What is it about Texas you love? (Dallas, Austin: rent, health insurance)

[Willys]

My grandparents moved from somewhere around Athens, Tx to Rising Star, in a covered wagon. Had a couple of kids then packed up that wagon and moved to Kosse and had a bunch more kids. I can show you the fence post near where my mother was born. They were tenant farmers, picking cotton. BTW, I'm a white boy.

My dad quit school and joined the army at 16, at Fort Sam, in San Antone He and my mom met in San Antonio, married and had a bunch of kids. Their brothers and sisters did the same. We left the country for a couple of years, but there's a picture of me and my sisters sitting on the 'Texas' marker just this side of Texarkana when we got back. I was in the first grade and we landed in Ft Worth. Dad retired there and we moved to Abilene, where I finished public schools and some college.

At twenty-one, I moved to Houston, where lots of life went on. Twenty-five years later I moved to Dallas. The point here is that I've been across and back between those four cities (San Antone, Abilene, DFW, Houston, points in between and outside of) a multitude of times. I've been places in Texas and seen things I'd have to see again to remember. Sort of like being at home. Oh yeah, it's.... over there... somewhere.

I did move to Seattle for a year. Real nice place it is, a long way from anywhere. And football at frikkin ten a.m. I didn't miss Texas for an instant. Even thought about it, nope, not a problem. Then I realized that Texas was/is so ingrained into who I am, what I think, my attitude, my perceptions of the world, others perception of me. I try not to be arrogant about it but hey... I'm not the one with the bumper sticker that says 'I wasn't born here but I got here as fast as I could'.

What is it about Texas that I love? I don't have to worry about who I'd be if there were no Texas.

[texas7]

There is just something about native Texans that can't be beat. People who move here try to fit in and be of the same nature - but you can always tell. Texan's are incredibly friendly. In fact, I don't remember the opposing team but there was a football game in Austin at UT - BIG GAME - opposing team won. The guests from that state were absolutely stunned at how warm and gracious they were treated in Austin (while wearing opposing team jerseys) and even more shock when they dined out after the game and were congratulated on a good game. That just doesn't happen up North.

[pinkflamingo]

Our family has been moving around since I was in the third grade. When I was in my early teens we landed in Houston, TX. It was such a huge change from our Ohio roots. We got used to being called "Yankees" and laughed at all the marketing ploys for "Texas sized" this and that. I eventually moved away, but have since moved back 3 times. My son was born there and he is proud of it. In the past two years since we have been gone; I miss it more than I ever thought I could. The pride native Texans have in their state is inspiring. I have lived in more beautiful places such as upstate NY, CO Rockies and the TN Smokies. However, I have never felt more at home than I did when I was in Texas. The people are gracious, friendly and laid back. We are in the process of moving back-this time for good.

[case44]

Have you got five hours?

But, really, I just don't know where to begin. I'm a Texas roads fanatic, so I'll start with the roads of our great state. You get it all. The caprock, the High Plains, the mountains, the deserts, the beaches, the tall pine trees, and the Hill Country. Then, there is some of the best food that you can get in the United States. Any culture, any ethnicity, any original, that's what we have that I like. Barbecue, now that's what else I like. There are all kinds of barbecue debates right here in our own state, different flavors, different approaches, but I love Texas barbecue. I like any food that was invented here, too (hamburgers, chicken fried steak, black-eyed peas, chili, onion rings). Yes, they were started right here. I love the mild winters (well, maybe not in the Panhandle, but pretty much elsewhere). And let's not forget the many lakes with great waterfronts, some quite majestic.

And one more thing --- I love the people of this great state that I am proud to call home.

[jobezee1]

The BBQ, gotta love Marshall's in Carrollton or Sonny Bryans. The sweet tea on hot summers days like today. The people for the most part. Yeah, I love it here for some reason.

[jobezee1]

Or I left off the Chili. Frank Tolbert wrote the book on it...literally. A bowl of red. Not real popular at this time of year though. The Friday night football games and tailback parties. The rodeo. The Piney Woods. The Llano Estacado. Big Bend. The Dallas skyline. The hustle and bustle on Main Street. The peace and stock out at Lake Ray Roberts. The wild flowers on I-45 between Dallas and Houston. The county courthouses on the square of most counties. They all have a different theme. The women. The men. Have mercy, I am so glad that I live here. Always have. Always will. Texas born and bred. "God bless you, Texas, and keep you brave and stong. That you may grow in power and worth throughout the ages long."

[Jonna]

Leaving this sh*t hole as soon as I can and knowing that anywhere is better than here. That's what I love about Texas.

[drjones96]

Having some issues there Jonna? LOL Ever lived in Kansas? Trust me there are worse places to live. I spent three months in Wichita, Kansas and knew right away that I could not have a career and my sanity there.

[Jonna]

Originally Posted by drjones96

Having some issues there Jonna? LOL Ever lived in Kansas? Trust me there are worse places to live. I spent three months in Wichita, Kansas and knew right away that I could not have a career and my sanity there.

never been there.

I moved to Dallas with my husband because of a job transfer, I actually had a positive attitude. I had no idea what I was in for. The first year I cried almost everyday, finally left on my own for 3 months because I had to get out of the state. I came back with the promise we would be leaving soon. Well we didnt. Finally I said I am going, cant take it here anymore. He agreed and didnt want the kids raised here.
Sorry but it's hooorible here. Tired of the "Texas Pride" crap also. My husband said they probably know their state sucks but it's the only state they know or can afford so they have to stick up for it. Reading the boards confirms it. People never say they are coming to texas because they always wanted to live here, they come because of jobs or because it's CHEAP!

There may be worse places to live, I am sure Iraq is worse, but life is too short and if you have options, take advatange of them.

I came to Texas thinking I would like it and leaving hating it and 50% of the people. Mainly because of the accents.

[jobezee1]

Originally Posted by Jonna

never been there.

I moved to Dallas with my husband because of a job transfer, I actually had a positive attitude. I had no idea what I was in for. The first year I cried almost everyday, finally left on my own for 3 months because I had to get out of the state. I came back with the promise we would be leaving soon. Well we didnt. Finally I said I am going, cant take it here anymore. He agreed and didnt want the kids raised here.
Sorry but it's hooorible here. Tired of the "Texas Pride" crap also. My husband said they probably know their state sucks but it's the only state they know or can afford so they have to stick up for it. Reading the boards confirms it. People never say they are coming to texas because they always wanted to live here, they come because of jobs or because it's CHEAP!

There may be worse places to live, I am sure Iraq is worse, but life is too short and if you have options, take advatange of them.

I came to Texas thinking I would like it and leaving hating it and 50% of the people. Mainly because of the accents.

Not to sound patronizing or condescending but:

"Well, bless your heart."