Various Cities: Things to Do, Places to Live: Seeking Info About YOUR City?

[SummerChild]

Hey Soror, I'm an attorney. I have worked in the private, lawfirm sector, which has not always been the most progressive or diverse.
SC

Originally Posted by icebrAKA

Houston is just a GREAT place all around. What is your profession?

[Marie]

I've been commuting to Houston for work for the last year and some change.

I live and mostly dine in an area called Midtown. It's less than 10 minutes drive from downtown, and I believe that it's a neighborhood that has recently been revitalized. I really enjoy it.

As for the black owned businesses, I also co-sign on the Breakfast Klub and the Reggae Hut.

As for the guys...I don't kick it much here, but I haven't noticed or been approached my nearly as many guys as in Chicago. I think that guys are here, but more laid back. Even when I have gone out to clubs...guys just don't seem to be nearly as aggressive as guys in Chicago. I guess that's only a problem if you expect to meet someone out and about. If you tend to meet guys through friends/acquaintances, then its not so much of an issue.

In all of my time here, I have yet to identify the hub of the black community. I assumed that it was because the city is more integrated than Chicago, but I'm not sure.

I also co-sign on the great cost of living. Honestly...that is the only thing that would motivate me to move here permanently. Other than that...it's a nice city, but nothing particularly spectacular or unique.

[SummerChild]

Hello Sorors and Friends,
Since the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlingtona area was ranked #6 on BE's list of cities for AA's, and there are apparently lots of jobs there, especially related to the telecommunications fields and those that support those fields, I was wondering if we could start a thread about it. Thinking of maybe relocating there.

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
Where do the young professionals hang out?
Where are the clubs and hot spots?
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Is there a First Friday's or other events?
How are the men and the dating scene?
What is the weather like, in real life? Tornados? I know that it's at the south end of tornado alley.

If I moved there, I'd be working either downtown or in the Plano or Irving areas so I'd be looking for a home or condo with a commute of less than 30 minutes each way, if possible.

I have heard alot of what appears to be alot of competition between Dallas and Houston. Sorors and Friends, I am just trying to evaluate Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington in and of itself, not in relation to Houston. Sorors and Friends, I'm not in ya'll's rivalry so can ya'll please just give a soror some feedback on the area???

Thank you to the two sorors that PM'd me about the city before my first visit. I am going back again. The job opportunities are plentiful but I need to have the quality of life too. Please, let me in on the quality of life there, if possible.

Also, is the workplace pretty progressive for AAs? A friend who is AA said that in my field and maybe in other fields, there is a bit of a "good old boy" attitude and AAs are not promoted as readily in Dallas, especially in law firms. He and other of his friends worked there and all have left the firm life - this was about 8 years ago. There are also in-house opps. Have you found this attitude to exist and/or to be fairly widespread? I know that it's possible anywhere, just wondering the attitude of the city and workplace bosses in general in Dallas.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by teena

I have been giving Houston some serious thought lately

so have I... so far it's been a toss up between NC and Houston... Houston might be the winner...

[AKA_Monet]

Soror, I use to live in Dallas. I lived near "Little Mexico" off Maple Ave. close to Love Field Airport. I would not recommend living there.

Dallas has these "Park Cities" that they call the Bubble. If you can tolerate the segregation, then you will be fine. However, the houses are exquisite.

The cheaper housing is way out, like in Allen off the 75. And they toll their roads so buy a toll tag. Because if you commute, you will be on the toll highways.

Plano is nice. Personally, I like Las Colinas/Coppell. Housing is expensive over there, whereas, you CAN ACTUALLY BUY A HOUSE for $200,000--a 4 Bedroom!!! So, renting is quite illogical...

I did not club. But Rockberry's--no. Not impressed. Downtown, okay, if you want to get into the Petroleum Club-which is kinna like Sears Tower or the old Amacoo. And Adams Mark top, it nice for high end. But that's me.

Dating. I did not do a lot of. There are well to do brothas. But, they have "goals".

I wasn't there long enough to know 1st Fridays or Urban League YP. But I know the YP's are about something. The Plano chapter of AKA I heard was decent.

The irony, everyone under 25 gets married there for some reason. I didn't get it. So, when I got there, the 30 year olds looked at as if I was 25! Something about the SoCal sun.

