Rowlett (Dallas, Plano, Garland: lease, to buy, school district)

[cal-ore]

Hey all,
I am looking to move from oregon to texas in the dallas area. I took a trip down there and like the rowlett, rockwall area. Grapevine and lewisville traffic was a nightmare so I wont go there. Any opinions. I am a bass fishing guy so i want to be close to east texas lakes but I was raised in california's bay area so I like a little culture and night life too. What do you think?

[escanlan]

Lake Ray Hubbard (around the areas you noted) is possibly one of the better fishing spots in the area. From there you can truck your boat to other lakes, if desired, such as Lake Texoma (North on the Texas and Oklahoma border) which has killer bass fishing. The same area you like is closer to other good lakes to the East of the Dallas area as well.

As for the nightlife, Rockwall has some but pales in comparison to points farther West, such as Dallas. But you have I30 that can take you to Dallas fairly quickly.

Not sure if I would choose Rowlett as a spot though if you plan to buy a home. Rowlett has worked itself in a corner by not having a large commercial base for taxes. I've been hearing various things regarding this and many homeowners appear to be unhappy providing the lions share of tax support as a result. You can compare tax rates and information on the local taxing WEB sites:

Dallas Central Appraisal District
Welcome to the Collin Central Appraisal District
Rockwall Central Appraisal District
www.tarrantcounty.com/etax
TaxNetUSA - TX : Denton : Search
Kaufman County Appraisal District

Do a property search using the locally available MLS access at publicaccessmls for the various areas and compare tax rates.

I will agree with you regarding the Grapevine and Lewisville traffic issues and it won't become any better any time soon.

Are you going to be working anywhere close to the Rockwall or Rowlett areas? I'm sure you're used to traffic but even those areas can have traffic issues, depending where you need to get to.

[ETex2]

City of Rowlett taxes are essentially the same rate as the city of Dallas, but we are in the top 20% or so when compared to other cities in Dallas County (a small part of Rowlett is in Rockwall County). But the parts in Dallas County are also in the Garland school district, where tax rates are lower than many surrounding cities. So it's pretty much a wash, but overall we're probably in the top half. If you want a city with a huge industrial base, move to Garland and save $100 a year or so.

Personally, I love living in Rowlett. We are one block from the lake, and have fewer traffic problems than Rockwall, yet we can be to most of the upscale retail and restaurants there in 10 minutes or less.

[Grainraiser]

If your a bass fisherman you must go to Lake Fork. It is a world famous for bass fishing. Rockwall sounds like a great match for you but my first question would be were is job located. Commute time needs to be a part of every "where should I move" discussion.

[crawfordshanna]

We love living in Rowlett. It's easily accessible to 30 and 190. Plus it's pretty darn cheap too. Are you looking to lease or buy? We live in Waterview and like it alot.

[LQQKOUT]

I love living in Rowlett as well, our taxes are not of the charts as some people may think. Rowlett is growing but still has it's small town feel. I wouldn't want to move any other place. So come on down and enjoy Rowlett.

[nmnita]

The first thing you need to consider is your job location: regardless of where you live, traffic can be a nightmere..Yes, in Rowlett as well as Plano, Flower Mound, etc...After you know where you will be working, then decide on what area will best meet your needs. As for fishing, it doesn't make much difference where you live int metro area, fishing won't be far away.

Nita

[Texas Bound 3]

Does Rowlett have it's own school district or do the kids go to school in Rockwall?

[FarNorthDallas]

Rowlett High is part of Garland ISD. But I think part of Rowlett feeds into Rockwall ISD.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Texas Bound 3

Does Rowlett have it's own school district or do the kids go to school in Rockwall?

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

Rowlett High is part of Garland ISD. But I think part of Rowlett feeds into Rockwall ISD.

No, Rowlett does not have their own school district. The majority of the City of Rowlett is within Dallas County. A smaller portion is in Rockwall County. The portion of the city that is in Dallas County is a part of the Garland ISD. The portion that lies in Rockwall County is part of the Rockall ISD. The dividing line for Dallas/Rockwall Counties is Dalrock Road (hence, Dallas - Rockwall).