Dallas and Houston have been booming at nearly the same rate for how many years. Famous people flock to Dallas as it is the #1 vacation destination in Texas. And some people in Dallas DO live beyond their means but that's what gives Dallas the "larger than life" image. Dallas is the quintessential Texas city. They filmed the "larger than life" tv show
Dallas in Dallas, it wasn't called
Houston. I mean come on, you have to give that one to Dallas, there isn't any debate.
I know what first class is and Dallas is first class all the way. Look at the Galleria, Northpark, Highland Park, Willowbend, etc. Plenty of upscale shopping. Plus look at the shopping that is exclusive to Dallas: Faconable, Calvin Klein, Escada, Calypso, Anne Fontaine, Porthault, Robert Talbot, Custo Barcelona, Via Spiga, Celine, Hugo Boss, Tod's, and Loro Piano. Talk about exlusive

.
Dallas also has plenty of culture. Look at the Nasher Sculpure Garden or the new $250 million dollar performing arts center being built in downtown Dallas. Plus great art museums and galleries. Plus they have the Cowboys...I mean it's the COWBOYS

. You definetly cannot beat Dallas when it comes to sporting. The Cowboys, the Mavericks, the Rangers; you can't beat 'em.
And you forgot to mention the amazing restaurants in Dallas. That city has more restaurants per capita than NYC for crying out loud! And it has plenty of fine dining options. The French Room at the Adolphus is arguably the best restaurant in the US. I've been there and it is breathtaking; a feast for the eyes. Houston just can't compete wth Dallas when it comes to great places to eat.
And what about nightlife? Houston seems to shut down at 10 while Dallas is still living it up. Dallas has a ton of bars, clubs that are places to see and be seen.
And I do like Houston; it's a great city.