DC cosmo family moving to Paris TX (Dallas, Arlington: homes, school districts)

[nomasamee]

My family is seriously considering moving to Paris, TX for a great job opportunity, my husband is in the medical field. We are from the DC metro area, and are hoping that we can have the luxuries that a good income bring, while still being able to access Dallas lifestyle on weekends every once in a while. What would stop me from moving there is only schools for our kids, ages 9 & 7. We are highly educated professionals, and currently have our bright kids in outstanding schools. Any information on where we should look, or private school options would be greatly appreciated. Also, insight into school culture would be great!

[Houston3]

Sounds like you are to smart of a family for Paris Texas.

"We are highly educated professionals, and currently have our bright kids in outstanding schools."

Hope you mix well with all of the redneck trailer park people!!!!!

Sorry to people of Paris Texas. Just when I read that part I quoted it sort of hit me funny reading it...

[nomasamee]

Any areas outside Paris that might be better? My husband could probably commute upto 45 minutes? I'm trying my best to make this work, if possible!

[Lakewooder]

I don't remember any trailer parks in Paris. Both my grandmothers lived there. Paris was founded by some pretty sophisticated types and some of that still exists. I have a feeling it will grow more popular (as has Bonham) the larger 'The Metroplex' gets.

[GayleTX]

Since Paris has two hospitals, two school districts and a college within the city limits, it is doubtful you will be the only couple in town with more than an 8th grade education.

[recrossler]

Other doctors in the hospitals probably have children that they want the best education for. Have you talked to them about what they do with their kids?

[ripley]

DC Cosmo sounds like a soccer team

[GayleTX]

Nomasamee.....the nicest homes in town are very near the medical district ......NE part of Paris. There are two school districts..... North Lamar ISD is the better of the two and it serves the NE part of town (northeast of loop and east of Hwy 271) and the rural area from there to the Oklahoma border. That rural area has some beautiful homes on small wooded acreages, which is the preferred life style of the majority of the people there, also somewhat of a status symbol....the country club is in that area. However, if you are not accustomed to 5 -acre yards, you probably would not enjoy it. NLISD is a good school district.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by nomasamee

Any areas outside Paris that might be better? My husband could probably commute upto 45 minutes? I'm trying my best to make this work, if possible!

The Paris Regional Med Center is a big system. The medical community is enormous (as a percentage of total population, anyway) and you are bound to meet a lot of people that you have a lot in common with. I wouldn't be too concerned about that. As far as commuting is concerned, I doubt very much that you will find a better place to live in terms of "civilization" within a 70 mile radius.

Paris has its charm, but once you get past the miniature Eiffel Tower and really get to know the place you realize that this is, in fact, a small town in East Texas that does not have a Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetary, Vietnam War Memorial, fancy dining, trendy clubs or anything that would generally be associated with the Nation's Capitol. That said, small town living is almost always orders of magnitude better than people think it will be before they move.

This experience will be what you make of it. My advice is to keep an open mind and be certain you do not confine yourself to your house. Get to know as many people as you can.

[GayleTX]

BTW.....as far as I know there is only one 'private' school in Paris......a tiny little school run by the Church of God (about 2 dozen students, I think). That's about the only kind of 'private' school there is in East Texas.....not to be compared to Hockaday or St. Mark's in Dallas.