Ducati Monster Forum

The s/o and I came to this conclusion once before..the ATX is great but a bit too small and lacks the employment opportunities that the big cities offer. Looking at the pros & cons of these 2 metro areas now.

Any opinions from you all?  I'm sure most of you are quite biased living in and around DFW.  If so..why?

less humidity
wider enterprising market (not centric based on oil and the like)
less traffic (depends on your commute of course)
more diverse IMO
more active DFW group  ;D
closer to Arkansas roads but then again Bandera is farther.

if you want to compare housing it's a bit of a roll really but compared to Austin we have more for less in both Cities.  What interests do you have and that will help.

I moved here when I saw the housing and economic stuff peaking.

It was a smart move.

If you've got skills DFW has something for you to do.
A big variety of industry here.

I chose south-central Arlington.
Being right in the middle (but just south of) everything means Dallas is 25 min away,
Ft.Worth is 15, and Cowboys stadium is 10 away,

And when I cut down my fence to party in the field behind my house
horses and livestock wander around the bonfire with us.

Close to everything and yet just-far-enough out.   [thumbsup]

<edit> Oh, and with the exception of Muscrat, we're all better looking than Houston folks.  [beer]

I'm having surgery next week and now that I know how you truly think of me I'll include some "cosmetic" things be done.   [evil]

I'll chime in on this one.  I agree with all the comments above and have a strong bias towards DFW over Houston.  Humidity, traffic, pollution, public transportation (we at least have TRE and DART) are all worse in Houston. 

The only real benefit to Houston is if you like to travel out of the country.  DFW is captive to America and they price it as such.  Houston (Bush airport) is United's hub but enough competition is there that the same flight to say Frankfurt will be significantly less.  Of course your flight will probably be delayed due to weather because, again, it's Houston.

If you just plan to fly every now and again or only plan to fly in the states then DFW is better.  You also have Love field for southwest air.  Houston has SWA as well but you would have to drive to Hobby (south Houston) and my suggestion would be to NOT live in the south Houston area so the drive would be a nightmare. 

That's my two cents.   

Appreciate the info!!

Houston:

Texas Medical Center
Lots of Manufacturing based companies
Less chance of a tornado
Hurricane parties
Melting pot of cultures thus wide vartiey of cuisines
Fewer upitty Dallas people
Cheap housing
An hour away from Galveston

not sure I'd be selling the short trip to Galveston.  That beach AINT purdi

Houston:  Cheap housing and "culture" =  trouble.

More chances of hurricane refugees, and the crime they bring.

Higher humidity.


DFW: Has plenty of high end/quality medical centers too.

If you don't want to deal with the "uppity" Dallas folks,
there is always Fort Worth.  It's HUGE the attitude difference.
...and there is always Arlington in the middle for recreation.   [thumbsup]

Hey just because there's a 10% chance the house next door is being used as a hydroponic pot grow farm doesn't mean there is high crime everywhere in Houston. :-*

If your neighbor is quiet, single, and has a $5,000-a-month electric bill...   [laugh]

Honestly, your experience in any city will be dependent on your own wants/needs/attitude. 
Texas Medical Center and in particular, UTMB is one of the world's leading Cancer and Heart institutes.  Take it for what it's worth, but if you have no connection to the medical world, so be it.  That's not to say hospitals wherever you are aren't good, these are just very good and co-located for one hell of a system.

I'm actually quite surprised that someone said that DFW is more diverse than Houston.  I would contest that, but also would consider that several areas of either city are probably more diverse than others.  On the whole, I have always thought Houston was more diverse.

The food in Houston really is quite outstanding.  I bet DFW has more high-end places, but the vast array of cuisines and options are quite staggering, accessible, and really fantastic in Houston.  Don't forget that Houston's craft beer industry is just booming with both homebrewers and business entrepreneurs alike. 

I agree that DFW definitely has better public transportation.  Houston's public transportation is built to take people in and out of the city during rush hours and that's about it.  It's actually very good at that, but as a public utility or use for anything else, it's not very good.

I also agree that a large portion of Houston's economy is based on petroleum and energy, but don't forget that Houston is the 4th largest city in the nation.  The diversity of industries in Houston would surprise you.  The spectrum is pretty vast with oil/gas/manufacturing to high-tech nanotechnology (Rice University is one of the big leaders in nanotechnology). 

Houston is one of a few U.S. cities (and only one in Texas as far as I know) with permanent, professional resident companies in opera (Houston Grand Opera), ballet (Houston Ballet), music (Houston Symphony) and theater (Alley Theatre). (stolen off the Westin Hotels website, sorry, I couldn't remember all of the pieces).   

