Kaufman, Canton, Van Any suggestions? (Dallas, San Antonio: high school, university, casino)

[kawgpz550]

We have been looking at relocating to East Texas, However, my husband is thinking about going back to college for a teaching degree. Therefor, we are now looking for something around rural Dallas.
Does anyone have any insight to any of these areas? What the towns are like, utilities, taxes tornado activity, and overall life. They all look like nice areas and seem to have good schools. I would just like to hear from someone that may know the areas.
If I don't find something in the rural Dallas area (trying to stay south of Dallas) then I may have to start looking back around rural San Antonio...I just didn't find many rural areas around San Antonio that had good schools. The places I did find are not easy to find reasonable housing.
Any info will HELP!
Thank you all very much!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

[kawgpz550]

How about any other rural areas of Dallas where horses are allowed and not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, but somewhat close in?

[ripley]

Unless there is a tie to Dallas and the education your husband is pursuing, look back to Tyler area. Land for the horses and a very good university in UT-Tyler.

If Dallas is a must; what about Aledo, Midlothian, Azle, Granbury, Alvarado, Burleson?

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by ripley

Unless there is a tie to Dallas and the education your husband is pursuing, look back to Tyler area. Land for the horses and a very good university in UT-Tyler.

If Dallas is a must; what about Aledo, Midlothian, Azle, Granbury, Alvarado, Burleson?

Just wondering if there is a particular reason for this? Are these areas not good, or is it that the Tyler area is just better overall???

[momof2dfw]

Actually I would avoid Midlothian . Two of the areas you mentioned are much better: Kaufman and Canton. Even Greenville or Commerce with Texas A&M Commerce is right there and horses aplenty. Why the need to stay on the south side of Dallas? Actually going to the north or east you are going to find more. I suggested Wise County to someone earlier and that would even suit you w/ the horses and access to several universites. In Denton you have UNT or you can head to Ft Worth for TCU. Or you can look in Collin County around Anna, Lucas, Farmersville and such. A commute to Richardson to UTD would be decent from there. These areas actually have more horses than some.

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

Actually I would avoid Midlothian . Two of the areas you mentioned are much better: Kaufman and Canton. Even Greenville or Commerce with Texas A&M Commerce is right there and horses aplenty. Why the need to stay on the south side of Dallas? Actually going to the north or east you are going to find more. I suggested Wise County to someone earlier and that would even suit you w/ the horses and access to several universites. In Denton you have UNT or you can head to Ft Worth for TCU. Or you can look in Collin County around Anna, Lucas, Farmersville and such. A commute to Richardson to UTD would be decent from there. These areas actually have more horses than some.

Thank you momof2dfw. I appreciate the input. I guess my reasoning for thinking south of Dallas is because it has been drilled in my head anything north/northeast of Dallas is getting into tornado alley. I really do not know how true that is. I don't mind a tornado every now and then, just don't want to raise my chances if you know what I mean lol. I have done research on city data, and know that Tyler area is better than Dallas area as far as tornados and San Antonio area has almost no tornado activity.
This whole move thing is hard. We are tired of living in the 125+ desert and casino life, and are trying to make a move to Texas blindfolded for the most part. We have absolutely no family or friends in Texas, other than an old couple I met while working in a casino this last year that is from the Tyler area. It's just nearly impossible to decide on where to go when you know absolutely nothing about any of the areas. We basically just have to take everyone's word and advice. We have 4 kids elementary to high school. I want them to have a better life, not one worse than it is now. I appreciate any advice anyone gives!
Thanks again!
Crystal

[ripley]

Originally Posted by kawgpz550

Just wondering if there is a particular reason for this? Are these areas not good, or is it that the Tyler area is just better overall???

Only because you stated you had originally considered East Texas.

The Tyler area would be the less expensive route, with good schools and activities for the kids, a university for your husband, and still within a couple hours of Dallas.

Many commute to UT-Tyler from area communities up to an hour away.

Don't know all the factors you are considering, but the Tyler area (Whitehouse, Bullard, Troup, jacksonville, Overton, Lindale, Mineola, Gladewater, Longview, etc.) seems to be a pretty good fit.

[kawgpz550]

Originally Posted by ripley

Only because you stated you had originally considered East Texas.

The Tyler area would be the less expensive route, with good schools and activities for the kids, a university for your husband, and still within a couple hours of Dallas.

Many commute to UT-Tyler from area communities up to an hour away.

Don't know all the factors you are considering, but the Tyler area (Whitehouse, Bullard, Troup, jacksonville, Overton, Lindale, Mineola, Gladewater, Longview, etc.) seems to be a pretty good fit.

Thank you Ripley. That helps. I appreciate it very much!

[jakejester]

I disagree with the poster who told to avoid Midlothian. I recently relocated to Midlothian from Missouri and have fallen in love with the town, people, schools and the surroundings. I live within a stone's throw from one of the cement plants and have no air quality problems. I feel that all the complaints about the plants is much ado about nothing.

[rhondakaye1]

Longview here. This is a great place to raise a family with wonderful people and beautiful scenery. We love it.