Considering taking a job in Grapevine ... (Carrollton, Bedford: apartment, rentals, condos)

[cdfcltas]

Just so you know ahead of time, if you could tell by the questions, I am not a computer/internet person ...

If we get the job in Grapevine, we are looking to rent a house with a closed in back yard and a pool (if even possible). We have to young boys and a very well trained small poodle. Hopefully looking for 3-4 bedroom, 1 bath, laundry on first floor (if there are basements in TX), and storage if no basement.

Location whether in Grapevine or surrounding areas would be determined by commute to Grapevine, safety, preschools and elementary schools, churches, communities more conservitive than liberal, as well as neighborhoods that are more established in age and closeness with children than those that are big with nobody home during the day or no kids. The price, if feasible, would be $750-$950.

Is there also a good website to see the last couple of years weather trends? We have lived in Michigan - hated the limited sun, tolerated the humidity but loved the greenery and water. We would be moving from Colorado Springs - loved just about everything about it; always sunny, snow and the cold weather comes and goes just as quickly, the mountians are just glorious, and much to do for the boys to burn energy most of the year.

Also what about a website for the district schools, charter schools, etc? Does Texas have vouchers or choice schooling? How about a great support for homeschoolers?

What about a site for voting in the areas?

Thanks!

[loves2read]

you found this site--Google.com is great for doing searches
check it for the Grapevine Colleyville ISD site with school info and the Grapevine city info site

don't know of any specific management company for home rentals--might google for that as well but think most newer homes in Grapevine are not in rental pool--there are older neighborhoods that are in "safe" areas where there might be more chance of rentals but I think your price would be more in 800-1200 range...
you could try towns in the area like Euless/Bedford/Hurst/Carrollton for homes with lower rent

Grapevine is older town that has gotten developed in past 10 yrs or so -- also getting retail/commercial development with several large hotels out by airport and the downtown area is seeing restaurants and apt/condos being built...rents here are probably going up because of the desireability of the area...
there are NO basements in this area due to the type of soil...
you vote by your residential precinct--depending on the election the site might change
when you get your driver's license you will also register to vote...depends on what that is as to when you can vote in first election

[ChristieP]

Grapevine is an AWESOME place to live!! We have excellent parks and city services, a gorgeous lake, 2 awesome street festivals each year, and a city that is FUN! City of Grapevine, Texas > Home

Hubby and I rented from these folks for 5+ years and they are good landlords: Moderator cut: deleted Realtor website I know they have LOTS of rental properties in Grapevine, and you can tell them I sent you. You will need to go up on your price range for a rental home in Grapevine. Even with the economy as it is, you are looking closer to $1000 for a 3 br. 4 br will be closer to $1250. All homes in Grapevine (well, 99% of them) have fenced back yards.

It is VERY difficult to find a rental home with a pool due to the potential liability if someone was injured/drowned in the pool, and also due to the $$$ required to properly maintain a pool. You might get lucky and find one, but they are not the norm.

As Loves2Read said, no basements in Texas. :-)

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is VERY well-rated and many people move here because of the excellent schools. Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District There are a couple of Christian private schools, but no charters here (other than an alternative high school) that I'm aware of. No school vouchers in Texas.

And yes, Grapevine is quite conservative. You can google for the stats, but we were quite "red" in the last Presidential election. Once you move, you can get the voter registration forms at the PO, or register when you get your Texas Driver's License.

If you need more info, just ask!!

[GClark]

You can rent an apartment for 750 - 950. A small one. Homes in the DFW area lease for around 1200.00 and up. ChristieP says 1000.00 to 1200.00 in Grapevine but I have seen none for that low of a price. I am sure they can be found though.

[OneShinyface]

Just wanted to pop in and say "hello" and "welcome to Texas!"

I relo'd from Michigan (near Ann Arbor) in October and love it here. I'm sure you and your family will too. I do get homesick for some things, but there's so much to explore here that my homesickness doesn't last long.

Keep us posted on your efforts!