Incredible City Atmosphere

Name: Monica Navarro

City: Frisco

Neighborhood: The Arbors at Willow Bay

Company/Title: Hilti, Senior Manager

When did you move here? Where from? 
May 2015, from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Where else have you lived?
Leon, Mexico (born and raised), LA, San Diego, Aliso Viego, CA, Tulsa

What made you decide to Say Yes to Dallas?
There are many reasons why my husband and I jumped at the opportunity to move to the Dallas area when our company headquarters relocated to Plano. Affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, great schools and universities, a diverse population, and a variety of entertainment options are among some of the reasons. We also love the great restaurants, from local farm-to-table concepts to international ethnic cuisine. We enjoy the local breweries, parks, manageable traffic, plus two major airports that provide easy connections to the rest of the world.

How did you choose which part of town to live in?
Proximity to work, a great school district, new homes, and neighborhood safety were our main criteria.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
Everything we need is within 15 minutes driving. I’m close to my favorite grocery stores, and there are a lot of restaurants and things to do close by McKinney, Plano and Allen are really close. We are not far from the main airports, Downtown Dallas museums and Dallas restaurants.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
My husband and I love the fact that downtown Dallas is not far from our home in Frisco and our office in Plano. We love the amazing museums like the DMA and Perot Museum, just to name two. The Dallas Aquarium has a great variety of sea life. Our company hosted an employee event there recently and watching the families and children enjoy the space was very nice. Also, the arboretum is beautiful, and it always changing with seasonal decorations. We’re now DFW sports fans. The Star, Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, is just five minutes from work and it’s much more than just a practice facility. The atmosphere incredible, and it has a new hotel and restaurants. Of course, the drive to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington is not bad – what a fun activity!

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?
I love arts and crafts and working out. Dallas is a great city to be in because you have access to various conventions, materials, trade shows, etc. As far as working out, I have everything from hiking to aerial yoga – its awesome.

Tell us about the work environment here.
Our offices are in North Plano (Legacy East) and the area is unique and dynamic. The amount of amazing, employee-friendly offices is outstanding. We have an award-winning design by Gensler Architects with everyone having sit-to-stand desks, chill-out areas and healthy in-house food options. Being at Legacy, it’s fun to get out and walk to the amazing variety of restaurants and shops. Right across the Dallas North Tollway, the new Legacy West has even more amazing stores, apartments, boutiques and the largest food court in North America (which my colleagues and I are working our way through).

What is your favorite restaurant in your neighborhood?
It’s hard to pick just one. Here are some of my favorites:

Thai – Simply Thai; Pizza – Fireside Pies; Italian – Crudo; Ramen – Habani; Mexican – El Come Taco; Indian – Paradise Biryani. And I can’t forget to mention In-N-Out Burgers.

How do you interact with your community?
I volunteer at Meal on Wheels, Children‘s Hospital, and a local food bank. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community, while paying back for everything you have. My employer gives everyone two days off per year to volunteer in the community, which is a great way to explore what type of community involvement appeals to you.

Do you travel often? Easier or harder to do here?
For business, having the options of Dallas Love Field and DFW Airport makes travelling easy. For pleasure, we like to hit the road.  While Texas is a massive state, we’ve enjoyed experiencing Austin, Houston and San Antonio, which are all less than a few hours away.

Photo Credit: Michael Samples 




To Frisco, from France!

Name: Sophie Sertier–Guillemeau

City: Frisco

Company/Title: Legends- The Star Frisco, Catering Manager

When did you move here? From where?
October 2015, from Paris, France

Where else have you lived?
I lived in Australia for a year.

What made you decide to Say Yes to Dallas?
My husband was relocated to Plano for a new job opportunity with his company, Hilti North America.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
We were looking for a place with shops and things to do close to my husband’s company. Frisco is a nice area with activities and nice people. It’s a growing area, allowing us to always try new things and explore the city. Lucky me — I found a job on the corner of my street.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
We find a nice place to eat like Bonnie Ruth’s or 5th Street Cafe. We also enjoy a good beer and listening to local music at the Frisco Rail Yard. 

