Where to raise a family near Haltom City? (Fort Worth, Arlington: for sale, rent)

[Lucas Streit]

Hello,

My company is currently building a facility in Haltom City and I am thinking about tranferring to help with the start up.

What towns or areas around there are family friendly? I am looking to spend about $125,000 on a house.

We are from NW Illinois so we are used to small towns and a rural environment so that would be a plus for us. However, we have lived in cities as well so we aren't opposed to that either. I just want to find a nice area. The most I want to commute is about 30 minutes.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[loves2read]

30 min around Haltom City: Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Roanoke, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Haslet (maybe), Whilte Settlement, Azle (some parts), Fort Worth itself.
Arlington,FTW, and Grand Prairie are the larger towns--the others are small population wise although they are surrounded by other towns and make knowing when you cross the boundaries difficult--same with school districts...

your price probably will make it more difficult--how old a home are you willing to buy----do you have children--are local schools important factor in where you move or are you willing to pay for private schools--which is just rent money spent a different way, really.

Google for MLS realtor sites or realtor.com and run search in price range for specific towns...there are neighborhoods in each that are good and not so good..see what attracts your eye and come back w/more specific questions...you can also do a Google map search and check drive times...

[Guingirl]

Don't forget Saginaw as well, in addition to all the great spots that loves gave you.

[Synopsis]

There are several homes in my neighborhood, which is right where Hurst meets North Richland Hills, near TCJC that are for sale. I think most of them are going for around 150K but there may be a couple of the smaller ones that you could get for 125K. It's a buyer's market right now, so I would think it's doable. The neighborhood I live in is very family friendly, crime free, and clean with lots of shopping and things to do. From where I live to Haltom City it's about a 10-15 minute drive, even during rush hour. All of the places previously mentioned are good options as well. Personally, my preferences would be Hurst, North Richland Hills, Bedford and the areas closer to Haltom City - less of a commute and nice towns to boot. Good luck. If you want more information just PM me, I'd be glad to take note of the prices for the homes in my neighborhood as I drive by them if you're interested.

[artcgal]

Originally Posted by Lucas Streit

Hello,

My company is currently building a facility in Haltom City and I am thinking about tranferring to help with the start up.

What towns or areas around there are family friendly? I am looking to spend about $125,000 on a house.

We are from NW Illinois so we are used to small towns and a rural environment so that would be a plus for us. However, we have lived in cities as well so we aren't opposed to that either. I just want to find a nice area. The most I want to commute is about 30 minutes.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I just posted a link in another post to some new home builders in the far North Fort Worth area...you may want to check it out. This area is growing LIKE CRAZY!

As far as cities? Fossil Creek area of Fort Worth (near BNSF on Western Center) is very nice and in your price range, as is the Park Glen area of Fort Worth. Also, check out Blue Mound, Saginaw, and Fort Worth near Lake Country (about 10-15-20 mins away from Haltom City with traffic).

It would be ideal for you to take a week/weekend and visit the area to get a feel of the atmosphere.

Yesterday my husband and I were out on a drive...and, we came upon this neighborhood that is trying to mimic the "Home Town" feel. It was kind of neat...and, cheaper than the "Hometown" development in North Richland Hills:

Chapel Hill

Welcome to Hometown NRH

[gjmagain]

We moved from MN a number of years ago and moved into N. Hurst near Porter Elementary School and could not be happier. The city is great, one of the best elementary schools around, location is perfect being near shopping, freeways, easy access to airport and in your case not far from Haltom. Nothing but wonderful people in our neighborhood and I know you could find a older pre owned home in your price range, our neighborhood would qualify, and it is wonderful. Good Luck!!

[Lucas Streit]

Thanks for all the info. gjmagain, It's good to hear you moved from MN and like it. It's good to get a former Northerners perspective. I am not a big fan of winter but it serves it's purposes you know.

After reviewing my expenses I should actually be looking for a 150K house so there seems to be no shortage of those.

I agree synopsis the less of a drive the better. I have about a 30 minute commute now but that's through roads surrounded by corn fields. Also, I don't see gas getting any cheaper so the closer the better. Schools are important as well since I'll have two little boys going through the school system.

I will probably visit the area in October or November. The wifes on bed rest right now so we can't travel too far The temps still pretty warm then? I would like to spend a long weekend there and experience the area. Any must see spots?

[loves2read]

Lots of stuff to see but not so much in the Mid-Cities themselves

Downtown FTW--Sundance Sq area--is where many people go for night out/restaurant meal/Bass Hall performance/movies---most people consider it a very safe downtown--most everything is walkable--free parking on street after 6--there are bike cops (we call them Bass cops) for the immediate Bass/Sundance area---and they have been known to give tickets for j=walks...

you can do the Stockyards which is n of downtown--more Western--Billy Bob's is there and other clubs/bars/restaurants/shopping...maybe not as safe--have not been there in couple of years except to go to Joe T Garcia's a couple of times...(which is on outskirts of Stockyards)

Art museums/Cowgirl Hall of Fame in FTW/FTW science museum and the FTW zoo are good for kids--planitarium show at the science museum
6 Flags amusement park in Arlington--North Richland Hills has water park that is very popular H2O off Hwy 26--also water park in Arl/Grand Prairie area

Check out the Texas Monthly web site or order a TX Monthly magazine--they have list of things to do and so do web sites of cities in the area...

Hurst has nice park off Norwood...Grapevine Lake has some water in it now...
Arlington has Ranger stadium where you go for the experience not the quality of play...

[debntx]

When you come out, in additon to the other places mentioned, I'd recommend you check out the town of Keller. Our family moved here in February and we know how it can be not knowing anything about the area. Keller is a great smaller town with wonderful people and not too far from Haltom City. I have two children in the schools here and we are pleased with both. It's close to everything and so many new developments all around. We live in the Heritage master planned community which is tecnically in North Fort Worth but zoned for Keller schools. Actually, there are several really nice areas around Fort Worth and I think it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Also, there are lots of great posters here who live all around the area and I've learned a lot by reading their info. (Guingirl, Synopsis and loves2read just to name a few