Castle Hills North - Demographics (Irving, Carrollton: low income, fit in, apartments)

[Boiler23]

My wife and I are considering purchasing a home in Castle Hills North. We love the area, but after driving around the neighborhood, wonder whether we would fit in (we are caucassian). Is the area predominantly occupied by Indian families? Of the 30 people we saw walking, at the park, etc., all were of Indian descent.

We are also concerned about the fact that Independence Elementary is only rated "acceptable". Does anyone have any insight into the school that may give us some comfort?

Finally, if anyone has any other general thoughts on the area, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!

[skids929]

Originally Posted by Boiler23

Is the area predominantly occupied by Indian families? Of the 30 people we saw walking, at the park, etc., all were of Indian descent.

Yep! Not that there is anything wrong with that..But you most likely won't be one of the crowd thats for sure.

There are many other reasons in my opinion not to purchase in CHN. I would suggest looking in the older phases, they are nicer, no highway hum (all day long from a highway slated to get much busier), no trains, and MUCH more diverse.

Schools can be better on the older phase as well. Good luck!

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by skids929

Schools can be better on the older phase as well. Good luck!

Problem is the original CH is quite a lot more expensive. It's hard to find much in the original thats below $400k.

[Boiler23]

Thanks, and that goes back to my original question about Independence. I have hesitation with the fact that CNH pays the same tax rate as the older section, yet is zoned to an Elementary school with a significantly lower rating.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Boiler23

Thanks, and that goes back to my original question about Independence. I have hesitation with the fact that CNH pays the same tax rate as the older section, yet is zoned to an Elementary school with a significantly lower rating.

School Tax rates are the same for all homeowners in a school district no matter how the school is rated.

[Haute Mom]

Out of curiosity, why does Independence have a significantly lower rating than Coyote Ridge?

[Boiler23]

From what I've been told, the majority of the students are bussed into Independence from low income areas. I suspect that may be part of the reason.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Boiler23

From what I've been told, the majority of the students are bussed into Independence from low income areas. I suspect that may be part of the reason.

Funny... there are some great school districts around (Irving, Lewisville, Carrollton) that do not get the high ratings in some of their schools because there are many economically disadvantaged kids in the district who do not test well. The schools are great, just don't have the rating.

The best thing you could do is arrange a time to go talk to the principal at the school, take a tour and find out about their programs.

People put way too much value / emphasis on some type of rating. Years ago Coppell HS lost it's Exemplary rating over 8 special needs kids who did not meet the high requirements set by the district. I guess they could dumb down programs so no kid is truly left behind.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Castle Hill is becoming the place (along with Hackberry Creek in Irving) for well to do Indian families. My wifes boss lives there and he has a house that looks like the castle from Beauty and the Beast.

However, I thought there were a fair amount of white familes there too.

[Haute Mom]

Originally Posted by Boiler23

From what I've been told, the majority of the students are bussed into Independence from low income areas. I suspect that may be part of the reason.

Ok, excuse the ignorance, but I am not understanding why they are bussed in. Why aren't they going to the school that feeds into where they live? Are the kids going to Independence coming from the apartments that are in The Colony as well as Castle Hills North?

My daughter is in a Lewisville elementary school that is rated exemplary, and every child has the option to ride the bus because of the location of the school. It doesn't allow "walkers" so they have to offer the bus whether they live 30 seconds or 10 minutes away.