I live just north of Dallas in Allen, previously lived in Plano and my husband grew up in Dallas. We love it. My thoughts:
Weather: Good. Too hot in July/Aug/Sept but your body does acclimate a bit over time. Can get icy here and there in the winter, but today for example is sunny with a high of mid 50's. Not as warm as CA winters, I don't think.
Shopping: Fantastic--try to visit Northpark Mall or Galleria, area at Legacy and Dallas Tollroad for a walk-around-outside shopping and dining area.
Scenery: None. Flat, not enough trees. BUT, people do make their homes look beautiful (I've always thought that was due to so little scenery in nature). Nearby lake areas can be beautiful, as well as the Hill Country down by Austin. Makes for wonderful weekend trips.
Cost: COL is low, allows for bigger homes and more travel--both nice!
Food: Great mexican food and southern cooking, but too many chain restaurants in the suburbs
Religion and politics: Not the most diverse area in the country, for sure, but groups of all types to be found if you look.
People: Wonderful! Neighbors and friends really take care of each other, things run a little more slowly, but certainly not backward in any way at all (well, other than the frequent whole non-diversity thing, and...well, enough said about that).
I highly recommend it as a great place to raise a family--it's clean, lots of opportunities for teams, dance, etc, lots of other families, good schools is areas.
Feel free to PM me if you want any info on certain areas of Dallas, or schools, or any other input.
Good luck!
