Maybe moving to Grand Prairie. Location help (Houston, Dallas: houses, school district)

[garycoz]

Although it is not set in stone yet, I have an opportunity to move to Dallas (or Houston) in early 2007. I have never been to Texas, but the way the job goes, I will get last minute notice and have to kick it into high gear. The office is in the area of 35E & 183, so my commute would be to downtown daily. I have 2 young kids as well.

I was hoping someone could help me with an idea of where to look for homes. We are looking for a nice area with convenient shopping and etc. Good quality schools are important, and the shorter the commute the better (I had thought about Grand Prairie). Housing costs in NJ are pretty high (so are taxes). What areas are good within a reasonable commute? How are taxes?

Thanks a million! Gary

I also posted in the Houston section, but I seem to like this area better. Not sure why as I have never visited either, but any help you can give is appreciated.

[Texan#1]

Grand Prairie is an ok city. Not much to brag about there. It is very convenient to Dallas and it does have some nice areas. If you are looking into that area of town then I suggest you take a look into Cedar Hill. Rolling hills and nicely priced houses abound in that area. Good luck.

[thx1138]

I went to the GPISD and lived in GP for some time. I'd avoid it.

Better are parts of Arlington. Add 10 - 15 minutes to your commute to live in a real city with decent schools.

[BA15]

I agree that GP is not the place to move to. It may look desireable geographically, but that's about it. Las Colinas is a nice area as well.

[schorfheide]

I'm in Richardson and take the train to work which saves on gas and nature.
The schools here are some of the best in the area if you trust what the government standards says...it was good for our daughter.
I personally wouldn't touch Arlington or GP. I'm sure there are good areas in every city, just wasn't impressed with what I saw.
Whatever you do, do not go to Cedar Hill...I work with a guy who can't give his house away in Cedar Hill and it's not too large a town, so it probably doesn't have anything to do with the area it is in.
I also like Carrolton or Addison.
The train is good if your commute is down town...check out DART.org, however, the bus system is not as reliable, not horrible, just not as reliable.

[stargazer]

My husband use to work right off of 183 and 35.It is the only skyscraper that is between those 2 highways. It is Brookhollow. Wow! Look at Coppell and the burbs north there, that would not be too bad of a drive. Also check out greatschool.net. I think I have written that quiet a bit here but truly it helped us when choosing what school district would meet our childs needs. They have helpful information such as parent reviews which speak volumes to me.... it breaks down everything for you, ratings, parent reviews, teacher experience ect ect.