Relocating to Area from Philadelphia by December 2010: Need Apartment Help (Dallas: subletting, apartments)

[tx2010]

First off, I have learned so much about the Dallas area from the forums, and would greatly appreciate any specific help. Looking for an apartment is really frustrating. Apartmentratings.com usually has mostly negative comments, and almost makes it seem like there are no decent, safe, apartments in the Dallas Area. Here is my situation.

I am in my early 30s, single, no pets, no children. I am moving to the Dallas area for a fresh start after being laid off. I need to be closer to family, and to be honest, I am over the rude people in Philadelphia. I am originally from OK, and chose Dallas because it is the largest, friendliest, large city close to home.

I am looking to move by the beginning of December of 2010, but can move in November earlier, and that is actually preferable.

I desire to be either in the city close to things to do; networking, nightlife, movie theaters, or in the North Suburbs; Plano, Richardson, possibly Addison (as long as I can get into the city easily). I have a car, and do not want to worry about street parking or break-ins. I completely get that I need to live near my job, but I am finding it difficult to find a job from Philadelphia. I can't blame employers for not being interested until I move to the area.

I have a few friends in the area, but they all tend to think that where they live is the best place. I am looking for a 1 bedroom to start with a balcony, parking, good management, and no more than $720 per month. Also, I am guessing that the electric bills are higher in the summers. Can anyone give me a ballpark? Do most complexes require you to pay water?

Thanks for any help. I am truly confused at this point.

[TurtleCreek80]

Yikes! Can you stay with friend until you find a job? I'd hate to recommend a neighborhood and then have you find a job 60 miles away, you know?

If you got a job in the area between Downtown Dallas and southeast Plano, I would highly recommend the Village apartments on your budget. They have been discussed here many times before so you can do a search to learn more, but are very well-located, appeal to under-40 singles, and are close to lots of things to do. Location is loosely just east of 75/Central, between Lovers Lane & Northwest Highway. Very close to NorthPark Mall, if you know where that is.

[tx2010]

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

Yikes! Can you stay with friend until you find a job? I'd hate to recommend a neighborhood and then have you find a job 60 miles away, you know?

If you got a job in the area between Downtown Dallas and southeast Plano, I would highly recommend the Village apartments on your budget. They have been discussed here many times before so you can do a search to learn more, but are very well-located, appeal to under-40 singles, and are close to lots of things to do. Location is loosely just east of 75/Central, between Lovers Lane & Northwest Highway. Very close to NorthPark Mall, if you know where that is.

My friends that live there are married with families, and I personally do not feel comfortable asking them to put me up. I have a part time job that I do from home that I will be able to do from Dallas in the beginning, and I will also have rental income from my condo that I am renting, so I am not going to be completely unemployed. I just will not be making as much as I would like to. I have thought about maybe subletting for a few months because as you mentioned, I don't want to get stuck commuting for an hour or two. I am going to check out the Village. It sounds like it may be a good option for me! Thanks.

[skids929]

Rakin might be able to shed some light here, particularly on the Addision area I believe, also very knowledgable....Rakin?

I am from the East Coast too, I understand what would be appealing about Dallas. Much better way of life.

Good luck!

[tx2010]

Originally Posted by skids929

Rakin might be able to shed some light here, particularly on the Addision area I believe, also very knowledgable....Rakin?

I am from the East Coast too, I understand what would be appealing about Dallas. Much better way of life.

Good luck!

Thanks! Yes, any help is appreciated. Someone else suggested Addison as well. I definitely want to check it out when I visit next month.