Water Shortages
-
10/13/2011
We've lived near many Southern metropolitan areas. (New Orleans, Pensacola, Mobile, Nashville, etc.) We moved here in 2004 and have been very happy, but there are areas that haven't pleased us. Texas schools are the worst I've ever been involved with either as parent or teacher. There are decent private schools beyond our budget. It took me one year to get a teaching license, even though the tests I was required to take were the same as in the pervious state we lived. Auto insurance is the highest we've ever had by about $500.00 more a year. We had to pay $400.00 for our son to attend a driving school because the schools here no longer provide Driver's Ed. Our light bill averages $450.00 a month from May-October, and that's with the thermostat set between 82 and 87 degrees! We must drive everywhere since there is a very limited public transportation system, mostly near downtown. We are avid cyclists, but this is not a biker friendly town. Meat is high; a 3-4lb roast cost about $17.00. Strange, considering Fort Worth was/is a major hub for cattle ranching! It has made us a very meatless family, so that's good for our health. Clothes are more expensive. Fresh produce is more expensive and vegetables are not as nice as they should be. Gasoline prices are mid-range. I do not know of anyone without a job except those who don't put much effort into looking. However, I have had problems getting a job as a teacher, supposedly because I don't have a Masters. Every year, Dallas and Fort Worth school districts have "budget" problems at the end of the school year and lay-off 200-400 teachers. Then when the next year begins, there are dozens of openings on their respective websites. There is a church or faith of worship for everybody. I do yoga, zumba, tennis, jog, and cycle. In the fall and winter months, there are lots of races to run or cycle in. The museum district is the best ever - even compared to the Smithsonian Museums in D.C. I go to exhibits several times a year. There are restaurants to satisfy any foodie! Our biggest concern is water. Fort Worth population is expected to exceed 1.5 million in a few years. There is no major water source here and the current drought will have a serious impact for several years. Several cities around Dallas lost their water supplies this summer.
shannon | Benbrook, TX