Moving - Lake Ridge, Grand Praire - Cedar Hill ?

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by Acntx

Simply not true. You are talking to someone who grew up and still lives in the southern suburbs and to just generalize a whole area like that is completely unfair, especially to parents like mine and many others who raised their children well. Southwest Dallas County is the fastest growing part of the county, with places like Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, and Lancaster boasting growth rates in excess of thirty percent over the last few years and many of those new residents have children. A good education is still attainable in the public schools of the southern suburbs. It all comes down to student motivation and parental guidance, no different than anywhere else.



You should be fine in the Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie area. If the public schools aren't what you are looking for, then there are a few private schools in that area. The only one I can think of off of the top of my head is Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, but there are more.

You said that you are looking to relocate from the Chicago area. As a resident of one another southern suburb, they are strongly middle-class communities that are generally safe and diverse. The crime rates are nowhere near as high as some of the Chicagoland suburbs with similar demographic characteristics.

Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation being passed around on this forum about the southern suburbs. There is also no denying that some communities, particularly those north of Dallas, have a 'favored' status on this forum. Anytime someone suggests a possible interest in a community outside of that 'zone', it won't be long before someone will try to discourage the person from moving to the area. I have seen it since the day I created an account here and while it has lessened as more people living in our area have signed up and posted here, it still continues.

I am sorry that offended you, however I lived in Lancaster back in the 80's and it is NOTHING like it use to be. GP is slowing going the same way....I am sure there is NICE parts but not many. Same for Dallas and every other subur here.

And ND people don't have "favored" status....I give MY honest opinion....and if you didn't noticed I ask the OP to go a visit themselves....maybe they will like it. This forum is not for bashing, it's for people to post their opinions. And that is what I did.

[Acntx]

Originally Posted by Proud Rowlett Owner

I am sorry that offended you, however I lived in Lancaster back in the 80's and it is NOTHING like it use to be. GP is slowing going the same way....I am sure there is NICE parts but not many. Same for Dallas and every other subur here.

And ND people don't have "favored" status....I give MY honest opinion....and if you didn't noticed I ask the OP to go a visit themselves....maybe they will like it. This forum is not for bashing, it's for people to post their opinions. And that is what I did.

If you say this forum is not for bashing, why are you bashing Lancaster and then say that Grand Prairie is slowly going "the same way." I lived here in the 1980s as well. No Dallas suburb is the same as it was back then. Have you been down here lately, we are a suburb with the same types of housing and neighborhoods that are found any just about every other community. We live our lives the same as you do. This is NOT a bad or unsafe place to live the way some would make it out to be. No place is perfect, not Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, or Rowlett. As I said before, each of these areas is still growing and attracting new families, so to say that most southern suburbs aren't great places to raise children is blatantly false. No matter what factor you use to determine whether a place is 'good' for raising children, be it school ratings or something else, it can be found in these communities too.

There is a bias in favor of the northern suburbs of Dallas on this forum and all you have to do is go back through recent posts and see when people ask for a nice area of the metroplex to look in without specifing a particular location. The typical response is not a southern suburb, or Rowlett, the focus is usually Plano, Frisco, Allen, or McKinney. I have nothing against these communities and in fact think they are very nice, but you rarely here about their flaws the way it would be if one of the cities in this area were being considered by someone.

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by Acntx

If you say this forum is not for bashing, why are you bashing Lancaster and then say that Grand Prairie is slowly going "the same way." I lived here in the 1980s as well. No Dallas suburb is the same as it was back then. Have you been down here lately, we are a suburb with the same types of housing and neighborhoods that are found any just about every other community. We live our lives the same as you do. This is NOT a bad or unsafe place to live the way some would make it out to be. No place is perfect, not Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, or Rowlett. As I said before, each of these areas is still growing and attracting new families, so to say that most southern suburbs aren't great places to raise children is blatantly false. No matter what factor you use to determine whether a place is 'good' for raising children, be it school ratings or something else, it can be found in these communities too.

There is a bias in favor of the northern suburbs of Dallas on this forum and all you have to do is go back through recent posts and see when people ask for a nice area of the metroplex to look in without specifing a particular location. The typical response is not a southern suburb, or Rowlett, the focus is usually Plano, Frisco, Allen, or McKinney. I have nothing against these communities and in fact think they are very nice, but you rarely here about their flaws the way it would be if one of the cities in this area were being considered by someone.

I will be the first to tell you ROWLETT has a flaw a freeway coming through, Rockwall has a flaw of flamboyancy, Dallas has a flaw of overcrowdedness, GP has a flaw of over run, Lancaster has a flaw of heavy crime, Cedar Hill has a flaw of ordiance, Plano has a flaw of semi bad schools on one side and not the other, Frisco has a flaw in high taxes....just like everywhere else.

