Houston VS Dallas VS Houston Suburb (Fort Worth, Plano: schools, live, airports)

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

Iin the last 10 years, my family and I have lived in Houston (twice), Dallas once, and Fort Worth once.

We LOVED Fort Worth -- if you're just looking for a Texas city to settle down in I'd go there in a heartbeat. Close enough to take advantage of all the Dallas amenities, small enough to enjoy. Depending on where you live, you could be in downtown FTW or Dallas in 30 minutes, giving you tons of employment options.

We like Houston fine and are happy here, but if I worked in a different industry or could get a job that paid similar somewhere else I'd take it and wouldn't think twice about leaving. The weather up in DFW is just a few degrees cooler year round, but with that and the lower humidity it makes a big difference. I like the people and culture in Houston more than in Dallas, but enjoyed Fort Worth more than either.

Agree with this. I do think if youre coming from Iowa, Fort Worth might be the one truly worth looking for. It will be the most similar and least overwhelming as well.

That said, both Dallas and Houston are exceptional cities. Houston is more laid back and has a better food scene, Dallas has better shopping and more suburbs to choose from. Both cities are very diverse with Houston getting the nod for most diverse city and the one with the more international vibe. That said, Dallas is still extremely diverse and has areas that are very international. Dallas has all 4 seasons and Houston doesnt really have seasons. It does cool off in the winter here but I wouldnt call it a winter for a second.

Right now Dallas is going to be more expensive than Houston but they go back and forth depending on cost of oil.

All in all, Dallas and Houston are great, but I would have a look at Fort Worth for sure.

[jcovington912]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

Iin the last 10 years, my family and I have lived in Houston (twice), Dallas once, and Fort Worth once.

We LOVED Fort Worth -- if you're just looking for a Texas city to settle down in I'd go there in a heartbeat. Close enough to take advantage of all the Dallas amenities, small enough to enjoy. Depending on where you live, you could be in downtown FTW or Dallas in 30 minutes, giving you tons of employment options.

We like Houston fine and are happy here, but if I worked in a different industry or could get a job that paid similar somewhere else I'd take it and wouldn't think twice about leaving. The weather up in DFW is just a few degrees cooler year round, but with that and the lower humidity it makes a big difference. I like the people and culture in Houston more than in Dallas, but enjoyed Fort Worth more than either.

I'll check out FTW, I didn't really think to look there. We have no destination set, were just relocating for a change.

[Mr. Clutch]

Having lived in both I'd say each city is better (sometimes only slightly) than the other in the following:

Dallas:

- shopping
- regional organization/planning
- economic diversity
- walkability/public transit (slightly)
- primary/secondary education (slightly)
- architecture

Houston:

- weather (very arguable, but I hate the cold, so I prefer Houston)
- food
- internationalism/diversity
- entertainment/activities/nightlife (arguable)
- higher education
- natural setting
- affordability (for now)

I tend to agree that Ft. Worth may be a better fit than either for people from Iowa though.

[jcovington912]

How are the schools in Ft Worth? We have two elem school aged children.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by jcovington912

How are the schools in Ft Worth? We have two elem school aged children.

You'll do fine in the Houston area like other Iowans before you, such as those that founded Iowa Colony Texas, south of Houston.

History[edit]

It was founded in 1908 by the Immigration Land Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and received its name from Iowans G. I. Hoffmann and Robert Beard. The community received a post office in 1919, and rice farming was introduced there in 1920. Although not directly on a railroad line, Iowa Colony was served by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe line through nearby Manvel. The population grew slowly to twenty-seven and remained at that level until the mid-1960s. The discovery of oil in 1948 brought regional employment to the area. By 1961 the Iowa Colony post office had closed, yet during the 1960s the settlement began to grow vigorously as part of the greater Houston area. By 1973 Iowa Colony had been incorporated, and by 1989 the town listed a population of 661. The city hall, community center, and municipal court are all housed in the same building, next to the fire department. In 1990 the population was 675. The population was 1,170 in 2010.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Colony,_Texas

This is not a recommendation because I have only been through the area (without getting a ticket BTW) just letting you know that people like you have prospered here before...

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by jcovington912

How are the schools in Ft Worth? We have two elem school aged children.

