Seattle or Dallas? (Pacific, Republic: apartments, homes, tornado)

[readytojet!]

So i've been thinking about moving to Dallas from Michigan, and me and my friend are actually coming down for a visit next month. I'm trying to decide between Dallas and Seattle. Since i've been to Seattle a couple of times, I know that I love it out there. I've never been to Big D and don't really know what to expect.

I need some convincing that Seattle really is the better place to move. can you guys give me some reasons why Seattle would be better then Dallas? Climate? Jobs? Location? Sports? Quality of Living? Air Quality? Women? What are your thoughts? thanks!!! this should be interesting, i look forward to the responses.

[MichaelinWA]

Dallas has a lot going for it, but I really dislike the dull topography there. It doesn't compare well to western Washington's evergreens, water features, and surrounding mountains. Just IMO.

[Ira500]

Dallas=godawful hot summers, Seattlle=mild sunny summers
Dallas=Better Mexican food and BBQ, Seattle=better seafood and vegetarian cuisine
Dallas= Leans Republican, Seattle=Falls Deocrat
Dallas= favors cowboy boots, Seattle= favors Birkenstocks with wool socks.

[CityGirl72]

Well for me, I'd go Dallas, every thing is cheaper and it's dry there with actual sun.

Plus I love heat. I'm not doing well here in Seattle (physically)

[Ambassador]

I have lived in both cities so I'll just lay out the facts(and some opinion ) on the two and let you decide on your own, as opposed to what I THINK you should do.

First, Dallas:

VERY HOT and HUMID summers. I can't emphasize that point enough, which is why it is the first thing I am mentioning. Even people who like hot weather find the months of May-October in Dallas oppresive. Winters, which should provide a break many times are simply a toned down extension of summer which goes right into spring. The winter of 2005/2006 was like that with the temps averaging in the high 70s low 80s. Before you think that sounds ideal, remember that after 5 to 6 months of 100+ degree weather and high humidity you WANT a break in the form of cooler temps. When they never arrive it is a major let down.

Spring time is natural disaster time for the metroplex. Explosive level 5 thunderstorms are the norm bringing along hail and floods. Tornados touch down all around the area but rarely make into the city proper, although tornadoe watches and warnings are common every year during the spring. Occasionaly a tornado will touch down inside the city, like the one that tore through downtown Ft Worth in the spring of 2000.

Cheap cost of living. Homes are below the national average, apartments strangely enough are right at the national average and in some cases slightly above But the homes tend to be cheaper than most places.

As an extension of the above point: Most homes in Dallas are of the McMansion variety. Many are cheaply built(probably why they are cheaply sold) and are carbon copies of eachother. Sprawl is a major problem and in recent years has been a major concern. Unfortunantly the suburban sprawl phenomenon has now snowballed to the point that it will take years to slow down and even longer to reverse.

No scenery or topography at all. The D/FW metroplex and surrounding area is flat, flat, and FLAT. Trees are small and spread-out and are not green year round. Grass turns to a peculiar yellow/drab color in the winter.

Be ready to drive everywhere and spend large amounts on gas. The urban planning in Dallas falls into the Strip Mall/Subdivision category. There are a few, and I mean few exceptions here and there. Mostly Dallas/Ft Worth is made up of bedroom communities where neighboors very rarely interact.

Good number of options when it comes to dining out. Unfortunantly you must be able to tolerate chain restaurants as that is what makes up most of Dallas' dining options. There are gems to be found; most don't advertise extensively so word of mouth is crucial.

Ok, now for Seattle.

Beautiful scenery. Again, this is a point I can't emphasize enough. In fact, Seattle has some fo the most beautiful scenery I have seen anywhere in the world. And as an officer with the United States diplomatic service I have travelled extensively around the world.

Mild Temperatures. No hot oppresive summers and not painfully cold, blizzard like winters. Windstorms tend to be a factor every few years. Winters will see a few days of snow per year, but only a light layer which goes away very soon. Summers are very mild with temps in the 70s and 80s.

