Big Time Help Needed-Transferring to Dallas in 30 Days...Never been, No Idea Where to Live.. (Plano: apartment, renter)

[MaryS80]

Tough decision. If you want your dogs I would really suggest a house. Many apartments only allow small to medium dogs, and of the ones that allow large breeds they shy away from boxers, bull dogs, etc.

On the other hand renting an apartment would be less expensive.

Rental rates in uptown are pretty high, so you might want to rent elsewhere.

It's kinda tough since you probably won't be able to come check out the place you are renting ahead of time. My best advice would be to avoid northeast Dallas. The area east of 75, particularly Forest Lane, Walnut, Walnut Hill, etc is pretty run down and high crime. My ex lived in Lakewood and worked in Uptown, it was an east commute. Dallas has plenty of highways, so unless you live way out getting around is easy.

I'd look into Lakewood, and Lake Highlands. I'd say go no further out then Richardson, and maybe Plano. You'll want something close to either 190 or 75

[TrueDat]

I made the move from Miami (Sunny Isles area) to Dallas a couple of years back and I don't regret it. I don't think you'll be sorry either to make the jump from the 305 to the 214. I think you'll find the housing and insurance prices cheaper, the people friendlier, and the drivers not quite so rude. No ocean though and that's kind of a shame.

You may have trouble finding apartment in Uptown for $900 that's willing to take two dogs. There are tons of rentals in the area though so you might get lucky. But the suggestions that you look in Lakewood are right on. You might even be able to rent a small house with a small yard.

If you have any questions about making the transition from South Florida to North Texas, just ask or PM. Good luck!

[Larry305]

Mary, True Dat...

Thanks very much for the replies...I will actually be going to Dallas sometime in the next 7-10 days to scope out some places, so at least I won't be going into it completely blind.

I have noticed that the uptown area is a bit more expensive than some of the other areas you guys mentioned. I need to figure out though, if it would be worth it since it is in such close proximity to my job. (Not sure of the public transport system there yet).

I am really starting to see the dogs as the main hurdle here, but the more I think of starting alone in a new place (this will be my 1st time doing so) the more I think I would feel better if I have them around.

TrueDat, I am happy to read of your positive change from the 305 to the 214. I agree that home and insurance prices, traffic and the overall attitude of the people here leave something to be desired. I hope I will be as happy with my move as you have been. I will call that # that you pmed me for that info, thanks again.

I will keep all of you kind folks updated on this journey. Today I am just concentrating on getting a list of potential places together, so that when I visit in 7-10 days, I can see as many homes/apts. as possible.

Again thanks to everyone for their help, and keep the suggestions coming. Believe it or not, what you guys have shared has really helped me feel a bit more at ease with this, although I am still really freaking out

[Larry305]

Guys, on all the rental search sites, almost all the results have bwwn of apartments/condos. Are there any search sites that may have more home listings? Thanks in advance..

[SepiaZelda]

Larry: did you get my PM?

[Larry305]

Originally Posted by SepiaZelda

Larry: did you get my PM?

yes I did, and thank you. I left a message with my number. Hopefully that could help.

[Drew610]

Larry
A house at that price is going to be hard (see rentalhouses.com and search Dallas - it's there, but it is not great). Most people that I have seen moving on this site do the apartment/condo thing for a year anyway, just to get their feet wet and figure out the right neighborhood - I am sure you can get a dog friendly lease in a condo/apt in Uptown or near there for 900. It would be the wise move even if you didn't have the price ceiling. You will meet more people and you will be in a less isolating area.

[Larry305]

Originally Posted by Drew610

- I am sure you can get a dog friendly lease in a condo/apt in Uptown or near there for 900. It would be the wise move even if you didn't have the price ceiling. You will meet more people and you will be in a less isolating area.

I agree and that is what I am looking at right now. I see a bunch of buildings in the Uptown area that are as close to .25 miles to my job, but they are a bit pricey. What would be the next closest area that may be a tad lower?

[SteveUT]

Don't think I've seen anyone suggest a place in the Village Apartments. You are much more likely to find a place for $900 there vs. uptown and it's only a couple of miles away. There is also a nice running trail/park area you could take your dogs to.

Uptown would be your choice if you could afford $1100 or so but if $900 is your max I would check the Village.

[lh_newbie]

Village Apts would be a great option. Lots of people - great property management - close to uptown (just an exit or two up Central Expressway/TX-75). Right near the Greenville/Lovers Lane area that has good grocery stores (Tom Thumb and Central Market at the corner). Tons of active people in that complex and lots of people with dogs, walking them around the ponds onsite. Great walking trails.

They also have quite a few meet-n-greet type events and lots of pools, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and get settled in with some new friends. They have apartments of all ranges - some even with garages on the higher end.

I believe their web site is TheVillageapts.com | Home and they have a decent search function.

Also, if you cycle or run - it's in great proximity to White Rock Lake, a place if you enjoy those things, you are certain to be intimately familiar with almost immediately. When I lived in the complex, I rode 2-3 laps around the lake 5 days a week. (it's ~3 miles to the lake and 9.5 miles around).

Brian