They're going to be the same as Dallas and Houston. It's part of the same metroplex as Dallas, but has a more laid back / easy going vibe to it. Dallas and Fort Worth each have their distinct suburbs, but there a space in the middle where the two cities kind of blend together.

Like all the other cities in Texas, it'll depend on the school you choose rather than the city itself. It's really hard to compare quality, because the "good" schools are made up of homes that start at $750k, so it's hard to tell if the kids succeed because the school is good or because they come from affluent homes with parents that support them in their studies.

I guess that's my way of saying the schools you'll be looking at in Fort Worth will be just as good as the schools you'd be looking at in Houston or Dallas. It's a big city in its own right, and is home to at least a few well regarded universities (TCU, UNT, and kind of UT Arlington). Depending on where you choose they may even be some of the same districts as you'd end up in living in Dallas.

[Mr. Clutch]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

They're going to be the same as Dallas and Houston. It's part of the same metroplex as Dallas, but has a more laid back / easy going vibe to it. Dallas and Fort Worth each have their distinct suburbs, but there a space in the middle where the two cities kind of blend together.

Like all the other cities in Texas, it'll depend on the school you choose rather than the city itself. It's really hard to compare quality, because the "good" schools are made up of homes that start at $750k, so it's hard to tell if the kids succeed because the school is good or because they come from affluent homes with parents that support them in their studies.

I guess that's my way of saying the schools you'll be looking at in Fort Worth will be just as good as the schools you'd be looking at in Houston or Dallas. It's a big city in its own right, and is home to at least a few well regarded universities (TCU, UNT, and kind of UT Arlington). Depending on where you choose they may even be some of the same districts as you'd end up in living in Dallas.

Fort Worth is a really cool city. I've only probably visited like five times, but I've always had a good time there. People are really friendly too. Def recommend the OP check it out.

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by jcovington912

I'm currently planning to relocate to Texas !

Dallas/Ft worth was the main area (a suburb of it to live in, Dallas to work) but I've recently been told Houston is worth looking into.

Is there anything better about Houston than Dallas? We are a young family with two young kids. Schools, decent jobs (mechanic and legal work), and an affordable cost of living are most important to us.

Were more than likely looking into a suburb of Houston/Dallas because they appear more affordable at this time. But is Houston affordable enough to live in? Does it have good schools?

Any info is helpful!! Thanks!

There is no significant difference between Houston and the metroplex.

[jcovington912]

Originally Posted by Jack Lance

You'll do fine in the Houston area like other Iowans before you, such as those that founded Iowa Colony Texas, south of Houston.

History[edit]

It was founded in 1908 by the Immigration Land Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and received its name from Iowans G. I. Hoffmann and Robert Beard. The community received a post office in 1919, and rice farming was introduced there in 1920. Although not directly on a railroad line, Iowa Colony was served by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe line through nearby Manvel. The population grew slowly to twenty-seven and remained at that level until the mid-1960s. The discovery of oil in 1948 brought regional employment to the area. By 1961 the Iowa Colony post office had closed, yet during the 1960s the settlement began to grow vigorously as part of the greater Houston area. By 1973 Iowa Colony had been incorporated, and by 1989 the town listed a population of 661. The city hall, community center, and municipal court are all housed in the same building, next to the fire department. In 1990 the population was 675. The population was 1,170 in 2010.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Colony,_Texas

This is not a recommendation because I have only been through the area (without getting a ticket BTW) just letting you know that people like you have prospered here before...

Interesting, and reassuring. My city I live in now (and my whole life) is 75,000 people and a college town but I've spent a lot of time in Chicago, where my husband is from. So were used to a bigger city. But I'm sure there will be some adjusting to be had. Thank you!!

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by jcovington912

Interesting, and reassuring. My city I live in now (and my whole life) is 75,000 people and a college town but I've spent a lot of time in Chicago, where my husband is from. So were used to a bigger city. But I'm sure there will be some adjusting to be had. Thank you!!

Are you from Ames or Iowa City? I never lived in Iowa but Im up there 3 times a year or so for work.

Iowa Colony isnt anything like Iowa in its current state. Its basically a big master planned community. Thats not to say its a bad place at all, but if you were looking for something more similar to small town/city Iowa in the Houston area, I would look at Hockley, Brookshire, or Alvin before Iowa Colony.