IN MY OPINION I believe most of the Southern cities are NOT a place to raise young children, especially with disablilties. That is my opinion, so where am I bashing someone particular? Yes, your right there in NO "PERFECT PLACE" however we all have a RIGHT to our opinions. Glad you disagree. And you have that right, but don't attack me for me having "MY opinion.

[Acntx]

Originally Posted by Proud Rowlett Owner

I will be the first to tell you ROWLETT has a flaw a freeway coming through, Rockwall has a flaw of flamboyancy, Dallas has a flaw of overcrowdedness, GP has a flaw of over run, Lancaster has a flaw of heavy crime, Cedar Hill has a flaw of ordiance, Plano has a flaw of semi bad schools on one side and not the other, Frisco has a flaw in high taxes....just like everywhere else.

IN MY OPINION I believe most of the Southern cities are NOT a place to raise young children, especially with disablilties. That is my opinion, so where am I bashing someone particular? Yes, your right there in NO "PERFECT PLACE" however we all have a RIGHT to our opinions. Glad you disagree. And you have that right, but don't attack me for me having "MY opinion.

Maybe you'd understand where I am coming from if you knew how often I have to read or listen to constant negative generalizations being made about the place I live and the surrounding area that are outrageous and untrue. People always like to bring up Lancaster's crime rate or the crime rates of other southern suburbs but fail to notice Addison's violent and property crime rate are the highest in the county among suburbs. But people still post on here about how 'safe' it is. There are plenty of areas with crime rates higher that ours, just check out the stats on city-data's own page. I don't live in a ghetto, I live in an ordinary middle-class neighborhood probably not that much different than yours. If this were a dangerous place to live in, I wouldn't be here.

Getting back on topic: I was trying to assure the OP that even though there are negative perceptions being made about the Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie area, that isn't the complete picture. There are plenty of good things about these areas as well.

You have your opinion and I have mine. We can agree to disagree. I'm not a confrontational person, I am just frustrated by some of the mis-characterization that goes on when it comes to the southern suburban communities.

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by Acntx

Maybe you'd understand where I am coming from if you knew how often I have to read or listen to constant negative generalizations being made about the place I live and the surrounding area that are outrageous and untrue. People always like to bring up Lancaster's crime rate or the crime rates of other southern suburbs but fail to notice Addison's violent and property crime rate are the highest in the county among suburbs. But people still post on here about how 'safe' it is. There are plenty of areas with crime rates higher that ours, just check out the stats on city-data's own page. I don't live in a ghetto, I live in an ordinary middle-class neighborhood probably not that much different than yours. If this were a dangerous place to live in, I wouldn't be here.

Getting back on topic: I was trying to assure the OP that even though there are negative perceptions being made about the Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie area, that isn't the complete picture. There are plenty of good things about these areas as well.

I agree

You have your opinion and I have mine. We can agree to disagree. I'm not a confrontational person, I am just frustrated by some of the mis-characterization that goes on when it comes to the southern suburban communities.

I understant, that is why I told the OP to go a visit and see for themselves, they MIGHT like it there.

[Ilovethewindycity]

kirbsdc

I moved from Chicago (Logan Square/Wicker Park) in 2005. I first lived in Frisco and while I was amazed with the homes, within months I was bored. It could have been a couple of things one I don't have kids and two I was from the city, and Frisco, Plano, Allen were too much of a big mall for me. So I ventured out to Dallas, I love the city and the neighborhood I live in (Munger Place) but after being here for 3 years I have decided that suburban life may not be as bad after all. But this time I am looking to be near a lake, have at least 1/2 an acre and be close to Dallas. I have visited many places around DFW, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lakewood Village, Highland Village, Corinth, Lewisville and Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie. I have to say that when I was researching Cedar Hill, before going out there, I came to the forums and the things you read really make you want to disregard the thought of living there. I didn't let that stop me, so I took a trip out there, I was thinking that it would not be nice and that I may be an outcast since I am not African American. Going there made me realize how people in the forum have this negativity towards living in South Dallas. Cedar Hills has one of the best landscapes I’ve seen, the northern suburbs does not offer anything like what you find in Cedar Hills. You can get any type of home you want, with acres, big home, small home, with a view of the lake, on top a hill. You name it, you can get it. And it’s true that culture is diverse but it is not what people make it seem. Just because they hear that it’s a bad part of town, they immediately put it aside. I am waiting to close on my home in Lake Ridge, I couldn’t be happier. The neighborhood is nice, quiet, clean and full of residents who take pride in what they own. As for the summer yes it gets very hot, but for me coming from a city that has such a long and cold winter I don’t mind it at all. Humidity is no where near as bad as Chicago’s humid summers. You get all 4 season here, so once you are ready to say bye to the heat fall/winter come and before you know it you are craving the heat again.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
I’m sorry I can’t help you with school, I’ll see if I can find any websites for you. Good luck J

