Carrollton vs Arlington, TX (Dallas, Irving: low income, fit in, sales)

[Sweetbrightness]

Hi everyone, I've scoured city- data for detailed high school information. You've all helped me in years past when we relocated from the Chicago burbs to Nashville, TN.

Because our son is in marching band, honors band, theater, JROTC, both Martin HS and Hebron HS seem like excellent fits for him. However, I'm a little worried because we never really fit in in Nashville. We're a really laid back, happy go lucky family that can, at times, be loud. Our son dealt with quite a lot of bullying in elementary school - we moved here when he was 5, he's 15 now. I do not want to find ourselves in another hoity toity neighborhood that we don't find into.

Any suggestions/advice would be welcomed!

I've researched Flower Mound, Coppell, Marcus - on the great schools site there are issues with bullying. Martin & Hebron have much higher reviews. I also understand there will always be someone in every scenario that's less than kind - I don't expect perfect, just not so "bless your heart" aren't you a dummy fakeness.

We're looking for a 3 bed/2 bath home preferably with a pool. Nothing grandiose - ballpark of $350,000 and under. Arlington definitely fits the bill - more bang for your buck.

My husband's there now while I'm closing out our home in Nashville to sell. We'll catch up once we sell our home, find another one and complete the school year here.

Thanks in advance!

[mastershake575]

You did excellent research. Both schools are solid and both area's have good houses with pools in your price range. Examples

Martin
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4...29010069_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4...29010085_zpid/

Hebron
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3...55147275_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4...27273642_zpid/

In terms of which one gonna depend on you. Where do you guys plan on commutting workwise ? Both cities are far from each other so geographic location and needs play a decent factor. If commutting isn't a factor than I would lean more towards Hebron area since it's in a hot zone (close access to desirable area's like Far North dallas, West plano, Frisco).

[WorldKlas]

Both great. Prices for homes will be better at Martin. My son graduated from Martin HS in the 90’s. It was a great school then and continues to have a good reputation. Most of the neighborhoods around both Martin and Hebron are lovely and well kept. Low crime, good shopping.

The big question is work commute. Traffic is tough in DFW so work commute is pretty important.

[Walter Benjamin]

Yes, excellent choices. Commute is a huge factor. Arlington and Carrollton are quite far away from each other! Where is work?

[Sweetbrightness]

I knew I forgot something! My husband's working in Irving, just a smidge north of the University of Dallas. I'm a spec ed teacher's assistant. I've seen quite a few listings for me, prior to applying I want to have an area locked down, that way I'm closer to home.

My husband viewed 2 homes in Arlington last night, not good fits, one had stairs on top of stairs - we both turned 50 and became allergic to stairs! The other the pool patio was buckling and the retaining wall was in bad shape.

He'd like to start looking at Euless, Irving, Grapevine. When I research I utilize Google Earth - Grapevine looked like it might be a bear due to the airport. These schools are Birdville, Bell, and Colleyville Heritage - their reviews are pretty awesome, so now I'm thinking $%#&! Thanks Mike!

[WorldKlas]

I would concentrate on the Grapevine-Colleyville school district. There are homes in North Hurst and Euless (in zip 76039) that are also zoned to GCISD. Be sure to verify schools.

SW Arlington won’t work. Flower Mound or the above would be best.

[ChristieP]

I live in Grapevine, and I will happily answer questions.

No, we get very little airport noise. When you come look at houses, just stand outside for a few minutes and listen. Almost all of the flight paths are over industrial/commercial property (WalMart, Grapevine Mills Mall, warehouses) and not over residential areas. The neighborhood I live in has a lot of airline employees since the terminals are accessible without getting on the highway.

Grapevine's property taxes are significantly lower than the surrounding suburbs due to the city's focus on tourism to bring in sales tax revenue. We have a beautiful city recreation center, well-maintained parks and trails, and a wonderful library. Our downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the city holds 2 major festivals every year. Streets are well maintained, and crime is very low.

One thing to keep in mind is that GCISD schools have a very diverse student population, both ethnically and economically. There is a significant amount of low income and ESL students, especially at Grapevine HS, which does make the test scores skew a little lower than CHHS, and lower than surrounding districts. If you look at the achievements of the top students, you'll see they do just as well as their peers in surrounding districts.

[Rakin]

Problem you have right now is a very Low Inventory of homes.
That should improve over the next 30-90 days. But also the volume of Buyers looking for those homes.

Carrollton has a lot of Foundation issues. If I was you I'd look in Flower Mound. One of my favorite areas.
Southern FM if possible in the FM HS district. But Marcus is good also.

Eliminate the pool option and you'll find a better selection of homes.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

I live in Grapevine, and I will happily answer questions.

No, we get very little airport noise. When you come look at houses, just stand outside for a few minutes and listen. Almost all of the flight paths are over industrial/commercial property (WalMart, Grapevine Mills Mall, warehouses) and not over residential areas. The neighborhood I live in has a lot of airline employees since the terminals are accessible without getting on the highway.
.

90% of the time Planes land from the North (quietly) and take off to the South (Loud).

In general our winds blow from the South except like the last few days when cold Northern winds come in.

Due East and West get's very little air traffic.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Sweetbrightness

He'd like to start looking at Euless, Irving, Grapevine. When I research I utilize Google Earth - Grapevine looked like it might be a bear due to the airport. These schools are Birdville, Bell, and Colleyville Heritage - their reviews are pretty awesome, so now I'm thinking $%#&! Thanks Mike!

The Bedford area but also Trinity HS (used to be) good. Bedford has some very nice 1980's homes.