Question for Lakwooder or other Lakewood folks (Dallas, Katy: homes, neighborhood)

[Waleran]

Hello,

My family and I are moving to Dallas in the summer and will likely move to Lakewood. I have read most of the posts Re lakewood and I want to thank all of you for taking the time to help us Dallas newbies out. Lakewooder you are especially thorough and helpful so thank you. My question is regarding the streets just west of Lakewood elem (esp. Sondra and Vanderbilt). Anyone have any opinions on these streets? It seems like there are a lot of McMansions there. With this economy are they all sitting there empty? We realy like the charm of the neighborhood and these seem a bit out of place I would just be interested in people's opinions.

Also, what is the deal with the train tracks just east of Santa Barbara? does that train run frequently?

Thank you all again

Cheers

Waleran

[Macbeth2003]

Originally Posted by Waleran

My question is regarding the streets just west of Lakewood elem (esp. Sondra and Vanderbilt). Anyone have any opinions on these streets? It seems like there are a lot of McMansions there.

Just two or three years ago those two streets were full of older well maintained duplexes. They were largely inhabited by young families seeking a nice neighborhood, and a good school. It helped bring some youth, and economic diversity to the neighborhood.Unfortunately the land was bought up, and the homes replaced with those god awful McMansions that stick out like a sore thumb. They do appear to be largely occupied though,

[Lakewooder]

The McMansions are all occupied as far as I know. Most of them were built several years ago. The duplexes which were there were in fact ugly even in the 1960s. They did allow those of lesser means the ability to go to Lakewood schools however. It's one of those 'be careful what you ask for' things..

The train tracks behind Santa Barbara are slated to be made a jogging trail. That train hasn't run for many years. There is a crop of McMansions on that street, too...

Check out this King of the Hill episode about McMansions: FOX on Demand

Glad to hear you are coming to Lakewood - lots of activities this time of year (I'm off to homecoming weekend in a few minutes), hope you can make some of them such as the home tour in a couple of weeks.

[caligurltotx]

Ok lakewooder u were in a hurry cause you missed the part about "west of lakewood elem" and the two streets she was interested in. : )

[Waleran]

thank you to all. Yes Caligurl...I would be very interested in knowing what the neighborhood is like west of Lakewood elem. Mostly families? safe?

Also, lakewooder are those train tracks behind santa barbara going to be part of the Katy trail (Kady trail?? sorry about the spelling)

Where in Cali are you from CaligurltoTX? My wife and I are originally from San Diego

Thanks again

W

[pepper131]

I think the bike trail will be part of the East Dallas Veloway - parts of which are already completed along the old Sante Fe Trail.

Are you talking about the streets between LW Elem and Abrams? Yes, they are perfectly safe. The homes between Abrams and Skillman are also very safe, but I believe not zoned to LW Elem...look at boundary maps on the DISD website.