Cost of livng is above the national average, and in many cases downright expensive. However, Seattle is still much cheaper than the likes of San Diego, San Fran, New York, etc...

The food is AMAZING. I won't even mention the seafood as that is a given-but let me just say it is heavenly. All the other food, save for the Mexican food, is second to none. The best part about Seattle food is that most of it is organic and fresh. The difference is amazing. In Dallas everything is processed.

Endless recreational opportunites. Everything you can think of that has to do with water, mountains, ocean, parks, sports, etc.. you can do in Seattle. And not just do, but REALLY expereince those activities and have fun with them.

Weather: Seattle is cloudy, above the national average. Overcast skies are not uncommon, and during much of the year they are the norm. Forget the sterotype of rain. You will probably never see a downpour or thunderstorm like you would in other parts of the country. What you get in Seattle is a general "dampness' and mist. Add to that the occasional true rain which lasts for a few hours.

Also, take statements that describe Seattle as gloomy with a grain of salt. That is a subjective statement and purely based on opinion. One person's gloomy is another person's bright.

With that said, let me put it this way: There are two factors which contribute to a cities,any city, overall "look and feel" Cloud cover and visibility. When the skies are overcast and the visibility is low(such as fog) it is gloomy. When it is simply overcast but the visibilty is greater than 10 miles it is not gloomy; but simply overcast.

Most of Seattle's weather falls into that "overcast but great visibility" category. This gives Seattle a bright, unrestricted feel but with overcast skies. In many parts of the south, such as Dallas, overcast skies usually mean low visibility which is why the two are sometimes used interchangebly. But the weather patterns of the South/Mid-West is vastly different than those of the Pacific Northwest which is why Seattle is able to have overcast skies without the low visibility. Combined with mild temperatures this allows residents the freedom to walk around town and do whatever they please. Seattle does get gloomy days, particularly in November and December. But mostly it is simply overcast, not gloomy. The gloomy days, with low visibility are typically limited to morning hours. The times it lasts all day, like I said before are usually in November and December. And the months of May-September are usually very clear and sunny, with certain exceptions here and there.

Seattle is very urban and walkable. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 most walkable cities in the country. Dallas is down around number 70 last time I checked. You will get that " I live in a real city" feel in Seattle. Public transportation is also VERY good with an incredible bus line that feeds most of the city in a hub & spoke system.

Also Seattle is ranked as one of the most educated and healthy cities in all of the United States. I can attest to that statement as being true. Plus people in Seattle are more open minded and "worldly" generally speaking than people in Dallas.

That is all I can think of for now. I'll post more later when I think of more.

[toughguy]

I think I would die in the humid heat there. I seriously do not do well in high humidity.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by Ambassador

I have lived in both cities so I'll just lay out the facts(and some opinion ) on the two and let you decide on your own, as opposed to what I THINK you should do.

First, Dallas:

VERY HOT and HUMID summers. I can't emphasize that point enough, which is why it is the first thing I am mentioning. Even people who like hot weather find the months of May-October in Dallas oppresive. Winters, which should provide a break many times are simply a toned down extension of summer which goes right into spring. The winter of 2005/2006 was like that with the temps averaging in the high 70s low 80s. Before you think that sounds ideal, remember that after 5 to 6 months of 100+ degree weather and high humidity you WANT a break in the form of cooler temps. When they never arrive it is a major let down.

Spring time is natural disaster time for the metroplex. Explosive level 5 thunderstorms are the norm bringing along hail and floods. Tornados touch down all around the area but rarely make into the city proper, although tornadoe watches and warnings are common every year during the spring. Occasionaly a tornado will touch down inside the city, like the one that tore through downtown Ft Worth in the spring of 2000.

Cheap cost of living. Homes are below the national average, apartments strangely enough are right at the national average and in some cases slightly above But the homes tend to be cheaper than most places.