And yeah, tornadoes do exist is Texas all the time throughout parts of Dallas Metroplex and it is flat as hayle...

I visited Houston twice. In my right mind, I think Houston is more accustomed to US. I like the Sugarland area, but again it is high end.

And all you TEXAS FOLKS, TEXAS DOES have alligators in the little ponds!!!

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Hello Sorors and Friends,
Since the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlingtona area was ranked #6 on BE's list of cities for AA's, and there are apparently lots of jobs there, especially related to the telecommunications fields and those that support those fields, I was wondering if we could start a thread about it. Thinking of maybe relocating there.

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
Where do the young professionals hang out?
Where are the clubs and hot spots?
What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Is there a First Friday's or other events?
How are the men and the dating scene?
What is the weather like, in real life? Tornados? I know that it's at the south end of tornado alley.

If I moved there, I'd be working either downtown or in the Plano or Irving areas so I'd be looking for a home or condo with a commute of less than 30 minutes each way, if possible.

I have heard alot of what appears to be alot of competition between Dallas and Houston. Sorors and Friends, I am just trying to evaluate Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington in and of itself, not in relation to Houston. Sorors and Friends, I'm not in ya'll's rivalry so can ya'll please just give a soror some feedback on the area???

Thank you to the two sorors that PM'd me about the city before my first visit. I am going back again. The job opportunities are plentiful but I need to have the quality of life too. Please, let me in on the quality of life there, if possible.

Also, is the workplace pretty progressive for AAs? A friend who is AA said that in my field and maybe in other fields, there is a bit of a "good old boy" attitude and AAs are not promoted as readily in Dallas, especially in law firms. He and other of his friends worked there and all have left the firm life - this was about 8 years ago. There are also in-house opps. Have you found this attitude to exist and/or to be fairly widespread? I know that it's possible anywhere, just wondering the attitude of the city and workplace bosses in general in Dallas.

[MeezDiscreet]

Dallas is my hometown. What's funny is that I have no clue about the night scene or the dating scene because I came to Houston for college and whenever I go home, I never party. I just hang with my family.

[SummerChild]

Soror, thanks for your feedback. It is useful. I flew into Love Field Airport this time and the scenery seemed so much more green and lively than over on the DFW side of town. I was kind of depressed with the lack of greenery over there and into those cities. I haven't seen Coppell. I was in Las Colinas to talk to some people last time I went. This time it was Plano.

What are the park cities? why do they call the cities a bubble? What kind of segregation are we talking about? Yes, soror, if you are talking about Plano and Frisco, yes, the houses are exquisite. A soror would definitely be interested in purchasing one.

I have heard that Allen is also a cool place to live for the suburban experience. I'm also told that McKinney is good.

Well to do brothers with "goals"? Soror, why the quotation marks. Please, do tell. LOL. Essence did the top cities back in 2006 or so and said that the ratio of AA single men to women was 8:9. Of course, you have to account for random people being lost to random stuff but that didn't seem like a bad ratio to start with. I could kind of believe it b/c there are so many corporations in the area...supposedly, it's the corporation headquarter capital. If that's true, it would have lots of professionals. Now whether they are single and AA and hetero ..and sane and not commitment/marriage phobic and all the other stuff would be another matter.

Also, I'm told that the clubbing with AAs can be done in Arlington. Know anything about that area?

I have heard that TX might be a good place for finding people looking to settle down and have families but that's real interesting about the marriage by 25 thing. Wow. Yes, Soror, I'm sure the SoCal sun had treated you right.

The tornado potential scares me. Also, they get a little snow don't they? I'm not really trying to shovel snow again. LOL.

I want to visit Houston soon. By all accounts that I have heard, yes, AAs appear to get more love from the city of Houston than the DFW area.

SC

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Soror, I use to live in Dallas. I lived near "Little Mexico" off Maple Ave. close to Love Field Airport. I would not recommend living there.

Dallas has these "Park Cities" that they call the Bubble. If you can tolerate the segregation, then you will be fine. However, the houses are exquisite.

The cheaper housing is way out, like in Allen off the 75. And they toll their roads so buy a toll tag. Because if you commute, you will be on the toll highways.

