DFW Residents

[Galaxy]

After checking out a few markets (Phoenix, Boston, Vegas, and a few other places), I have lined up an interview (and hopefully a few more, if I can get some settled) for a position in Dallas in the next two weeks or so. I love the metroplex, and have family in the area, so finding a place to live isn’t a problem.

As one of the fastest-growing (if not the) metro areas in the country, it seems like the job and housing market is holding pretty steady (if not at least falling apart like other places). Without giving away specifics (I'll be happy to discuss them via PM), I'm trying to get a feeling on a few things. What would the cost of living requirements be (with or without a roommate; and I'm not a "$30,000 millionaire”-pretty cheap actually). I’m not excepting to make a $30,000-$40,000 salary in my first career job, of course. However, it's an first-class company with that brand name cache. I know DFW isn’t the most beautiful place in the world (I think the architecture is nice, and people do actually seem to care about keeping things nice), but it seems like it’s a great place to live (and growing). The traffic can be a bitch, but its better than a lot other major U.S. cities I think. How do you guys, in general, like it? It seems like a lot of new deveopment is going on to make the metro area better, and the cost of living is strong. Do you enjoy your quality of life?

I would like to find out some more information on other potential jobs. Should I just go to places with resume and references in hand? Feel free to PM me if you wish.

[Galaxy]

Bump...

[sachmo71]

I'm happy to answer any questions you have specifically.
But Dallas is like any other city; professional courtesy is a must. If you are interested in a company, the best placde to start is the website. You can usually apply online for most jobs that you find and get the ball roling from there.

The cost of living is going up like everywhere else, but nationally it's very reasonable. Plano was just voted the richest city in america (over 250k people) and Carrollton was voted the 17th best place to live in Money magazine. There is a current migration of young professionals into the downtown area, and jobs are moving that way as well.

Anyway, if you have more specific quesitons, please don't hesitate to let me know.

[Subby]

You can eat at a completely different chain restaurant every single night.

That's the best thing I can say about Dallas.

[JeeberD]

Or, you can eat at a completely different non-chain restaurant every single night, if you so desire...

My wife's best friend moved down here with a couple interviews lined up, but it still took her about a month to get hired even though she has experience in her field. So you probably shouldn't expect to get a job right away...

[Logan]

Or, you can eat at a completely different non-chain restaurant every single night, if you so desire...

Yeah, I spent a week in Dallas for training in March. Co-workers gave me the same line...nothing to eat, nothing to do, etc and maybe comparatively speaking that's true considering other places we train (Chicago, DC) but I enjoyed myself. I stayed in a part of town that was considered a bit less connected (don't remember off hand, but I know there's a thread where Jeebs gave me some recommendations based on where I stayed) but there was still a street right behind my hotel that had a ton of good places to eat: mexican, steak, bbq, etc. Dallas is cool with me.

[Galaxy]

I think one the problems is DFW is so spread out. So you don't see as much as you would in a more compact city.

I'm a little worried about the salary (which could be help greatly by the benefits they offer). It's entry-level, so I need to take that into consideration. I'm just worried about cost of living (even with a roommate).

[headtrauma]

Cost of living in Dallas/Fort Worth is very reasonable for a large metropolitan area. If you'll be renting there's an over supply of apartments in many areas, so they're pretty cheap.

[Galaxy]

Cost of living in Dallas/Fort Worth is very reasonable for a large metropolitan area. If you'll be renting there's an over supply of apartments in many areas, so they're pretty cheap.

I was looking at studio apartments all that in Dallas (it was around University Park). It was around $500-$600 bucks a month (with in-unit washer and dryer, high-speed internet connection is available, and a/c). I know south Dallas (Cotton Bowl/Texas State Fairgrounds is the area you want to avoid). Any idea on car insurance costs per for a clean record driver with a '01 car? How are you A/C bills in the months they are needed? And most importantly, how are the women? :)

[sachmo71]

I was looking at studio apartments all that in Dallas (it was around University Park). It was around $500-$600 bucks a month (with in-unit washer and dryer, high-speed internet connection is available, and a/c). I know south Dallas (Cotton Bowl/Texas State Fairgrounds is the area you want to avoid). Any idea on car insurance costs per for a clean record driver with a '01 car? How are you A/C bills in the months they are needed? And most importantly, how are the women? :)

Women = beautiful
AC bills = high (depending on what you can live with)
Insurance = not sure...i don't carry full coverage. it's $300 for 6 months for liability only

[JeeberD]

From what I overheard the last time I was at the Denton County Tax Office to renew my registration, it sounds like Texas' minimum insurance is a bit higher than some other states.

