Considering relocation to the Dallas area (Houston, Plano: fit in, Valentine's day, renting)

[jdub2447]

Hello all. I'm in the wonderfully stressful boat that a lot of Americans are in right now, considering different parts of the country to relocate to.

My wife and I have developed a love for Dallas after researching and reading as much as we can about the place. I was there once at a convention, at the Gaylord Texan actually, so not really Dallas. What I saw of the Grapevine area was nice though.

Anyway, I have a few questions for you Dallas residents that may help us in our researching.

1.) We have a biracial family. Is there an area that is more highly populated with biracial families? From what I've read, Dallas seems to be pretty international, so I don't think we'd have a problem fitting in. I'd just like to be conveniently located to areas where similar families frequent. I'm definitely going to be renting first.

2.) Weather. I'm a Florida native. So, I'm used to hot, humid, nasty summers. I'm used to hot, humid, nasty weather year round, actually. Something's not right when you wear shorts and tshirts in January, and still get sweaty! Are summers in Dallas really as bad as people describe? Or, would a native Floridian be unfazed? I mean, if you've ever been to SWFL in the summer (April-October), you'll agree with me that it's as sticky as it is hot. Average summer days here are like 94-97, with 100% humidity. That could last until 10-11pm easily! That humidity makes you feel like you're constantly sweating, and going outside at all during the summer is next to miserable. On the flipside of that, are the winters really as warm as some have described? I don't want to move from one location that has NO winter weather to another that's identical. Florida weather is nice during this time of year, but it's also when I hate it the most. I want to be cool - cold from November to at least March. I don't like constant 85 degree weather during those months. I'd like for my kids to experience something I never did until college in VA - actual seasons. I want to live somewhere that gets a winter, but doesn't get buried in snow/ice for 4-5 months.

3.) Churches. Church is a big part of our lives, and from what I know of the area, I don't think I'd have a problem finding a solid, big church in the Dallas area.

4.) Outdoors. I enjoy riding my bike (not in the city), and I could see myself getting into fishing once again over there. Are there areas in/near the Dallas area that are condusive to these activities?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions as I get going. So, thanks in advance for the info you might provide. I'm already actively and aggressively sending resumes and completing applications in the area, as I won't move my family without a job in hand. I'm hoping my business degree, along with 8 years experience as office manager, HR manager, IT administrator, and insurance producer will get me in with one of the many businesses in the area.

Looking forward to calling myself a Texan....

[WillysB]

I used to live in Houston, before moving to Dallas. I can relate to the hot, humid, sticky. Not to worry. It can get humid in Dallas and it can get hot in Dallas. But you'll certainly know you're not in SWFL, or Houston.

There are days during the last couple, or first few, months of the year that it will get cold. I know one year it snowed and ice on Thanksgiving. A few years ago it snowed on Valentine's Day. It was beautiful and was gone by nightfall. Next day was sunny, breezy and cool. Next week was shorts and tee.

I had moved from Houston to Dallas because I realized from watching the news/weather that those pacific fronts were pushing thru north Texas but not making it to Houston and I wanted cooler weather. So, it'll cool off when pacific or canadian fronts move thru. It'll warm up when they're done.

Prepare for cool and warm, humid and dry. You'll get all of it.

I used to bicycle about Dallas. My routes varied from White Rock to Love Field, from downtown to 635. There are routes marked on traffic signs around town. There's a trail from the White Rock area going north where you can connect as far as Plano. Google the Dallas Bicycle Club. They hold weekly rides around town or out of town. And there are several rallies held in the area though to my knowledge none of them involve fishing.

[rdfw]

1) I don't think you'll have any problem being a biracial family here. Aside from some exclusive neighborhood here and there or some occasional exurb, DFW is very mixed and international.
2) If you're used to FL weather, summers will be no problem and winters might actually be cold for you. It will be drier than FL, in general. At times humidity can be high here, but it's nothing like Florida and can get kind of dry here sometimes. Winter days are generally in the 50s for the high, 30s for the low with some days of 30s for the highs and occasional crazy days of 70s for the high. Sprinkle in a few days of ice and one day of snow per year. There are seasons here, not as pronounced as a little further north but a definite departure from the constant tropical weather of Florida. The trees do lose their leaves here and the grass turns color.
3) There might be more churches/mosques/temples here than starbucks.
4) There are a number of off- and on-road biking activites throughout the metroplex and there are a number of lakes around where you can go fishing.

[Grainraiser]

I'm so use to seeing Bi-racial families that it does not even raise a eyebrow. You and your kids will fit in just fine. It gets as hot here as it does in FL but the humidity is not as bad. I lived in Houston for 8 years and I know what high humidity feels like. As stated there are churches everywhere so finding one your happy with should not be a problem. For biking you have White Rock which is like a oasis in the middle of the city. There are also many bike trails in the area. There is no saltwater fishing close to Dallas but there are plenty of freshwater lakes to sink a line. Some are more geared toward recreation while others cater more to fishing. We have the same freshwater species that they have in Florida so there will be no adjustments.

