Economy has slowed down affecting daily lives, but still better than some other states. Don't know much about IT field, but as far as I know DFW was never a boomtown for IT proffesionals, Austin may be. Living cost Houston is the cheapest, Oil and gas related jobs; GREAT !!! (if you are worthy)

Weather !! you got it right dude, its 70 outside, expected high 79, but you need to find a way to escape the summers.