Relocate to HOU/DAL/ATL...need help (Atlanta, Dallas: home, neighborhoods)

[MrMcCoySays]

I currently reside in the Waco, Texas area and have seriously contemplated a move to one of the three major metros of the south, but the decision has not been easy. I have family/friends in or near all three cities who have nothing but positive things to say about their respective towns.

One part of me feels that the best decision I could make would be to choose Houston or Dallas since that would allow me to remain in the Lone Star state. The other part, however, tells me that I should try to experience life in a different state with a city I've never really experienced (save for a trip on I-20 and the airport).

I'm a southern guy, so I know I'd love Atlanta, but I wonder if I would sorely miss that tangible Texas spirit and energy. The bonus of living in Georgia, though, is that I would be closer to my aging grandparents who I want to spend more time with. Still, I'd be leaving my parents, siblings, closest friends, and pretty much the only life I've ever known back in Texas.

So, I guess what I want to know is how does the state of Georgia usually receive Texans? Are any of you former Texans who are pleased with your decision to move to the Peach State? Do any of you regret it? Differences? Similarities?

And lastly: is there anywhere in ATL where I can get a huge steak burrito with guacamole for $3 at two o'clock in the morning?

[crux]

Family will be the valuable resource as you progress. You love the spirit there and you'll ache for it here.

You'll love the trees and career prospects, but Dallas is quite large itself for many opportunities. Texans love their state, history, and many other elements... (most) Georgians only love their Dawgs (UGA).

[MrMcCoySays]

Originally Posted by crux

Family will be the valuable resource as you progress. You love the spirit there and you'll ache for it here.

You'll love the trees and career prospects, but Dallas is quite large itself for many opportunities. Texans love their state, history, and many other elements... (most) Georgians only love their Dawgs (UGA).

That's true, but one of the biggest factors of the Texas spirit is the friendliness. Is it that this doesn't exist in Georgia? I'd also be looking for a good Christian atmosphere?

Oh, and what about the Tex-Mex?

You should also know that I'm not really big on Texas culture. I just love the attitudes and the food lol. But I'm mostly southern at heart.

[Hexagonal]

Hi - I don't know that much about Dallas, but I'm from Houston and I live in Atlanta.

The guy who cuts my hair nailed it, for me at least: Atlanta is like a combination of Houston and Austin. So big the freeway's mobbed at 3:00 am, but dotted with little neighborhoods that sometimes have really interesting shops.

Atlanta's more of a college town than Houston is -- Emory, Ga. State, Ga. Tech, and Agnes Scott vs. U of H and Rice -- but fewer people read.

"Atlanta's a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit" -- I heard somebody say once. It's elusive and spread out, like Houston -- you can't really point to parts and say "that's typical", just, "that's one of the kind of places that can be found here."

Definitely spend some time in all places, esp. if you know anybody you can stay with. What the town is like depends crucially on who you hang out with. I guess I mean more than other towns, even.

[MrMcCoySays]

Originally Posted by Hexagonal

Hi - I don't know that much about Dallas, but I'm from Houston and I live in Atlanta.

The guy who cuts my hair nailed it, for me at least: Atlanta is like a combination of Houston and Austin. So big the freeway's mobbed at 3:00 am, but dotted with little neighborhoods that sometimes have really interesting shops.

Atlanta's more of a college town than Houston is -- Emory, Ga. State, Ga. Tech, and Agnes Scott vs. U of H and Rice -- but fewer people read.

"Atlanta's a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit" -- I heard somebody say once. It's elusive and spread out, like Houston -- you can't really point to parts and say "that's typical", just, "that's one of the kind of places that can be found here."

Definitely spend some time in all places, esp. if you know anybody you can stay with. What the town is like depends crucially on who you hang out with. I guess I mean more than other towns, even.

So how do you like Georgia? Do you love it? How is it the same as Houston/Texas? How is it different?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by MrMcCoySays

I'd also be looking for a good Christian atmosphere?

I've always wondered what this meant... Some sort of religious bias?

I generally enjoy being around friendly people, and couldn't really care less about their religious persuasion as long as it doesn't have an impact on me. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan, whatever.

[MrMcCoySays]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

I've always wondered what this meant... Some sort of religious bias?

What it means to me, generally, is a sizeable population with people of faith. The type of place where people will invite me to their church.

[gaflsc]

Originally Posted by crux

Family will be the valuable resource as you progress. You love the spirit there and you'll ache for it here.

You'll love the trees and career prospects, but Dallas is quite large itself for many opportunities. Texans love their state, history, and many other elements... (most) Georgians only love their Dawgs (UGA).

Huh? I detest UGA, but love this state.....

[gaflsc]

Originally Posted by MrMcCoySays

What it means to me, generally, is a sizeable population with people of faith. The type of place where people will invite me to their church.

Yes it is, especially if you get into the northern burbs.

I can't help you much on the late night tex-mex. I do believe there's one Taco Cabana left here (most left the area while back). Oh, and BBQ is here is pork, the way God intended it to be. Get used to it!

[MrMcCoySays]

I also have absolutely no bias against other religions. I love diversity, and I'm also very interested in the writings and cultures of numerous other religions. But I also desire that down home church feel.