The Houston Zoo, Theater Under the Stars, all the museums as well as the Menil Collection, the largest privately own modern art collection in the nation are all here as well. 

I absolutely think Houston gets a lot of crap because it's just not good at promoting itself in the least bit.  The PR of Houston stinks, but if you take a bit of energy to go find what you like, you'll probably find it here, unless it's mountains or something like that. 

You'll definitely need to deal with traffic, but what large city doesn't?  It's really hard to say one has worse traffic than the other considering that it depends on where you live and where you work that makes your commute.  A lot of these things (in any city) are manageable through different means.

Political climate is even interesting here, obviously we're still Texas, but is there another city in this state that has an openly gay mayor?  That could be good or bad for you, but it's interesting that it happened. 

For me, I truly believe I'd probably make a happy life for myself wherever I go.  We tend to find the same kinds of people and activities that we enjoy no matter where we are.  What matters to me in general is that I find a job where I enjoy the people I work with and am doing something important to me (if I'm lucky of course).  Along with a loving spouse and friends/family support, I think any place will be great for you - even Dallas or Houston  ;)

Well said.  Is there a significant cost-of-living difference between Dallas and Houston? 

There's a pretty substantial penalty for living in Houston, but mostly that has to do with actually being in Houston.

[quoteLisa, hor=svoloch link=topic=59652.msg1112871#msg111287150693296]
There's a pretty substantial penalty for living in Houston, but mostly that has to do with actually being in Houston.
[/quote]

That's only for the defectors who go and sell their badass bike and leave.  Call it the svoloch tax...   :P

And Iisa, I couldn't tell you for sure, but I think compared to Dallas, cost of living is probably a little better, but probably fairly comparable to fort Worth.  I just checked the government per diem rates and it looks like Houston gets less in lodging than either and fw you get the most for lodging, but considerably less for meals and expenses in fw compared to Dallas and Houston (which both get 71 bucks).  That's just per diem rates, but thought it was at least a fair comparison.

I'm sure someone will report me but frankly I need to say it.  Not picking a fight Hero but who should care about the Mayor's orientation?  What purpose does it serve to say such and when did we stop being private about our private lives?  I could care less what you do in your home.   

You cared enough to post a response....

Fair enough, my only reason for mentioning it was because Texas is a VERY conservative and VERY Republican state.  To elect an openly gay and democratic mayor is considerably contrary to what would typically be expected that I thought it would be something to mention.   Voters here have voted against much less than that, so it either shows a truly unhappy attitude with the previous mayoral administration or voters who care about much more than things like orientation.  Obviously there other reasons to vote, but I thought it an interesting point. 
I'm sorry if it offended you, but it could potentially show a more progressive voter base or city than you would think for Texas and that's why I mentioned it.  It was not a dig on any group of people.

Because every time I read an article or see something on facebook it's a constant barrage lately.  Lets apply our energy to real moving forward rather than peeping into bedrooms.   :-*I see your point and understand the validity of such statement and you didn't offend me.  I grew up in an environment much different and appreciate every opportunity and freedom offered but I also grew up with much thicker skin because of what I've experienced.  Texas is much more progressive than most would ever admit and the only reason the state gets less credit than it deserves is because Austin has made themselves into the SF of Texas.  The rest of the cities move along and grind away at producing, growing and employing rather than crying foul over every feather ruffled (as I see it anyway).  I would just like us all to move along, feels like this subject is drawn out. 

Iz, pick your poison soon because we are tired of teasers on where you're off to next.  ;) 

                                                             (http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/DMF%20MISC/OolongTheRabbit.jpg)

you should deep fry that wabbit first.

The Dax / Hiero thing ended too amicably.  Hmm... Would it help if I pointed out that Dallas has a lesbian, latina sheriff?   [popcorn]

Maybe I make a good politician, I should think about this. Lol  [beer] [cheeky]

although I don't know him I like him more than your sorry ass.  maybe this is the reason.  :-\

I could care less about Dallas County, I live in Denton and pay substantially less in taxes! 

Agree with the Austin comment. The first time I lived here, I really liked it.  This time, I'm not as impressed.

Thanks for all the feedback.  It's very much appreciated! 

Btw.. Mums the word still Musky!   

 ;)

lady parts, you know you can't quit me... 

well there is that and you're the only Libtard worth discussing politics with that knows something.