Plano is nice. Personally, I like Las Colinas/Coppell. Housing is expensive over there, whereas, you CAN ACTUALLY BUY A HOUSE for $200,000--a 4 Bedroom!!! So, renting is quite illogical...

I did not club. But Rockberry's--no. Not impressed. Downtown, okay, if you want to get into the Petroleum Club-which is kinna like Sears Tower or the old Amacoo. And Adams Mark top, it nice for high end. But that's me.

Dating. I did not do a lot of. There are well to do brothas. But, they have "goals".

I wasn't there long enough to know 1st Fridays or Urban League YP. But I know the YP's are about something. The Plano chapter of AKA I heard was decent.

The irony, everyone under 25 gets married there for some reason. I didn't get it. So, when I got there, the 30 year olds looked at as if I was 25! Something about the SoCal sun.

And yeah, tornadoes do exist is Texas all the time throughout parts of Dallas Metroplex and it is flat as hayle...

I visited Houston twice. In my right mind, I think Houston is more accustomed to US. I like the Sugarland area, but again it is high end.

And all you TEXAS FOLKS, TEXAS DOES have alligators in the little ponds!!!

[LikeASista]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

I'll put it like this: any of these men could be in Houston.

How come the truck driver looks like Tiger Woods?

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Soror, thanks for your feedback. It is useful. I flew into Love Field Airport this time and the scenery seemed so much more green and lively than over on the DFW side of town. I was kind of depressed with the lack of greenery over there and into those cities. I haven't seen Coppell. I was in Las Colinas to talk to some people last time I went. This time it was Plano.

What are the park cities? why do they call the cities a bubble? What kind of segregation are we talking about? Yes, soror, if you are talking about Plano and Frisco, yes, the houses are exquisite. A soror would definitely be interested in purchasing one.

I highly recommend a GPS system for your car. If I had one, I would be very happy.

Highland Park and University Park near the Central Expressway (75) and the White Rock Lake. Beautiful and exquisite houses. Dallas North Tollway and Northwest Highway West takes you through the exquisite parts of the city. Upto Beltline off Preston and Arapaho. If I had the wherewithall at the time, that is where I would look to live. You will be near the President George Bush Turnpike that is a toll road and after that, you will be in Plano.

I have heard that Allen is also a cool place to live for the suburban experience. I'm also told that McKinney is good.

I think Allen and McKinney is way out up the 75 Expressway. When I lived there, there actually was a toranado in Allen...

Well to do brothers with "goals"? Soror, why the quotation marks. Please, do tell. LOL. Essence did the top cities back in 2006 or so and said that the ratio of AA single men to women was 8:9. Of course, you have to account for random people being lost to random stuff but that didn't seem like a bad ratio to start with. I could kind of believe it b/c there are so many corporations in the area...supposedly, it's the corporation headquarter capital. If that's true, it would have lots of professionals. Now whether they are single and AA and hetero ..and sane and not commitment/marriage phobic and all the other stuff would be another matter.

Yes, there are a lot of professionals there. They tend to be under 30 years old. So if you don't have a problem with it, hey, you are going to have an excellent time. My exposure is very different. I found that much infidelity goes on with people, yet it is preached heavily against. That is my personal problem with it. But, folks may feel differently. Dallas is not a "party town" like many of the "beach cities".

Also, I'm told that the clubbing with AAs can be done in Arlington. Know anything about that area?

Arlington is near Fort Worth... That is all I know about it.

I have heard that TX might be a good place for finding people looking to settle down and have families but that's real interesting about the marriage by 25 thing. Wow. Yes, Soror, I'm sure the SoCal sun had treated you right.

The tornado potential scares me. Also, they get a little snow don't they? I'm not really trying to shovel snow again. LOL.

I want to visit Houston soon. By all accounts that I have heard, yes, AAs appear to get more love from the city of Houston than the DFW area.

SC

TX is a good place to settle down because people with families can afford housing for families. But, what "qualifies" as a family in Dallas is a Mother, Father and 2.5 children... Single parents are given a defined amount of slack, but once it is complete, that is it. Social services could be improved somewhat. Oh, yes, to an extent single mothers get assistance--to an extent--but, one has to join a Church to get it or go to unrelated classes. Too much judgement on someone.

