MalibuRenter_IHB
New member
So, here is the field report from Dallas. So far it's a very positive impression.
Some things are pretty much as advertised:
-Lower traffic, yes. Of course, that's true anywhere but NY, Cairo, Mexico City, or Tokyo. Average rushhour speeds on freeways are 50+ mph. Not quite screaming along with impunity, but pretty good.
-Parking, yes. Not many limitations. So far, I haven't seen any gratuitous "No parking third mondays, full moons, except with zone 14 permit" kind of signs.
-Friendly people, yes. As a native Southerner, I pretty much expected this.
-Attractive women, yes. It's kind of like being at UC Santa Barbara or USC, but on a bigger scale. FAR better than LA, moderately better than OC.
-Much lower housing prices, especially for nice places with big lots in good neighborhoods. However, inventory is building up and prices are dropping. Not an LA/OC/Riverside kind of collapse, but another 15-20% off wouldn't surprise me. In Dallas there is no jumbo conforming and it's hurting the high end. Still, a $700k property here would be $2.1 million in Irvine.
-Somewhat lower rents. Nice furnished place, short term lease, takes dogs, excellent neighborhood, 3 br 2 ba, 2000 sf, 1/2 acre lot. $2000/mo.
-No state income taxes. Just got my first TX paycheck, and yes, there is no state tax.
Some things aren't at all as advertised:
-Rednecks, very hard to find in Dallas. There are some poor people, but not sunburned alcoholic guys with shiny cutouts of women on their mudflaps.
-Heat and humidity, missing in action. Santa Barbara's summer weather appears to have been kidnapped and brought here. Very clear air, highs in the high 70's. This might change at a moment's notice.
Not advertised, but apparently true:
-Fewer tattoos.
-Much much less graffiti. I've found like 3 pieces of graffiti, and was able to read all of them.
-Almost no trash on the freeways. While this isn't much of a problem in OC, LA apparently never cleans the freeway emergency lanes. You could do your Christmas shopping there.
Further updates as I notice things. Feel free to ask questions.
Some things are pretty much as advertised:
-Lower traffic, yes. Of course, that's true anywhere but NY, Cairo, Mexico City, or Tokyo. Average rushhour speeds on freeways are 50+ mph. Not quite screaming along with impunity, but pretty good.
-Parking, yes. Not many limitations. So far, I haven't seen any gratuitous "No parking third mondays, full moons, except with zone 14 permit" kind of signs.
-Friendly people, yes. As a native Southerner, I pretty much expected this.
-Attractive women, yes. It's kind of like being at UC Santa Barbara or USC, but on a bigger scale. FAR better than LA, moderately better than OC.
-Much lower housing prices, especially for nice places with big lots in good neighborhoods. However, inventory is building up and prices are dropping. Not an LA/OC/Riverside kind of collapse, but another 15-20% off wouldn't surprise me. In Dallas there is no jumbo conforming and it's hurting the high end. Still, a $700k property here would be $2.1 million in Irvine.
-Somewhat lower rents. Nice furnished place, short term lease, takes dogs, excellent neighborhood, 3 br 2 ba, 2000 sf, 1/2 acre lot. $2000/mo.
-No state income taxes. Just got my first TX paycheck, and yes, there is no state tax.
Some things aren't at all as advertised:
-Rednecks, very hard to find in Dallas. There are some poor people, but not sunburned alcoholic guys with shiny cutouts of women on their mudflaps.
-Heat and humidity, missing in action. Santa Barbara's summer weather appears to have been kidnapped and brought here. Very clear air, highs in the high 70's. This might change at a moment's notice.
Not advertised, but apparently true:
-Fewer tattoos.
-Much much less graffiti. I've found like 3 pieces of graffiti, and was able to read all of them.
-Almost no trash on the freeways. While this isn't much of a problem in OC, LA apparently never cleans the freeway emergency lanes. You could do your Christmas shopping there.
Further updates as I notice things. Feel free to ask questions.