Dallas or Austin? (Houston, Fort Worth, Waco: fit in, hotel, home)

[kye022984]

Hi, I have a question for anyone who is willing to help me out. We are making the move from San Diego to TX, which shouldn't surprise anyone since I hear it's the "thing to do" right now. Anyway, my sister was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, which we are going to visit in Jan. But, I have a friend who lives in Dallas (only for about three months now) and she loves it. So, now, we're trying to fit in both cities. Can anyone give some pros and cons to both before we go? We have two small children, are Christian, and typically looking for a good family place, schools, things to do for adult and kids etc...

[Lakewooder]

Here we go again..

[TXTwizter]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Here we go again..

ROFLMAO!!!!

[TXTwizter]

Originally Posted by kye022984

Hi, I have a question for anyone who is willing to help me out. We are making the move from San Diego to TX, which shouldn't surprise anyone since I hear it's the "thing to do" right now. Anyway, my sister was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, which we are going to visit in Jan. But, I have a friend who lives in Dallas (only for about three months now) and she loves it. So, now, we're trying to fit in both cities. Can anyone give some pros and cons to both before we go? We have two small children, are Christian, and typically looking for a good family place, schools, things to do for adult and kids etc...

Want to fit something in .....move to Waco.....its right in the middle, so your only an hour and a half from either Austin or Dallas.
You cant loose!!!

[jorywalker]

Another Texafornian! My wife and I considered Austin but did not get the "warm & fuzzies" about it not to mention the price of living was higher than DFW. We have a 4 year old and go to a great community life church here. We also found more activities and entertainment for us as a family around DFW personally.

[Lakewooder]

Yes but Hippie Hollow is a good place to be baptized.

[katrique]

Austin is focused around University of Texas, State Capital and Dell computers. It has a vibrant music scene and would compare in attitude to Northern California.

I think Dallas area compares more to San Diego..lots more companies and an overall more conservative area. Much larger city with more diversity in areas and home prices than Austin which is a considerably smaller area.

[lizziebeth]

Originally Posted by katrique

Austin is focused around University of Texas, State Capital and Dell computers. It has a vibrant music scene and would compare in attitude to Northern California.

I think Dallas area compares more to San Diego..lots more companies and an overall more conservative area. Much larger city with more diversity in areas and home prices than Austin which is a considerably smaller area.

Katrique is spot on. I graduated from UT. I love to visit Austin but not sure I'd want to live there. Part of the problem is that so many people love Austin that it can't keep up with the growth. There are great, non-chain restaurants plus Town Lake running through downtown is a wonderful asset. However, Dallas has oodles of restaurants (too many IMHO) and lots to do. It's a larger city plus Fort Worth is next door with a number of suburbs in between so there are many options for churches, activities for kids and parents, schools, etc.

It's three hours or less from Dallas to Austin so not a bad drive at all.

[CMDallas]

Don't Listen to the some people above... yes we are used to the large influx of Californians here(that is probably they seem to be taunting you, which they aren't its sort of a joke), just make sure that you don't act superior cause that the vibe a lot of people get (Democrat or Republican alike believe it or not).
Anywho, didn't mean to offend you.
Austin seems to be very popular among Californians, as Dallas and Houston. What are you looking for in a city? that is the question give us criteria to base it off of.

[hamiltonpl]

Austin's surrounding countryside is prettier. It does have a lot of beautiful hills, lakes and streams. If you're outdoorsy, Austin is great. However, Austin is still in its adolescent stage. It's a "one horse town" when it comes to jobs (Dell) and college (University of Texas).

Dallas is all grown up. It has more diversity, in addition to many different churches to choose from. The dining options are as good as any major city in the United States. My colleague's from San Diego really like it when they come here on business. They enjoy the weather, the greenery, the architecture, the food, and the people. Some of them have even come back here on vacation to go shopping, clubbing and stay at the Ritz or W Hotel.

However, it all depends on what you are looking for. Austin and Dallas are both great places that attract different people.