Dallas Plano Area
Jul 14th, 2010, 12:37 PM
#41
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Plano,McKinney,&Frisco are all great little old towns with new business and residential components. All have good schools, parks, and other amenities. The overall cost of living in TX is quite good compared with the coasts and the mountain west. The proximity to Dallas offers culture and sports teams. It is hot and somewhat humid, but the wind blows and that helps. Buy a home with a pool; you'll live in it or near it 8 months a year. Church is a big deal in TX. There will be several of your favorite flavor fairly close to any home that you like. As a long time resident (now p/t) buy a house that you LOVE. A short commute on "The Tollway" is worth every penny. Avoid North Central/US75 if possible. Best of luck--you will like Dallas area and Texas if you go.
Jul 14th, 2010, 12:47 PM
#42
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MomDD -
Honestly, Texas sucks. In a lot of ways. I have lived on the East Coast and in OC, CA as well as Marin Co.
Heat index today will be 106 (downgraded from 108-109).
The driver's here are absolutely friggin clueless.
No state tax but house taxes are high. We pay over $13k/yr.
Consider that A/C will be on 24/7 - you can never open your windows for a fresh breeze in the spring, summer or most of fall.
The houses here are very nice. Really nice. But so far, that's all I like about Texas - and my 20 minutes to DFW airport.
You run out of things to do in DFW after about 3 years.
Restaurants, for the most part serve the same sh^&.
I am trying to figure out where I want to live now that the kiddies are gone. I am OUT of Texas!
PS: Wanna buy a house???
Honestly, Texas sucks. In a lot of ways. I have lived on the East Coast and in OC, CA as well as Marin Co.
Heat index today will be 106 (downgraded from 108-109).
The driver's here are absolutely friggin clueless.
No state tax but house taxes are high. We pay over $13k/yr.
Consider that A/C will be on 24/7 - you can never open your windows for a fresh breeze in the spring, summer or most of fall.
The houses here are very nice. Really nice. But so far, that's all I like about Texas - and my 20 minutes to DFW airport.
You run out of things to do in DFW after about 3 years.
Restaurants, for the most part serve the same sh^&.
I am trying to figure out where I want to live now that the kiddies are gone. I am OUT of Texas!
PS: Wanna buy a house???
Jul 14th, 2010, 02:52 PM
#45
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It's interesting to read everyone's comments.
I too moved from the E Coast to Dallas, and thinking that it'd be hell. Well, Dallas, like a mold, grew on me, even though I was only there for 3.5 years. I don't miss Dallas too much, but there are some things I do miss, now that I'm back in the North East.
It's cheap to live there, esp considering that you're moving there from Orange County.
But like soogies said, there's not much to do in/around DFW. You can drive for hours (or even days) and still be IN TX! The only consolation is that DFW is AA's hub and so we flew a lot during those years we were living there.
I too moved from the E Coast to Dallas, and thinking that it'd be hell. Well, Dallas, like a mold, grew on me, even though I was only there for 3.5 years. I don't miss Dallas too much, but there are some things I do miss, now that I'm back in the North East.
It's cheap to live there, esp considering that you're moving there from Orange County.
But like soogies said, there's not much to do in/around DFW. You can drive for hours (or even days) and still be IN TX! The only consolation is that DFW is AA's hub and so we flew a lot during those years we were living there.
Jul 14th, 2010, 04:56 PM
#46
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Heavens - you should check it out then for jobs - sounds like you would have a great support system and know Texas. I will know one person. 
Well, hot hot hot today in CA - mid 90's and I hate it. Just a taste I guess.
Thanks for all the feedback. I like the look of the historic district to McKinney but that most likely is not practical for a variety of reasons.
Soogies you are funny. No, we will not be buying a house at all right away. Got a big ole house in California need to figure out as well as so many other things.
Church is a big part of our life on many levels, socially it is where most of our friends have come from and it is something we are active in - but we are casual. I guess they still get dressed up for church there. The biggest things for us is a GREAT youth program - as well as competitive cheer for one of our daughters - that will help her to adjust.
We do like the fact that DFW is a major airport and it is closer to my Mom and Stepdad (3 hour drive) and an easier flight back east.
One day at a time. I do appreciate all the feedback... not freaking out YET in S. California... might be all for nothin'. Gotta get a firm offer first eh?
Well, hot hot hot today in CA - mid 90's and I hate it. Just a taste I guess.
Thanks for all the feedback. I like the look of the historic district to McKinney but that most likely is not practical for a variety of reasons.
