Is Dallas really better? (Houston, Austin: homes, college, living)

[C2H (ComingtoHouston)]

I personally don't know what the big deal is about Austin. Everyone talks about it like its a jewel even though it does have some gorgeous hills. For big city life and all the amentities in the state, i'd have to go with Houston. Houston just feels more like a big city than any other city in Texas. Dallas may be the city that's closest to being big like Houston but it has the vibe of a neighborhood (huge city limits with big malls but that's about it). It's amazing how bad Dallasites try to badmouth Houston and their city is nothing but a big **yawn**. Austin too.

[rogramjet]

Originally Posted by austinese

I've been in Austin 24 years and I don't think I've heard one comment about Forth Worth. However, I recall enjoying the bumper sticker "I'm from Foat Wuth."

I just moved to Austin from upstate New York. I listen to the local NPR station and the daytime radio DJ for KUT loves Fort Worth and mentions it often as a a great Texas city. For what its worth, I think FW is the most underrated city in Texas....

[TexasHorseLady]

For big city life and all the amentities in the state, i'd have to go with Houston.

That may be why you don't get what the big deal about Austin is. "Big city life" isn't what many people want, in fact, it's what they DON'T want, but they do want amenities, and Austin fits the bill.

After all, if "big city life" is what you're all about, shouldn't you be in New York City?

[schoenfraun]

Originally Posted by rogramjet

For what its worth, I think FW is the most underrated city in Texas....

Hear, hear. It is a lovely place.

(Let's hope they don't ruin it with their brand-new lake!)

[blockbuster]

Originally Posted by jxn3000

Considering a move to TX, and have the opportunity to choose either Austin or Dallas as my base. Was really leaning toward Austin, but several friends think that I am crazy for not choosing Dallas. They reasons they list for preferring Dallas are (and this is their opinion, not mine): more cultural activities, more cosmopolitan city, better sporting events, better shopping/dining.... Would really like the opinion of you good folks who actually live in Austin. Thanks.

Well your friends were correct in every aspect, but it really depends upon whether you place the aforementioned in a similar pedestal of importance.

It can get very dry, unlike Austin

According to whom? Your intellectual dishonesty? Dallas receives more rainfall than Austin and one with a simple grasp of geography in Texas can easily deduce that Austin is drier than Dallas.

[DalAusNashATLNYC]

All,

I have to chime in on this one. I left Austin in 1999 when I graduated college and moved to Dallas. I've lived in several places since then. For the past 9 years I've dreamt of moving back to Austin. It's by far my favorite city in the country (and I've been to a lot of em).

That said, I recently went through the decision between going back to Dallas or Austin. I had the choice to relocate to either one and find my way to a new job, etc. An EE/MBA in tech, I was pursuing tech-related jobs in either market. Let me say that the choice was easily Dallas for one reason: jobs.

Salary offers were higher in Dallas, diversity of opportunity was better, and the number of large corporations in Dallas obviously outnumber those in Austin. I felt pretty strongly that I would enjoy better near and long-term job security in Dallas than in Austin. Not to mention, air travel in and out of Dallas is a lot easier with far more direct flights.

Austin is still my favorite city. It's beautiful, culturally more... interesting... and MUCH SAFER than Dallas, and close to my undergrad alma mater. If money and career were no object, I'd move to Austin tomorrow.

--DalAusNashATLNYC

PS Houston is huge. I grew up down there. Despite what any Dallasite says, Houston is the more substantial, more significant city. The weather and the mosquitoes, however, are absolutely horrible

[mshanbaum]

I just joined the site, I live and work in the Sturbridge, MA area. My family is planning to relocate in May 2009 to Texas. Oldest son graduates high School - still leaving 2 elementary kiddos. My sister-in-law has lived in Fort Worth Area for 20 years and loves it. We're back and forth trying to decide between there and Austin area. My husband is in restaurant management and I'm in purchasing. Looking for the best income potential vs cost of living and most importantly good schools - any insight you can give me would be greatly appreciated - we New Englanders need to stick together!!
Thanks,
Michelle

[mshanbaum]

new to forums in general - thought I was sending that directly to traceyr13's comment.

[AustinTraveler]

Originally Posted by mshanbaum

new to forums in general - thought I was sending that directly to traceyr13's comment.

Just hit the QUOTE button within the post you want to reference and it'll show up in your post. Welcome to the forums. Also, there's lots of good information in the forum titled "About the Forums":

About the Forum Forum - Relocation, Moving, Local City Discussions - City-Data Forum

and FAQ:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/faq/

[mandib]

I think everyone who comes to the Austin board should change their mind and plan a move to Dallas instead. Save the rest of us from the hassle!