[Galaxy]

Women = beautiful
AC bills = high (depending on what you can live with)
Insurance = not sure...i don't carry full coverage. it's $300 for 6 months for liability only

What is "high"? If I get a studio, I would just turn it off when I leave.

[sachmo71]

What is "high"? If I get a studio, I would just turn it off when I leave.

In a 2000 square foot home, my electric bills are around 350 per month.

[headtrauma]

How are you A/C bills in the months they are needed? And most importantly, how are the women? :)

When I was renting, A/C bills in a small apt. would top out at $200.

Full insurance coverage on a car is about $1,000/year.

The women...very nice. They seem to spend a bit more time on themselves than I've seen other places.

Oh, and most women expect you to pay on dates. Feminists are in low supply here, thank God.

[Galaxy]

When I was renting, A/C bills in a small apt. would top out at $200.

Full insurance coverage on a car is about $1,000/year.

The women...very nice. They seem to spend a bit more time on themselves than I've seen other places.

Oh, and most women expect you to pay on dates. Feminists are in low supply here, thank God.

Not bad on the A/C part. I'm guessing that half of the year, you hardly need A/C.

Insurance doesn't sound so bad.

[Galaxy]

I'm happy to answer any questions you have specifically.
But Dallas is like any other city; professional courtesy is a must. If you are interested in a company, the best placde to start is the website. You can usually apply online for most jobs that you find and get the ball roling from there.


I'm starting to re-consider my upcoming interview. I haven't booked my flight. Anyone in with hiring/HR/business services open for PM? I'm in a rather tough situation (and will be forever) when it comes to one aspect.

[Lathum]

I'm starting to re-consider my upcoming interview. I haven't booked my flight. Anyone in with hiring/HR/business services open for PM? I'm in a rather tough situation (and will be forever) when it comes to one aspect.

I worked in HR in Dallas, feel free to PM me if need be.

FWIW, I hated living there =, but I was able to afford a one bedroom in Carrollton with no problem at all.

[Galaxy]

I'll give a PM in a minute.

[JeeberD]

My wife is in HR, if you want me to pass your question on to her...

[JeeberD]

In a 2000 square foot home, my electric bills are around 350 per month.

Damn, and I was ticked at the $275 bill we got for July. Of course, no kids in this household to leave lights/tvs/etc on all over the house...

[Galaxy]

Looks like the problem is taken care of, sort of. I actually not flying down, however, I will be conducting a phone interview for it. Any tips for phone interviews?

Also, is Uptown Dallas around the American Airlines Center (it's Center, not arena, right?)?

[sachmo71]

Looks like the problem is taken care of, sort of. I actually not flying down, however, I will be conducting a phone interview for it. Any tips for phone interviews?

Also, is Uptown Dallas around the American Airlines Center (it's center, I can't remember which one is which, with the Miami Heat's arena, right?)?

Not sure...never actually heard that term. Sounds like north, which is moving away from AAC.
Can you give me a street?

[Galaxy]

Not sure...never actually heard that term. Sounds like north, which is moving away from AAC.
Can you give me a street?

http://www.uptowndallas.net/. The place I'm interviewing has it advertise in Uptown Dallas.

I'll PM you the place.

[cartman]

Yeah, Uptown is the area right north of downtown, roughly bounded by I-35E, Woodall Rodgers, Central Expressway, and Oak Lawn. It is where all of the new condos and such are being built. AAC is in the southwest corner of the area.

[Galaxy]

So I take it's in the Victory Park development (though I believe that some of the future phases are canceled or delayed, such as the Mandarin Oriental hotel/residences building).

[cartman]

So I take it's in the Victory Park development (though I believe that some of the future phases are canceled or delayed, such as the Mandarin Oriental hotel/residences building).

It is a collection of several ongoing projects, it is not under the umbrella of any one company. Uptown is more in reference to the neighborhood. Victory Park is just one of the many developments being built in Uptown.

[Galaxy]

It is a collection of several ongoing projects, it is not under the umbrella of any one company. Uptown is more in reference to the neighborhood. Victory Park is just one of the many developments being built in Uptown.