I noticed that too.   ;D

When your stuck at home you do more Internet trolling than usual  ;)

It is more an effect of Houston being an international melting pot, a commuter city, suburban sprawl and inherent cultural concentration effect.  Houston hasn't had a republican mayor since 1981 plus Parker's orientation wasn't really advertised in the media until after she was elected as mayor.  Get out in the 'burbs and yes it is very conservative and republican.

[thumbsdown]

Well, with my limited time spent in the two cities and what I've read on here, I think the Dallas area would be the better fit for us.  I drove through Houston a couple more times to and fro Destin, FL over the holidays.  That city may have its positive points but I just can't picture us living there at all.  I have a job offer in Katy so we checked it out.  There were some nice neighborhoods.  I think one positive there would be kayaking on the coast.  That could always be done on a long weekend trip from DFW though.

Muskrat has mentioned a few cities around DFW through PMs in the past and someone also mentioned Arlington.  I'm checking into home rentals in those areas now. 

Someone asked what I was looking for in a city.  Of course, fellow Ducatisti and a Duc dealer nearby, but also a new Aikido dojo (or possibly Judo, Crav Maga), 24 Hour Fitness (already checked and there's about 30 gyms),  [thumbsup] dog friendly places, kayaking/SUP (I'm sure your watering holes are draining like Lake Travis though?), a good montesorri school for my son and eventually an international school.  Affordable housing is nice and there are a lot more job opportunities there than there are here in Austin!

BTW..DFW is a backup plan if wife's offer falls through in another state.  I should know in the next week or so.  If we do get up to DFW though, I'll need an 848SF ASAP for the GP!!   [Dolph] 

Thanks again!               

I know someone selling an 848!  As I stated, you can stay here for a few days while you find a place.  North Dallas has many neighborhoods within a reasonable price so just let me know where your work will be and I'll help.  THere's also a group going to the GP race so you can tag along there as well.  [thumbsup]

An 848 SF?

Thanks M

Glad to hear you've decided on North Texas.  There are plenty of nice neighborhoods to choose from all over the place, although I'm kinda partial to northwest DFW  (about 5 miles east of Texas Motor Speedway, 10 miles north of DFW Airport)) where you're mostly out of the metromess and just minutes from some really nice country backroads.  I think LYD would back me up on this one  [evil]

Are there Ducati track days? 

Track days? Yes sir!  AMS schedules several Italian Bike Track Days at Cresson Motor Sports Ranch (south of Ft. Worth) yearly. I attended two and had a blast.
I am not aware of specific dates posted yet, but contact AMS at 214-466-6540 for more info.

Advancedmotorsports.com for info too.  [Dolph]

Ducati Track day..Firebird Raceway in PHX=$20/day includes instruction and leathers if needed.  All day if you have a Duc.   ;)   

As good at that??

Yep. 

Nice!!  [thumbsup]

Just gotta get myself a new bike!

wait a minute, ain't nothing for 20 bucks on any track.  it's 150 usually.

$275 per last year. But you get lunch.  ;D

You've been living in the wrong city then.  [Dolph]

I'll refer you to NAKID, Deitrich, PennyRobber, TurboMonster and a few others here who can confirm.  RandimusMaximus may also be able to as well. 

here I mean.

Ok. Now, where in DFW to live?

The NE region is sticking out so far.  I've been talking to the "Frisco Kid" (or is it the Frisco Freak?  I still haven't met Musky in person yet).   [cheeky]  He's trying to lure me in on the schools and charm of the old downtown.  I know the city did get Top 10 honors for "Friendliest Towns in America" just this past week but what say the rest of you?  I'm going up to scope out  the area this weekend.  On paper, Allen and Plano look like they might work.  Allen being a possible first choice with North TX Aikido, big lake for kayaking and (even though I am not a fan of Allen ISD and their $11ty billion high school football stadium) the system might be good for my son if he eventually goes to public schools. 

I've only seen the place online though so we'll see Saturday.  Any other info though is appreciated! 

I for one am a HUGE fan of the Allen football stadium but I am/have been a season ticket holder for a long time. It was voted on by the citizens and passed easily so there is no school district shenanigans going on there.

As far as the school goes, it is HUGE but it has it's pluses and minuses:

Pluses; it is HUGE and has a lot to offer. When my son graduated a couple of years ago he left high school and nearly had enough college credits to be a (college) sophomore. He took a bunch of "dual credit" classes and the like. Having just finished his third semester at Texas Tech he is an academic Junior. Being at a school that size really prepared him for the way a university operates.

