What's up with Dallas
 

I have an opportunity for a short term relocation to Dallas (like 3-6 months). I'm defintely a city person...lived in NY and SF and love cities like London, Paris etc but I'm very wary of Dallas. I hear it's not pedestrian friendly and there's not much charm or culture to it. Can someone allay my fears?

Compared to NY and SF, Dallas doesn't have a lot in the way of charm. It has a surprisingly good symphony orchestra and since it's one of the nation's larger cities it gets its share of traveling concerts, shows, etc. It's not pedestrian friendly at all although certain neighborhoods (parts of Oak Cliff, Oak Lawn, Highland Park, etc.) seem walkable enough.

David, I can actually confirm your fears. <BR>If you gravitated toward Paris and London, and like SF and NYC in the US, I think you'll find existing in Dallas to be a chore. <BR>It is a desirable place for those born in Texas and particularly those with ties to Dallas, with a rather complex social culture. <BR>Weather is a negative, there's no downtown life. It's a city of bedroom communities. <BR>Sorry to be negative but that's my honest assessment.

Thanks y'all....sounds glum but maybe I can make it through just a few months...

David: I've lived in Dallas for most of my life, so I have a few comments for you. <BR> <BR>Our downtown is undergoing a major urban revitalization. Lots of buildings that used to be offices are converting into loft apartments, and new downtown apartments are being built, too. The only downside is that there isn't anywhere to walk to unless you live in the Deep Ellum or Uptown districts. If you're dead-set on living in a pedestrian-friendly area, then I'd recommend these areas. They have lots of neat restaurants and fun nightclubs. The only difficult thing is buying groceries, but we have Groceryworks.com for that now. <BR> <BR>Sam, speaking as a caucasian woman, I would not walk around in Oak Cliff without a gun, especially after dark. <BR> <BR>I personally enjoy Dallas' culture, but maybe that is because as LJ says, I live here already. We have lots of outdoor festivals and concerts, especially in the spring and fall. We have the State Fair, which is in September-October. We have some really good museums (Dallas World Aquarium, Sixth Floor). And there is always Fort Worth to visit when you need a little something different. Spend some time at one of the many lakes in the area (I'm out at White Rock several times a week.), or take a day trip to a State Park. Just stay out o the heat during midday and don't wear black, synthetic-fabric clothes in the summertime. <BR> <BR>No, we're not NYC or SF, which is fine with me. Any place you go is what you make of it, so try to make the most out of your time here.

I was born and raised in Dallas and live here today. I love it here (but I'm also biased). I'll agree with everything you've read about Dallas though. It's not pedestrian friendly (you will need a car to get around) and there is not the culture and nightlife that New York or SF have. <BR> <BR>But there are a few areas if you live around you can WALK to the bars. Uptown and the M Street areas both have bars, restaurants and stores you can walk to without the fear of being run over by the traffic. <BR> <BR>But there are things to do and the people are very friendly. You didn't say your age was or what you're looking to get out of a city (ie. bars/clubs, arts/theather, sports, etc). <BR> <BR>If you are a 20 something(like myself) there are quite a few bars/clubs to go to. The one thing with Dallas is that its spread out. There are some good spots downtown in Deep Elm. Another good spot is Lower Greenville or Uptown. If you like more of the yuppy, upscale kind of places, then Addison/North Dalls is the place. Ft. Worth and Arlington have a lot to do also. <BR> <BR>And you have the Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks to see. The Stars and Mavericks just built a new arena that will be opening this summer. <BR> <BR>I'd say keep a positive attitude about coming here. Look at it like its an opportunity to meet new people and see a part of the country you might not have seen otherwise. You might even like it here. Its not as bad as you might think.

As everyone says, Dallas is nothing like NY, SF, London. It's not a walking city, there's not a huge arts tradition, and it's got a lot of suburban sprawl. It's probably my least favorite Texas city. <BR>But, I also think there are a lot of things you could enjoy about Texas if you give it a chance, especially if you only need to be here a few months. There's a large and vibrant Latino community (sorry to disagree with above, but i love the Oak Cliff neighborhood, think it's perfectly safe if you take normal precautions, and my favorite Salvadoran restaurant has its original, and best, location there. Glorias) There's the whole cowboy thing _ and worldclass art museums like the Kimbell _ 30 minutes away in Fort Worth. Deep Ellum and the Oaklawn neighborhood are fun for nights out. And you'd have the opportunity to take short trips to Austin, San Antonio, and other parts of Texas that you might like better. When I moved to Texas 12 years ago I thought I'd hate it too, but personally i think the place has a way of growing on you.

i disagree regarding the negative remark about oak cliff. <BR> <BR>it's considered a historical neighberhood w/beautiful homes set on a golf course. if one could afford to live there you probably would. it's one of the few and finest in dallas. but do keep in mind that it's just a neighberhood w/out bars and clubs. it's when you get in deep "south" in oak cliff that is not a good part of town. oak cliff is huge. <BR> <BR>definitely get a car. you will have to drive around to get to places. but definitely knox&henderson off central expwy to have some fun things to do.

Wow...thanks for all the responses...I wasn't expecting so many great comments. Very helpful! Yeah, I do believe in being open to new experiences and making the most of situations so this could be an interesting little stay. I've looked up Deep Ellum on the web...sounds like a a fun spot for a single 20 something and a neighborhood I'd like to live in. Maybe I'll also get a chance to explore Texas a little...as someone who grew up watching westerns, I've always thought it would be interesting to drive around the state (big as it is). Thanks again...once I make up my mind about Dallas, I might ask for some more advice about specifics. <BR>Cheers!

Above posters are correct. You will do just fine here in Dallas. I am a city person and I love living here because I love the food here. Tex Mex is heavenly. The movie theaters are big and loud. Vendors put lots of ice in the drinks. I love the sunsets. Keep this in mind, the traffic on Central (I-75) is not bad at all. I want to comment on the people, but I'm not sure if they are better anywhere else. They do drive and walk with a sense of "get out of my way." You'll do just fine for half a year.

Dave:<BR><BR>I hope your short term visit is somewhere between late September thru May --- you most definitely DO NOT want to be here during the height of summer. Hot, hot, hot --- and that only makes it more of a challenge to be out &amp; about in those few sections of the city on which you can be a pedestrian.<BR><BR>Certainly when compared to the cities you've listed (NYC, San Fran, London, Paris), it falls way short. And the phrase "pedestrian friendly" is not one that's used in same sentence as Dallas. But there are some good things to be said about the place. And certainly some friendly &amp; great folks who 'hang their stetson' here. You'll manage fine for a 3 to 6 month stint --- keep an open mind &amp; go for it.<BR><BR>I live in Highland Park (the Park Cities area includes HP and University Park) --- an affluent community, primarily white &amp; very centrally located. It has a lovely neighborhood feel, and folks do walk around, however it is a fairly "white bread" community &amp; so, if you're seeking more diversity, the Park Cities ain't the place to choose.