Southern California/Northern Texas. Los Angeles/Dallas. Manhattan Beach/Uptown. I’ve had the great fortune of living in two of the most dynamic and important markets in the United States, and though there are obvious similarities, there are stark differences in terms of culture and business. Not better or worse, just different.
I’d like to have some fun and share a few of them with you. But keep in mind, these are my opinions, based on my own reality. If you ask another 34-year-old import from Southern California, the story will likely be different. Let’s go.
Business Culture: Along with the weather, the traffic, sprawl, and bathing-suit weather 11.5 months a year, the contrast in business culture in Los Angeles vs. Dallas was my biggest surprise. In L.A., when the clock strikes 6 p.m., you run off to the beach, volleyball courts, or to Runyon Canyon for a hike. In Dallas, at 6 p.m., you are more likely to be at a charity board meeting, a young professionals mixer, or a D CEO event. I find that the work/play/serve mantra in Dallas is exceptionally strong, and the business community is far more “co-mingled.”
My guess is that a large part of the reason for the difference stems from how spread-out and difficult it is to get around L.A. Things in DFW are relatively close, which increases the likelihood for sustained relationship cultivation. L.A. has dozens of distinctly different submarkets with their own flavors. It is a challenge to bridge those submarkets and create the bonds that I feel are more prevalent in North Texas. Case in point: I was at a very well-attended industry event last week, and I was struck by feeling that everyone knew everyone and for the most part enjoyed seeing each other—even if they were competitors. You don’t find that as much in L.A. outside of your local pub.
In addition to the social aspects of the business culture, the level of philanthropy and civic involvement is inspiring. More often than not, when speaking with someone for the first time, the topic of philanthropy and civic involvement comes up. It is genuine, contagious, and self-perpetuating. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of wonderful people all over southern California doing great things for others, but the difference is that in Dallas, it is ingrained in the business culture—from the 22-year-old just starting his professional life to the 65-year-old president of the company. The fact that you can work/play/serve in a close-knit society of friends, co-workers, competitors, and industry partners makes Dallas exceptional.
Going one step further on culture, I find that the myth of “southern hospitality” is no myth at all. Whether it is the previously mentioned geographic challenges, or the multitude of non-business related activities always available to a southern Californian, you don’t always get the comfortable small-town feeling you get in Dallas, even though Dallas is in no way a small town.
When I moved to Dallas in November, no fewer than four times I was invited to join families I barely knew for Thanksgiving, when they thought I might be alone for the holidays. That is not common in other places where I have lived or conducted business.
Business Climate: The wonderful state of California is a financial disaster riddled in jaw-dropping debt, with a sputtering housing market, infrastructure issues, oppressive personal and corporate taxation, and no real solution in sight; at least the weather is nice. Now, I understand Texas benefits from oil and gas, but what I do not understand is how a state with no income tax in the midst of a horrific drought can so thoroughly outperform what was once an “economic beacon” in the United States.
A few months ago, prior to moving to Dallas, I participated in a panel discussion in California. The topic was “Keeping Businesses from Moving to Texas.” After nearly 90 minutes of spirited dialogue, I came to the conclusion that this problem might take a generation to fix. Three months later, I am working in Texas doing my best to lure corporate business out of California. The irony is not lost on me.
And now for some fun topics …
Sports: L.A. does not have a football team, and from what my new friends in Dallas tell me, that is better than rooting for the Cowboys.
Affordability: If you want to live in the equivalent to a Park Cities address, expect to spend $750 to $1,000 per square foot in southern California. I believe you can purchase a nice home in the Park Cities ranging from $250 to $500 per square foot. The weather in L.A. isn’t that good, is it?
On the flip side, there’s no real difference in dining and entertainment costs, and I spend a small fortune on valets here. So what? Advantage: Dallas.
Mark Cuban: Believe it or not, he may actually be more loved in L.A. (Mark, please buy the Dodgers). I wouldn’t believe it either, if I didn’t see it for myself. There is not a more generous person with fans, and he doesn’t come with the normal L.A. entourage. Dallas is lucky to have him, but Manhattan Beach, Calif., is lucky to borrow him every now and then.
Javier’s: Most of you may not be aware that southern California also has a Javier’s (different owners). It is in coastal Orange County and, like its Dallas counterpart, it is also an institution. The parallels are uncanny, from the McLaren in the valet, to the beautiful people, to the strength of the cocktails. It is nice to have a reminder of home every now and then.
$30,000 Millionaires: Riding through Uptown on my first visit to Dallas, I turned to the person sitting next to me, and asked “How is it possible that everyone here drives a silver European luxury car?” That was the first time I heard the term “$30K Millionaire,” and at that moment, Dallas felt more like home.
In conclusion, as long as my family is in southern California, it will be home. It is truly a wonderful place to live, with great people. But in my short time as a Dallas resident, I could not be more impressed with the kindness and quality of the people.
There are pros and cons everywhere in life. Luckily, in my experience, there are more pros than cons in Dallas!
David Pinsel is regional managing director of Colliers International, overseeing the firm’s North Texas region. Contact him at [email protected].