[Grainraiser]

Originally Posted by Ilovethewindycity

kirbsdc

I moved from Chicago (Logan Square/Wicker Park) in 2005. I first lived in Frisco and while I was amazed with the homes, within months I was bored. It could have been a couple of things one I don't have kids and two I was from the city, and Frisco, Plano, Allen were too much of a big mall for me. So I ventured out to Dallas, I love the city and the neighborhood I live in (Munger Place) but after being here for 3 years I have decided that suburban life may not be as bad after all. But this time I am looking to be near a lake, have at least 1/2 an acre and be close to Dallas. I have visited many places around DFW, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lakewood Village, Highland Village, Corinth, Lewisville and Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie. I have to say that when I was researching Cedar Hill, before going out there, I came to the forums and the things you read really make you want to disregard the thought of living there. I didn't let that stop me, so I took a trip out there, I was thinking that it would not be nice and that I may be an outcast since I am not African American. Going there made me realize how people in the forum have this negativity towards living in South Dallas. Cedar Hills has one of the best landscapes I’ve seen, the northern suburbs does not offer anything like what you find in Cedar Hills. You can get any type of home you want, with acres, big home, small home, with a view of the lake, on top a hill. You name it, you can get it. And it’s true that culture is diverse but it is not what people make it seem. Just because they hear that it’s a bad part of town, they immediately put it aside. I am waiting to close on my home in Lake Ridge, I couldn’t be happier. The neighborhood is nice, quiet, clean and full of residents who take pride in what they own. As for the summer yes it gets very hot, but for me coming from a city that has such a long and cold winter I don’t mind it at all. Humidity is no where near as bad as Chicago’s humid summers. You get all 4 season here, so once you are ready to say bye to the heat fall/winter come and before you know it you are craving the heat again.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
I’m sorry I can’t help you with school, I’ll see if I can find any websites for you. Good luck J

I would give you a thousand rep points if I could

[southern living]

the bias against southern burbs is obvious and beyond debate, yet these burbs are comparable in many ways to some nothern burbs.

despite this bias, southern burbs continue to grow. anybody who takes a drive down south, especially to lake ridge will understand this. seeing is believing

[kirbsdc]

I am very happy that I found this forum. What a great resource

I am going to participate in the Chicagoland forum as well as I have a great knowledge of almost all the area. I am 52 year old and have lived here all of my life (so far).

I have one additional question.

My husband owns and runs a company in Naperville , IL (Western Chicago Suburb) that tests and remediates mold in residential as well as commercial properties. He is known in the area as the "Mold King". I truly believe that no one on this planet is more honest, motivated or knowledgable on the subject.

I know that the state of Texas has mold laws that are ahead of the curve and he is looking to open another similar business to service the Metroplex area or work for another reputable business that could benefit from his vast knowledge.

Does anyone have any wisdom to share about the need for another reliable company to help people with their toxic mold issues?

I would think that in a client that is humid mold would be even more prevelent then here in the midwest. Am I right?

[rosscountry]

Originally Posted by Ilovethewindycity

kirbsdc

I moved from Chicago (Logan Square/Wicker Park) in 2005. I first lived in Frisco and while I was amazed with the homes, within months I was bored. It could have been a couple of things one I don't have kids and two I was from the city, and Frisco, Plano, Allen were too much of a big mall for me. So I ventured out to Dallas, I love the city and the neighborhood I live in (Munger Place) but after being here for 3 years I have decided that suburban life may not be as bad after all. But this time I am looking to be near a lake, have at least 1/2 an acre and be close to Dallas. I have visited many places around DFW, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lakewood Village, Highland Village, Corinth, Lewisville and Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie. I have to say that when I was researching Cedar Hill, before going out there, I came to the forums and the things you read really make you want to disregard the thought of living there. I didn't let that stop me, so I took a trip out there, I was thinking that it would not be nice and that I may be an outcast since I am not African American. Going there made me realize how people in the forum have this negativity towards living in South Dallas. Cedar Hills has one of the best landscapes I’ve seen, the northern suburbs does not offer anything like what you find in Cedar Hills. You can get any type of home you want, with acres, big home, small home, with a view of the lake, on top a hill. You name it, you can get it. And it’s true that culture is diverse but it is not what people make it seem. Just because they hear that it’s a bad part of town, they immediately put it aside. I am waiting to close on my home in Lake Ridge, I couldn’t be happier. The neighborhood is nice, quiet, clean and full of residents who take pride in what they own. As for the summer yes it gets very hot, but for me coming from a city that has such a long and cold winter I don’t mind it at all. Humidity is no where near as bad as Chicago’s humid summers. You get all 4 season here, so once you are ready to say bye to the heat fall/winter come and before you know it you are craving the heat again.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
I’m sorry I can’t help you with school, I’ll see if I can find any websites for you. Good luck J

Right on!