Opt for Optimism

Dallasites party the day away while giving thanks for the good stuff

The Dallas weather matched the mood at the fourth annual Dallasites101's Darty at the Grove: sunny, breezy, and bright. CultureMap and Frost Bank rolled up to The Grove at Harwood in the Opt For Optimism van, ready to spread a little more sunshine with swag, wildflowers, and plenty of smiles.

Roughly 500 people soaked up the glorious temps while pausing to reflect on what makes them happy. They were encouraged to jot down answers on the Call Me Optimistic chalkboards, and answers for "I'm thankful for..." ranged from "my health" to "my puppies," with one sweet boy scribbling "mom" while his (very thankful) mother looked on.

A new parent spoke of the optimism he has for his six-month-old baby, and how the event caused him to think about ways he can make the world better for the next generation.

In between playing sand volleyball and lawn games, downing cold drinks and grub, and listening to music by live bands and DJ Viva Latina, guests also got to shop pop-ups from local vendors.

Those who attended not only got in touch with their gratitude, they also got wildflower seed bombs to bring a little more color into their lives. Frost Bank cash cards were also handed out, and one woman personified the intent when she vowed to pay it forward by gifting the card to someone else.

CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas. Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.

Your hosts: Dallasites101.

Darty at the Grove

Photo courtesy of Dallasites101

Your hosts: Dallasites101.

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Money news

Dallas ranks as No. 1 city with smallest inflation problem in U.S.

Dallas skyline

Photo by Erin Hervey on Unsplash

Dallas' inflation has cooled off after it was last saddled with the highest inflation rate nationally in January 2024.

Inflation has been one of the biggest hot-button issues in the country in 2025, but a new study says inflation not impacting Dallas nearly as much as it is other U.S. cities.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranked as the metro with the smallest inflation problem in the U.S. in WalletHub's new report, "Changes in Inflation by City."

The report analyzed the impact of inflation across 23 major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) using Consumer Price Index data from the latest month available and compared to data from two months prior. The analysis also factored in inflation data from last year to better track both short- and long-term inflation changes.

Dallas saw only a 0.10 percent increase in its local inflation rate when compared to two months prior, and the rate is only 0.60 percent higher than it was this time last year.

Dallas residents may be feeling the sting a lot less than they did in January 2024, when WalletHub said the city had the No. 1 highest inflation rate in the U.S. In April 2023, Dallas-Fort Worth had the 10th highest inflation rate nationwide.

The study found Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts-New Hampshire is the MSA that is currently being rattled by the highest inflation rate in the nation. The northeastern metro saw a 1.10 percent uptick in inflation when compared to two months ago, and it's 3 percent higher than it was a year ago.

Inflation has continued to fluctuate throughout the year in different areas, but WalletHub said the national inflation rate has significantly lowered since it last hit a 40-year high during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The year-over-year inflation rate sits at 2.4 percent as of May 2025, which is still above the target rate of 2 percent," the report said. "Various factors, such as the war in Ukraine, labor shortages and recent tariffs, drive this higher than average inflation. Despite the country not meeting its target yet, the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates at the level set in December 2024."

Elsewhere in Texas, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land experienced the 13th highest inflation rate in the U.S., the report found. Inflation in the region increased 0.90 percent over the last two months, and it is currently 1.2 percent higher than it was one year ago.

The top 10 metros where inflation has risen the most are:

No. 1 – Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts-New Hampshire
No. 2 – St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois
No. 3 – Baltimore-Columbia-Townson, Maryland
No. 4 – San Diego-Carlsbad, California
No. 5 – Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado
No. 6 – Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
No. 7 – Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California
No. 8 – Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin
No. 9 – Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
No. 10 – New York-Newark-Jersey City, New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania

arlington dallas economy fort worth inflation report wallethub

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