Soogies you are funny. No, we will not be buying a house at all right away. Got a big ole house in California need to figure out as well as so many other things.
Church is a big part of our life on many levels, socially it is where most of our friends have come from and it is something we are active in - but we are casual. I guess they still get dressed up for church there. The biggest things for us is a GREAT youth program - as well as competitive cheer for one of our daughters - that will help her to adjust.
We do like the fact that DFW is a major airport and it is closer to my Mom and Stepdad (3 hour drive) and an easier flight back east.
One day at a time. I do appreciate all the feedback... not freaking out YET in S. California... might be all for nothin'. Gotta get a firm offer first eh?
Jul 14th, 2010, 05:22 PM
#47
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Dawn - it's been a rough few weeks for me and I have been especially hating Texas, so take that into consideration when reading about my hates.
You will find lots of churches and very active youth groups of all sorts here. Of course, cheer is only second to football ya know!
We do love the convenience of DFW. I think I am just really spoiled by our own cultural growth experienced on all our trips to Europe. Nothing in this area can compare to anything in Europe as far as the arts, the museums, for example. IMO.
Good luck wherever life takes you!!
You will find lots of churches and very active youth groups of all sorts here. Of course, cheer is only second to football ya know!
We do love the convenience of DFW. I think I am just really spoiled by our own cultural growth experienced on all our trips to Europe. Nothing in this area can compare to anything in Europe as far as the arts, the museums, for example. IMO.
Good luck wherever life takes you!!
Jul 14th, 2010, 05:28 PM
#48
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{{{{Soogies}}}} I am sorry.
Yes, I love Europe as well - I do know what you mean - and I spent sometime in Dallas but it was many years ago when my now almost 22 year old was just a toddler or so. Now when I have gone it was only been two weekend trips to see the Cowboys.
<You will find lots of churches and very active youth groups of all sorts here. Of course, cheer is only second to football ya know!>
Yeah...ya'll kill girls over it ;-) Yikes.
Yes, I love Europe as well - I do know what you mean - and I spent sometime in Dallas but it was many years ago when my now almost 22 year old was just a toddler or so. Now when I have gone it was only been two weekend trips to see the Cowboys.
<You will find lots of churches and very active youth groups of all sorts here. Of course, cheer is only second to football ya know!>
Yeah...ya'll kill girls over it ;-) Yikes.
Jul 14th, 2010, 05:38 PM
#49
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I wouldn't live in Texas unless it was the the only possible choice. The heat is oppressive, the famous > superiority complex about the biggest (debatable) and the best (never debatable), the bible-belt mentality, et cetera, all combine to give it a poor rating in my book. I've visited a few cities in Texas (Houston, San Antonio) and no job could ever make up for the lack of civilisation.
Jul 14th, 2010, 05:40 PM
#50
A pool is a good idea. I was thinking about the lakes but don't know the schools around Lewisville. When I lived there all the families at my company lived on or near Grapevine. That's too far, but Lake Lewisville may work. You're going to miss the water. A pool or a place or at least a boat on the lake may help a lot.
The winds can be surprising, especially in the winter. Our building was just north of DFW with huge glass doors. Sometimes it would take two people to open the darn thing against the wind. The Dallas area can be great, but I really missed trees and hills. You're going to miss water.
The winds can be surprising, especially in the winter. Our building was just north of DFW with huge glass doors. Sometimes it would take two people to open the darn thing against the wind. The Dallas area can be great, but I really missed trees and hills. You're going to miss water.
Jul 14th, 2010, 06:00 PM
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Well, if you are comparing Dallas to Europe, well, doesn't measure up.
I am not sure why everyone is whining about the heat so much. It is like that almost everywhere in the south. That is why they invented AC and plenty of it.
Where I live, the desert of So Cal, it hit 113 today, now that is HOT!
I am not sure why everyone is whining about the heat so much. It is like that almost everywhere in the south. That is why they invented AC and plenty of it.
Where I live, the desert of So Cal, it hit 113 today, now that is HOT!
Jul 14th, 2010, 06:21 PM
#54
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Heavens - of course there is A/C and I do use it. But , sheeesh, I can't stand the feeling of being closed in by it 24 hours a day. It's not like you can open up the windows at sunrise and get some cooler air. And, it doesn't even cool down enough at night to ever open them.
No. I will never get used to it here. And the more I see of the world, the more I want to be anywhere but here.
No. I will never get used to it here. And the more I see of the world, the more I want to be anywhere but here.
