Where to live in DFW? (Dallas, Plano: apartment, rent, HOA)

[MarthaD1974]

My sister is soon to be single after 30 years of marriage. She lives in northern New Mexico and wants to move to the DFW area. (We grew up in South Grand Prairie but have not lived there since 1972.) Her children are grown so schools are not an issue. Job commute is not an issue either. She is looking for someplace SAFE and affordable. Sister probably needs a townhome or condo in the 1400 sq. ft. range - possibly a house although she does not need to worry about yardwork. I know it is a huge area...but any recommendations are appreciated. I've suggested she rent an apartment for a few months to figure out where she would "fit". SO - any apartment referrals would be appreciated as well.

[nsumner]

What type of budget is she wanted to stay within?

[MarthaD1974]

well, I would say the cost of the "home" should be in the $125 - 150K range. Right now we do not know for sure.

[dfwliving]

There are at least 220 condo/townhome listings that match your sister's criteria in the Metroplex. Only about 25 of them have been built since 1990 (as listed in the MLS), the rest were built in the late 70's and early 80's.

Take a look in the North Dallas area for a large quantity of condos of varying quality. I have been in some that are very well kept and secured while others look like they have not been touched by the HOA since the 80's. I have never figured where all of the monthly HOA dues went.

There are a number of inexpensively built new townhomes in Plano and a couple of other areas. These are pretty good communities but don't have much in the way of ammenities and other bells and whistles.

Also look in Lewisville, Wylie, and Irving

There is currently a home listed in the Creek Trails subdivision in Plano that might work. List price is $149,900 with a creek view.

Keep an eye out on the Morningside subdivision in the area just north of George Bush/190 off of Frankford. There are usually a couple of garden homes available in this subdivision.

[loves2read]

is she moving to be closer to you--
will she be working or have any other interests--
that is a major relocation after the stress of divorce (which is what your op sounded like)
my SIL is in her 70s and divorced her husband after more than 50 years of marriage--very traumatic for her and her 3 adult children and grandchildren--but she stayed in her location--
perhaps your sister should just rent for 6 mo or so to get feel for the move instead of jumping in and buying a home...

[lainieramsey]

My husband and I live in the McKinney area. We enjoy living here and there are at least 3 townhome communities that would be in her price range. McKinney is a safe, friendly town with lots to do such as shopping, restaurants, parks, etc. It's also not too far of a drive if she ever has to drive into Dallas.