Utopia -- More land, good schools, trees, not terrible commute -- does it exist? (Dallas: homes, employment)

[turnbun]

Hi, all.
We are relocating to Dallas very shortly, and I am looking for an area that I can have 1/2 - 3 acres of land, some decent trees, small town feel, good smaller schools (I have a 2 and 4 year old) and less than a 45 minute commute to downtown. It would be a bonus if there was any sort of water around as well (lake, pond, stream, etc.). OH, and less than $500,000. Does this exist? I know there are some areas in Flower Mound that offer this, but I'm pretty sure the commute from FM is a nightmare these days. I grew up in Carrollton and really like the North Dallas/Prestonwood/Richardson areas (the older homes with more mature trees and biggish lots, swimming pools in the yards, etc.), but my husband really wants some space to roam. Any suggestions???? HELP!
Jennifer

[stargazer]

I keep thinking Fairview for you. The homes though can be very expensive but that you could possibly find something around there. Also the other areas around there might have what your looking for such as Lucas or Murphy areas. Lovejoy schools are small as well and excellent. Good luck!

[socketz]

You can't mention short commute and not mention where you guys plan to work. The employment in Dallas is spread out all over the place (i.e. from Mckinney to Downtown Dallas, Fort Worth to Richardson), so there is no real way of estimating a commute w/o knowing exactly where you guys will work.

Acerage can be had in areas that are commutable, but you are going to spend some money.

[turnbun]

Sorry, my husband will be commuting to downtown Dallas.

[turnbun]

Actually, I just re-read my original post and I did state we needed a less than 45 minute commute to downtown.

[momof2dfw]

Murphy, Fairview, Parker, Lucas all could possibly have what you want. The commute time would be the kicker as it could be a little over 45 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Rockwall, Fate, McClendon-Chisholm, Heath would also offer areas w/ acreage and near a lake (Lake Ray Hubbard) and the commute to downtown on 30 is actually pretty easy.

[dallasbound]

You might try the Allen area. We were looking for similar characteristics in a home/neighborhood and after 4 trips to Dallas for house-hunting we have bought a home in Twin Creeks in Allen. There are homes ranging from the $200,000's to about a million. We like this area because there are older, large, mature trees and a lot of walking/biking paths. Many of the lots are large (over 12,000 sq. ft.) and I have seen several over 1/2 acre up to an acre (although I imagine there aren't too many of those). The schools in this area are highly rated. It also has some rolling hills and isn't as flat as some other areas in North Dallas. You can get an idea of the neighborhood at: www.twincreeks.com. Hope that helps.

[socketz]

Twin Creeks is really nice and has an excellent community feel.

[dust.bunny]

South of downtown works, too. Red Oak and Waxahachie are growing.

[Keikis]

Dallas bound, thank you for the Twin Creeks suggestion. We too are looking for similar characteristics, but the commute isn't a concern. We also found some areas like you are describing in the Fairview area.