Seattle to Dallas

HR10

So I've read, read some more, and googled away. I'm considering a move from Seattle to Dallas, and was wondering if there were any transplants (or locals!) that had some helpful input.  I'm also curious to hear about how the public transit system is?

I'm 31, single, have 2 large dogs, and would be working at the VA hospital. While I'm excited about the change in weather, I'm also nervous about the weather and geographic differences. I've always lived around water / near coast.

 

Thanks!

stephiehall

Hey there!  I am not very familiar with that part of town where the VA is located--it's pretty far south of Dallas proper.  I don't know what Seattle's public transit is like.  Dallas is not famous for theirs though, I do know that.  We have a limited light rail system and buses.  The great thing about Dallas and Texas in general is that housing prices are much lower here than in other parts of the country (whenever I watch House Hunters, I am amazed that people can afford homes anywhere!)  I can say that you will probably not want to live anywhere near the VA--I mean, South Dallas is not exactly a happening part of town.  It's 106 here right now so get ready for that.  There are some lakes here, White Rock lake in Dallas being one of the nicest and most popular.  It's a nice area especially if you have dogs.  HTH! 

Namasteak

The Bishop Arts district in South Dallas is a fun part of town if you want to live close to work. 

serlace

I don't know much about Seattle.  But, I think culturally, Dallas is very different from Seattle.  We are pretty conservative here.  Also, I know it rains a lot in Seattle - and we are currently experiencing a record drought. Also, as Stephie says, it's 106 here right now.  It gets ridiculously hot in the summer.  Dallas is also very flat.

Our public transit system is not that great.  The train is very limited, but I'm not sure how far the buses go.  Most people just drive to their destinations.  Hence, the horrible traffic we have here.  

You most definitely do not want to live in the area around the VA hospital.

I'm not sure White Rock Lake is comparable to your experiences living near water/the coast.  It's in East Dallas.  There is a bike/jogging/walking trail that goes all the way around it.  I've seen boats in the water and I know you can kayak, but swimming is prohibited.

Have you ever been to Dallas?  Maybe you could fly down for an extended weekend, before you make the decision to relocate. 

HR10

I haven't visited yet, but  it will be on the list of things to do here in the near future depending on what happens in he next few weeks. Public transit isn't a deal breaker, I drive to and and from work now. I was hoping it might work out when I saw the light rail map though. I'll definitely check the lake trail out some more, it sounds great. Thanks for the info.

shananagins

I've been to Seattle several times and have family on Whidbey Island.  Dallas will be like another country.  The mindset is completely different.  Recycling and enviornmental concerns are not a big deal here at all, there aren't near as many outdoor activities, (mainly because the weather is so extreme)

It also looks different. Right now because of the heat and drought everything is dead.  It looks like the dead of winter because nothing can live in this heat.

Winter is nice though!  You will never have to shovel snow, and I don't even own a heavy coat.