[jdub2447]

Thank you all for the input. From what I read, I wasn't as worried about the racial makeup as the weather comments. Some of the weather comments I had been reading had me worried that I was considering a move to another Florida. I definitely don't want that.

Another question here. A hobby/passion of mine is cooking. Namely BBQ, low and slow in the smoker all day....I know this may spark some heated opinions, but what type of food culture is better in Dallas? Tex-mex or BBQ? Not just in sheer number of those types of establishments, but what types of those foods are you most likely to see at social, backyard type gatherings?

Also, from what I've seen here, Plano seems to have the best school systems in the area? Is that the truth, or have I just not read about the positives in other school districts? My kids are 9, 8, and 2. Schools are going to be a huge factor for us if/when we get over there.

[momof2dfw]

As already noted the weather here is vastly different than Florida. The absolute worst humidity that have ever experienced has been in S. Florida and I'm a native Dallasite. You will see some seasons here and you will get a break from the heat and humidity.

Again, as has been mentioned......... don't worry about the racial makeup of your family. No big deal at all. Anyone that does make a "big deal" just needs to be left alone and go on your merry way and leave them to wallow in their pity. Good thing, those types are VERY FEW and far between.

Cooking - Grilling YUM!!! One of our good friends LOVES to grill and the wife is ALWAYS getting onto him for taking ALL DAY to grill. We throw EVERYTHING on the grill here: all kinds of meats, veggies, fruit, etc. My fave is pineapple covered in brown sugar and cinnamon (add rum after if desired ). Tex-Mex, most of us go out to eat it. Some are pretty good at fixing this at home but not everyone

Depending on where your working don't just settle on Plano without seeing other areas. No, Plano ISD is not "the best". Schools are one of those things you get out of it what you put into it. Bad things happen in the PISD just like every other district - there are positives and negatives in EVERY shcool district. It is up to the parents to make sure their kids are doing what they are supposed to. One thing to consider is how large of a school do you want your kids to be in. The Plano ISD has only 3 senior high schools and they are all LARGE (over 1000 graduating seniors every year per school). If your kids are not "THE" superstar in their area they won't make the sports team or other activity they want to be in. Don't just settle on Plano just because you have "heard" it is "the best". Most of the people that usually say stuff like that don't have any experience w/ other districts in this area First know where you will be working, how long of a commute you want, price range of a house your wanting, size and age of house your wanting, area amenities, area "vibe", etc. THEN go out and look around at areas that fit THAT bill.

[Grainraiser]

I will answer your cooking question. Most folks in the DFW area have a grill in the backyard. I went a step above and installed a outdoor kitchen on my back deck. During the spring and early summer we do very little cooking indoors. Soon as I get home from work I change clothes and head for the deck. I love Tex-Mex but I must say BBQ is my favorite. Be it smoking ribs or a brisket on the smoker or grilling hamburgers or chicken wings on the gas stove I love it all. Fish tacos kinda of took over last summer and homemade pizza the summer before that. Plano has great schools but they are by no means the only good schools in the area. Flower Mound, Coppell, Grapevine, Keller etc all offer great schools. The key is to find out were you will be working and the budget for your new home. You can then narrow down choices for schools districts. You may prefer mega size highschools or smaller ones. There is no one size fits all. Personal preference has alot to do with things.

[FarNorthDallas]

There are a lot of good schools in the DFW area in a lot of good districts. Plano is one of them. It's well regarded. Puts out over 100 National Merit Semi-finalist a year. Has very competitive sports teams. Is full of college bound kids. It's establised and they know what they are doing. The gigantic senior highs can be a negative if you aren't a fan of big schools.

But, really, there are a lot of goods school areas around.

At a social gathering, you are more than likely to see BBQ, I think.

[stouchstone]

tons of areas have parks and trails for your enjoyment! one that comes to mind immediately is what we refer to as "telecom corridor", which means North Richardson, North Garland, North Plano all right along 190 tollway kind of close to 75. This area has a wonderful nature preserve and park with many trails, ponds, creek, etc..called Breckinridge Park. go to www.cor.net/parksandrecreation and click on Breckinridge Park and check it out. Frisco has been developing their park system. Mckinney has Stonebridge and tons of amenities including parks, ponds, trails, swim club, tennis, and a beach (sans humidity!). Plenty of lakes for fishing around including Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Lavon, Lake Lewisville, etc...however, several subdivisions will let you fish in the ponds, but they're "catch and release". My husband takes my daughter for a few minutes in the evenings sometimes. Plenty of bbq, plenty of churches, y'all will fit in just fine! oh, and there isn't too much humidity, in fact, I am constantly slathering on moisturizer since I relocated from Louisiana, but there is a tremendous amount of wind! Our grill blows over from time to time! PM me if you have more detailed questions or if you want info about schools. I can send you a school ratings guide--it will help a lot!