Moving from L.A.,will I like Plano, Garland or Mesquite? (Dallas: fit in, transplants)

[L.A. Diva]

Attn: Texans, I need your advice on which area will be a good choice for an over 35 mom of two sons (ages 11 & 13), We will need a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apt. We are moving from CA and I have lived in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. in Reseda for most of my life, then later in Gardena, and Ontario, CA (these areas are within 40 miles or less of one another). I am African American, one son is biracial (black & white) and one is Caucasion (adopted from foster care when he was 3). What should I know about these areas?, and which city is a good choice for us?

[yukiko11]

I lived the first 40 years of my life in the LA area including the Valley and Ontario. I have also been to Texas several times. You really need to take a trip to Texas before you commit to it. I am not going to say anything in favor or against it because my opinion doesn't matter. This is your life, but please don't wander blindly into the unknown.

[FarNorthDallas]

Have you considered Frisco? There are a ton of Californian transplants living in Frisco.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by L.A. Diva

Attn: Texans, I need your advice on which area will be a good choice for an over 35 mom of two sons (ages 11 & 13), We will need a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apt. We are moving from CA and I have lived in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. in Reseda for most of my life, then later in Gardena, and Ontario, CA (these areas are within 40 miles or less of one another). I am African American, one son is biracial (black & white) and one is Caucasion (adopted from foster care when he was 3). What should I know about these areas?, and which city is a good choice for us?

First of all I disagree with Yukiko 110%. I think you will do very well in Texas. i don't know why people get these ideas, we are not talking about some small, remote little town, where no outsiders can be welcomes, especially racially mixed families, we are talking about a huge, urban city with lots of diverity. Of the places you have mentioned I would think Garland might fit the best for you. Where will you be working? if you are going to commute to downtown another area that would be worth researching is Carrollton. They have good schools, a good mixture of life styles and lots of nice appartments.

I can pretty well tell you, the move should be a good one, except for the humidity and no InNout Burgers. We lived in Gardena for a few years, I was raised in Los Angeles, our daughter went to Cal State Northridge and we have many good friends in the Ontario area.

Nita

[Grainraiser]

Originally Posted by L.A. Diva

Attn: Texans, I need your advice on which area will be a good choice for an over 35 mom of two sons (ages 11 & 13), We will need a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apt. We are moving from CA and I have lived in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. in Reseda for most of my life, then later in Gardena, and Ontario, CA (these areas are within 40 miles or less of one another). I am African American, one son is biracial (black & white) and one is Caucasion (adopted from foster care when he was 3). What should I know about these areas?, and which city is a good choice for us?

It really depends on your budget. Housing is more expensive in Plano but on average they have better schools. Garland has a mix of everything. Mesquite which is the city I live in is mostly a blue collar city but there are some very nice areas with good schools. The oldest and youngest couple on my street are bi-racial couples and it is pretty common around here. Giving your budget will help a great deal in narrowing down your choices. Plano will be the least diverse of the three but not to the point you would fell uncomfortable. I'm AA and I would have no problem living in any of three choices you gave.

[theloneranger]

In all honesty if you are a transplant you will fit in better in Plano or Frisco. Apartments are more expensive but there will be less of a culture shock in those areas. Garland and Mesquite are more working-class suburbs with mostly native Texans, but they also have middle class and upscale neighborhoods. Plano has working class neighborhoods with Plano natives, but the residents for the most part are transplants from outside Texas.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by theloneranger

In all honesty if you are a transplant you will fit in better in Plano or Frisco. Apartments are more expensive but there will be less of a culture shock in those areas. Garland and Mesquite are more working-class suburbs with mostly native Texans, but they also have middle class and upscale neighborhoods. Plano has working class neighborhoods with Plano natives, but the residents for the most part are transplants from outside Texas.

I agree with some of what you say, but not all of it. Actually the reason I mentioned Carrollton was because of good school and also very racially mixed but more middle class than some areas she is considering. You are right about parts of Plano. I had 2 bosses when I worked in the Dallas area, both were black, both lived in Plano and both would be considered middle class. The problem I have with your comment relates to cultural shock; It sounds like you don't know a lot about Gardena and Ontario, if so I am not sure where the cultural shock fits it? Actually I would say the same about Reseda.

Nita

[L.A. Diva]

Thanks to all who have responded, all of your comments have enlightened me, more comments are welcome.

[TT Dave]

I also think that Carrollton would be worth considering. Like it was stated above, Carrollton is more of a middle class area than Plano or Frisco and most likely more affordable, but is still a nice area in the north Dallas burbs very close to Plano and Frisco that has pretty decent schools.

[dweej]

If you're going to consider Carrollton, put Richardson on your list too. If you're careful, you can get pretty close to Dallas and still have good schools. I'm not sure if you specifically want an apartment, but the homes there are very reasonably priced.