Vibrant, welcoming, and family-friendly

“A city of transplants – everywhere you go, you’ll meet people from different parts of the country and the world… Everyone is open and eager to welcome you into their circle.”

When did you move here? From where?
I moved from Chicago in January 2015. As soon as we rang in the New Year, we packed up our lives and our two Labradoodles, and drove across the country to start a new life in Dallas.

Where else have you lived?
Chicago, London and South Bend, Indiana

What made you ‘Say Yes to Dallas’?
I grew up in Dallas but spent 12 years away for undergrad and graduate school, living and working in Chicago. My wife Lindsay couldn’t face another winter in the Midwest, and we were both ready for a new pace of living. Dallas’ temperate weather, good quality of life, culture and thriving job market made it an obvious choice. Plus, we knew we would love having family nearby when it came time to start one of our own.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
Dallas is much more complex than people realize. There are so many different cultures reflected in the food, architecture and people. There’s amazing history, theater and art all around. There’s much more to the city than meets the eye, and we’ve loved exploring all it has to offer – from the major attractions to the hidden gems.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
We spent a year in Oak Lawn while we got acquainted and re-acquainted with the city. We loved the vibrant culture and accessibility of the area. Since then, we’ve been in the M Streets neighborhood, where we think we have the best of many worlds – a close-knit neighborhood with a residential feel and parks all around, just steps from some of the best bars, restaurants and shops in the city.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
Our neighborhood has some of the most beautiful architecture in Dallas, which we love to admire on our morning walks. We get to enjoy many of the hottest restaurants and bars in the city. Our 17-month-old and her canine brothers love the green parks with kids and families all around. It feels like a suburban neighborhood in the middle of a big city, and it lets us enjoy the perks of both. It’s no wonder that our little neighborhood has residents that have spent their lives here, and it attracts newer, young families like ours all the time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?

Dallas is a one-of-a-kind community with so much opportunity, and we would encourage anyone to jump in with two feet. There are social clubs and a thriving job market, and the entire city is open, friendly and welcoming. We have loved making Dallas our home, and there’s still so much to explore and enjoy.

Dallas has evolved tremendously over the past several years. Lindsay, who grew up in Chicago, likes to call it a city of transplants. Everywhere you go, you’ll meet people from different parts of the country and the world. It makes it easy to get to know new people and make friends. In our experience, everyone is open and eager to welcome you into their circle.

Tell us about the work environment here.
In the five years we’ve been here, the job market in Dallas has continued to grow as the metroplex attracts new employers and talent. We are both fortunate to work for two great companies – AT&T and Thomson Reuters – and we’ve had opportunities here that are hard to come by in other big cities. Beyond our jobs, there are amazing ways to get involved with philanthropic groups, attend networking events and participate in a bustling scene of young professionals.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
When we first moved to Dallas, weekends were spent at MUTTS Cantina letting our dogs run around while we sipped margaritas or checking out a new restaurant or bar. With one toddler and another baby on the way, things look a bit different these days but no less fun and exciting. We love to let our daughter run around the fountains at Klyde Warren Park while we enjoy the food trucks or get a cocktail at Savor, walk around White Rock Lake or sit outside with the dogs at Katy Trail Ice House. We may sound like gluttons, but Dallas has amazing weather and an even better patio scene, so what’s not to love?

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
Our favorite way to experience the city is by walking it. We love to walk the Katy Trail or White Rock Lake, stroll down Greenville Avenue on a weekend morning or drive to Highland Park during the holiday season for a special evening walk to check out the beautiful Christmas lights.

Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?   
Yes. Since moving to Dallas five years ago, we’ve travelled throughout the U.S. and also visited four other continents. Both Dallas Love Field and DFW Airport make travelling a breeze.