New job in Las Colinas - no car yet - nice places to live nearby? (Dallas: transplants)

[dovetails]

Hi guys, I'm new here. Thanks ahead of time for your advice.

I'm moving soon to Dallas for a new job in Las Colinas (Irving) Texas.

I know there is a transit system in Dallas but not sure where it goes completely.

I'm hoping to find a clean, 1 bedroom apartment type of place that is accessible distance to my new company's office in Las Colinas.

Are there any metro stops in Las Colinas that might connect my commute from a farther away neighborhood?

Thanks for any advice! I'm currently without a car and would like to do without one for a while if possible.

[KarlF]

Dovetails,

The light rail line in Las Colinas is fairly new and may or may not give you access to your company's location. Since you didn't give a specific location, I suggest you take a look at the DART website (Dart.org). That will give you the light rail and bus maps.

As for your desire to be without a car....
One of the odd things about Dallas is that it is possible to live in an area and not need a car for general daily living and your commute to work. These "walkable" areas tend to be pricier, thus negating any vehicle expenses you avoid by not owning though. However, if you want to take full advantage of what the metroplex has to offer (from entertainment , cultural events, restaurants or new employment locations) you really need a vehicle. That vehicle doesn't have to be nice, just reliable. There are some areas that may be perfect for you to live in, but do not have any public transportation available.

If you can give the board more specific information on your work location (cross streets) and budget , you will get some much more helpful advice than I was able to give.

[ChristieP]

Not to mention that is gets REALLY HOT here in the summer. There will usually be several weeks where the temperature doesn't get below 80 degrees at night, so even that walk to work in the morning will leave you sweaty!

Even though there are several "mixed use" areas in Las Colinas, the bigger problem is there is no grocery store nearby. So, unless you can afford to eat out for every meal and survive on what food can be bought at a convenience store, or carry a week's worth of groceries on a bus, it's tough to be without a car here.

Most car dealerships will sell you a car with just a few hundred down as long as you have good credit.

[happycrow]

Christie raises an important point, especially for transplants who aren't accustomed to the heat, or couch potatoes who seriously object to sweating. If you're a runner or other athlete who thinks nothing of slipping out of her work clothes and getting all hot and sweaty, your plan will largely be workable. Otherwise, doing without a vehicle will only work if you live VERY close-in. There are apartments like that locally along the "lake."

More information would help us to help you, though.