If you are in the midst of deciding where to settle down in your retirement years, then the question “Is Houston or Dallas better?” may well pop up. After all, you may well ask yourself, “Which city has the more interesting cultural scene? Which has the better nightlife? Which is more affordable?”.
Let’s explore the top advantages of both places and the factors that might cause you to prefer one over the other.
The Sports
If you’re a sports enthusiast, then you may well want to consider living in Houston. The city is home to various professional sports teams including the Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, and Houston Astros. The Astros in particular are a major force in Major League Baseball. If you’re a fan of any of these teams, then you may well have the chance to see your favorite team play live. If that’s not enough, then there’s also the Toyota Center, which is the home of the Rockets and also features concerts and other types of events.
The Cultural Scene
Depending on what type of cultural activities you enjoy, you might find that Houston’s nightlife is more to your taste. It’s a fairly large city and there’s a variety of things to do. If you are a fan of theaters, then Houston has them too. If you enjoy live music, then you can find an album release party or concert every week in Houston. You may also choose to volunteer at a local museum or art gallery and get the priceless experience of exploring the city’s vibrant culture.
On the other hand, Dallas is a smaller city with an interesting cultural scene of its own. The Performing Arts Center there is the second largest in the country and it’s got one of the best live music halls in the nation. The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the best in the country. If you’ve got an interest in fashion, then the Design District is the place to be. You’ve got the Dallas Zoo, which is one of the best zoos in the country. There’s a whole lot more to do in Dallas, so if you’re looking for a culturally enriching experience, then this is the place to be.
The Natural Beauty
Both Houston and Dallas are blessed with natural beauty. In fact, the city has been designated a ‘Tree City USA’ for its commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural wonders. If you’re into gardening, then you may well want to consider moving to one of the country’s most beautiful cities. It’s got everything that you could want in terms of outdoor spaces including beautiful parks and lakes. If you’re not into gardening though, then the city’s architecture is more likely to enchant you.
The Economy
The economy of Houston and Dallas is certainly something to consider. While the housing market in Dallas is more expensive, both cities have a fairly high standard of living. There’s a reason that Forbes recently named Dallas as the best place to live in North America. The quality of life is high and so is the employment rate. If you’re looking for a new city to call home, then Houston and Dallas both have much to offer.
The Climate
If you’re looking for a warmer climate, then you may well choose Houston. The city definitely gets hot during the day, so if you’re not one to enjoy extreme temperatures, then this may not be the best destination for you. However, Dallas is certainly a choice if you’re looking for someplace cooler. The climate is a lot more pleasant and it gets quite a bit cooler at night. If you’re not used to the heat, then this may be the perfect place for you. Interestingly enough, just like many other large cities, Houston has a lot of wildlife. If you’re a fan of animals and nature, then you may well find that the urban jungle may just be the oasis you’ve been searching for.
The Education
Another factor to consider is the educational opportunities that you may find in Houston or Dallas. Although the cost of living is high in Houston, the quality of education is excellent. The University of Houston is considered one of the best in the country. If you’ve got the means, then you may well choose to pursue your undergraduate studies there. Similarly, a number of local colleges and universities have high rates of success and many of the classes are highly coveted. If you’re looking for an education that will land you the best possible job, then Houston may be the place for you.
Where Is Better to Retire?
While both Houston and Dallas have a lot to offer, which of these two cities is a better choice to retire to? That’s a really tough question to answer. If you’re looking for a large city with a high quality of life, then Houston may be the place for you. It’s got a lot to offer in terms of job opportunities, education, and most importantly, the cultural scene. If you’ve got the means, then you may well choose to invest in real estate there. If you’re not sure whether or not this is the right choice for you, then consider visiting both cities and seeing which one feels right. You may find that neither one is quite what you’re looking for, but at least you’ll have a better sense of what each city has to offer.
