New Job in Oaklawn Area, need suggestion of where to live (Dallas: for sale, real estate)

[Calistia]

I have a potential job promotion that would require me to relocate from San Angelo to Dallas. I would be working in the Oak Lawn area. My husband would need to find a new job in the area, as his current employer does not have any presence in Dallas. He works in IT, so I'm sure he should be able to find something.

Our combined household income would be around 150K or more (depending on what my hubby finds), and we are thinking we would be most comfortable with a house budget of around $240K.

We have a 7 year old and a 15 year old, so naturally, schools are important. We are definitely not used to traffic, and so the commute will certainly be a factor to consider. From what I've been told, it is something we will just have to get used to. I think I would be willing to drive about 30 mins each way, working 8:30 to 5:30 (like nearly everyone else, I know).

I have been trying to research potential places to live, but my head is starting to swim with all of the options.

Any suggestions or little known secrets you can tell me about?

[TurtleCreek80]

$240k is not realistic. If you haven't heard yet, Dallas real estate is one of the strongest performing markets in the US and due to our strong economy, prices are at ALL TIME HIGHS right now.

In order to get good public schools + 30 minute commute time (which is a 10-15 mile radius from your office), you're probabky looking at close to $400k for a small 2/2, 1500sf-ish house. If you're open to condos, you can stay within your $240k budget.

With that radius and the need for public schools - including a high schooler- you are really limited to one high school's zone in East Dallas (homes zoned to DISD Woodrow Wilson HS, with Jackson/Lee/Lakewood elementaries), one zone in northeast Dallas (just inside 635, zoned to RISD's Lake Highlands), one RISD school zone just north of 635 (city of Dallas, but zoned to RISD Richardson HS), and possibly the suburb of Coppell (you'll get a larger/newer home, but it will run you $350-400k).

Expand your commute time significantly (like to 60+ min each way) if you want to remotely stay within $240k budget and get good public schools. Dallas ain't cbeap....

[ChristieP]

Having made the move from San Angelo to DFW myself back in 1997, I will say that the difference in housing costs is a major culture shock. Example: we rented an awesome apartment in Angelo for $395 a month, and in DFW, a basic apartment in a safe area was $795. Basically, your costs in DFW are close to double what they are in Angelo. The good thing is that there are a lot more job opportunities and better wages here, so you will probably come out on the better end.

You might look in Euless and Grapevine, but be aware that the commute is going to be longer than 30 minutes. The good thing is that you can get a good house in these cities for $300k (3/2/2, 2000 sq ft), and all of the public schools are good. Grapevine definitely has the small town feel that you are used to from San Angelo, and there is a lot of community involvement and low crime, too.

[pistisan]

Coppell would be a perfect place for your children and ranked very high for academics, and about 30 minutes drive to your work, and many jobs there for your husband, Regent/Las Colinas. I saw 3 homes for sales right now for $240K, there are choices and many rentals available. Great place to raise the kids, its save and clean and close to everything.

[Calistia]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I just don't know if we can get approved for a home in the $300K range, although that would be fabulous, as it would open up a lot of options for us.

I think I like Plano, Carrolton, and Coppell. Hopefully the hubby will be able to find a decent paying job and then we can go from there.

Thanks again

[J800]

Originally Posted by Calistia

Thank you all for the suggestions. I just don't know if we can get approved for a home in the $300K range, although that would be fabulous, as it would open up a lot of options for us.

I think I like Plano, Carrolton, and Coppell. Hopefully the hubby will be able to find a decent paying job and then we can go from there.

Thanks again

Unless your long-term debt is pretty high, you should be able to get approved for $300K on a $150K household income.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by Calistia

Thank you all for the suggestions. I just don't know if we can get approved for a home in the $300K range, although that would be fabulous, as it would open up a lot of options for us.

I think I like Plano, Carrolton, and Coppell. Hopefully the hubby will be able to find a decent paying job and then we can go from there.

Thanks again

Unless your credit is terrible and/or you have a ton of household debt, you should easily be approved for a house somewhere between $300-450k range. So $260-350k mortgage loan with 20% down. Not saying you should go up to the max unless you expect your income situation to change very soon, but $350k would open up a lot of doors for you, neighborhood-wise.