college grad looking for house in dallas (Greenville, Henderson: apartment complexes, to rent)

[daniella4242]

I am going to be graduating in May 08 and moving to Dallas to start work at a public accounting firm there. I am interested in buying a small 'starter' house, but am not very familiar with the area. I want to be near the office which is downtown, on Ross, but can't afford to pay too much. Basically just trying to find a nice, practical area to live....anyone know of any?

Appreciate any insight you can give. Thanks!!

[nativeDallasite]

Originally Posted by daniella4242

I am going to be graduating in May 08 and moving to Dallas to start work at a public accounting firm there. I am interested in buying a small 'starter' house, but am not very familiar with the area. I want to be near the office which is downtown, on Ross, but can't afford to pay too much. Basically just trying to find a nice, practical area to live....anyone know of any?

Appreciate any insight you can give. Thanks!!

It'd help if we knew what your budget was.

[ChristieP]

Honestly, I'd rent for a few years until you can afford to buy a bigger place. There are not a lot of small homes near downtown Dallas that are in safe neighborhoods. Plus, you may change job, relocate, etc. and then the house would just be a liability.

[BlosmTX]

Are you working Audit or Tax? If you're at a big4, national, or large local firm and working audit, you might not be going to the downtown office as much as you're anticipating since you'll usually be out in the field at a client's.
Tax people stay at the office more, but as accounting firms get more and more technologically advanced, that opens up possible opportunities to work at home.

In either case, I wouldn't buy a house based solely on your current office location (I think the average lifespan of someone in public accounting is around 3.5 years- much shorter than the average mortgage!), and it's a good idea to rent for at least 6 months before buying so you can learn the area.

[daniella4242]

Thanks, I see your points and agree. On that note, does anyone have any suggestions on where to live? I don't know much about the area as far as apts and stuff. I want a safe area and nice apartment, but I don't want to pay a ridiculous amount.

[Lakewooder]

I would talk to people at your new office, but Uptown (can be expensive),Knox-Henderson and Greenville Ave areas are popular. Also you can look at Urban or Garden Apartment complexes and in Lower Greenville/East Dallas/M-Streets/Lakewood there are many duplexes, single family and smaller older buildings which are cool. You could also live right in downtown (many older buildings being converted to apartments) or on the southside/Cedars/Lamar area.

Also you could get some friends or go by yourself and sit out on the patio at The Porch, Vickery Park or the Old Monk on Henderson and just talk to people who can clue you in...

[wesley_willis]

i'm pretty much in your same shoes. will be working for an accounting firm, graduating in may, etc. to be honest, property taxes are way too high for fresh grads to buy a home. it's not the smartest thing to do.. rent until you move up enough to where its comfortable. that's what i will be doing.

as far as living, like said before, if u can find roommates you should def consider uptown/downtown.

[hamiltonpl]

I'd rent during my first job out of college. Uptown/downtown have the hippest places to live. Get an apartment locater. They're free. And they can give you some tips on negotiating down the rent.