Minuses; it is HUGE and I can see where it would be easy to get "lost" in the crowd. Participating in athletics is very difficult due to competition. The fine arts programs (band, symphony) are fantastic.

Believe it or not the schools are UNBELIEVEABLY diverse. Going to functions when my daughter was in elementary school I would be willing to bet that whites made up for 45%-50% of the school. There is an idea that Allen is "Lilly white" but that is not accurate at all. As a disclaimer that is an unscientific opinion, I didn't count the kids.

There is also a wakeboard waterpark here if that matters to you and a free open to the public skateboard/rollerblade park with a BMX track next to it. None of that matters to me, my son went a few times, but it is nice if you like that kind of stuff.

Mark

Thanks M.  I appreciate the info. You raise a good point with the college credits.  That's a big plus!   Definitely looking for diversity as well.  Glad to hear that there are other activities close by too.

Be mindful of taxes.......Frisco freak out.

I live a litte east of Plano in Wylie, TX.   I have lived here for about 10 years now.  Fairly close to most things but also a little outside the "big city" pace of life.  Good roads for motorcycles aren't too far away and Lake Lavon is close by.  Not sure if you are looking to buy a house, but you tend to get more house for the $$$ when compared to Frisco and some of the other suburbs.

You might also look into the Lucas, TX area which is right next to Allen.  Beautiful homes, larger lots and Lovejoy ISD is one of the best in the state. Much smaller schools compared to Allen.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions about the area.

Swanny

Yes, I forgot to mention the taxes, they are pretty high but we LIKE where we live and we take advantage of the things that taxes fund (library, parks, Event Center). I have even been known to make the occasional donation to the local police!  [bang]

I have always though about moving out of the City of Allen just to lower our tax burden, but darn it, we like it there.

I am not trying to sway you into Allen over some other place by any means, I don't get a commission! I am just passing along my thoughts.

I suspect that the dual credit high school/college courses will be available at just about any decent size school.

+1 to pretty much all of the above.  Allen is really nice, and that high school is amazingly huge. ;)  But yeah, the programs they offer (nursing, welding, etc, etc) are incredible.

I live in Wylie, and my wife is a teacher in Lovejoy ISD.  Nothing but good things to say about either location.   [thumbsup]

I too wanna move into the country but I did just that 9 years ago and they built the city around me.  Where to go next.....

..................back from whence you came?

You made that too easy!

That would be if they permitted him back .... THAT TOO was way too easy  ;D

the geriatrics must have a convention from which you both are posting.   :o

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming!   I found a few places in Whylie, Lucas and Rockwall last  night that I wouldn't mind living in for a few years.  An acre or two would be nice but in afraid what comes with that too, i.e.: anything that slithers and/or rattles.

In Texas you can shoot'em.  ;D

^^^  This.   [thumbsup]

Shoot em in AZ too.  I just don't want my son to be outside playing and discover one when I'm not around.  We could explore outside freely growing up in mid-MI and the only thing to worry about were garter snakes.

I won't even get started on that one, suffice to say playing in the jungle (amazon) was much scarier and the snakes were make the beast with two backsing huge.  Let the rug rat loose.

Yeah, I shouldn't worry so much and put my fear of those damn serphants onto him.  Apparently, grandpa already has a Daisy for him anyway. 

I saw a Black Widow once.

It died soon after.

I have not seen anything else to worry me too much.

While on the subject of miscellaneous vermin, I live in Flower Mound which is north of DFW airport and west of Lewisville.  There is a small town within a mile or two from where we live called Copper Canyon.  Any guesses as to the name?   [evil]

One morning I went out in the garage to get in my car and as I went to open the car door there was a Copperhead right at my feet. 

Flat blade shovels are a must 'round these parts... Unfortunately, the ones we've killed in the yard over the years wouldn't amount to a pair of snakeskin boots.  Useless creatures!

He'll shoot his eye out!!   ;)

I've seen Muskrats around thes here parts LMAO - some may refer to them as useless creatures too - not me though  :o

Son's grandpa also bought his dad a Daisy as a kids.  One day he shot it at a tree in great grandpa's yard.  He watched as the BB came back and hit him in the forehead.   :-X

This was a few years before A Christmas Story.  ;)

We used to shoot each other with those things back in the day.  Dam they hurt digging them out too.  [evil]

Never did that stupid.  Just threw those pop-it's and shot each with Roman candles.  A different level of stupid, I guess.  [cheeky]

And that too.

Been up here all day.  Not sure what to think?

Not surprising.   So what's the malfunction?