Ah, thanks. I haven't been to Dallas in two or three years (I didn't get a chance to trek east of the DFW airport on my last visit).

[dolfin]

I actually live south of Dallas. I'm talking 20-30 miles south of Dallas, not South Dallas. Cost of living is cheaper, but you'd have to consider the drive, which can be a pain with traffic. I work in North Dallas with about 75 miles round-trip commute. On average, it takes me about an hour to get to work.

Worth consideration, but it depends on how close you want to be to entertainment.

[Galaxy]

How far is Uptown and downtown Dallas to the Grapevine/Southlake/DFW Airport area?

[cartman]

How far is Uptown and downtown Dallas to the Grapevine/Southlake/DFW Airport area?

It is about 20-30 minutes away. The spot immediately north of the Airport where 121, 114 and 635 meet up is one of the worst traffic spots in the area. It can easily take 30 minutes to only go a couple of miles during rush hour.

[Galaxy]

It is about 20-30 minutes away. The spot immediately north of the Airport where 121, 114 and 635 meet up is one of the worst traffic spots in the area. It can easily take 30 minutes to only go a couple of miles during rush hour.

While the rush hour traffic sucks, that doesn't sound too bad. Are they planning on trying to relieve some of this with new construction?

[JeeberD]

There's construction all over the place, but not at that interchange as far as I know. And yes, it's a hideous place to be stuck during rush hour...

[Galaxy]

There's construction all over the place, but not at that interchange as far as I know. And yes, it's a hideous place to be stuck during rush hour...

I saw that on my previous trip down. Lots of road construction being done. Hopefully it helps keep DFW cope with the growth.

[Galaxy]

No tolls, correct?

[cartman]

No tolls, correct?

No, there are some tolls. The North Dallas Tollway is the oldest one, and more recently 161 (George Bush Turnpike) and parts of 121 are toll roads. There is a plan to build more toll roads, but they've kinda of stalled lately.

[JeeberD]

121 barely has any tolls at the moment, but as they finish the expansion they're supposed to get the tolls going...

[st.cronin]

Any tips for phone interviews?

Write down everything you want them to know, on note cards or sticky pads - when you cover something, move that card to the side.

Also, don't worry if you forgot to brush your teeth.

[Galaxy]

What exactly is Fort Worth like? I been to the city, but not enough to get a real feel for it. I know Dallas is more of the business and medical center that's more face pace with a lot more restaurants and shops (particularly at the high-end spectrum). Arlington seems to be really re-developing itself with the addition of the next Cowboys stadium in addition to the Ballpark and Six Flags.

[Lathum]

What exactly is Fort Worth like? I been to the city, but not enough to get a real feel for it. I know Dallas is more of the business and medical center that's more face pace with a lot more restaurants and shops (particularly at the high-end spectrum). Arlington seems to be really re-developing itself with the addition of the next Cowboys stadium in addition to the Ballpark and Six Flags.

Ft Worth isn't as close as you would think

[ArlingtonColt]

Ft. Worth is about an hour away from Dallas (depending on if your staying on 20 or 30 or if you have to change between the two) with NO traffic, when you mix in traffic you are easily looking at 1 1/2-2hrs. Ft. Worth is much more laid back and the women are much or "accessable" atleast in my experiences :)

[Galaxy]

Ft Worth isn't as close as you would think

I know. As ArlingtonColt said, it's about a 1-1 1/2 hours apart (depending on traffic). My family is right about in the middle of the two cities.

[Raiders Army]

The Cowboys' new stadium is reportedly $1.3 billion. Congratulations on paying for some of that on top of your high property taxes.

[Galaxy]

The Cowboys' new stadium is reportedly $1.3 billion. Congratulations on paying for some of that on top of your high property taxes.

Don't forget that Texas doesn't have state income or capital gains taxes.

[Galaxy]

The Cowboys' new stadium is reportedly $1.3 billion. Congratulations on paying for some of that on top of your high property taxes.

I believe that Jerry Jones is footing the bill for most of the stadium (through his own pocket, PSL licensing, and naming rights). The city of Arlington is footing part of the financing with the sales, hotel, and car rental tax. With all the events that stadium will bring (and at 100,000-plus people per event along with the luxury seats and suites), including the Super Bowl, Final Four, Cotton Bowl, the annual college football games (including Texas A&M and Arkansas renewing its rivalry), as well as the Cowboys, it's not really a bad deal. The NFL is also kicking in $150 million.

