East Texas temp / humidity? (Dallas, Garland: houses, movies, camp)

[celyntx3]

My husband and I are thinking about relocating from northern California to East Texas (somewhere between Dallas and Lake Fork.) I'm trying to get some info about the general climate. Is it beautiful, hot and sticky, or somewhere in between? The area is beautiful from what we've sen but if you can't be to be outside to enjoy it that could be a problem...

Thanks

[LQQKOUT]

It is beautiful and hot and sticky all at the same time. Come and enjoy

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by celyntx3

My husband and I are thinking about relocating from northern California to East Texas (somewhere between Dallas and Lake Fork.)

What kind of lifestyle do you lead now in N. California and what are you anticipating in that region of East Texas? All I can think is SEVERE culture shock. If your used to more of the Sedona, Napa region and being closer to more cultural activities......... you might consider staying MUCH closer into Dallas. Even Rockwall would be more suited if that is what your used to. I'd even say that the area around White Rock Lake in Dallas like Lakewood would give you more in the way of the cultural scene that you are accustomed to.

We have a lakehouse out on Tawakoni which is just south of Lake Fork. It is a culture shock from where we are in Garland (inner ring suburb of Dallas) to there. Seriously. Sure the lake is nice and there are some areas w/ more trees but you can find that here in Dallas. The trees help create a nice breeze and sometimes it is a wee bit cooler because there is less concrete........ but what are you REALLY looking for? What you won't find out there in that neck of the woods are arts festivals, first rate or indie movie houses, upscale dining of ANY kind. What you will find is a proliferation of beer/wine/liquor stores, trailers, old abandoned trailers, sprinkled into some nicer and newer houses, dollar stores and a Sonic as well as the "garage sales" in yards that are permanent. I mean, our lakehouse is fairly nice and there are some really nice ones sprinkled around in the area and next door to us. But there are abandoned lots/trailers, overgrown lots, people that just park junk vehicles in the yard, etc. It is not "cheap" either for a non lake lot that is overgrown.

Before you even determine you do want to live there I highly suggest going out there several times and getting a good feel for the area. Then check out the area of Dallas known as Lakewood and see if that fits your lifestyle a bit more. You would still have a lake close by w/ a LOT of trees.

[celyntx3]

Not too sure it would be a culture shock. We're just south of Redding in the central valley (about halfway between Sacramento and the Oregon border.) Most of the land around here is in either agriculture or livestock. The "big city" of Redding has a population of 90,000. We don't do art festivals or independent movies. My husband is retiring fairly young. He likes to fish, we both enjoy scuba diving and animals. Not so sure the urban lifestyle is for us. What w did find nie was the proximity of Dallas, so if we wanted to do some "city stuff" it's not that far, not to mention a nice airline hub for trips to the carribbean. We are animal lovers so life with less than 3 or 4 dogs doesn't feel right either.

[loves2read]

Lake Fork is pretty isolated although it has some lovely homes--that is definitely a fishing lake--they left lots of tree stumps in the water just for that purpose

you might also conside some of the other lakes around DFW--
Lake Granbury has lake running through town (part of a river damned up)
there is Cedar Creek SE of Lake Fork--more town life around there and closer to Tyler where there is good hospital...
Scuba diving is not going to be very doable around here--most of the lakes are too cloudy with silt

Possum Kingdom Lake west of FTW about 2 hrs has the clearest water around and it is also the deepest lake I think

check out lakehouse.com--very searchable database

[ChristieP]

Coming from Redding, East Texas won't be that much of a culture shock, especially since your husband likes to fish!!

East Texas is VERY hot, humid and sticky in the summers. Spring, Fall and even Winter are mild and those are the best times to get out and enjoy the outdoors. In the summer, we all go out in the morning and evening, and retreat to our A/C'd homes during the heat of the day!

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by celyntx3

My husband and I are thinking about relocating from northern California to East Texas (somewhere between Dallas and Lake Fork.) I'm trying to get some info about the general climate. Is it beautiful, hot and sticky, or somewhere in between? The area is beautiful from what we've sen but if you can't be to be outside to enjoy it that could be a problem...

Thanks

I don't feel it will be a culture shock. I moved to rural central Texas from Burbank, California and really, it was no big deal. The major things I've really not cared for in Texas are the long and hot summers albeit the warm and breezy summer nights are fantastic (There MUST be a breeze though!!) Also, I'm still not used to severe thunderstorms, but that is not a big deal to many people.

Comparing Dallas to Alba (where Lake Fork is located), there is not a whole lot of difference in the weather. Dallas is mighty hot and humid as is East Texas. They both boast the same comfort index level (heat and humidity factors) of 25...not good...quite uncomfortable. Heat indexes are high in both places. By the way, I'm taking this from weather statistics and not what I think.

Right now, Dallas' dew point reading is 70 and Alba, 72. Both are oppressive. East Texas dew points are usually a few points higher than Dallas', but I don't think there really is that much difference. Sure, some days maybe, but not always. Dallas' temperatures will usually be a few degrees higher, so I guess it all pretty much balances out.

I spent many a summer in Gary, Texas at church summer camp and hot and humid, you bet it was. I can't say Dallas is terribly different if one is outside all the time, in cabins and mess halls with no A/C, etc. I do remember though toward early morning and waking up in Gary, I'd actually be chilly enough to use a blanket. This was in the month of July.

Unfortunately, the weather and the extreme heat will require that a person stay in during the hottest part of the days. Even the shade will not offer comfort from the relentless heat. Therefore, summer activities are limited, but from late October to May, the weather is delightful. There are a few "too hot" days that sneak in during this time, but they're short-lived, different from what goes on day after day from May to October.

You are leaving an absolutely beautiful part of the country with ideal weather but should you settle in east Texas or Dallas, I'm sure you will like it for what if offers. Rural living is great, and I'd never, ever live in the city again.

All the best to you and do keep us posted.

[HKMark23]

Originally Posted by Canine*Castle

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Unfortunately, the weather and the extreme heat will require that a person stay in during the hottest part of the days. Even the shade will not offer comfort from the relentless heat. Therefore, summer activities are limited, but from late October to May, the weather is delightful. There are a few "too hot" days that sneak in during this time, but they're short-lived, different from what goes on day after day from May to October.

You are leaving an absolutely beautiful part of the country with ideal weather but should you settle in east Texas or Dallas, I'm sure you will like it for what if offers. Rural living is great, and I'd never, ever live in the city again.

All the best to you and do keep us posted.

My apologies to celyntx3 for the hijack.

My wife and I and 2 Shar Pei live in eastern Canada and are investigating retirement locations that don't involve wintertime temps of -40. This relentless heat you describe, is there any respite for those living in lakeside homes around Lake Palestine or Lake Tyler? Also, how are the mosquitoes? The ones up here are prolific and well fed.

[Texsez]

U want to visit Tyler first to get the feel. The culture u will find very friendly but.....itsa slower plce in it's own bubble. Gorgeous country. Hot isn't the word either. Sauna is more like it. Winters are mild tho.