relo from CA to Dallas TX (ADVICE: rent first or buy)

[Squirl]

In my first marriage my DH's job required frequent job transfers. For that reason we always bought places in highly desirable locations. We bought immediately because the time in the new location was just a few years and purchasing made sense because the company's relocation package paid most expenses as far as closing costs and the physical move. If we had rented first, we would have had to pay for the 2nd move and our time was pretty limited at the new city. We learned to stay away from far flung burbs. If that was the situation today for me again, I would buy something in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake or Colleyville. Coppell would be my first choice.

[Beardown91737]

We are renting first as well. We came from SoCal and I am working in Plano and work from home is occasional days here and there.

The timing didn't work out right for closing both houses in the same week, and we have too many pets for temporary housing so we are on a 6 month lease, and at least that means I won't be in Home Depot or Lowe's for another 4 1/2 months. In addition, we don't know where my wife is going to work so we want to buy in a place convenient for both of us.

We also rented our first 6 months in California. At that time our kids were 7 and 2 so we rented a 3BR and bought later in the same school district.

[joellen1]

Yes we are going to try for a 6 month lease ...thanks! It's a little tricky because we have a kindergartner..

[windytxmom]

I would rent in Savannah on the 380. It is central, there are always nice rentals around here, very safe, and has a good elementary school & shopping. I commute to DFW airport and Lovefield and it is straight shot down the DNT to the 121. Lantana is too far for the airport regularly. My husband does the same thing back to CA and globally.

[ashiyer7]

I agree with most people. Please rent first. We rented for few years before buying and in that process, had a chance to scout different communities. It is never the same as hearing from other people and researching on the internet.

Coppell, Irving, Southlake, Flower mound are all great suburbs on the Northern side with good schools. With a kiddo, you definitely want to include schools in your buying / leasing criteria.