The Place to Find a Career You Love
The Place to Find a Career You LoveMy Dallas Story
Name: Adam Morrisey
City: Dallas
Neighborhood: State Thomas, Uptown
Company/Title: PwC, Senior Associate
When did you move here? From where?
May 2016, from Cincinnati, Ohio
Where else have you lived?
Columbus, Oxford, and Cincinnati, Ohio
What made you Say Yes to Dallas?
After graduating from college, I wanted to move to a bigger, more exciting city, but waited before deciding where to relocate. I maintained a short list of cities, including Dallas, that I was interested in exploring. A work mentor from Ohio made the move to Dallas and knew I was interested in moving to a bigger city. He found projects for me on a trial basis in the Dallas Region to see if it would be a good fit. I enjoyed my Dallas experience and made the move full time. I’ve been very happy with my decision. It’s a rare opportunity to live in a city that is so large yet still growing and improving rapidly.
How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
Being a young transplant, I naturally gravitated towards Uptown, Knox-Henderson, Deep Ellum, and Lower Greenville. It was great to have options, but after exploring the areas and apartments, I landed in the State Thomas neighborhood of Uptown.
What is the one thing that you could have done to make your move easier?
I could have joined more community groups sooner, but I have no regrets. It’s amazing what happens when you reach out to new people in a new city. I’ve enjoyed creating meaningful relationships.
How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
When I talk with old friends, they always ask, “How is living in Texas?” I remind them that Dallas does not represent the entire state. I have been impressed with the business environment, the mix of people, and the culture (food, art, nightlife). It has been great to sustain a balanced lifestyle in a big city, given the cost of living comparable to other major cities.
Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
I like State Thomas because it’s close enough to Uptown action but quiet and residential. In addition, we have about a half-dozen bars, coffee shops, and restaurants perfect for watching sports, casual drinks, or take-out food.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
If moving to Dallas is something you’re considering, do it — you’ll be happy you did. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is starting in a new place with a more limited network. It’s been fun and rewarding to make friends and relationships with people from different places.
What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?
It has been great to be immersed in a culture with so much geographical and educational diversity. I’ve enjoyed going to college football games in the area, and having access to big-city amenities like restaurants, museums, and sporting events. Access is key here — I’ve been to pretty much every major city and found it is easier to get around in Dallas.
Tell us about the work environment here.
Businesses are positively impacted by the growth in the area, as there are a lot of new opportunities. Additionally, Dallas boasts one of the most well-rounded industry portfolios of all the major cities, so there is something for everyone.
Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
I often go to Parliament (State Thomas) and Bowen House (Uptown on Boll Street). I also frequently eat at Pho Crimson in West Village, but I have a seemingly endless list of restaurants I want to try. I like to go to outdoor bars (Katy Trail Ice House, Truck Yard, etc.), sporting events (Mavericks, CFB), or the parks. On Sundays, I like to explore and try coffee shops, new restaurants, or taco places.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Pho Crimson in West Village.
What is your favorite outdoor activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
Running in Griggs Park or the Katy Trail.
Where do you go to experience culture? Why do you like it?
Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. I enjoy the access and ease-of-use of both, and each boast work from talented and famous artists. Both are must-sees.
Where do you like to shop? Why?
I often shop in West Village, and I like to go to NorthPark Center on Sundays. NorthPark is probably the most impressive mall I’ve been to.
Who is your local hero? Why?
Dirk Nowitzki. I’ve become a Mavericks fan since moving to Dallas. It was fun to have season tickets, especially when Dirk scored his 30,000th point.
How do you interact with your community?
I often attend black tie charity balls, which benefit various organizations. They are fun networking opportunities.
Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?
I’ve never had a connecting flight since moving to Dallas, and it’s easy to get reasonable flights from one of the major airports. I’ve even flown to a European destination direct from DFW International Airport.
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I love the construction in the area. It’s a visible sign of growth and commerce. They say the “crane” is the state bird.
Photo Credit: Chase Mardis