As an extension of the above point: Most homes in Dallas are of the McMansion variety. Many are cheaply built(probably why they are cheaply sold) and are carbon copies of eachother. Sprawl is a major problem and in recent years has been a major concern. Unfortunantly the suburban sprawl phenomenon has now snowballed to the point that it will take years to slow down and even longer to reverse.

No scenery or topography at all. The D/FW metroplex and surrounding area is flat, flat, and FLAT. Trees are small and spread-out and are not green year round. Grass turns to a peculiar yellow/drab color in the winter.

Be ready to drive everywhere and spend large amounts on gas. The urban planning in Dallas falls into the Strip Mall/Subdivision category. There are a few, and I mean few exceptions here and there. Mostly Dallas/Ft Worth is made up of bedroom communities where neighboors very rarely interact.

Good number of options when it comes to dining out. Unfortunantly you must be able to tolerate chain restaurants as that is what makes up most of Dallas' dining options. There are gems to be found; most don't advertise extensively so word of mouth is crucial.

Ok, now for Seattle.

Beautiful scenery. Again, this is a point I can't emphasize enough. In fact, Seattle has some fo the most beautiful scenery I have seen anywhere in the world. And as an officer with the United States diplomatic service I have travelled extensively around the world.

Mild Temperatures. No hot oppresive summers and not painfully cold, blizzard like winters. Windstorms tend to be a factor every few years. Winters will see a few days of snow per year, but only a light layer which goes away very soon. Summers are very mild with temps in the 70s and 80s.

Cost of livng is above the national average, and in many cases downright expensive. However, Seattle is still much cheaper than the likes of San Diego, San Fran, New York, etc...

The food is AMAZING. I won't even mention the seafood as that is a given-but let me just say it is heavenly. All the other food, save for the Mexican food, is second to none. The best part about Seattle food is that most of it is organic and fresh. The difference is amazing. In Dallas everything is processed.

Endless recreational opportunites. Everything you can think of that has to do with water, mountains, ocean, parks, sports, etc.. you can do in Seattle. And not just do, but REALLY expereince those activities and have fun with them.

Weather: Seattle is cloudy, above the national average. Overcast skies are not uncommon, and during much of the year they are the norm. Forget the sterotype of rain. You will probably never see a downpour or thunderstorm like you would in other parts of the country. What you get in Seattle is a general "dampness' and mist. Add to that the occasional true rain which lasts for a few hours.

Also, take statements that describe Seattle as gloomy with a grain of salt. That is a subjective statement and purely based on opinion. One person's gloomy is another person's bright.

With that said, let me put it this way: There are two factors which contribute to a cities,any city, overall "look and feel" Cloud cover and visibility. When the skies are overcast and the visibility is low(such as fog) it is gloomy. When it is simply overcast but the visibilty is greater than 10 miles it is not gloomy; but simply overcast.

Most of Seattle's weather falls into that "overcast but great visibility" category. This gives Seattle a bright, unrestricted feel but with overcast skies. In many parts of the south, such as Dallas, overcast skies usually mean low visibility which is why the two are sometimes used interchangebly. But the weather patterns of the South/Mid-West is vastly different than those of the Pacific Northwest which is why Seattle is able to have overcast skies without the low visibility. Combined with mild temperatures this allows residents the freedom to walk around town and do whatever they please. Seattle does get gloomy days, particularly in November and December. But mostly it is simply overcast, not gloomy. The gloomy days, with low visibility are typically limited to morning hours. The times it lasts all day, like I said before are usually in November and December. And the months of May-September are usually very clear and sunny, with certain exceptions here and there.

Seattle is very urban and walkable. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 most walkable cities in the country. Dallas is down around number 70 last time I checked. You will get that " I live in a real city" feel in Seattle. Public transportation is also VERY good with an incredible bus line that feeds most of the city in a hub & spoke system.

Also Seattle is ranked as one of the most educated and healthy cities in all of the United States. I can attest to that statement as being true. Plus people in Seattle are more open minded and "worldly" generally speaking than people in Dallas.

