In my humble opinion
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2/22/2010
Just a couple of opinions regarding some previous comments-
The cost of living is indeed very low, and yes, you get more square footage for the buck the farther you travel away from downtown and into the cultural "wasteland" of suburbia. You sacrifice the flavor and diversity of the city, but on the bright side, the education quality is high and there is very little crime to speak of. If culture is more of a priority, I'd recommend the hospital district just south of downtown, Arlington Heights, or look into the development around the old Montgomery Ward center.
I know I'm not the first to say that jobs abound in the Metroplex and all over Texas. Quality universities all over DFW have done good things for the economic development. There are plenty of fun things to do all year round as well.
As far as the weather is concerned, it does get pretty hot. But I'm living in Atlanta now, and Fort Worth is not nearly as humid and it makes a big difference. Granted there is not much shade in Fort Worth to protect you from baking, but if you're looking south for a higher quality of life, the weather could be much more miserable than it is in North Texas. (and frankly, the wide open space feel is worth sacrificing the shade for, imho)
I definitely don't sense over-conservatism in Fort Worth. I feel like this is more of a preconceived notion that people feel they have to magnify. The Metroplex does lean a little to the right for the most part, but not like all of Texas. I know plenty of liberal-minded folks, and even some Libertarians, and a vast number of independents. I certainly don't feel like anyone is overbearing regarding their political opinions.
Fort Worth and North Texas are good. The Metroplex is so large that everyone ought to find a place that suits them culturally/socioeconomically. Is it heaven on earth? No, but it sure isn't a bad place to live.
Laura | Auburn, AL