What part of Dallas to live in? - Dallas bound single mom (Plano: wood floors)

[Azure1]

I have made a similar post before, but this time, I want to know what part of Dallas YOU would put us in. If you read my previous post, ignore what areas I have been looking at. I want to know if there is an area that might be good for us, that I have not considered. So, for this, lets start from scratch!

I am a widowed, caucasian, in my early/mid 30's, and hold a Masters degree. I have two children, ages 2 and 4. I am relocating to Dallas in August. I am looking for suggestions as to exact location/area of Dallas. I am able to spend up to 1 Mil, but prefer to stay under 500K, if the area will demand private schools. I would love to use Catholic schools, so I do not see a bad public school as a negative in my search process. For now, I will not be working, so there is no commute to take into consideration.
- I want to live in at least an upper middle class area. As I do not know many people there, I want to be able to easily meet similar people, especially other moms and families.
- The area needs to have a good community feel, be easy to meet people, and have good extracurricular activities for children. (Not looking for anything out of the ordinary, just t-ball, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, etc.)
- I will note that the idea of being too far from downtown Dallas concerns me, in that, for example: What if I go to dinner downtown and leave the children with a babysitter. Something happens, and I have to get home - a 30-45 min commute back to my children would be terrible! But maybe my fears are unfounded?
- I will need a 3 or 4 br house, with some grass, at least enough for the children to play in the backyard. I will need a house that is updated, or that I can update - I can not live without wood floors, granite, etc. Obviously, new would also be ok.

Open to and appreciate all comments and suggestions! Thank you in advance!

[TrueDat]

What about Kessler Park? It has phenomenal architecture, is 10 minutes from downtown in what may be topographically the prettiest part of Dallas (some homes even have hillside views of downtown Dallas that are pretty amazing), there's a good community feel, and the area surrounding it -- with the Bishop Arts District, the Methodist Hospital expansion, and the new trolley running from downtown that's supposed to be finished next year -- is getting ready to boom. Definitely would have to use private schools though.

Kessler Neighbors United

[TurtleCreek80]

Preston Hollow and North Dallas neighborhoods that are south of 635/ west of Hillcrest/ north of Northwest Hwy/ east of Marsh. Homes are less expensive west of Inwood and you can easily find an updated 3000+ sf home on a .3-.5 acre lot in the $500-700k range there. Tons of kid activities, casual family restaurants, & a great YMCA there. Preston Hollow has a great mom's group for parents with kids under 5. The private schools and church also provide many activities to make friends and stay busy with volunteer work, parents events, kids programmig, etc.


Added benefit is the bulk of the Catholic schools are in this zone. They are much less expensive than the other privates in Dallas, less than $10k per child (and discounts for additional children if you are Catholic) vs $20k+ for the top non-Catholic privates. Most all of the Catholic schools in North Dallas are VERY well-regarded academically.

You're about 15 minutes from downtown in this area (weekend / evening, not rush hour). There aren't many restaurants downtown; but the arts district is there if you are a regular theatre / symphony / Musuem goer. The hot areas for restaurants & nightlife are mainly in Uptown, North Oak Cliff, & Knox-Henderson. All are within 20ish minutes drive. Unless you're planning on going out 5 nights a week, the chance of a true emergency (not just a kid throwing up) which would call you back home is slim. Like almost 0. There are also PLENTY of good restaurants within 5-10 minutes of PH/ND (Neighborhood Services, The Mercury, Shin Sei, Bijoux, TJ's, etc), plus great spots to grab lunch with a girlfriend or two. You probably won't find yourself heading into downtown often unless you're a huge arts patron.

[Squirl]

These days West Plano is the go to place for a reason -- schools and shopping being the biggest draw...however:

If I wanted a neighborhood with newer houses, I would look in the LaVallita area of Las Colinas (zip code 75039) for proximity to Catholic schools and the city, even the public schools there are good.

If I wanted a more established area and was fully committed to private schools, I would look in Dallas proper and look around the Disney streets, or Preston Hollow area. While I like Kessler Park, I just prefer to stay north of Hwy 30 and south of hwy 635.....

If you are willing to go to the top of your budget, the Park Cities is always a good investment.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Squirl

If I wanted a neighborhood with newer houses, I would look in the LaVallita area of Las Colinas for proximity to Catholic schools and the city, even the public schools there are good.

They are also breaking ground on a brand new subdivision across from La Villita on the canal that should be below $500k.
It looks like it should be a nice development if she has time to build.

[JTC Mom]

Preston Hollow is good advice - close to St. Rita's, St. Monica's or Christ the King, depending on exactly where you land. Personally I would choose M-streets zoned to Stonewall Jackson school (75206). It has a slightly more urban "vibe" than PH and has a lots of kids, a community feel, and is convenient to many restaurants, shopping, downtown, DART, etc. and you would have at least two good school choices...Stonewall Jackson public elementary school is very good and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic school is very close. Good luck to you!

[Johnhw2]

W. Plano is a good option for you where public schools are great and new restaurants are near by. Its no where near Dallas hot restaurant spots but can hold it own for my taste buds and lack of interest in who is dining at spot x or that I dine in the newest hot spot. You can find something fitting your preferred budget and not have private school cost. So if you want an option where private is not required give it a look.

Welcome to Tx!