[Raiders Army]

You've done more homework than I. I sit at my PC corrected; however, how will the Super Bowl, Final Four, Cotton Bowl, etc. help you?

[JeeberD]

You don't think those kind of events will bring in sports fans from out of town, boosting the local economy?

[Galaxy]

A Super Bowl has hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact alone on a city/metro area. I believe that last year's Super Bowl in Phoenix/Glendale had a estimated $500 million impact.

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2005/02/07/story8.html

Cotton Bowl has an estimated $30 million yearly impact on the City of Dallas (which I'm guessing will shift towards the coffers of the city of Arlington). Add to ten of thousands of more seats and perks, I'm guessing it will go up rather significantly.
http://www.dallasparks.org/Fairparknews/Winter2005/FPStory4.html

San Antonio had a projected economic impact of $47 million of last season's Final Four weekend.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/NCAA_putsifinali_Final_Four_impact_at_47_million.html

[Raiders Army]

I understand that it helps with the local economy, but how does that translate into helping you directly? I'm guessing that by helping the local economy, it will reduce bond issues, etc. Is that right?

[JeeberD]

Well, for me, it will help bring in business, which means more profits, which means bigger raises and bonuses.

[Galaxy]

I understand that it helps with the local economy, but how does that translate into helping you directly? I'm guessing that by helping the local economy, it will reduce bond issues, etc. Is that right?

I guess if they are using indirect taxes, such as sales and an "out-of-town" tax on hotels and car rentals, people will spend a lot of money in Arlington (and they have three core components to it with the Ballpark; Six Flags and its water park; and the new stadium) which will flush a lot of that money back to pay for the bonds.

[sachmo71]

if Jeebs still waits tables, there is a real benefit to events like this. but the other side of the coin is money for parks, roads, rapid transit, etc.

[Senator]

What exactly is Fort Worth like? I been to the city, but not enough to get a real feel for it. I know Dallas is more of the business and medical center that's more face pace with a lot more restaurants and shops (particularly at the high-end spectrum). Arlington seems to be really re-developing itself with the addition of the next Cowboys stadium in addition to the Ballpark and Six Flags.

I really love Fort Worth. The Bass brothers have turned downtown into something really special, if you want a 5 dollar hamburger or a 100 dollar steak, no problem. If you want to dance two step, listen to blues, or head bang, no problem. If you want to watch an opera or go to the movies, all right there, no problem. Lots and lots of sporting events. And I still say the girls here are the best.

[Galaxy]

How long do companies typically get back to you after the first interview?

[sachmo71]

How long do companies typically get back to you after the first interview?

Did you ask them? Depends on where they are in the process, how many candidates, etc.

[JeeberD]

if Jeebs still waits tables, there is a real benefit to events like this. but the other side of the coin is money for parks, roads, rapid transit, etc.


I've finally been promoted. I'm currently three and a half weeks into my 13 week managerial training program...

[cartman]

I've finally been promoted. I'm currently three and a half weeks into my 13 week managerial training program...

woot! congrats!!!

[JeeberD]

Thank you, kind sir.

[Galaxy]

Congrats...Does this mean FOFC members get a FOFC discount? :)

[Galaxy]

I really love Fort Worth. The Bass brothers have turned downtown into something really special, if you want a 5 dollar hamburger or a 100 dollar steak, no problem. If you want to dance two step, listen to blues, or head bang, no problem. If you want to watch an opera or go to the movies, all right there, no problem. Lots and lots of sporting events. And I still say the girls here are the best.

Nice. I been to the Stockyards.

[JeeberD]

Congrats...Does this mean FOFC members get a FOFC discount? :)

Heh, possibly. We'll have to see which restaurant I'm placed at and how cool my GM is...

[Galaxy]

Heh, possibly. We'll have to see which restaurant I'm placed at and how cool my GM is...

Sweet.

[Galaxy]

How are the costs for going out in the DFW metroplex, whether it's a night out for dinner and movie; a local club/bar; sports entertainment; and so on?

[JeeberD]

It really depends upon where you want to go. There are places you can go that are very reasonably priced, and there are very swanky places that'll cost you an arm and a leg...

[Galaxy]

It really depends upon where you want to go. There are places you can go that are very reasonably priced, and there are very swanky places that'll cost you an arm and a leg...

I knew that DFW has a lot of money slushing around, but I never knew that it was the "millionaire's capital" in the US.

