Irving/Valley Ranch to Arlington (Dallas, Fort Worth: condos, crimes, townhomes)

[iam317537]

My family and I need your help! We have lived in Texas for two years (orig from NorCal) and need some advice on a move from Irving/Valley Ranch to Arlington area. We absolutley love Valley Ranch but are seeking a comparable area in Arlington where we can purchase more home for our money.

Here is what we love about Irving/Valley Ranch: Excellent Schools, Established neighborhood, cultural diversity, close proximity to shopping-major highways-airports-and downtown dallas-etc.

We know hardly ANYTHING about Arlington, but would like to know more. Two zip codes in Arlington that I have began to search are 76017 and 76016. PLEASE, PLEASE share your expertise and help our growing family. Thanks in advance!

[DFWNewHomeSpecialist21]

Originally Posted by iam317537

My family and I need your help! We have lived in Texas for two years (orig from NorCal) and need some advice on a move from Irving/Valley Ranch to Arlington area. We absolutley love Valley Ranch but are seeking a comparable area in Arlington where we can purchase more home for our money.

Here is what we love about Irving/Valley Ranch: Excellent Schools, Established neighborhood, cultural diversity, close proximity to shopping-major highways-airports-and downtown dallas-etc.

We know hardly ANYTHING about Arlington, but would like to know more. Two zip codes in Arlington that I have began to search are 76017 and 76016. PLEASE, PLEASE share your expertise and help our growing family. Thanks in advance!

My first question would be what price range & mthly pymt are you two wanting to stay within?? How soon are you two looking to move??

76016 & 17 is SW Arlington. Your major highways are I-20 and Hwy 287. It's close to retail shops (Arlington Highlands & The Parks Mall), restaurants, and entertainment. I know that particular area feeds into Martin HS, which is a really good school for academics & athletics.

[loves2read]

why are you focusing on Arlington vs other areas of the Metroplex that might have even better features

new job in the area?

[iam317537]

Our focus on Arlington is primarily because of its central location and proximity to our jobs. We have considered moving to areas in the south like Mansfield, or areas up north like The Colony or Lewisville. Everything just seems to far. Also, I like how Arlington seems to be a very established neighborhood. Initially when we came from NorCal, we had never been to Dallas we ended up in Valley Ranch after internet research (including researching this forum). We hate to leave North Irving but are looking for home for less than 200k. In the zip code we are in now--our only options would be condos or townhomes. This would be our first home and we have a young family.

Thank you DFWNewHomeSpecialist21 for the shopping information! I am going to look into what you mentioned right now!

[DFWNewHomeSpecialist21]

Originally Posted by iam317537

Our focus on Arlington is primarily because of its central location and proximity to our jobs. We have considered moving to areas in the south like Mansfield, or areas up north like The Colony or Lewisville. Everything just seems to far. Also, I like how Arlington seems to be a very established neighborhood. Initially when we came from NorCal, we had never been to Dallas we ended up in Valley Ranch after internet research (including researching this forum). We hate to leave North Irving but are looking for home for less than 200k. In the zip code we are in now--our only options would be condos or townhomes. This would be our first home and we have a young family.

Thank you DFWNewHomeSpecialist21 for the shopping information! I am going to look into what you mentioned right now!

Your welcome!

The website for Arlington Highlands is http://www.ArlingtonHighlands.com

How soon are you looking to move into your new home?? If you are available this weekend, I would be happy to show you & your spouse a few communities that is wuthin your price range!!

[vrancher]

Originally Posted by iam317537

Our focus on Arlington is primarily because of its central location and proximity to our jobs. We have considered moving to areas in the south like Mansfield, or areas up north like The Colony or Lewisville. Everything just seems to far. Also, I like how Arlington seems to be a very established neighborhood. Initially when we came from NorCal, we had never been to Dallas we ended up in Valley Ranch after internet research (including researching this forum). We hate to leave North Irving but are looking for home for less than 200k. In the zip code we are in now--our only options would be condos or townhomes. This would be our first home and we have a young family.

Thank you DFWNewHomeSpecialist21 for the shopping information! I am going to look into what you mentioned right now!

Hello,

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if I were in your shoes I would really look somewhere other than Arlington. The city has a growing gang problem (see link here) Not only an inner-city problem, gangs get Arlington's attention | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News.
I grew up in Arlington, and myself relocated to Valley Ranch just a couple of years ago - best move I ever made. I really grew tired of having to call the cops over the gunshots outside my window; and the month before I moved, the Arlington SWAT team was busting up a drug and prostitution ring maybe a little over 100 yards from where I lived.

I lived in North Arlington, and I know you've mentioned two zip codes in South Arlington. I ran a search for crimes in those zip codes from 6/10/09 to 8/10/09; here is the link with the results: http://www.arlingtonpd.org/CrimeStat...rchResults.asp

It's really up to you, but I thought you should know from someone who has spent half their life in the city of Arlington. It's not getting any better there, and there are definitely other options besides Arlington....I would look elsewhere, for yours and your children's sake. Good luck!!