If money were no object and you were just looking to raise your kids in a nice community...... (Dallas: houses, neighborhoods)

[KikiMonster]

where in the DFW area would you move?

We are considering moving to Texas and I cannot for the life of me figure out the relative merits to areas such as Southlake, Westlake, UP, HP, Frisco, Plano et al. I think fundamentally, I just want to plant my little kids in the community that will best help me raise them to be responsible, intelligent, appreciative and well educated. That means nice schools, involved parents, places to play, access to culture and activities and a nice community of like-minded parents to reinforce the lessons we impart at home.....By the way, feel free to recommend other towns we have not considered....and or any private schools that you think are civic minded and will aptly educate our children to be good citizens.......

Please give me some advice.....

I thank you kindly for your opinions...

Monster

[nmnita]

wow, are you going to get a good cross section of opinions on this one. The places you mentioned are all good, add to the list, Flower Mound and certainly areas like Highland Shores or Double Oaks, which are both northwest of Dallas. Even Frisco and Mckinny (spelling) are possibilities.

There are some areas within the Dallas city that are awesome and offer many pluses, but you would probably want to think in terms of private schools.

Another town, which is very family oriented, closer to Dallas and has great schools is Coppell.

Of course the secret to location is your comment about like-minded. Does this refer to religous beliefs, conservative versus liberal, the importance of strong neighborhood involvement, etc? Like-minded can mean many things.

I don't know if there is anyway to actually rank these towns, but if it were me, knowing the little I do about the areas I think I would look at:

Highland Shores/Flower Mound, that direction
Southlake
Coppell
Plano.

Again, when you say, if money was no object and some of these areas, are a bit on the pricey side. Oh, don't forget the area around SMU and NO Dallas as well. These are older areas, well established but do not have quite as many families as the burbs.

Nita

[Grainraiser]

It's kind of hard to answer your question since everyone expectations are different. For some folks it is ivy league school or bust. For others UT or Texas A&M would fit while even more would be happy with UNT. It would be very helpfull for you to give a budget so that your choices can be narrowed down. No need of mentioning Southlake if budget is 200k.

[theloneranger]

Honestly I would move to Lakewood. It's got gorgeous unique houses which have been there for many years, not many McManses, good schools at least at the elementary level, and has a really tight-knit sense of community. I would move there in a heartbeat.

The houses really range in price. My family could afford to move there now if we wanted to, but I would buy one of the older landmark houses, maybe on Swiss Avenue, if I had an unlimited supply of cash.

[cdelena]

There are too many variables in personal preferences, needs, and the accommodations offered by the communities to easily develop a fair summary. My choice would be Highland Park but you may need to look carefully at your priorities and visit the finalists.

[KikiMonster]

I appreciate everyone's input--specifically trying to frame the answer in terms of our needs but after giving it more thought---I think what I meant to ask was about YOU, YOUR values and what YOU would do if money were no obect...and why.... I'd would be helpful for me to hear somebody's fresh, candid and personal perspective..... If you don't mind the intrusion, I'd appreciate hearing where you would go if you hit the lottery, had all kinds of moolah, had to stay in Dallas and had small children to raise.

THANK YOU

Monster

[KikiMonster]

Originally Posted by cdelena

There are too many variables in personal preferences, needs, and the accommodations offered by the communities to easily develop a fair summary. My choice would be Highland Park but you may need to look carefully at your priorities and visit the finalists.

See, if it's not too intrusive a question, I would love to hear why that would be YOUR choice.....

thanks kindly!

Monster

[pepper131]

Lakewood
...and more specifically on the parade route for the 4th of July parade that is KILLER every year...throw a big breakfast buffet on the front lawn and get ready for the show.

[Grainraiser]

For me it would certainly be a place within the city. Lakewood or Kessler/Stevens Park would be my choice. Preston Hollow was also be an option. I would not chose HP/Park Cities because of lack of diversity. Not saying it is not a great place to live but as a minority it would not be a great fit for me. If I had grown kids I would choose Kessler/Stevens Park. If I had school age kids it would Lakewood since there is alot of diversity both cultural and economically. If I had to live outside the city it would a home on the lake with a huge lot in either Rowlett or Rockwall. Waking up to the lake view and having a dock is something I have always wanted.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Grainraiser

For me it would certainly be a place within the city. Lakewood or Kessler/Stevens Park would be my choice. Preston Hollow was also be an option. I would not chose HP/Park Cities because of lack of diversity. Not saying it is not a great place to live but as a minority it would not be a great fit for me. If I had grown kids I would choose Kessler/Stevens Park. If I had school age kids it would Lakewood since there is alot of diversity both cultural and economically. If I had to live outside the city it would a home on the lake with a huge lot in either Rowlett or Rockwall. Waking up to the lake view and having a dock is something I have always wanted.

again, it is a great area for those who are looking more for an urban, diversified area, but for some, neighborhoods where the families share similar goals and views are more important. I think Park Cities area would be wonderful except there are not as many families with young children, it is extremely pricey (I know we are choosing based on money not being as issue) but in the back of my mind I shutter at the cost of those homes.

Nita