We’re Rich!: Dallas is the Millionaire Capital of the Country | Articles - Multi | D Magazine - Dallas Fort Worth's Resource for City Guides, Daily Blogs, D Bests, and Restaurants (http://www.dmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=7155F7796F354F21B1183937D847D6DF&tier=4&id=72EF3C6E42F54692A7B2A87AF856E91B)

[ArlingtonColt]

The Library in downtown Ft. Worth is usually where I go... really hot college girls, cheap drinks!!!! 2.50 long islands till close, and 2.50 calls till 11 then we will usually wander around around 1 and hop in the nearest club thats still going strong (usually 8.0's or City streets)

[Galaxy]

The Library in downtown Ft. Worth is usually where I go... really hot college girls, cheap drinks!!!! 2.50 long islands till close, and 2.50 calls till 11 then we will usually wander around around 1 and hop in the nearest club thats still going strong (usually 8.0's or City streets)

Sounds like a good time. Must be all those TCU and TX-Arlington girls. :)

How is the health care in the DFW?

[Galaxy]

Do you think it would okay to contact them tomorrow if I don't hear anything yet? I had my phone interview last Thursday (which was with a regular employee outside of the HR department and the department I would be working for). She said it would go to HR after that interview. Hopefully the lady that I interviewed with gets my thank you card today or tomorrow (not sure how it takes for it get delivered, if I sent it out Saturday).

[sachmo71]

Do you think it would okay to contact them tomorrow if I don't hear anything yet? I had my phone interview last Thursday (which was with a regular employee outside of the HR department and the department I would be working for). She said it would go to HR after that interview. Hopefully the lady that I interviewed with gets my thank you card today or tomorrow (not sure how it takes for it get delivered, if I sent it out Saturday).

no. give it a week at least.

[Galaxy]

no. give it a week at least.

Thanks. So tomorrow afternoon should be fine?

[sachmo71]

Thanks. So tomorrow afternoon should be fine?

sure, but make sure you call the HR person and not the hiring manager. don't want to make a pest of yourself. but remember, these things can take months to sort out, depending on the position.

[Galaxy]

What do I say? Do I just say that I'm following up on the interview?

[Galaxy]

I understand that it helps with the local economy, but how does that translate into helping you directly? I'm guessing that by helping the local economy, it will reduce bond issues, etc. Is that right?
Good articles:
Jones has cash cow in new stadium, newspaper finds | AP Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6028186.html)
http://www.star-telegram.com/855/story/937879.html

[cartman]

Ugh. Just had a bad experience in downtown Dallas. I'm up here for the next few days on business, so I drove up from Austin. Went down to the car after we were done, and discovered that someone broke into my car. They stole my stereo, iPod adapter, radar detector, $4, and the speakers from the passenger footwell installation. The center console is pretty trashed. They pried open the passenger side window from the top, and unlocked the door that way. So at least there wasn't a broken window to deal with.

It's gonna suck driving back to Austin with no music or radar detector.

[Galaxy]

Ugh. Just had a bad experience in downtown Dallas. I'm up here for the next few days on business, so I drove up from Austin. Went down to the car after we were done, and discovered that someone broke into my car. They stole my stereo, iPod adapter, radar detector, $4, and the speakers from the passenger footwell installation. The center console is pretty trashed. They pried open the passenger side window from the top, and unlocked the door that way. So at least there wasn't a broken window to deal with.

It's gonna suck driving back to Austin with no music or radar detector.

Wow....Sorry to hear. Hopefully your insurance picks it up, and you filed a police report. Is this around the Cotton Bowl area?

[cartman]

Wow....Sorry to hear. Hopefully your insurance picks it up, and you filed a police report. Is this around the Cotton Bowl area?

Eh, deductible is $1000, and that is right around the total loss, so looks like it will be a tax deduction for this year. This was on the north east edge of downtown, at the lot at the corner of Harwood and Ross. The funny part is that the office I was in looked right down on the lot. :) I also have one of the stereos where the face flips up and out of the way when it is turned off. In any event the car is a '97 Honda Accord, which while popular with whole car thieves, isn't too much of an attention target for the "smash and grab" crowd.

