DALLAS, TEXAS

Stats in 2004

Population: 1.2 million
Clear/Partly Cloudy/Cloudy Days: 135/97/133
Average High/Low Temps in July: 96/74
Average High/Low Temps in January: 54/33
Average Elementary Students/Teacher: 17.4
Average Secondary Students/Teacher: 15.4

Where to begin with Dallas? It's like a world all its own, and maybe the best place to start is where it started: on 640 acres claimed by John Neely Bryan in 1841, which he sketched into a courthouse square and 20 streets.

The town grew over time, and by 1870 had a railroad coming through. In 1907, Neiman Marcus opened up in Dallas, and shortly afterward -- becoming a strong, financial city of the west -- a branch of the Federal Reserve Bank opened here.

Finally, in 1930, oil was struck about 100 miles outside of Dallas, which would write much of the history of the state thereafter. This only helped to catapult Dallas (and nearby Fort Worth) into increased success.

The DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) International Airport opened in 1973, which is now one of the major air thoroughfares in the world. Today, the DFW region is considered among the top business regions in the nation -- and in fact is judged #1 by many! It is among the top convention cities of any in the world (including the famous Dallas Convention Center), with fine hotel accomodations and just about an endless variety of eating choices throughout the city.

Dallas is also like many large cities in certain respects. It boasts museums; symphonies; a zoo; an aquarium; libraries; and a beautiful arboretum overlooking the downtown and featuring native plantation, sculptures, and even two historic mansions.

But Dallas is also extraordinary in its own right, and you get your first glimpse of that by looking at its beautiful skyline, including the widely-recognized Reunion Tower, which looks like a giant lighted globe atop a tower. Dallas is known as the financial capital of the Southwest, housing many banks and financial institutions. It has unique areas, such as the West End Historic District, the West End Marketplace, and the Deep Ellum entertainment district. And it is home to many legendary sports teams, like the famous Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas also has a multi-cultural population. About 40% of the population is Hispanic; 40% is white; and 20% is represented by other races. This gives Dallas a healthy diversity to keep it strong.

With its distinct, Southwest flavor and all the amenities of big-city living, Dallas has something for everyone.