Duncanville Dallas Texas (Grand Prairie, Mesquite, DeSoto: houses, transfer, neighborhoods)

[mschul03]

Hello. I am considering taking a transfer from Metro Detroit to the Dallas area. I work for the VA, so I would be at the Dallas VA. I am looking at houses in the area North of I-20 (North of Ranchero Rd), West of the 408, East of Duncanville Rd, and South of Ledbetter Rd. Could someone please tell me about this area. The houses are great for the money, and especially compared to what you could get in the Metro Detroit area.
I live in a very diverse neighborhood ( I am only two miles from the East border of Detroit, 8 Mile as it is affectionately known). The area I live in has it's share of crime, but relative to Detroit, is low. I am also of mixed race (asian and white). My kids go to private school and would continue to do so if I relocated. All that being said, and I would like some opinions of the area. I am not looking night life, just a great family sub to raise kids in that is close to shopping. I also want a short commute to the VA.
Thanks for any info, it will be very helpful.

[FarNorthDallas]

What kind of private school? The "elite" independent private schools are all in North Dallas.

[Grainraiser]

Originally Posted by mschul03

Hello. I am considering taking a transfer from Metro Detroit to the Dallas area. I work for the VA, so I would be at the Dallas VA. I am looking at houses in the area North of I-20 (North of Ranchero Rd), West of the 408, East of Duncanville Rd, and South of Ledbetter Rd. Could someone please tell me about this area. The houses are great for the money, and especially compared to what you could get in the Metro Detroit area.
I live in a very diverse neighborhood ( I am only two miles from the East border of Detroit, 8 Mile as it is affectionately known). The area I live in has it's share of crime, but relative to Detroit, is low. I am also of mixed race (asian and white). My kids go to private school and would continue to do so if I relocated. All that being said, and I would like some opinions of the area. I am not looking night life, just a great family sub to raise kids in that is close to shopping. I also want a short commute to the VA.
Thanks for any info, it will be very helpful.

I grew up in this area and I can tell you the make up is about 80% black and 20% hispanic. There is no other diversity in the area. Living south of I-20 would be a much better and safer choice. Lancaster would be a good fit. You could also take a look at Mesquite. It's a bit further but there would no traffic at all on your way to work. The area you currently looking in would not be a good fit for you. You would have to travel a good distance to get your child in a diverse school and even further for a private school. Give me your budget and I will be able to narrower your search. Send me a PM is you like.

[houston135]

There is a neighborhood in that area with a private school in the middle of it. I can't speak for the quality of the school (it is fairly new from what I understand) but the neighborhood is diverse and growing quickly: www.capellapark.com. It is at 408 and Grady Niblo, just north of I-20.

[Amyund]

Originally Posted by mschul03

Hello. I am considering taking a transfer from Metro Detroit to the Dallas area. I work for the VA, so I would be at the Dallas VA. I am looking at houses in the area North of I-20 (North of Ranchero Rd), West of the 408, East of Duncanville Rd, and South of Ledbetter Rd. Could someone please tell me about this area. The houses are great for the money, and especially compared to what you could get in the Metro Detroit area.
I live in a very diverse neighborhood ( I am only two miles from the East border of Detroit, 8 Mile as it is affectionately known). The area I live in has it's share of crime, but relative to Detroit, is low. I am also of mixed race (asian and white). My kids go to private school and would continue to do so if I relocated. All that being said, and I would like some opinions of the area. I am not looking night life, just a great family sub to raise kids in that is close to shopping. I also want a short commute to the VA.
Thanks for any info, it will be very helpful.

You might also want to consider Grand Prairie. There are many nice subdivisions there with good public and private schools. The subdivision of Mira Lagos is very beautiful and nice. It is a master planned community with trails, pools and parks and is close to Joe Pool Lake. Homes range from 180's and up. You can get a new or pre-owned home under 200K.

[rosscountry]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

What kind of private school? The "elite" independent private schools are all in North Dallas.

I wouldn't say in "North Dallas"

The elite private schools are IN Dallas.

so you could buy within a 15-20 mile radius of Dallas center and be within a decent driving distance.

[mschul03]

Thanks for all the responses. When I say private school, I mean Catholic School, so any opinions on the better Catholic schools would be apreciate also. I have one in high school and one in elementary school. Can anyone tell me what would be an absolute must avoid in terms of commuting from point A to the VA? I would really just like a family friendly sub in a growing area. I am not too concerned with the school district, as it won't play a part in my decision. I want to stay under 300K, and I am not willing to "pay" for a name, just to say I live there.
Thanks

[Grainraiser]

The VA is not in a great part of town. But as long as drive to work you will have no problems. The entire complex is gated so you will not have any problems. With your budget you have alot of options. I personally would look for private catholic schools and start form there. Grand Prairie would be a great place to live and it's right off I-20. The VA is located on Lancaster rd. It's less than 5 minutes from I-20.

[rosscountry]

Dallas Private School | St. Philip’s School & Community Center

St. Marks School of Texas

[Acntx]

Originally Posted by mschul03

Thanks for all the responses. When I say private school, I mean Catholic School, so any opinions on the better Catholic schools would be apreciate also. I have one in high school and one in elementary school. Can anyone tell me what would be an absolute must avoid in terms of commuting from point A to the VA? I would really just like a family friendly sub in a growing area. I am not too concerned with the school district, as it won't play a part in my decision. I want to stay under 300K, and I am not willing to "pay" for a name, just to say I live there.
Thanks

Another private, Catholic school worth considering is Bishop Dunne in the southern part of Dallas.

In the last six months or so, a number of people who are planning to work at the Dallas VA have posted messages here. In addition to the areas mentioned earlier, I would also recommend the cities of Lancaster and DeSoto.

Lancaster is the closest suburban city to the VA. It is possible to commute from Lancaster without using the interstate highways. State Highway 342 (known as Dallas Avenue in Lancaster and Lancaster Road in Dallas) runs alongside the VA and is one of Lancaster's main north-south routes. The population has grown by nearly 40% (to 36,000) since 2000 and it is starting to attract new development. The home prices are quite affordable, and that is one of the main reasons why people (my family included) choose to move here. The average price of a newly constructed three-bedroom home in Lancaster is approximately $120k to $140k, with four-bedroom homes from about $150k into the low $200s. The are a number of nice neighborhoods located along Belt Line Road.

DeSoto is the largest of the southern suburbs with around 50,000 people. It has a very diverse housing stock ranging from smaller, single-family homes to neighborhoods with upscale estate-type homes on the western side of the city that are priced at over $500k. There are a lot of nice neighborhoods with homes in your price range. I grew up in DeSoto and it is a safe, family-friendly community.

Hope this helps and Welcome to Texas!