[Galaxy]

Eh, deductible is $1000, and that is right around the total loss, so looks like it will be a tax deduction for this year. This was on the north east edge of downtown, at the lot at the corner of Harwood and Ross. The funny part is that the office I was in looked right down on the lot. :) I also have one of the stereos where the face flips up and out of the way when it is turned off. In any event the car is a '97 Honda Accord, which while popular with whole car thieves, isn't too much of an attention target for the "smash and grab" crowd.

I don't know streets in Dallas. Just locations of key sites. :)

[Galaxy]

Just to follow up, I called last Thursday evening to follow up. She sounded like she was happy that I called and followed up, and said the hiring manager was out for a few days last week.

[JeeberD]

Excellent, I hope you hear something soon...

[Galaxy]

Eh, deductible is $1000, and that is right around the total loss, so looks like it will be a tax deduction for this year. This was on the north east edge of downtown, at the lot at the corner of Harwood and Ross. The funny part is that the office I was in looked right down on the lot. :) I also have one of the stereos where the face flips up and out of the way when it is turned off. In any event the car is a '97 Honda Accord, which while popular with whole car thieves, isn't too much of an attention target for the "smash and grab" crowd.

Were you able get it home alright?

[Galaxy]

Bad news is I don't have to come to Dallas/Fort Worth yet. Good news is I got a second phone interview tomorrow. They called about a hour ago, and I got a 10/9 AM interview tomorrow. Pretty quick (is that a good sign?).

This being a second interview, any general tips? If you review some of the information I posted on the first interview, which was rather a "yes, no", give an example type interview, geared to figuring out your personality, with a non-hiring employee. What should I think about? If you would like info on the company and position I'm interviewing with, just send me a PM (if that helps give you a better idea on what to offer).

[cartman]

Were you able get it home alright?

I'm heading home tomorrow. Since they didn't break the glass, I didn't have to worry about that. The only real issue was when he tore up the center console, he pretty much destroyed the hazard switch. And on the Honda, the turn signals route through the hazard switch, so no turn signals. However, I was able to MacGyver it enough to give me turn signals until I can head to the junkyard and find a replacement console.

[Galaxy]

I'm heading home tomorrow. Since they didn't break the glass, I didn't have to worry about that. The only real issue was when he tore up the center console, he pretty much destroyed the hazard switch. And on the Honda, the turn signals route through the hazard switch, so no turn signals. However, I was able to MacGyver it enough to give me turn signals until I can head to the junkyard and find a replacement console.

Nice. Did they catch them at all?

[JeeberD]

Did they catch them at all?

LOL!

[Galaxy]

LOL!

I guess I was too excited about getting this second interview. :)

[Galaxy]

I just had my interview. Very short (about 8 minutes). Is that good?

[cartman]

Nice. Did they catch them at all?

They are still looking for the guys that stole The Dude's car, man.

[Galaxy]

They are still looking for the guys that stole The Dude's car, man.

:lol: I had one of the "WTF" moments.

[sachmo71]

I just had my interview. Very short (about 8 minutes). Is that good?

can't really tell from the length. how did it feel? did they say anything encouraging?

[Galaxy]

I didn't get the position. I did however, get offered for an interview with a small chain restaurant. I'm to decide what to do next.

What you guys say would be needed in terms of income (salary/hour-full-time) to live in DFW for a single guy? No car payment, no credit card debt or mortgages, just one reasonable college student loan bill.

[sachmo71]

I didn't get the position. I did however, get offered for an interview with a small chain restaurant. I'm to decide what to do next.

What you guys say would be needed in terms of income (salary/hour-full-time) to live in DFW for a single guy? No car payment, no credit card debt or mortgages, just one reasonable college student loan bill.

There's no limit. Dallas isn't that expensive, and I made it on a waiter's salary right after highschool.

[Galaxy]

There's no limit. Dallas isn't that expensive, and I made it on a waiter's salary right after highschool.

Nice. Just taking a shot, would a minimum starting salary of $27,000 work (I do have a place to stay until I can get myself settled)?

[JeeberD]

Easily, depending upon where you're willing to live. Like sach, I made it as a server/bartender for a number of years, though I did have a roommate to share rent with...

[sachmo71]

27000 should be fine, although i would probably try to find a roommate to help with costs a bit. you'll be blowing a lot of cash on late night drinks. :)

[ArlingtonColt]

There are TONS of places to drink cheap.... I know a bar in Arlington that has $.25 beers on thursday nights! You just have to look around... you can find some really good 1 bedroom starting at $600 and go as cheap as $480 a month