How Safe is the Belt Line Area (Near I-75)

[fratermus]

Originally Posted by Winter2010

Since these houses are over 50 years old, are they well built? Any concerns about them falling apart or having foundation problems?

I'd much rather have my 1961 pier-and-beam foundation than a more "modern" slab. No cracks, no sticky doors, no warping.

I'd drive around and look at the brickwork in the neighborhoods you like. On my street I think there is maybe one house with cracks visible on the outside. In some areas in DFW many houses are visibly settled.

[Ryan Kirkpatrick]

To the OP.

In addition to some of this good advice, consider the resale value of your home in the future as well. Many of the areas East of 75 (not all) have experienced accelerated depreciation in relationship to the comparable areas West of 75. On the one hand, you will probably get a little more house for your money, but you will also be more open to selling it for less should the downturn continue for an extended period of time. It really comes down to what you're looking for and why you are buying in the first place.

I'd also suggest staying in the Richardson High School or Pearce High School feeder pattern if you want to live in Richardson.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Ryan Kirkpatrick

To the OP.

In addition to some of this good advice, consider the resale value of your home in the future as well. Many of the areas East of 75 (not all) have experienced accelerated depreciation in relationship to the comparable areas West of 75. On the one hand, you will probably get a little more house for your money, but you will also be more open to selling it for less should the downturn continue for an extended period of time. It really comes down to what you're looking for and why you are buying in the first place.

I'd also suggest staying in the Richardson High School or Pearce High School feeder pattern if you want to live in Richardson.

FYI, not all areas east of 75 in Richardson have seen "accelerated depreciation". Good friends just sold their house in 2 weeks for list. East of 75 and in the Berkner zone. There ARE some very nice areas East of 75 that have done very well.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

FYI, not all areas east of 75 in Richardson have seen "accelerated depreciation". Good friends just sold their house in 2 weeks for list. East of 75 and in the Berkner zone. There ARE some very nice areas East of 75 that have done very well.

Agreed, there are; and there are areas east of 75 that are gorgeous.

But people do have attitude about school districts and the east/west divide on 75 which goes through Dallas and carries on at least through Allen. For resale, west of 75 > east of 75. That is not to say that there are not gems and turds on both sides.

[Ryan Kirkpatrick]

That's great that they sold their house for close to list. If I listed my house for $10,000, I would receive above list, but that doesn't really matter. Please read my blog on this very subject in my profile labeled The Dallas area is Always a Buyer's Market and That's Just Fine . Nevertheless, that is why I qualified the statement with a (not all) if you read my response carefully.

I'm not sure why my "accelerated depreciation" comment is in quotes in your reply? It is a quantitative fact that is worth mentioning to some one who doesn't know that area in general.

[DallasMattress]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

That area is mostly light industrial. Mostly warehouses, the chevrolet dealership and a few other small businesses. I find it fairly safe and know many businesses in that area and don't know of any problems.

Thanks very much for the feedback on that area momof2