Moving from Boston (Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto: crime, day care, homes)

[Charlesriver]

Hello!
This is my first post........
Me and my husband are moving to Dallas next month. My work place is going to be Dallas Tx 75232. I have a 3 years old boy. I would appreciate if somebody could suggest few places and areas to live close to my work place. I am also looking for day care/preschool for my boy any references please.. We both are in Late 20s and finance is not an issue. Looking for safe neighborhood.
Would appreciate your reply.
Thank you

[WillysB]

You probly not going to find a lot of responses about that area code but I think those that do will probly point you to the south of Interstate 20, like Cedar Hill or Grand Prairie, or further to Red Oak if a commute is in your bargain.

South Dallas is very separate from north of Interstate 30 (downtown) not only by industry, but by poorer neighborhoods and the Trinity River and other wetlands. The area around and south of I-20 is much more recent development and maybe neighborhoods that are preferred. I don't have a link but you might try to research crime statistics.

[Acntx]

Relatively close communities that you might consider are: Duncanville, DeSoto, Lancaster, Cedar Hill, and Glenn Heights. You can find nice homes and neighborhoods in all of these cities. I would also add far southwest Dallas (zip code: 75249) to the list of possibilities as well.

Regarding child care centers, I handled a similar request from someone moving to the area in late 2008. I compiled a list of child care/day care centers in the cities of DeSoto, Lancaster, and Cedar Hill that included contact addresses and phone numbers. If you would like me to send you that information, just let me know and I will send it by direct message.

[Dallas native]

Zip code 75232 is in the SW part of the city of Dallas. The above suburban suggestions were good ones. If, however, you prefer an inner-city area that's not too far away, then take a look at zip code 75208. That zip would be a 5 or 6 mile commute down Westmoreland Rd. Within that zip are a few neighborhoods that are very popular. Kessler Park & Stevens Park are very beautiful, upscale neighborhoods just south of I-30 and a couple miles west of Downtown Dallas. Winnetka Heights in the same zip code is also a great area with lots of families. It's one of the largest historic districts in Dallas and it features early 20th century Prairie style homes. All of these 'hoods have tons of character and are close to the heart of Dallas. Private schools will probably be necessary in any of these areas (and in some of the aforementioned suburbs). If you are interested in living in the city not too far from 75232, then take a look at these websites:

The Neighborhoods of Oak Cliff
Kessler Neighbors United
Winnetka Heights Neighborhood Association » Photos
http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/
http://thekesslerschool.com/

[Charlesriver]

Thank you everybody, I heard Highland park and lakewood areas are nice, how bad would the commute be. I would appreciate your responses.

[Dallas native]

Originally Posted by Charlesriver

Thank you everybody, I heard Highland park and lakewood areas are nice, how bad would the commute be. I would appreciate your responses.

Both HP and Lakewood are great areas, but the commute would be more complicated because you would have to go through the Downtown Dallas mixmaster to get to SW Dallas. There are ways to avoid the freeways to get there, but it's still quite a schlep getting to 75232 from either of those areas. If you are traveling during typical rush hours to/from either location, then I would anticipate about a 45 minute commute via the freeways. OTOH, Kessler Park (which has a lot in common with Lakewood) would be about a 15 minute commute on the main roads.

[CaliTex]

I live in Highland Park and commute all over the place for work, especially Ellis County. I have never experienced traffic on South I-35, so don't worry about that. Definitely check out Kessler Park.