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),
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!!
Thanks again!