What is your favorite restaurant?
Bonnie Ruth’s

Favorite festival/event?
I enjoy country concerts at Toyota Stadium.

Where do you like to shop?
Stonebriar Mall

Where do you feel you are nearest to your “tribe” in the Dallas Region?
Nerdvana Coffee shop is a nice area to relax and play games with friends.

Do you travel often? Easier or harder to do here?
Yes, we travel outside of Texas several times per month. The central location of Dallas provides easy access to all of the big cities in the U.S.

Photo Credit: Michael Samples




Sunny Days and Festival Hues

SPRINGTIME FESTIVALS

TEXAS FOREVER FEST Plano, TX | Mar. 23

Celebrate what makes the state of Texas welcoming for all! With food, music, and people making this party as big as Texas, you don’t want to miss this free event.

FORT WORTH FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL Fort Worth, TX | Apr. 4- Apr. 7 

Visit North Texas’ most celebrated cuisine and beverage festival with a wide range of tastes, styles, and methods for wines, craft brewers, and more!

FORT WORTH ART FESTIVAL Fort Worth, TX | Apr. 18-Apr. 21 

Annually held, the Fort Worth Art Festival transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant epicenter where guests can view artwork, enjoy music, and savor Texan food. This cultural experience gets bigger each year so invite everyone- including your pet- to join in on this experience.  

WILDFLOWER! ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL Richardson, TX | May 17-19

Visit the 32nd annual arts and music festival in Richardson with guest artists like AWOLNATION, Grouplove, The Struts, and more. With six stages, a marketplace, eats and drinks, and much more, this is one of the best music festivals held in the Dallas Region!

 

EXPERIENCES 

DALLAS BLOOMS Dallas, TX | Feb. 24- Apr. 8 

Take in the wonderful scents from the largest floral festival in the Southwest! Featuring more than 500,00 blooms of tulips, pansies, hyacinths, and more, this is the perfect place for pictures, a stroll, and premier flowers all around.

CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINALS Arlington & Frisco, TX | Mar. 21- Mar. 24

The Dallas Region brings you the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals where the top teams of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean compete for the CONCACAF trophy. Grab your tickets now and get ready to enjoy one of soccer’s most thrilling experiences.

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE Grand Prairie, TX | Mar. 1 

Glitz? Glamour? Yes, the Dallas Region will be hosting one of America’s favorite TV shows: Dancing with the Stars Live! From special guests to electrifying performances, this live show is sure to ignite any audience member.

DALLAS BLUES FESTIVAL Grand Prairie, TX | Apr. 26 

Get groovy and tune into the talented musicians to celebrate American Blues and the cultures and heritages that make it what it is today. But hurry! Tickets sell out fast for this fun-filled festival.

UP, UP, AND AWAY! FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT The Colony, TX | Apr. 27

Get out in the fresh air with the City of The Colony’s Up, Up, and Away! Festival of Flight. Bring your own kite, enjoy festive food, and have fun with the various activities being held for the whole family.

 

THEATER 

ROMEO AND JULIET Dallas, TX | Mar. 9

Experience this classic theater performance and its tale of love at the Winspear Opera House. With its iconic balcony scene and heart-wrenching romance, this product brings audiences to Verona where feuding families clash amidst forbidden passion.

TREVOR NOAH: OFF THE RECORD TOUR Dallas, TX | Mar. 14-Mar. 15

Bring your friends to Trevor Noah’s: Off the Record Tour where you’ll get to see first-hand his charm and quick wit. This two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner brings poignant anecdotes and promises an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.

FORT WORTH THEATER: “STAR WARS : THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK” Fort Worth, TX | Apr. 26-Apr. 27

Experience the epic sage like never before with a live orchestra performance of John Williams’ iconic score. The action and turning points of this classic movie will be felt with the immersion of the symphony and of course the stirring of the classic “Imperial March”.

HAMILTON: THE MUSICAL Dallas, TX | May 8- Jun. 9

Enjoy Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Broadway Hit, Hamilton: The Musical at the Winspear Opera House in the heart of Dallas. This cultural phenomenon is a one-of-a-kind experience so get your tickets soon!

