The great schools and where to live question again (Dallas: apartment complexes, for rent)

[fatcat08]

I've looked through past threads but am hoping for more specific information based on what our desires are...

My DH is considering a job in Dallas, area code 75240.

Schools are a top priority. We currently live in an excellent school district (my kid's current elementary was recently rated in the top 15 public schools in the state out of 3,500. The high school ACT average for 2008 graduates was 26 - we are looking for something comparable).

We would also like an area with older, but renovated, homes. We would like to have a similar atmosphere to what we have now. I prefer 1920's - 1940's housing, but a new home is okay if it's in neighborhood of mostly older homes and the new home has some curb appeal. The home doesn't need to be large, or have a big garage or a big lot. Our current home is about 2,100 sq. feet/1 car detached garage/lot size 50 x 140, and is worth around $725,000. We live in a town where there are homes ranging from $500,000 to over $5,000,000. Ideally, we would like to rent for awhile in the same school district where we would eventually buy.

The job is in 75240 area code. I'm sure my DH would like a commute that isn't a continuous traffic jam. He currently takes public transportation and his tolerance for heavy, stop and go, traffic is low. Thirty minute commute or less would probably be okay.

I work PT now, but won't be working if we move, so a place where there are some other non-working mothers that are within a decade on either side of my age (I'm 40) that I could meet would be nice!

Criteria in order of importance:

1. Commute less than 30 minutes from 75240
2. The best of the best schools
3. Vintage housing where you could get a somewhat updated house of three+ bedrooms, about 2,200-2,600 square feet, less than $750,000
4. Trees, sidewalks, and old neighborhood feel
5. Walkable to a small downtown or retail district

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Lakewooder]

Sounds like Lakewood would fit your bill but it is a bit to the south -- still less than 30 minutes - search 75214 and 75206.

[RichResident]

except for the best of the best schools.

[FarNorthDallas]

University Park - make sure the house is in Highland Park school district (ISD)

[eastdallasson]

from personal experience lakewood and woodrow are amazing places to go to school

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by fatcat08

We would also like an area with older, but renovated, homes. We would like to have a similar atmosphere to what we have now. I prefer 1920's - 1940's housing, but a new home is okay if it's in neighborhood of mostly older homes and the new home has some curb appeal. The home doesn't need to be large, or have a big garage or a big lot. Our current home is about 2,100 sq. feet/1 car detached garage/lot size 50 x 140, and is worth around $725,000. We live in a town where there are homes ranging from $500,000 to over $5,000,000. Ideally, we would like to rent for awhile in the same school district where we would eventually buy.

Criteria in order of importance:

1. Commute less than 30 minutes from 75240
2. The best of the best schools
3. Vintage housing where you could get a somewhat updated house of three+ bedrooms, about 2,200-2,600 square feet, less than $750,000
4. Trees, sidewalks, and old neighborhood feel
5. Walkable to a small downtown or retail district

Thanks in advance for any information.

University Park and Highland Park aka Park Cities would fit the bill perfectly. Highland Park ISD is the creme puff of school districts in the DFW area. HPISD > Home . A few other parts of Dallas such as Caruth Hills feed into HPISD.

There are homes for rent from 3500 a month up to 15K a month.

Naima

[eortizr]

are there any apartments complex in that area?

[Spree]

>> Schools are a top priority. We currently live in an excellent school district (my kid's current elementary was recently rated in the top 15 public schools in the state out of 3,500. The high school ACT average for 2008 graduates was 26 - we are looking for something comparable). <<

Sounds like HP schools would fit this criteria and comparable to the schools you are leaving now -

In 2007-08, Highland Park High School students average composite SAT score was 1782, 583 on critical reading, 618 on math, and 581 on writing.
Highland Park High School students posted an average composite score of 26.1 on the ACT. The state average score is 20.7.
Highland Park High School was named among the Top High Schools in the country in 2008 by Newsweek magazine. The publication listed HPHS in the 15th spot.
HPISD > Achievements

[FarNorthDallas]

There are some apartment complexes in the Park Cities, but they are usually older ones. They do exist though. No bells or whistles. There are some townhomes as well. Everyday on the Dallas North Tollway I pass these new townhomes that have a sign on them that says "Highland Park ISD!"

[aeh]

We live in University Park. It is exactly as you described. I am not sure what you can get for less than $1M but there are definitely options. There are some duplexes and some apartments/townhomes (I believe). You would be looking in either 75225 or 75205. It is a charming area with big trees, older homes, very safe, friendly neighbors, cute little shops, kids riding their bikes to school (even down the busier streets).The schools are EXCELLENT. Very much like living in a small town in the middle of a big city. Also, my mom lives in the 75240 zip code and my husband works very close to that zip code (actually a bit further) and his commute is super easy and quick.