Dallas vs. Austin? (Fort Worth, Richardson, Frisco: houses, schools, university)

[sammy332]

Please help me decide where would be a better life. I am in Mpls and hate the cold (today I will be locked indoors). Want to move to Dallas or Austin. Thanks!

[Willsson]

Today, I'm about half way between Dallas and Austin, and the wall thermo says it's about 50 degrees outside, clear, bright sun, no breeze.

So, it's probably a couple degrees warmer in Austin or a couple cooler in Dallas, depending upon what part of town you're in, for either.

There'll be plenty of people out walking, jogging, running, bicycling, smoking... not much water sports though, not today.

[lizziebeth]

I went to school in Austin and have lived in Dallas most of my life. Dallas has the advantage of being next to Fort Worth...like MSP? So there is a lot to do within a decent drive. People love Austin for its unique factor, its liberal reputation (though certainly that doesn't cover everyone), fun restaurants, outdoor activities, the motto of Keep Austin Weird and all that goes with it.

Austin has grown a lot and has lost some of its quirkiness but still a great city. Many people choose to stay there after they graduate from Univ of Texas (and perhaps the other schools in town).

Do you travel for work? If so, DFW would be a more convenient place to be. What line of work are you in? Cost of living is comparable either way. Traffic can be bad in Dallas but I actually think it's worse in Austin because there are fewer major roads.

Most importantly, warmer weather aside, what else are you looking for in a new city?

[sammy332]

I am mostly looking at weather...I want nice shopping and these things. But if bad weather, what good is it? Not interested in jumpiing from car to mall and back to car. Eww...

Btw, I never go to St Paul here. Not sure I would bother with DFW. Thanks!

[sammy332]

oops, Ft Worth I meant.

[FarNorthDallas]

In the heat of the summer we do a lot of jumping from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car (don't even bother bringing a car with no AC) and jumping into an air conditioned work place or classroom.

[lizziebeth]

So true, FND! The advantage is that you can easily jump from houses to cars to places of business -- all air conditioned and in some cases, too much so. In the north (and I have lived there), there's much more prep involved. Have to bundle up, clean the snow off the car, shiver while the car heats up, etc. You don't have to shovel heat.

[sammy332]

yes lizzie. And correct me if I'm wrong (I'm not car mechanic) but I think the cold very bad for the car, and not so the heat.

[artsyguy]

Austin is terribly vapid and backwater. Sure they have improved their skyline but it's still a dull and dreary Texas hick city. I lived there for a year and it was mind-numbing.

Dallas is very modern and progressive. Its skyline is the best in Texas. Shopping, restaurants, nightlife, art, and sports are huge in Dallas. Multiculturalism is huge, too. You will see people of all colors and creeds interacting and intermingling. It's a great city with a great library system and great arts districts. The University of Texas at Dallas is an excellent university if you get into the right programs. UTD offers events and lectures that are open to the public. The surrounding cities are excellent, too. Addison, Richardson, and Frisco being the best of the north side. Cedar Hill being the best of the south side.

Let me know if you need further information.

[sammy332]

artsyguy,

Thanks, this is wonderful. I will contact you definitely for more info, I really appreciate this, definitely make me want to go to Dallas!