I have to ask Mint why you would trade Austin for North Dallas (unless its job related).
Austin may be smaller than Dallas but it has a LOT more charm. Dallas and Houston are hell (worked in the former and grew up in the latter)
Lakes: Lake Travis > anything in Dallas
Hills: Hill Country in Austin > flatlands of Dallas
Mountain Biking: Austin
Road Biking: Austin (why Lance moved down)
Culture: lot more activities go through UT than through SMU, though Dallas has a good symphony
Pancakes: Kerbey Lane/Magnolia Cafe slight edge over Cafe Brazil
BBQ: Salt Lick, Stubb’s > Dallas
Sushi: Dallas > Austin
More diversity: Austin > Dallas
Pretentiousness: Dallas >>>> Austin
Anyway, my friends in Austin and San Antonio are jealous when I bike around San Diego in the mornings and hit LaJolla for a swim in the afternoons (just on the weekends mind you–it was worth giving up my 2500+ ft home in Austin just to avoid the mosquitos and the heat).
