Let's put the gigantic paintbrush down for a minute, shall we?
I live in Dallas, and if I threw a handful of rocks hard enough I could hit all of the aforementioned crime scenes.
I could also hit the exceptional Montessori preschool that my child attended, as well as the arts magnet school she currently attends.
I could hit the public train station that takes us to the vibrant and growing downtown arts district. Along the way we might check out the Dallas World Aquarium or the zoo, all accessible without driving an inch.
I could hit many well-maintained and spacious parks, and a bike trail that takes me straight to White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum.
I could hit the hundreds of restaurants that people safely frequent every day, as well as any type of retailer you can imagine.
Not every young family chooses the suburbs. We settled into a nice, modest home in an established Dallas neighborhood. Our house is 48 years old, and I'm having trouble seeing the "blight" that apparently surrounds us. We know our neighbors, and a strong sense of community exists along our street.
The problems lie in areas of high population density. The five corners neighborhood and Forest/Audelia comprise the worst part of our vicinity. I am not, however, moving 40 miles away due to the existence of a few low-rent districts. In fact, I continue to drive through these areas daily with no issues.
For every square mile of ugly apartments there are several beautiful, well-maintained neighborhoods occupied by great people. Dallas is full of character, for better or for worse, and I am staying!
-T