My husband and I turned 50 and 51 this year. Our youngest child will graduate high school in less than 5 years. Semi-retirement and relocation have been on our minds. While we like where we live (north of Dallas, Texas), we’re considering several travel and living locations that will become possible after we’re not tied down to a school district. Adventure awaits!
Earlier this summer, we explored some ex-pat cities in Costa Rica. We’ve also thought about moving to New Mexico or to a more rural part of Texas. It’s fun to dream.
But then this week, some news from an airline reminded me why our current town is a good fit for us for a while, and the grass isn’t always greener in a different location.
Cathay Pacific Nonstop Flight DFW to Hong Kong
Yesterday, Cathay Pacific announced it will fly nonstop from DFW to Hong Kong starting in April 2025. This route used to be serviced by American Airlines, but it was discontinued in 2020.
I’m actually flying to Hong Kong in November, but I won’t be able to take advantage of this new route yet. Still, I’m excited that DFW Airport will have another nonstop international flight route available. Even if I don’t return to Hong Kong in the future, the flight will still be a good gateway to other destinations in Asia.
Perks of Living Near DFW Airport (and Dallas Love Field)
This news reminded me of one of my favorite parts about living here. DFW has some great airlines and flight options. I like that we’re smack dab in the middle of the country so that getting to both coasts doesn’t take forever. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both have hubs here.
I also love that DFW airport has many nonstop flights to international destinations, including multiple cities in Europe, Asia, Australia, Central America and South America. We’ve taken advantage of nonstop flights to Seoul, Madrid, Paris, London, Sydney, Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico. The older I get, the more I appreciate nonstop flights due to fewer delay points and fewer hassles.
When I think about moving to a smaller city or a more rural location, I can’t help but think about how that would change our travel logistics. Of course, every area has its pros and cons, and travel time is only one factor.
Is it weird that travel convenience factors so heavily into our living location choice? Maybe for most people. But, air travel is a big part of my life, and I expect that to continue for the next few decades.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Having a choice of many non-stop flight is nice.
Having to live day-by-day in harsh weather conditions for entirety of any season or thru the year (due to location or/and changing climate conditions) is a bigger thing to consider.
Repeating extreme weather conditions in many parts of USA and in the world would make me think more about place to live vs. travel conveniences.
@Aleks That’s a great point. Some would consider DFW to have harsh weather (hot summers), but I’m used to it. We live in the air conditioning and pools all summer.
As a fellow Texan (Allen) I get it…but I’m not sure if such would cause me to rethink my future living situation. After all, if I’m retired I don’t think I’d care that much about having to add a connection to my travel plans.
For me, one of the perks I’m looking forward in retirement is to not have to rush about life as I do today. If that means having to connect in DFW or anywhere for that matter, I don’t think I’d care that much.