People's decision-making impulses (Dallas: new home, move, climate)

[houstoner]

Originally Posted by Scholar

What always strikes me about the Texas relocation questions is how many people don't seem to realize that Texas is larger than some countries and is bigger than putting some states together. Therefore, the "Where should I live" questions are so scary as it is often obvious that the people asking the questions haven't done enough basic research to even know how different the areas of Texas are, muchless enough research to know job markets, etc. It seems that the state forums could be much more helpful to those people who have done their research first, so they could ask more educated questions, not shot in the dark questions.

Oh, how I agree! From Houston, it takes about the same amount of time to drive to New Orleans as it does to Dallas, give or take a couple hours. I drove from Denver to Houston once and it took 23 hours straight through. The majority of that time was spent just driving through Texas! Kinda like El Paso, which is why I've only been there once. It's around 700 miles and a world away from here. Incidentally, El Paso is also 700 miles from LA!!! And it's in a different time zone than the rest of Texas!

[GoPadge]

Ah, but think about it, if you're cashing out of, say, California, and have a large stash of cash, you are more able to move to a new area and live, perhaps for years even, off your equity.

[Spree]

>> Ah, but think about it, if you're cashing out of, say, California, and have a large stash of cash, you are more able to move to a new area and live, perhaps for years even, off your equity. <<

I was thinking the same, perhaps they are coming w/some savings or a younger couple w/out kids that can live on ramen noodles for awhile. I wouldn't be able to bring myself to live on the edge like that, lol.

[lh_newbie]

I know people that have moved here (when younger) and stayed with friends while they searched for a job - that certainly helps to keep your expenses minimal while your income is zilch. In fact, that's how my wife moved here 15 or so years ago.

[cartracks]

If you look in any Texas newspaper, small town or larger city, there are plenty of jobs. West Texas is in a boom because of the oil and gas industry. Jobs here are no problem.

[FarNorthDallas]

It seems like a lot of people are moving here because they can afford a house here and they can't in the city they are in now.

[graffixjones]

I guess I kind of fit into the category that you guys are talking about, but I'm just trying to get as much information as possible before I take the plunge.

I 'do' plan on seeking out employment before I just throw caution into the wind, but IMO it's better to figure out if you really want to move somewhere before you start looking for a job... otherwise you're kinda putting the cart ahead of the horse, eh?

As far as employment goes, my degree is in Environmental Economics, which actually deals with things like energy production and natural resource use. Most people think I'm a 'tree hugger' when I tell them what my degree is in. So, being that there are more jobs in energy production in Texas than in California, where do you think my job prospects will be better?

My wife currently is a waitress, so she can pretty much write her own ticket anywhere as well, especially since she has about 18 years of experience. However, she recently got her Pharmacy Technician certificate and is looking to explore that area of employment.

I'd say that both of our prospects look pretty good.

This is definitely not something I'd want to go into blindly, so we're taking a small trip in July to decide if the area we're considering is even 'right' for us, which is something that I recommend for everyone. It's much better to spend less money on an exploratory trip and decide that it isn't for you than it is to uproot your entire life and figure out later that you simply hate it.

Just wanted to offer my input.

[ThanksABunch]

Originally Posted by loves2read

Have been reading posts on TX forum for only a few months--but I am struck by how many people (when they are asking for information because they want to relocated to TX) are doing so because they WANT to vs. HAVE to....

We have only moved when DH has been relocated for work...so I guess I am a little out of the loop---and it has been like 23 years since my last move but

1) are so many of these people working from home so they take their income/job with them when they move and that is why they seem pretty unworried about employment?

2) are they confident that their industry is so worker-starved that they will find a job here paying what they need to live on that they aren't really worried? Is the job market so hot they don't have to have a job before they come--
think there are only a few areas that are really that desparate for people(especially mid-salary people and above) because most of the people I know who live/work in DFW area don't feel that sanguine about changing jobs w/o time and effort to put in and contacts to speed the process...which out-of-town people usually don't have...

3) are they independently wealthy, so having a job is not something to worry about anyway?

4) Are most of these people not really moving but just kind of wishing out loud by posting about possibilities?


I guess I just don't get the thinking behind people--especially people w/kids--who seemingly consider moving w/o having a safety net of good employment under them...Am I missing something in the equation/postings???

Sometimes people are drawn to other parts of the country because they need change. I believe this is part of life and growth. I was raised in Texas and discovered the Pacific NW in my 20s. I had to experience it. It was the most amazing decade of my life. I grew up and learned a lot being on my own in a new place. I experienced new climate, people, and way of life. I fell in love and had a child.

Now, I'm ready to go back to Texas and re-connect with my family. My son is thrilled with the idea of moving and living in a new place. He is all for it because my attitude about it has been very positive and excited...and he takes cues from me. I worked very hard to find a career that allowed me to work from my laptop. That is a goal anyone can acheive if they really want it.

Later in my life, maybe I'll move again and experience more new things.

When you follow your bliss about where you want to be, you make it work. You find work that will support you in your new place. If you live in fear and aren't willing to take the leap and be adventurous, life just isn't as interesting.

Just my opinion!

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Oh, how I agree! From Houston, it takes about the same amount of time to drive to New Orleans as it does to Dallas, give or take a couple hours. I drove from Denver to Houston once and it took 23 hours straight through. The majority of that time was spent just driving through Texas! Kinda like El Paso, which is why I've only been there once. It's around 700 miles and a world away from here. Incidentally, El Paso is also 700 miles from LA!!! And it's in a different time zone than the rest of Texas!

Had a college buddy from Gruver, up in the Panhandle near the OK border. I asked him once if they went to Dallas when they wanted to go to "the big city". He responded no, they went to Denver. It was closer.

[leavin LV]

Bingo!!!!!!!