Moving to Texas - Commute help!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Highland Park is a separate city surrounded by Dallas. $800K might get you a small old house, not updated. It has its own police, schools, city gov't. Schools are among the best in the USA.

[bencronin04]

Originally Posted by Love82

Thanks for your response! Most days will be after 7:00. So I think he'll be in the clear.

I think we will definitely rent around UTSW while we build. I was just hoping to get the process rolling before we moved to Texas (at least purchasing a lot and a choosing builder). Perhaps it will be better to explore the areas a bit while living there versus deciding in a few weekend trips to the area that we have planned before the "big move."

We're not opposed to an existing home, but since we plan on staying awhile, there are certain amenities we'd like to add. Hence the new home construction. Forgive me, is Highland Park a neighborhood or city? I've heard drugs are a bit of a problem in Plano schools? Hopefully that's just bad info?

You've been most helpful, thanks again!

Highland Park/University Park are their own cities but share schools. Best public schools in the DFW area as a whole(education, safety, sports etc. etc.). It's an exclusive area any 800K isn't going to get you a TON, but you also haven't stated exactly what you are looking for. I can tell you for 800K, you won't be getting much land let alone house in UP/HP. My wife's bosses just spend 850K for a tear down on lot that is 14K sqft. You may want to look into Southlake. Good schools, great sports, safe and you will get more for your 800K budget.

[Love82]

Thank you all for your responses. I'll look into Highland Park, but I worry it may be too far? To be honest, I've been pretty focused on searching all places north of Dallas. I suppose I should broaden my searches.

I live in OK now, and have spent time in TX over the years. I'm not completely unfamiliar with the lots, some of the areas, etc. Soon-to-be hubby might be in for a bigger shock. He grew up on the east coast, so that's why I was thinking The Colony to give him a little water. I do worry about schools there, though.

I had brushed off Plano, but it seems that might it will be worth a serious look.

Thanks again!

[Love82]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

Highland Park is a separate city surrounded by Dallas. $800K might get you a small old house, not updated. It has its own police, schools, city gov't. Schools are among the best in the USA.

While schools are important, I do want more "house" than we can probably afford there right now. I don't know that I'd be willing to move into a small, old house for that amount of cash! We are both homebodies (when he's not working, at least) so I do want something I can customize and have space to have friends/family over or just hang out around the house and be comfortable.

Thank you!

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by Love82

While schools are important, I do want more "house" than we can probably afford there right now. I don't know that I'd be willing to move into a small, old house for that amount of cash! We are both homebodies (when he's not working, at least) so I do want something I can customize and have space to have friends/family over or just hang out around the house and be comfortable.

Thank you!

Look in North Dallas, Plano School district.
Another idea; Coppell school Dist.

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by Love82

Thanks for your response! Most days will be after 7:00. So I think he'll be in the clear.

I think we will definitely rent around UTSW while we build. I was just hoping to get the process rolling before we moved to Texas (at least purchasing a lot and a choosing builder). Perhaps it will be better to explore the areas a bit while living there versus deciding in a few weekend trips to the area that we have planned before the "big move."

We're not opposed to an existing home, but since we plan on staying awhile, there are certain amenities we'd like to add. Hence the new home construction. Forgive me, is Highland Park a neighborhood or city? I've heard drugs are a bit of a problem in Plano schools? Hopefully that's just bad info?

You've been most helpful, thanks again!

First, the DFW itself is larger than a couple of New England states combined. The area is large. It is hard for an online community to pick a place for you that will be the right fit.

Highland Park and University Park are cities that are surrounded by the City of Dallas, near SMU. They have their own school district that is the best in the DFW area.

Plano did have a drug problem a long time ago. Haven't heard of any real problem now days, and my children attend Plano schools.