I love Californians... My current company is based out of California & some of my coworkers that have come here to help out on projects trip me out. Their vision of Texas is so skewed, it reminds me of you my friend. I don't mean that as a dig... You should investigate the Metroplex sometime...

If 10,000 families need to uproot and move to the Dallas area, there will be no problem at all as far as housing & infrastructure accomodations. You have to understand that while Toyota is moving to Plano, there are a lot of great surrounding cities that are minutes away - Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Carrollton, etc...

I agree with you that it's sad that a already highly profitiable company would upend it's workforce, but as far as your other arguments - I don't think you have much to worry about..

Ooh I want anecdotes.
:popcorn:

People's perception of California is skewed too, I'd estimate that the number of actual cowboys in state is not insignificant...

About knowledge of Texas. I've been to DFW area several times, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio as well. I work as an analyst in the Mortgage industry so I also look at housing & development statistics as much as anyone probably does. Used to fly into DFW 4 - 5 times per year. Stayed weeks at a time.

DFW Metroplex is indeed a large area that has space for sure. That's never been an argument. It's who pays for the development of these areas as new businesses relocate there that is the issue. Also, how they pay for it.

I've known many people that were relocated to the DFW area. Some relocated and stayed. Some choose to relocate but moved back as soon as they could afford to or found new jobs back in California. Several folks I know declined relocation to DFW because they've been there before themselves. They didn't want to have to cash out their homes, leave their families & friends, accept a 10-25% pay decreases, and the culture in California for the DFW area.

As a side note, the DFW airport is one of the world's marvels (bigger than Manhattan). The place also has more steakhouses than I've ever seen.DFW Metroplex however isn't that interesting to residents of Greater Los Angeles. No disrespect to Plano, Irving and Dallas, but most of the development there is so new, it feels lacking the cultural roots and heritage of a older developed cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Long Beach. DFW Metroplex is essentially a new suburban development, same as so many others in the U.S. + Cowboy culture that is also present in California in a major way.

It's true, parts of DFW are so new and squeaky clean that they seem clinical and without soul. But, having been raised in Boston, great swaths of SoCal seem that way too.

I'm impressed with average rents in Plano. Thinking five years out, it might be a good idea to pick up a SFH or two then enjoy the positive cash flow and depreciation for five years and sell for long term gains. Except that absentee ownership can be difficult and I'd rather stay on the West Coast.

http://www.zillow.com/homes/plano,-tx_rb/

Edit: If I lived in Orange County where many, maybe most TMS exempt employees live and commute in a company provided Prius with HOV sticker and free gas, I'd consider selling now to beat the rush and then maybe rent or lease/option another SFH.

its still in the "talk" stages, nothing solid and for certain right now. give it a few years, say around 3 years

Right. Hourly associates aren't, many exempt are and they're the lion's share of the TMS HQ force and usually choose to live in OC.

I can see single and younger couples excited about a relo. No doubt they'll be offered generous moving allowances and other incentives to move. It's the older employees who will be faced with the decision whether to take early retirement at reduced pensions if they're vested at all.

If I put a piece of sashimi from 2 highly rated restaurants from Dallas and "Coastal California". You wouldn't taste the difference. If you say you can then you're lying. Most quality sushi places all taste the same in the states.

You're probably right. TMS has cut costs aggressively over the past few years so I can see the savings of a car allowance vs. a demo. Even the field travelers at the regions were recently stopped from getting free gas on weekends so everyone fills up Friday nights and Monday mornings.

I expect the packages to be very generous. Those former associates I've met who were offered one (not in lieu of dismissal, mostly due to health issues) found them irresistible.

I think I agree with you on all accounts having been born & raised in the 'burbs of the North Dallas area & spending extensive time (weeks/months at a time) throughout the SD, LA, & SF Bay Areas for work as well as having a LOT of family/friends throughout California. I personally love California, and have often thought about relocating there for a long time.

I work for a fairly large General Contractor that is seriously, deeply rooted in California. From this side of the pasture, a major relocation like this means greater opportunities for this industry - of course at the expense of those that can't/won't relocate.