More established professionals 28+.
• Prompts let you show personality. The "most spontaneous thing I've done" prompt is overused. Be creative.

DFW hit-and-run: What to do if you're the victim and how to find the driver

Texas leads the nation in hit-and-run fatalities. Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. If you're hit, here's the step-by-step.

• Ask responding officer about traffic camera footage (TxDOT and city cameras at major intersections)
• Post on Nextdoor and neighborhood Facebook groups with the description
• Check nearby businesses for security camera footage within 48 hours (many systems overwrite after 72 hours)

Moved here from the northeast and this culture shock is real

Three months in. Some observations from someone still adjusting.

• People genuinely say "sir" and "ma'am" and it's not sarcastic
• The speed limit says 65 but everyone is doing 80 and if you go 70 you're in the way
• Restaurants bring chips and salsa like it's bread and butter. I am not complaining.

What Texas stereotype is actually 100% true?

I've been here long enough to know which stereotypes are BS and which ones are dead on. The big trucks one? Absolutely real. Every third vehicle on the highway is an F-150 or bigger.

Texas drivers... let's talk about it

I've driven in a lot of states. Texas is on another level.