And it snows in Dallas every now and then in the winter. But, the entire city shuts down. It is not deep enough to shovel like in place in the north. The city does not have snow equipment or salt...

And yes, even I got love in Houston than DFW. But Texas is a state that generally loves people compared to the cold Pac NW, where I live right now.

[Conskeeted7]

Any other cities want to chime in? I'm really enjoying this and it's helping with my relocation research.

[teena]

Originally Posted by neosoul

so have I... so far it's been a toss up between NC and Houston... Houston might be the winner...

funny...me to...thinking about charlotte

florida....cost of living is too high. dont do it

[DC_Zeta1920]

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
Yes. However, this is changing rapidly.

Where do the young professionals hang out?
Too many to name!

Where are the clubs and hot spots?
I don't do clubs too much, but Club H20, Zanzibar, Club Love (formerly Dream) seem to be the places to be. Another hotspot is Adams Morgan and Georgetown.

What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Ben's Chili Bowl


Is there a First Friday's or other events?
I don't know of a "First Fridays" but there are many events that go on in this city.

How are the men and the dating scene?
Don't be naive is all I can say......

DC is a decent place, but I was born, raised, and still live here so of course I think that. Most people from out of town tend to stay. The traffic is the worst though and the cost of living.....lets just say that for my house, I could have gotten alot more "bang for my buck" if I had relocated to midwest or south (minus FL).

[nonchalant]

Not that I do much at all myself, but I'm sure everyone has heard things about ATL. Below is a link of what is considered 50 fun things to do in Atlanta.

http://www.atlanta.net/50funthings/index1.htm

The only things I saw that I have done in the list are the following:
Stone Mountain Park
Six Flags over Georgia
Centennial Park
City of Decatur(Downtown Decatur scene)
Piedmont Park
Atlantic Station
Buckhead scene
Downtown Atlanta/Underground
Malls(Lenox, Phipps, Perimeter, Stonecrest, Northlake)
Virginia-Highlands

I'm very boring and laid back. I love the restaurant and bar scene(Barnacle's, Dudley's, Los Arcos, El Azteca, Spondivits, Pappadeaux, Chequers, etc.). Let's not forget my favorite spots with drink specials(Chili's and Applebee's). I have also been to events at the Georgia Dome(Battle of the Bands) and Philips Arena(Mariah Carey Concert). I've been to Too Groovy spa off Ponce De Leon. I've attended the Car & Bike Show. I know it does look like I do a lot. However, I'm pretty much a homebody.

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
I hear there are some in Lithonia and Conyers(which is about 25 min from downtown). However, they are rebuidling a lot of the downtown area right now.

Where do the young professionals hang out?
There is a club called Twist that is great for sophisticated adults who want to network and mingle.

Where are the clubs and hot spots?
Depends on what you like. There are tons of clubs. My ghetto friend's love Mama's Primetime and The Ritz.

What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
I like a restaurant called Arizona's that is AA owned. I don't really do my research to know about who owns what.

Is there a First Friday's or other events?
Good question. I don't know.

How are the men and the dating scene?
Like someone else said, don't be naive. Plenty of DL men.

[Confucius]

Originally Posted by DC_Zeta1920

Are there any good predominately AA neighborhoods?
Yes. However, this is changing rapidly.

Where do the young professionals hang out?
Too many to name!

Where are the clubs and hot spots?
I don't do clubs too much, but Club H20, Zanzibar, Club Love (formerly Dream) seem to be the places to be. Another hotspot is Adams Morgan and Georgetown.

What are the favorite AA-owned businesses?
Ben's Chili Bowl


Is there a First Friday's or other events?
I don't know of a "First Fridays" but there are many events that go on in this city.

How are the men and the dating scene?
Don't be naive is all I can say......

DC is a decent place, but I was born, raised, and still live here so of course I think that. Most people from out of town tend to stay. The traffic is the worst though and the cost of living.....lets just say that for my house, I could have gotten alot more "bang for my buck" if I had relocated to midwest or south (minus FL).

I don't live in DC but frequently visit. I would have to say, you hit it right on the nose esp, with the last statement about the dating scene

[eduakator]

I'm on my way to Philly for a week and then Detroit. Hit me up with some suggestions for both cities.
Thanks