Relocating to Dallas this Summer (from Israel) looking for a house to rent (Plano: apartment complexes, rentals)

[alexbak]

Hi,
My name is Alex and I'm relocating with my wife and my 2.5 yo daughter from Israel to an office that will be opened in Dallas.
We are looking for a close-to-office home to rent. It has to be near a Jewish/Israeli community.
Any help and tips are appreciated as I'm completely clueless.
Below is the map of office locations considered by my mgmt. I suppose they are all quite concentrated - so it shouldn't affect which one in particular is chosen.



Thanks,
Alex

[TrueDat]

Second what hplindley says. The core of the Jewish community in the area is in the northern part of Dallas whereas it seems as if you're looking mostly in the Irving area.

[ggolf]

That area south of LBJ between Preston and Hillcrest even got a Jewish pass so that the mothers could even use strollers on the Sabbath. Can't remember what it's called but it is a zone where you can do stuff that you can't do elsewhere. It made the Dallas Morning News a few years ago.

[nonexpat]

My husband is Israeli, and we had many Israeli friends living in Far North Dallas and Plano. At my kids' elementary, Hightower in Plano ISD, there were probably a few Israeli kids in each grade level. Here is a link to a good Israeli grocery where you can get your fix of Bamba, Jachnoon, etc.


Dallas' Best Kosher Restuarant - Milk & Honey Jerusalem Market & Grill

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by ggolf

That area south of LBJ between Preston and Hillcrest even got a Jewish pass so that the mothers could even use strollers on the Sabbath. Can't remember what it's called but it is a zone where you can do stuff that you can't do elsewhere. It made the Dallas Morning News a few years ago.

Its the Preston-Forest area very close to the Cooper Clinic. Large Jewish population and not a bad commute at all to the Irving/Las Colinas area where the OP's work location looks to be (just drive Royal west from Preston to avoid traffic, not too bad a drive....about 20-30 minutes in traffic)

[RockyJoe817]

With all those office in the North Irving area, ( Las Colinas/Valley Ranch area), I would live close to the office area and commute to the Jewish temple. But that is only an opinion.

[BigDGeek]

The Jewish community here runs the gamut from ultra-liberal to Orthodox and various small ultra-Orthodox sects.

It would help if you could specify what type of synagogue you are looking for, and whether you wish to live in an eruv. We have two here.

[alexbak]

Thanks everyone that responded!
I would say we are pretty liberal. we dont have all those different sects in Israel.
I suppose we will feel comfortable in a supporting community. we are definitively not Ultra-orthodox.

Another question would be where can i start looking for houses? any recommended sites?
What is a fair price for a nice, not old, 3 bedroom apt (or a house)?

[Squirl]

Here are my thoughts: RENT BEFORE YOU BUY!!! There are new, clean apartment complexes all around the Irving/Las Colinas area (near your work location). You may want to rent something for just 6 months while learning about the area before you decide what community in which to settle. If you rent in Irving, you will be close to work and during that time you can visit Jewish congregations to find the best fit. Expect to pay about $1200-$2000 to rent a decent 3 bedroom apartment in North Irving. Example: http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...ental=1&row=40

That will not include utilities, internet or cable TV. So plan on another $300 for those items. You will also need to purchase renter's insurance, this is pretty cheap.....about $100 for a year policy.

** If you want proximity to a Jewish community, and also within a reasonable communte to the Las Colinas area (where it looks like you will work) then North Dallas is the most logical choice. The best commute would be living in the Preston/Forest - Royal (called Preston Hollow) area. Plan to spend min. $350K for a 3/2/2 house about 2000 squre feet. Also, plan on sending your children to private schools because that area does not have the best schools.

**Alternate solution and has benefit of good work commute, excellent public schools, is Colleyville. There is a listing for Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, though I know nothing about it. Homes in Colleyville are generally large. So, while you will get a bigger house for your money with a very large land mass, you will also need to plan on spending about $350K but will get a larger home and can use public schools.

A couple of Rentals in the Preston Hollow area: 11041 Lawnhaven Rd Dallas TX - Home for Rent - MLS #11719771 - Realtor.com®

10417 Shadow Bend Dr Dallas TX - Home for Rent - MLS #11694032 - Realtor.com®

Rentals in Colleyville: 4205 Martin Pkwy Colleyville TX - Home for Rent - MLS #11700022 - Realtor.com®

5908 Pleasant Run Road Colleyville TX - Home for Rent - MLS #11693495 - Realtor.com®

[alexbak]

Thanks Squirl. I am looking for rent (at least few years)
My kid is too young for schools (2.5) so i will need more like a day care or a kinder garden. Are these as well public/private?

Thanks!
Alex.