Coming next summer (Dallas, Denton, Flower Mound: real estate, leasing, homes)

[Gino'61]

I have noticed this is a great Forum and I will appreciate your advice:

We are a Mexican family moving to Dallas in the summer. We have a 19-year old at SMU and will need a High School for our second son, grade 12 and an Elementary School for our daughter, grade 3.
I travel significantly, hence proximity to DFW is important.
Checking out the rankings it appears that Highland Village, Colleyville, Flower Mound and Southlake could fit our lifestlyle.
The plan is to rent/lease @ $2K - $3K/mo for the first 2 years, and then purchase a home in the $500 - $700 K range.
Any input on recommended Real Estate Agents and what the main differences among these cities are will be greatly appreciated.

[jennifw]

Will your 19yr old be commuting to SMU or living on/near campus? If commuting, that would be a pretty healthy hike to SMU.

The other question is jobs - where you work is important in Dallas as some commutes can be quite terrible.

[Lakewooder]

Jennifw is right -- also having gone to SMU and continuing to be involved -- one of my old classmates is a frat sponsor and some of my classmates now have kids there -- I would recommend that the 19 year old live on campus if at all possible.

[Gino'61]

Thanks for your answers. Here's some clarification:
1. I will work from a home office in Dallas and fly within the US and to Latin America from DFW.
2. My son is a First Year and living in Campus. I don't have the heart to force him to live at home as he has spread his wings already. Very much what Lakewooder recommends.
Having said this, where would you choose if it was your decision?

[Squirl]

Coppell

[ROckjaw]

Gino:

your situation sounds like ours - we moved to Flower Mound in Dec. and are leasing for a year while we get our bearings on the area - we chose FM as it splits the distance between where my wife works (Denton) and DFW, as I fly out every Monday. The commute for both of us is great and FM is a really nice place - the neighbors in my development (Coventry @ Bridlewood) are great - friendly, helpful and out-going, lots of kids of all ages and the homes are upscale and well-kept. We are close to great schools, great shopping - Highland Village Center and the big-box stores on 2499, and close enough to SouthLake Center to get a nice night out with dinner at Brio or another of our favorite places. If interested, send me a private message and I can share more of what we have learned