 

CONCERTS 

BILLY JOEL AND STEVIE NICKS IN CONCERT Arlington, TX | Mar. 8

Prepare for an iconic musical journey with legends Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks. Taking the stage at AT&T Stadium, this duo will be delivering a night filled with classics and hits alike. With these icons live this weekend!

JHAYCO IN CONCERT Grand Prairie, TX | Mar. 16

Experience one of Puerto Rico’s famous rapper and singer’s energy, Jhayco in concert. This Grammy-award winner continues to make some of the hottest songs of the year and will be performing his top hits at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.

TIM MCGRAW IN CONCERT Fort Worth, TX | Apr. 12

Listen to country music legend Tim McGraw at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth with stadium anthems and intimate acoustic songs.

TYLER CHILDERS IN CONCERT Fort Worth, TX | Apr. 13

Get your tickets for country music singer Tyler Childers and listen to his unique blend of folk, country, and bluegrass. With ballads and foot-stomping tunes, Tyler Childers will soon ignite the stage at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

HOZIER IN CONCERT Dallas, TX | Apr. 28

With his guitar in hand and fans like you in the crowd, Hozier takes the stage at Dos Equis Pavilion for intimate acoustic moments. Witness Hozier in concert in April and enjoy his most popular songs in the fresh air!

parks & outdoors




Leigh Ann Ripka

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to these views.” 

For a long time, she saw the area in segments, out her car window. She traveled here a lot for work and play from her home in Louisiana – that’s how she became familiar with North Texas.  In 2023, when she had the opportunity to move here, it was easy to say yes.  

“I used to stay in an Airbnb right near where we live now, and I just fell in love with the neighborhood,” said Ripka. “The school system, walkability, proximity to major airports and also, the wonderful welcoming people were all major driving factors.” 

Currently, she’s vice president of Corporate Development at B&H Engineers, Inc. – a Native American-owned, WMBE and HUB-certified business that was recently recognized by the Dallas Business Journal with its Leaders in Diversity award. The locally established MEP-T engineering firm primarily designs projects with complicated commercial requirements around HVAC, energy efficiency, electrical powering, plumbing, fire protection systems, technology, communication and security controls. The company has received visibility for its work in healthcare on projects like the highly publicized Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center campus. The project – 4.5 million square feet of construction (about four times as big as the Trammell Crow Center) – will be transformational for the region and its ability to treat complex pediatric patients. 

 

Like many, Ripka’s path here wasn’t straightforward. She earned her degree in public relations, despite family pressure to “study something with a title,” like lawyer, nurse, doctor, or teacher. Out of college she went to work for an oil and gas company, where she stayed for seven years, but after the birth of her son, she decided it was time to make a change.  

She would work in the maritime industry for a few years, where her primary job was to translate complex solicitation requirements into digestible narrative that could be easily understood. The end goal was to win new business.  

“But my most important job is ‘mom.’ My life lacked balance and I was certainly asking myself lots of questions about what the future could look like.” 

Post-pandemic, and part of the great resignation, she launched an LLC by women for women, called “Let’s Vibe” – which primarily champions fundraising for special causes. Shortly thereafter, she joined a general contracting firm that is headquartered in DFW, which is how she became a frequent traveler to the region. 

“My primary motivation to depart Louisiana was my son’s education,” she said.  

His school told her in February of 2023 that they wanted to hold him back, and repeat first grade, as he was struggling with reading and writing. 

“The conversation caught me off guard, especially so far into the school year. He excelled in all other academic areas and I had no idea there was such a struggle until that day. As his mother, I wasn’t satisfied with the solutions presented to me. I couldn’t allow this one thirty-minute meeting to alter the trajectory of his entire life. There had to be another path.” 

It wasn’t long before she found another path – that led straight to North Texas. Shortly after that parent-teacher conference Ripka was offered a career opportunity at B&H Engineers. 

