Moving to TX: husband works for airline (DFW airport). Want to live reasonably close but with trees & limited traffic (Dallas: real estate, 2015)

[MovingtoTexas2015]

Help! My husband and I will be moving to Dallas in Feb-March 2015. He works for an airline out of DFW but will only be commuting 1-2 times per week, so he's open to a moderate commute. I work from home, so my main hopes are grocery stores/convenience stores that are relatively close (and clean and safe). It'd be nice if the area had a little charm/restaurants and perhaps was close to a lake or some nature trails. I realize this is a tall order because we're also hoping to find a 2br/2bath to rent for < $1250/month. Oh and a garage would be nice, too. Obviously flexible on that, given the price range, but might as well try (and hope)!

We're seeking something similar to the Flower Mound/Highland Village area, but I'm wondering if there are parts of town we're missing. We tended to focus our efforts on areas north and northwest of the airport based on traffic recommendations, but I would really appreciate your guidance if there are other places/areas we should consider. Specific recommendations also greatly appreciated! We are open to renting apartments, townhomes, condos, homes...you name it.

I would say our priorities are: safety, nice calm area, reasonable traffic, quiet, feels nice. We're in our thirties and childless but fit more with the family demographic than young singles. Any direction you could provide would be much appreciated!

[ChristieP]

Grapevine.

Very close to DFW, and home of many airline employees. Much easier commute than from FloMo, and it's also not "family central" like FloMo is.
Extensive trail system and lots of parks along the shore of Lake Grapevine.
Historic downtown, plus all sorts of retail, restaurants, and Southlake's upscale shopping and dining is just next door.
Very safe with low crime.

The only catch may be finding a place to live within that budget. There are some older, small apartment complexes in the Bellaire neighborhood near downtown that may work for you. PM me for a local real estate agency that may be able to help, too. Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent an apartment or trailer house, along Mustang Drive. That's the only unsafe neighborhood.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

The only catch may be finding a place to live within that budget. There are some older, small apartment complexes in the Bellaire neighborhood near downtown that may work for you. PM me for a local real estate agency that may be able to help, too. Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent an apartment or trailer house, along Mustang Drive. That's the only unsafe neighborhood.

Christie........ How do you feel about the Euless area off of 360? Would you call that safe ?
It appears to have many decent apartments and I've know a few people who've lived there.

[Squirl]

You might find something you like in Valley Ranch.

[4Movingeast]

I would add Bedford to the list given the price range. There are several nice parks and walking trails and it works great for a DFW commute.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Squirl

You might find something you like in Valley Ranch.

Yes. BTW that is in far north Irving. Irving has a nice Rec center, library and pool nearby that's cheap to join.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Christie........ How do you feel about the Euless area off of 360? Would you call that safe ?
It appears to have many decent apartments and I've know a few people who've lived there.

It's ok. I've had friends live there, too. Euless doesn't have as much nice shopping and restaurants, but it is just a 10-15 minute drive away.

[Allison81]

Since your husband only commutes a few days per week, you might consider Little Elm. It's a little further north, but if your husband doesn't commute during peak traffic hours, then you might consider it. My friend lives in a neighborhood called Providence Village. Great neighborhood and cute homes fire a great price. Your budget will get you a lot up there

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by Allison81

Since your husband only commutes a few days per week, you might consider Little Elm. It's a little further north, but if your husband doesn't commute during peak traffic hours, then you might consider it. My friend lives in a neighborhood called Providence Village. Great neighborhood and cute homes fire a great price. Your budget will get you a lot up there

Yeah, and a commute that's all on toll roads if I'm not mistaken. Little Elm is so far from DFW.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by BigDGeek

Yeah, and a commute that's all on toll roads if I'm not mistaken. Little Elm is so far from DFW.

I agree. That's only a fit because of the price range...