That is all I can think of for now. I'll post more later when I think of more.

I would say the first statement should be reversed...this lays out some facts, but it's alot of opinion.

[Ambassador]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

I would say the first statement should be reversed...this lays out some facts, but it's alot of opinion.

Only if the statements are not something you agree with. I have read your other posts on various forums and know you are very much anti-Seattle and pro-Texas. As if your screen name didn't give it away

I mentioned I would add my opinions on certain matters, but on most of it I simply stated facts and offered examples and explanations...such as the real definition of the word "gloomy" since that word gets thrown around here so often.

Other than that I would love for you to point out exactly where I offered excessive opinions because I would go back and edit my post immedietly to be more objective. As it is, the way I see it is you simply do not wish to hear certain "negative" aspects of Texas and certain "positive" aspects of Seattle and thus dismiss them as opinion.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by Ambassador

Only if the statements are not something you agree with. I have read your other posts on various forums and know you are very much anti-Seattle and pro-Texas. As if your screen name didn't give it away

I mentioned I would add my opinions on certain matters, but on most of it I simply stated facts and offered examples and explanations...such as the real definition of the word "gloomy" since that word gets thrown around here so often.

Other than that I would love for you to point out exactly where I offered excessive opinions because I would go back and edit my post immedietly to be more objective. As it is, the way I see it is you simply do not wish to hear certain "negative" aspects of Texas and certain "positive" aspects of Seattle and thus dismiss them as opinion.

Well whether you consider something negative or positive IS an opinion. And I'm not anti-Seattle. I'm from here and I'm proud of that. I'm anti-crappy weather (which it usually is here, IMO) and anti-too expensive for a single mom with 6 kids to live here.

I point out the negatives, which yes, are my opinion, so there is some sort of balance here. Otherwise, alot of people here will have folks thinking Seattle is Utopia.

I don't think you should edit any of your post...it is your opinion and I respect that, but it truly was more opinion than fact. Which is all I was pointing out.

BTW, I specifically posted my response to the OP over on the Dallas forum because he/she wanted reasons why they SHOULD move here. And I'm not the best source here for that. Like I said on that post, if the OP has visited and loves Seattle, he/she most likely will not love it in Dallas.

[SaltyDawg]

[off topic] Single mom with 6 kids! Your hands are as full as anybody I know.

It'd be hard to pick two more different cities in the US.

I like the earlier comparison, as my bias falls much along the same lines.

Dallas does have a more 'Southern' feel, in terms of friendliness, inclusiveness, and hospitality. Seattle is no doubt more stoic and reserved. This is a matter of personal preference, and I prefer Seattle's style. Your mileage may very.

If you are in to natural beauty and all that it offers, this is not even worth comparing. Ribbons of asphalt and endless sprawl vs. perhaps the most spectacular urban setting in the US.

Cost of living definitely tilts in Dallas' favor.

Weather: the #1 thing argued about on this forum. CityGirl, Jenbar, wannabeatexan et al find it horribly depressing, and they are certainly proof that for some people, it indeed is depressing to be this far north and have as little light combined with cloud cover in the deep winter months.

Others, like me, are not bothered by it in the least and revel in it. Winter = snow in mountains, skiing, dormancy in your garden (rest at last), ultra-clean air, and more solitude around the crowded parks (e.g. Greenlake). Fall/spring are a total mixed bag, different from year to year, but certainly with fewer extremes, both warm and cold, than you'd find in the NE/Midwest. Summers are incomparable, with warm temps, low humidity, and cool nights. Hot spells are infrequent and always brief.

Dallas weather has been well spelled out. I do know that some folks really get off on the violent weather and miss it when they move away from it. I had never heard of 'watering your foundation' until I was in Dallas - it's that freaking hot in summer.

On a Seattle board, of course you'll likely find a Seattle bias along with folks who always interject their negative feelings as a counterbalance - it can be helpful or confusing, but always worth reading.