Jul 14th, 2010, 06:41 PM
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Hi Mom: I saw this thread yesterday, just assumed you were traveling to Dallas for a vacation of some sort, and then wondered why a request for info on travel to Dallas was posted in the Lounge instead of on the U.S. board.
Finally opened it just now and am surprised to see that you are possibly moving there. Wow - after everything the last year or so has brought you, now this!
No advice, I'm afraid, but just wanted to say that I wish you luck and I hope that whatever happens goes smoothly.
Finally opened it just now and am surprised to see that you are possibly moving there. Wow - after everything the last year or so has brought you, now this!
No advice, I'm afraid, but just wanted to say that I wish you luck and I hope that whatever happens goes smoothly.
Jul 15th, 2010, 03:59 AM
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My step-daughter lives in McKinney and likes it a lot. But I have to say that part of Texas wouldn't be one of my first choices. Unless you really love football, movies, Texas food and people with very conservative views. It feels like one of the more boring places that I have spent much time in.
Jul 15th, 2010, 07:16 AM
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MomDD--parts of TX are indeed the back forty. Dallas is not.
There are excellent restaurants at every price level, not just chains. Steak, well yes, some do eat steak, but seafood is plentiful, even Maine lobster,--remember that huge airport? We took vegan nephew to a pricey specialty seafood restaurant and I'm allergic. We were both accomodated pefectly. Dallas is multicultural; maybe not quite up to SFO or NYC, but certainly as much as LA. McKinney,Plano,&Frisco have all the chains and also independants. Diversity of culture and food does exist even in the suburbs. You'll only starve if you want to. A popular local small town chain, Cotton Patch, has places in each of these towns. They serve 'Texas' food. The only other 'Texas' food is Tex-Mex.
BTW--conservative fits right in to the towns you're considering. It's the left wingers who might feel outnumbered. As for church dress codes, they don't dress up except for Christmas and Easter, unless you pick a really big church in DALLAS. So, while you're settling in, drive by on Sunday morning and scope the couple that you plan to visit. You will be noticed on your visiting day and made almost embarrassingly welcome. Embrace it!
There are excellent restaurants at every price level, not just chains. Steak, well yes, some do eat steak, but seafood is plentiful, even Maine lobster,--remember that huge airport? We took vegan nephew to a pricey specialty seafood restaurant and I'm allergic. We were both accomodated pefectly. Dallas is multicultural; maybe not quite up to SFO or NYC, but certainly as much as LA. McKinney,Plano,&Frisco have all the chains and also independants. Diversity of culture and food does exist even in the suburbs. You'll only starve if you want to. A popular local small town chain, Cotton Patch, has places in each of these towns. They serve 'Texas' food. The only other 'Texas' food is Tex-Mex.
BTW--conservative fits right in to the towns you're considering. It's the left wingers who might feel outnumbered. As for church dress codes, they don't dress up except for Christmas and Easter, unless you pick a really big church in DALLAS. So, while you're settling in, drive by on Sunday morning and scope the couple that you plan to visit. You will be noticed on your visiting day and made almost embarrassingly welcome. Embrace it!
Jul 15th, 2010, 07:31 AM
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soogies, I tell my students that "Attitude is Everything" because it is so true. There are positives and negatives to every town, city and valley one could live in; too hot, too cold, cost too much, too much traffic, not enough museums. But, when it comes down to it, it is the people who make the place. And in Dallas, they are abundant with warm, generous, caring people. Sorry that has not been your experience.
I would like to suggest an experiment for you, if I may; go out today and run errends, meet and smile and talk to people that you meet. Go and have coffee and talk about your winning baseball team or football team, your colleges, lakes, and other areas of culture in the town. Have you seen the Myerson? Have you been down to the art museums in downtown or in Fort Worth? Go have a drink at local bar and strike up a conversation. Join a church, a club, take a class, get involved. Put out some positive energy and you might recieve some back in return...give it a try and see if your attitude about Dallas and Texas changes. If not, then you do have something to complain about.
I would like to suggest an experiment for you, if I may; go out today and run errends, meet and smile and talk to people that you meet. Go and have coffee and talk about your winning baseball team or football team, your colleges, lakes, and other areas of culture in the town. Have you seen the Myerson? Have you been down to the art museums in downtown or in Fort Worth? Go have a drink at local bar and strike up a conversation. Join a church, a club, take a class, get involved. Put out some positive energy and you might recieve some back in return...give it a try and see if your attitude about Dallas and Texas changes. If not, then you do have something to complain about.
