Possibly moving (Dallas, Mansfield, Cleburne: fit in, rent, chapel)

[rockoutnoel777]

Hi. My family and I live in St. Petersburg, FL
We would like to know about Dallas and the surrounding areas from some locals, including country areas. We are a young family with a 1 year old and a baby on the way. We hope to start a lawn care business if we move there, or minimally to find a decent paying job for my husband that satisfies all the family needs. Job connections and friends would be awesome to have set up ahead of time, since we are otherwise all alone in this. I know if we make this move it will be difficult on our family and few friends here, and also on us, and we will be grateful to have a support system available if and when we get there. We are homeowners and will either rent out or sell our St. Pete home should we decide to make this move. We have considered homesteading but also just owning a home in a neighborhood. Have to figure out what is right/affordable for us still. We currently attend Calvary Chapel St. Pete under Pastor Danny Hodges, and we are a young but ambitious couple. We are honestly struggling with this decision for many reasons. Tell us about Dallas and the surrounding areas, please, and where you think we might fit in. Thank you!

[TeamLynn]

The first places that come to mind are places a little north of the cities high growth areas.
Someplace like Krum, Pilot Point, Aubrey, Gunter, Melissa, Celina, Anna, Lavon.
That way you can find a less expensive home, maybe someplace with 1-2-5 acres...
Growth will likely come to you so in the future hopefully you get some price increases.
There you will be close enough to the big burbs where people might need lawn care.
Move in February so you can start marketing your business like crazy and start making cash in March/April when lawns start growing.
You also need to figure out what to do in the off months from October-March. Hang Christmas lights, Arerate, Treat for Weeds, Landscaping Cleanup, etc.
Just be aware there is lots and lots and lots of competition here.....so requires lots of work to get customers.
However there are also lots and lots and lots of new neighborhoods and construction and I'm guessing many people moving into them are not people who want to take care of their own lawns.

[rockoutnoel777]

Haha (that you say February) because I am due in March, but expecting delivery in February. We are torn between waiting before to move until before or after baby arrives. With many more baby shower gifts to come, our house is likely to be jam packed soon. A larger house where I am not tripping over things would be nice! I will gladly look into your suggestions, and thank you a lot for answering.

[tcualum]

I second the fact to expect lots of competition for lawn care work. There are tons of businesses already around here to choose from. Have you looked into the market prospects around here before you uproot your family to an area where you have no social or business connections?

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by tcualum

I second the fact to expect lots of competition for lawn care work. There are tons of businesses already around here to choose from. Have you looked into the market prospects around here before you uproot your family to an area where you have no social or business connections?

I agree. Between the big commercial lawn industry players, and the solo operators with a pickup truck, mower and weed eater, you are facing a lot of competition. Prices for lawn care here get very competitive.

[walker1962]

In the south side, Waxahachie, Granbury, Cleburne, Burleson and Mansfield are small towns with decent to excellent schools and home prices.