The population for the city of Dallas stands at just over 1,075,000, while the greater metro area's population count is just shy of 3,700,000. Dallas has a strong economic base, with many large national and international companies headquartered here: Southwestern Bell, Exxon Mobile, Bank of America, Bank One, TXU Electric & Gas, JCPenney and Texas Instruments. Sales tax is 8.25%, and hotel tax is 15%.

Servicing over 50,000,000 travelers each year, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest airports in the world. The airport handles all major carriers and provides both domestic and international flights, with the number of flights per day around 2300. For a quick and convenient ride from the airport, take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) which connects Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth to DFW Monday through Saturday. To ride the TRE, take a bus from the terminal to Remote South Parking then transfer to a bus servicing the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station; TRE lines begin there. Taxis from DFW to Downtown Dallas cost a flat rate of $38. The 202 bus of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides express service from Remote North Parking to Downtown (a free shuttle connects Remote North to all airport terminals). Love Field, located seven miles northwest of Downtown, is a general-purpose airport and the hub for Southwest Airlines. Taxis, shuttles and DART services from Love Field to points in Dallas depart from Cedar Springs Road (between baggage claim and Parking Garage A).

To quickly navigate this sprawling city, ride the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which includes buses and light rail service. Generally, local fares are $1.25 for an adult single rider with no transfers, and day passes are $2.50. The city has a number of quality taxi companies, but you should call in advance to schedule transportation as cabs are not easily hailed streetside. Generally, fees are $2 for the initial drop and $ .40 for each additional ¼ mile. Additional passenger charges and airport fees may apply as well. For a unique experience, hop aboard one of the historic McKinney Avenue trolleys for free, convenient transportation around Downtown and the Arts District. The M-line DART Trolley buses provide free service from the West End Historic District to Uptown.

To keep abreast of local, national and world news, pick up a copy of the Dallas Morning News; meanwhile, the Dallas Business Journal chronicles the details of the local business landscape.

For the inside scoop on weekend happenings, read the "Weekend Guide" section of the Dallas Morning Newsor get a free copy of the Dallas Observer, a weekly paper full of arts, entertainment and dining information. D Magazine is also a good source of what's happening in the community. The Dallas Voice, a free weekly, provides information about the area's gay and lesbian community.