Written by Peter Goldschmidt
To the non-Dallasonian, this city may seem like nothing but tall cowboy boots and hats. But, if anything, Dallas breeds sophisticated cowboys. When I say cowboys, I am not referring to the ones that ride horses and chew on hay; I am alluding to the polite and sociable ones. By the time you are ready to graduate, you will have the best handle on the ins and outs of the city; however, at that point, it will be time for your departure. But for now, you have four years to explore. SMU is located in the midst of the Park Cities, which is comprised of University Park and Highland Park. Both areas are the wealthiest ones in Dallas. The best aspect of this area is its safety. The community is one similar to Pleasantville, where everyone knows everyone. And it is true, there is something here for everyone. The neatest thing about Dallas is that it features live music every night of the week, most of which will be found in Deep Ellum. The museums and Fair Park constantly feature new works of art.
There is always something to do, and everything is at your fingertips-if you have a car. The shopping and dining scenes in Dallas are among the most prestigious places in the nation (San Francisco, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills). Dallas is the home of several top sports teams. Not only do you have the best of what's around, but if you're low on cash, you can still find something amusing to do on any given day. White Rock Lake is a mere five minutes from campus if you're in the mood for a bike ride or a jog. Of course, everyone is aware of the crime rate here. Just as with any other urban city, the best thing to do is to use common sense. Do not embark on a journey into new territory unless it is with a friend. With all that said, I am still finding little treasures in the most remote parts of the city.