“I really connected with our CEO, Todd Abernathy, both his personal philosophy and long-term vision for the organization, plus the timing was near perfect with the school year coming to a close. It was one of those magical situations in life when all the stars align, and you know you are being called in a new direction.” 

In June 2023, they packed up and headed for Dallas. Her former spouse and coparent – very involved in their son’s life – also relocated. And then when her mom first visited, they discovered family living just two blocks away.  

“We’ve grown close and it’s so nice to have natural support built in from the jump — someone much bigger than you or I had been looking out for my little family” said Ripka.  

There have been other signs along the way that reaffirm her decision to relocate here – like when she received a random invitation to a Ranger’s game.  

“… and they go on to win the whole series! I’m sitting here scratching my head, is that what happens here, people just win?! I know with certainty, we are in the right place,” she said, laughing. 

At her son’s new school, an IB World School in the Dallas Independent School District, it was determined that he has ADHD and dyslexia, for which they were provided immediate resources, followed by an action plan to ensure his continued progress. 

“I can tell from all of our interactions that the teachers, administrators and support staff at the school really care about him as a person, and how he’s doing academically.”  

Ripka also joined the development committee at Readers2Leaders – a literacy nonprofit, servicing Dallas Kindergarten and elementary students. The idea is to prepare students for success through reading.   

Now, just one short year after being told he’d have to repeat first grade he’s in the 99th percentile for improvement in his 2nd grade class and learning Spanish. 

In their free time, Ripka is an avid runner and frequents White Rock Lake. Her second grader, meanwhile, is a dinosaur connoisseur, as well as a newly minted bowling enthusiast and loves going to the bowling alley in Lakewood Shopping Center, where they can have a mother-son date. 

“It’s dinner and entertainment for about $30 bucks,” said Ripka. “He really loves all the dinosaur things too. So far, the Perot Museum of Art, Billings Productions, and Traveling Jurassic shows are a few favorites” 

She knows that his love of bowling and T Rex won’t last forever but she isn’t worried. She feels good about being in a place that puts a premium on diversity, equity, and inclusion — especially given what she calls, “the booming economic landscape and future opportunities” that will be available to him as he grows up. 

“I see women being invited into the executive circle and working in high-ranking positions within big business — women whose voices are respected, valued and listened to by everyone. We are given decision making seats at the table in predominantly male fields. It’s progress we have been working towards for generations and I know there’s still a lot of work to do – we just have to keep paying it forward for the next generation.” 

She appreciates being close to two major airports that can get her to most of the country within three to four hours but says that future travel will be limited to family and friend adventures. Her days of living out of a suitcase are over, now that life in Dallas has begun. 




Dallas Mythbusters

The Dallas Region’s population increases by an average of about 200 people each day. Some of these folks might arrive with a few erroneous, preconceived notions in their heads. That’s why the “Say Yes to Dallas” team morphed into an urban-legend wrecking crew to fill the vacuum of misperceptions with solid, hard-earned intel. Without further adieu:

  • Myth: If you’re not from here, you won’t fit in

    Dallas residents go entire days without speaking to native Dallasites. Seems nearly everyone here is from somewhere else. Our region is made up of people from across the globe, each of whom bring their experiences to Dallas and in turn, help our culture continue to evolve. While you’re sure to find people from your hometown, you’ll also find people (locals or not) ready to welcome you with open arms. Dallas is about combining the best of everything, no matter the point of origin. Dive into our blog for exclusive insights on the vibrant communities and events around the Dallas Region.

  • Myth: We have no bodies of water.

