Greener area in Dallas?! (Rowlett, Cedar Hill: 2014, rent, neighborhoods)

[silsil]

Hello guys!
My family is considering moving to Dallas.
I read that there is plenty to do and see in this beautiful city.
My question is: we are outdoor people, from California. We love to go hiking and see trees, lakes with our 2 little boys. Which are would you consider the greenest and also safest to live?
I read somewhere that the Far Noth is pretty good. Above the Presbyterian hospital. What do you think about that area?!
Also, Tornadoes.. is there an area in Dallas where they don't "hit" as much?!
Thank you for taking your time to answer!!!

[pinemon]

South of I-20 (Cedar Hill, etc) has some rolling hills, more greenery, and cheap housing.
And there's a lot of greenery in far east Dallas all around Lake Ray Hubbard (Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath, etc), too.
Not sure about other areas or pockets...but I'm sure there's also some more?

[ChristieP]

Do a search here about tornadoes as the topic has been discussed numerous times. Overall, tornadoes are fairly rare in DFW, although we are in "tornado alley." Historically, the areas near Lancaster and Granbury have had more tornadoes than the rest of DFW.

Where would you be commuting to for work? That's going to be the biggest factor so you don't have a horrible commute.

[pepper131]

A nice green area is around White Rock Lake. Although the lake is a non-swimming lake, there is a lot of activity around it. Neighborhoods around here have lots of trees and lots of green space. Look up zip codes 75214, 75218, 75228.

[jdallas]

historical tornado tracking for Dallas from 1952-2014:
Tornado History Project: Dallas County, Texas

Honestly, the hail storms will likely impact you far more than a tornado. I wouldn't worry about them.

White Rock lake is more of a pond with parks around it. It's fine as a place to have a picnic or rent a kayak for a bit but if I can run around it without stopping to walk, it doesn't count as a lake.

Cedar Hill area might be a good option for you.

[pinemon]

^^ Well, most lakes in Texas are more for boating/watersports/fishing than swimming. White Rock Lake does have a nice trail running all the way around it, but it's not very treelined and shaded. Then again, I'm not sure how many hiking trails in DFW are?

Which is a huge consideration in the summertime, frankly!

[mSooner]

Also, Tornadoes.. is there an area in Dallas where they don't "hit" as much?!

No, and anyone who tells you differently is ignoring the fact that past behavior doesn't impact future probability.

But in general, not a thing to get worked up about.

[bluescreen73]

If outdoorsiness is a big deal to you, DFW is probably not going to be a good fit. The options are limited, the terrain is largely flat, and (unless you're a masochist) the summertime weather (mid-June to mid-September) is not conducive to outdoor recreation.

I would strongly advise against moving there sight-unseen. If you can, visit the area for a week - preferably in late July/early August when the summertime heat is at its worst.

[pinemon]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

If outdoorsiness is a big deal to you, DFW is probably not going to be a good fit.

Right, if outdoorsiness is your top priority, then Texas, much less DFW, might not even be your first pick? But I assume that other priorities drew you to Dallas first, and outdoorsiness is further down your list?

[DallasG]

I wouldn't recommend moving to Dallas if you are an outdoorsy nature lover, not only because we lack decent lakes or natural beauty but also because of our weather that limits outdoor activity time. This area has a lot to offer but scenery and outdoor lifestyle ain't on that list.