(Candy’s Dirt) – My family is leaving Dallas. As a Dallas resident and local business owner for over 20 years, I have been proud to call this city home. I’ve waved my 214 area code with pride and vowed loyalty to Dallas, even as friends and many of my interior design clients flocked to the suburbs. But now, after careful consideration, my family has decided to leave Dallas and move to Colleyville. Here’s why.
We Are Leaving Dallas Because of Property Taxes
First and foremost, the property taxes in Dallas have become untenable. Our property tax bill has skyrocketed, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify the expense. The taxes are supposed to supplement the public schools and hospitals, compensate the police force and other vital programs, and maintain city streets and country roads — all of which are sorely lacking.
We Are Leaving Dallas Because of Public Schools
The public schools in Dallas are struggling, to put it mildly. The quality of education is not where it should be, and we can’t, in good conscience, send our child to a school that isn’t up to par. The alternative is private school, but that adds a financial burden on top of the already high property taxes. In Colleyville, not only are the property taxes lower, but the public schools are excellent, which means we can provide our child with a top-notch education while also having her friends live immediately within our neighborhood, providing a family-friendly environment in which to raise her.
We Are Leaving Dallas Because of Homelessness and Safety Concerns
The homelessness crisis here is another major factor in our decision to leave Dallas. Seemingly, every freeway bridge is home to countless homeless individuals, either sleeping in their mess or panhandling —which is disheartening and contributes to a feeling of insecurity. The increase in crime and the general lack of safety have made us feel uncomfortable in our own neighborhood. In Colleyville, the sense of community and safety is much stronger, providing a better environment for our family.
And Finally, We’re Leaving For a Change in Perspective
I never imagined my family would be leaving Dallas. I rolled my eyes at friends who moved to family-friendly suburbs like Frisco, firmly believing that I would stay in Dallas forever. But the reality of the situation has changed my perspective. We need to prioritize our family’s well-being, and that means making the difficult decision to leave a city we once loved.
In Colleyville, we see an opportunity for a better quality of life. The schools are outstanding, the community is safe, and the financial burden is more manageable. It’s not an easy decision to leave Dallas, but it’s the right one for our family.
It’s time to embrace this new chapter and look forward to the benefits that come with living in Colleyville. Dallas will always hold a special place in our hearts, but for now, our future lies in the suburbs.
Michelle Lynne is the president of ML Interiors Group, an award-winning interior design firm. She is the founder and owner of Studio Works, a co-working space for creatives, and the co-founder of Sidemark, a sales and marketing software for interior designers. She also provides personal coaching for emerging interior designers who are ready to scale their businesses.