    Don’t tell that to the Dallas Rowing Club, the kayakers on the Grapevine Lake Paddling Trail or the water skiers on Lewisville Lake. While it’s true that Texas has few natural lakes (among them being Caddo Lake, which we share with Louisiana), visitors who fly into Dallas can observe numerous streams, creeks and lakes across our landscape. In fact, there are more than a dozen lakes and reservoirs in North Texas, most of which allow boating, fishing and other water sports. Major lakes – including Lake Ray Roberts, White Rock Lake and Lewisville Lake – offer amenities like marinas, restaurants, boat rentals and boat launches. Combine beach access and waterfront dining at Lake Ray Hubbard, and you’ll see that there’s more to Dallas’ topography than just land. Jump in to one of our lakes >

  • Myth: We’re all about oil and gas

    When some people hear the words “Dallas, Texas,” images of big hair, belt buckles and oil derricks spontaneously pop into their heads. Though energy is an important part of our economy, it’s far from the only trick in our bag. Moody’s Diversity Index ranks the Dallas Region as having the fourth-most diverse economy in the United States. A growing number of corporate relocations have created even stronger demands for skilled workers. Jobs have been created by corporate relocations and expansions, such as the opening of Toyota’s North American headquarters in Plano and the construction of the Charles Schwab campus in Westlake. Check out open jobs here >

  • Myth: Dallas is filled with cowboys

    Though you’ll hear some “y’alls” and “fixin’ to’s,” you’ll also hear dozens of languages here in the Dallas Melting Pot. Nearly 20 percent of the residents in the Dallas Region are foreign-born. As sure as we have rodeos and chili cook-offs, we also have festivals celebrating the cultures of India, Africa and Mexico.

  • Myth: We want barbecue, the whole barbecue, and nothing but the barbecue

    People who spend time in the Dallas Region are surprised by the diversity of dining options Dallas offers. This comes as no surprise, given the diversity of its people. Dallas’ variety of restaurants – Ethiopian sit-down restaurants, Mediterranean cafes, kebab houses, and even German bier stubs – shakes the notion that dining in Dallas involves a date with a herd animal.  And if you think vegans can’t find something Dallas, think again. VegNews named Dallas the eight best vegan city in the United States based on the criteria of food, fashion, and culture.

    That being said, we do have some of the best BBQ joints around and their quality and variety have exploded around here, and to the victors (us) go the spoils.

  • Myth: Things move slower around here

    Few assumptions are further from the truth. While Dallas doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of NYC, there’s a whole lot of moving and shaking going on. Most Dallas people are helpful, and as such, the Dallas Region is home to countless high-energy individuals with networking in their blood. Many outsiders pick up on this vibe shortly after arriving. People love getting things done here – from business, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic perspectives – and they’re always looking for others to join in on the action.

  • Myth: The Cowboys are the only team you’ll have to root for

    Once you settle into North Texas, it won’t take long to be sucked into the drama of the professional sports scene here. Contributing to much of this frenzy is that Dallas is home to one of the nation’s top-rated sports radio stations, The Ticket (KTCK-1310 AM/96.7 FM), which stokes the sports-gossip mill with unmatched fervor. The Dallas Cowboys telenovela is a fun distraction for migrants who choose to keep their allegiance to their original team, proudly flying their team flags on their cars and in their homes, and attending sports bars to root for their teams with like-minded fans. A Google search readily identifies sports bars frequented by non-Cowboy teams with strong followings (the New Orleans Saints, the Pittsburgh Steelers, etc.).

  • Myth: Dallas is isolated from other cities

    Dallas is home to one of the nation’s busiest airports (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport) and to one of the most convenient (Dallas Love Field). Combined, these venues provide the perfect launch pad for a past time we like to call “travel roulette.” Or, perhaps, “random acts of traveling.” Whatever the phrase, this activity involves booking last-second flights out of Dallas to any destination that’s cheapest, or is cheap-yet-highly intriguing. Round-trip flights out of Dallas to Denver, NYC, Las Vegas or even LA are available for less than $150 including tax – less than a night out on the town.

  • Myth: It’s always hot here

    Local blogger Dallas Whisperer says it goes like this:  “Rainy Spring” starts in February and continues until the beginning of May. “Pleasant Summer” picks up with clear skies and temps in the 80s or 90s until mid-July. That’s when “Sol” season kicks in through August. “Glorious Fall,” a.k.a. porch weather, hits in September until December, when the “Northers” appear. It’s our version of winter. Out of nowhere, temps instantly drop, and sometimes we even see snow! The Northers disappear as quickly as they come, but pop in sporadically into February. So keep your coats. You’ll need them now and again.