Garland Apartments Zip 75043- how is the area? (Dallas, Rockwall: apartment complex, rental)

[Moey91]

Hey all, I came across some condos/ apartments on Martin Loving Drive in Garland (Lake View/ Lake Way). I did search the forums to see what came up about this area, but all of the posts are well over 5 years old. Can anyone tell me what this area is like, or anyone who lives in any of these complexes?

I did a crime map, and it looks like its mostly burglaries (which can be expected in a large rental apartment complex), but just wanted to know what local opinions are of this area. Thanks so much!

[ShellNic]

I can give you a run-down. I lived on Marvin Loving about 15 years ago but have lived in or around the area since then and can offer some info for you.

1) Marvin Loving is parallel to I-30 so it's convenient. It's relatively close to the highway so there will be some noise. Some of the apartments on that street are moderate. They're not FANTASTIC, but not bad either and the rent is reasonable. One in particular (2011 estimate) was a 1 bd/bath with FP and sunroom and w/d (about 700 sq. ft.) and they were renting it for about $540/mo. They're the City of Garland electric though and they can be higher.

2) As you go down Chaha (now known as Bass Pro Drive), there are condos on the left. They're older but relatively nice for how old they are. To the right, you start getting a little sketchier. Just look at the cars in the parking lot and decide how you feel about what you see. Some consider it to be kinda trashy...

3) Right where Chaha ends (at the lake before it curves) are old but ok apts. but are specifically for low-wage earners. You can't make over the limit - I see all kinds of folks though...seems like they're just trying to make it and mind their own business.

4) And yea, with all of that, there is a lot of thieving going on. Living there 15 years ago, that was an issue although my place and car were never broken into and honestly, I never worried about it.

5) I think the general opinion about the area is that most of the apts. are older, some are refurbished, but that if you're watching your budget, you can find a decent place to live. They now have (not back then) several restaurants right there, a couple of fast food places, more gas stations and a better entrance/exit to the freeway.

6) Living near the lake, you'll see more spiders...but the view is nice and when walking around, you don't feel unsafe at all. I didn't and I'm a GIRL!

7) From a personal aspect, I actually really loved my apartment on Marvin Loving (fyi: not Martin). There were some plumbing issues that I'm sure the new owners have taken care of but that was really my only problem worth noting. I liked being close to the lake...and seeing fireworks on the 4th...

[Moey91]

Thank you so much for the info ShellNic! We are looking to move soon, and rather than buy our first place, we want to rent for a bit to get a better feel for the area. I know that some neighborhoods have "pockets" of bad areas, and want to make sure Im not ending up on the wrong side of town! I really do appreciate the time you took to help me out! Thanks!

[TXRunner]

Duck Creek Apartments is not a bad complex and they are gated. It is right across from the bus station to Dallas, so that could be a positive or negative. It's about 1 minute drive away from a big park/recreation area and a nice library. I've lived in apartments in the 75043 area and my wife and I are moving back to that area in July. I just prefer apartments that are not right off of the big highway I-30. If you want more information you can PM me, but I've tended to avoid the apartments right on the highway.

[ShellNic]

Originally Posted by Moey91

Thank you so much for the info ShellNic! We are looking to move soon, and rather than buy our first place, we want to rent for a bit to get a better feel for the area. I know that some neighborhoods have "pockets" of bad areas, and want to make sure Im not ending up on the wrong side of town! I really do appreciate the time you took to help me out! Thanks!

I think it's a good idea to rent first...Dallas is just so big and the traffic can be a real stinker...so learning that beforehand is really beneficial. I understand about the "pockets"! This area specifically you mentioned, is defined by it's geography. It's mostly surround by the lake so it'll never really change...it's always been a little less expensive in rent and I don't know that it was ever "classy" so to speak...but I like it...what can I say?

It's not the wrong side of town but it's not the high end either...you'll know what I mean when you see it. And if you need any other things, no matter how weird, just let me know. I'm familiar enough to offer additional info if you need it. Good luck!

[ShellNic]

Originally Posted by TXRunner

Duck Creek Apartments is not a bad complex and they are gated. It is right across from the bus station to Dallas, so that could be a positive or negative. It's about 1 minute drive away from a big park/recreation area and a nice library. I've lived in apartments in the 75043 area and my wife and I are moving back to that area in July. I just prefer apartments that are not right off of the big highway I-30. If you want more information you can PM me, but I've tended to avoid the apartments right on the highway.

I do like Duck Creek...the trees around there are awesome. And yes, it's close to a lot of things including the Dart station. Yea, the noise off the highway can be loud, no doubt. It might be a trade off - close proximity to highway and noise OR a few more lights and traffic with less noise. It's preference, for sure, but worthy of checking out!

[RonRut]

The next two or three exits east on I30 and you're in Rockwall. There are not tons of apartments in Rockwall, but the community is much nicer IMO.

[ShellNic]

Originally Posted by RonRut

The next two or three exits east on I30 and you're in Rockwall. There are not tons of apartments in Rockwall, but the community is much nicer IMO.

No doubt...Rockwall is much nicer. It really depends on where the OP works and how much of a commute he's ready to have. I spent my high school years in Rockwall and I am fond of it for many reasons, but it is a real bear (even just over the lake) if you're travelling to Dallas.

[Moey91]

Thanks everyone! I will actually be working from home, so commute isnt much of a problem for me. My husband will be working in Garland, so not too worried about it. The scenery looks beautiful there (from what I saw on Google images and street view) so I am definitely looking forward to it! Although I will be moving in less than a month, most people think I'm nuts for coming down in July when its usually scorching. Luckily, central air is everywhere! ;-) What I did not see close to this area was grocery stores. Do you have any recommendations for grocery stores other than Walmart? (I live right behind one now, and it takes me FOREVER to check out, I started to loathe going in there!). Thanks again for your help! If you know of any map service that would show me whats in the vicinity of the address that would help as well! I tried to google it but didnt get much help in that department!

[Grainraiser]

There is a Albertsons on the corner of Duck Creek and Broadway.

Reggie