Need advice between Heritage at Bluffs and Kingsridge community in Keller, TX (Houston: appointed, custom home)

[sphereatmo]

We are looking into a new construction home in Keller (price range-upto 350K) and looking for advice on the new communities of Heritage at Bluffs and Kingsridge community in Keller , both west of 377. Heritage is more closer to 35W and in Fortworth city limits eventhough having a Keller address. Kingsridge seems to be within Keller city limits. Both Kingsridge and Heritage are close to each other though. I have heard many good and bad about both:
1) closer to rail track
2) closer to I35w, not so pretty there
3) not much retail around
4) zoning issues
5) I believe they need more population up there so that the much awaited circle T mall can make some progress. Alliance town center is coming up,but I am not sure of its impact up there.

I would like advice around the future of that area to evaluate our options? Are there new constructions east of 377 (not counting Marshall ridge) or in central Keller that anyone is aware of?

Thanks

[Guingirl]

Why those two areas? What is the draw for you? We looked heavily at The Bluffs when we were looking, but then we found when we had actually moved here that there were a lot more options. Did you want a master planned community atmosphere?

Alliance Town Square is actually building up quite quickly.

[sphereatmo]

Thanks Guingirl. Here are my draws:

1) Me working in Irving and spouse working in Fortworth. So had to be in the middle and so Keller.
2) Keller ISD
3) Looking for new construction homes and in my search, I could narrow down to only these 2 communities that offer 4BR, 3+BA, 3500+ sq.ft, 2 story with media room etc options within 350K.

Well, if there are other options in Keller, I would love to explore them as well. Appreciate any comments on these or the other communities in Keller city limits. Would love to know of communities in east of 377 or central keller

Thanks

[nsumner]

Have you checked out Saratoga??

Naima

[Guingirl]

You can find some nice one to two year old homes that fit your criteria for a lot less in Crawford Farms as well. We have a couple of friends in there that have Meritage Homes, that are really nice, full media rooms, granite, hardwood, play rooms, crown moulding and around 280K.

Don't forget that when you are looking in Keller to keep an eye on your property taxes. We had a friend that moved out from California, seeing what a great deal the Bluffs were and then were floored because they hadn't researched the property tax situation. Just something to keep an eye on.

If you aren't absolutely tied to Keller ISD, you might take a look at Chadwick Farms as well. Might be an easier commute for you to Irving.

Also if you arent tied to brand new construction or a master planned community, take a look at Ashmore Farms, you can find some nice customs in your price range that are better appointed than some of the homes in the Bluffs with half acre lots.

Anyway...some other places to at least look.

[5stones]

lots of the area west of 377 that are zoned Keller schools are actually FT worth. You will pay higher taxes.

Looking for new construction homes and in my search, I could narrow down to only these 2 communities that offer 4BR, 3+BA, 3500+ sq.ft, 2 story with media room etc options within 350K.

..there are lots of new homes in Keller that are empty. the bulider ones are Fall Creek, Flanigan Hill(wall homes), Harmonson farms, Hillsbourogh (david weekly),Newton Ranch, Bella Vista, Sernity (??)
Also custum builders in the above 400k range ..Silverleaf, Faorest view an new one off of Rufe snow across from Forest lakes dr...

The train crossing can add up to 20 minutes on your commute if you get stuck.




But...There are a bunch of very nice home that are just a 2-3 years old....I wish I was home shopping now!! prices have dropped and the neighobrhood are very pretty with bigger trees etc...
I now of 3 custom homes in Canterbury that the owners have been in ofr 1 year and have lost thier jobs and are despirate to sell....BEAUTIFUL homes one they just put the pool in 3 months ago! now they are still prices above 500k but considering they paid 800k for them htey are a great bargin!
So, same as in Hidden lakes...houses that were going for 400k 6mo ago are now down to 350k.

Bella vista...brand new homes off of Rufe snow and Rapp rd. we looked at them and they were around 400k last sept. They are now down to around 330k The builder NEEDS to sell.

look on a mls site and put in lessthan 5 years old...I think you will be surprised at how many very nice homes come up.


EDIT... Serene Villas Of Keller...starting at 315K

[ivp]

Originally Posted by Guingirl

Why those two areas? What is the draw for you? We looked heavily at The Bluffs when we were looking, but then we found when we had actually moved here that there were a lot more options. Did you want a master planned community atmosphere?

Alliance Town Square is actually building up quite quickly.

I was curious about what your "a lot more options" were??
My husband was offered a job in Ft Worth (downtown) and we are considering the offer seriously. We were in Ft Worth this weekend looking around and there is soo much to choose from. When we got home we also looked online and liked what we saw at Heritage the Bluffs. Now, I'm reading mixed reviews about it.
Now that you've lived in the area, is there somewhere else you would rathere be??
Is Keller getting too crowded? We are from Houston and know about zero when it comes to the Ft Worth area. Our budget is $250k-$300k. We have no children but hope too in the near future, so schools are important
We like the idea of having a bigger lot. Any thoughts are welcome!!

[Guingirl]

There are other developments in North Fort Worth that aren't in Keller, but that are very nice as well. There are some custom developments like Ashmore Farms off of FM 156, Van Zandt Farms off of Bonds Ranch Road that would fit your budget. Those two in particular you would be able to find some custom homes with some land (1/2 to an 1 acre) where you aren't in a regular development like Heritage.

It is more of a rural feel but still 10 - 15 mins away from grocery stores etc.

Also I know there have been a few posts on the Bluffs on here that some people have been unhappy, but for the most part, I have heard some really good things there. I also have a friend that built in there and they really enjoy it. I would go check it out yourself, go talk to some people that are out and get their opinions.

[jcamber]

Originally Posted by ivp

I was curious about what your "a lot more options" were??
My husband was offered a job in Ft Worth (downtown) and we are considering the offer seriously. We were in Ft Worth this weekend looking around and there is soo much to choose from. When we got home we also looked online and liked what we saw at Heritage the Bluffs. Now, I'm reading mixed reviews about it.
Now that you've lived in the area, is there somewhere else you would rathere be??
Is Keller getting too crowded? We are from Houston and know about zero when it comes to the Ft Worth area. Our budget is $250k-$300k. We have no children but hope too in the near future, so schools are important
We like the idea of having a bigger lot. Any thoughts are welcome!!

We live in the Bluffs and love it. We like the design of the subdivision, the walking trails, playground with tennis courts, the club house with tons of pools, short drive to 35w and alliance shops coming up. Property taxes aren't great (about 2.65%) but I think that goes for most of the surrounding areas (Southlake is higher I believe). Unless you're able to prove your land is farmland, you'll pay the high taxes.

You may have a little bit of trouble getting in the bigger lots at the bluffs with your current budget though. You should be ok finding a property with a smaller lot however.

[txoil]

I would check out Fall Creek off of Rufe Snow. It's Keller High, Keller taxes (lower than the "other side of the tracks"), and better values. It's in close out, so you can probably get some pretty good deals.