When Asked Where They'd Like to Live, Many Americans Said: "Dallas." Swear to God.

I was born and raised here, like my daddy before me. Left only twice -- to attend the University of Texas at Austin in '86, then again, 10 years later, to help launch a sister paper in Los Angeles. Both times I came back as soon as I could, the...

By Robert Wilonsky

November 10, 2011

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I was born and raised here, like my daddy before me. Left only twice -- to attend the University of Texas at Austin in '86, then again, 10 years later, to help launch a sister paper in Los Angeles. Both times I came back as soon as I could, the second time after less than two years. Couldn't help it. Just missed Mac's Bar-B-Que too damned much, I guess.

Turns out, though, many fine Americans would like to live here -- even if the latest Census figures reveal they ain't exactly showin' up in droves. (Remember why not? "Officials' lack of investment in public schools, streets, parks and pools.") But according to the latest Harris Interactive poll, when asked, "If you could live in or near any city in the country except the one you live in or nearest to now, which city would you choose?" a whole bunch of folks responded: "Dallas."

Matter of fact, after not even making the list of Top 15 would-be destination cities last year, we're all the way up to No. 4 on the list -- behind only New York City, San Diego and Seattle. Highest we've been till now: No. 9, and that was way back in '02. And Texas is the fourth-most popular state, even if Rick Perry's still governor.

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