Why We Left Our Blue State and Moved to Dallas, Texas
(A Real, No-Nonsense Perspective From Sean & Blanca)
Leaving your home state is never simple…
In fact, it changes you. There will always be a part of you that feels like you left something behind, the familiar streets, your favorite restaurants, your people, your history. For us, leaving Minneapolis wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was a long season of realizing our world was changing, and not necessarily for the better.
We are grateful for Minneapolis. It shaped us, gave us our start, and gave us incredible clients and lifelong memories. But by 2022, the political and cultural climate had gotten… let’s call it toxic enough to push out a lot of good people. And if you work in real estate, constantly in the public, driving all over, meeting new people daily, you don’t get the luxury of hiding in a bubble.
We experienced cancel culture personally. Our colleagues experienced it. Even our eighth-grade son took a brutal hit from cyberbullying and cancel culture nonsense. At some point, reality taps you on the shoulder and says, “Time to make a change.”
So we did.
And here’s what we discovered in Dallas, Texas.
1. The Weather is a Game-Changer
No sugar-coating: July and August are hot. Texas hot. That’s when you travel.
But the rest of the year? Unreal.
Middle of November and I’m walking outside in 82° sunshine. It stays warm for weeks. That alone lifts your mood more than you’d expect.
2. Opportunity Is Everywhere
Dallas is booming:
• Tech companies
• Finance and banking
• Logistics
• Startups
• Entrepreneurs everywhere
Real estate may ebb and flow, but the energy in Dallas is constant growth. People here build things. They launch companies. They invest. They create.
Dallas is a city full of people who are moving forward.
3. People Are Friendly — But Real
North Dallas is a melting pot. You’ll meet people from every corner of the country because millions have relocated here over the past 5–6 years.
A few truths:
• Texans are tolerant of different views.
• Texans are not tolerant of violence, aggression, or insanity.
• Respect is the culture standard.
And yes, being an armed state plays into that. An armed citizenry tends to be a respectful one. It’s simply part of the ecosystem here.
4. Faith Is Normal, Not Taboo
Texas has a strong Christian base, but you’ll also find thriving Hindu and Muslim communities.
People are open about what they believe. And shocker, they can talk about it without trying to cancel each other.
It’s refreshing.
5. Dallas Is the Perfect Travel Hub
If you like to travel, Dallas is unbeatable:
• Most major U.S. cities = ~2-hour flight
• Mexico = quick and easy
• Caribbean = right there
It feels like a launch pad to the world.
6. Taxes: The Honest Breakdown
No income tax? Yes. Amazing.
But let’s not pretend Texas is “cheap.”
Expect:
• Higher property taxes
• Higher insurance premiums
• Higher utilities depending on neighborhood
If you’re making solid money, the math works in your favor.
If you’re scraping by… run the budget first.
7. Community Is Easier Here
Minnesota nice is real… and so is Minnesota closed-off.
Making adult friendships there is like trying to crack a safe with a spoon.
Dallas is different:
• So many newcomers
• So many transplants
• Everyone’s looking for community
People say “yes” to coffee, brunch, workouts, church, meetups. It’s just easier to connect.
8. Leaving Home Changes You , And That’s the Point
If you move expecting to “replace” your hometown, you’ll be disappointed.
When you relocate, you’re not searching for a new version of your old home.
You’re building a launch pad, a home base to explore life differently.
Dallas became that for us.
We still love Minneapolis. We always will. But the life we wanted to build, the opportunities, the freedom, the safety, the growth — they were waiting for us in Texas.
And if you’re reading this because you’re considering a move?
You’re not crazy. You’re not alone.
You’re just at a crossroads like we were.
New Construction Homes
We have connections with great builders who are offering interest rates in the 5%’s and up to $25,000 in builder paid closing costs.
Would a Strategy call be helpful?
If you have future plans for real estate or relocating or exploring Mexico, don’t be shy! Book a zoom with us and let’s talk about it.
