Considering a Move to complete my Texas Triangle (Houston, Dallas: real estate, apartments)

[tc1209]

That is not really the reason. But, I am considering a move to big D after spending most my life in the San Antonio area and the last four years in Houston. So, I don’t know much about Dallas and the neighborhoods so I though this forum would be a good place to get some ideas on where I would enjoy myself and my surroundings.

About myself:
-I'm a "young professional" (mid-late 20's).
-I have family in Dallas (mostly Addison).
-Friends in Dallas, mostly rowlette(sp?) and some if Ft. Worth.
-I like to be outside with my dog, or mountain biking, or road biking, or running, or golfing.
-I probably would not buy right away but do own a home now. The conundrum there would be to keep and rent or sale.
-I'm not really all about the night life but do go out a couple times a month and I do love me some good food close by (within 3 miles, closer the better)
-I'm on the more conservative end when it comes to living expenses. So, using my rule for rent/mortgage(incl. Insurance and taxes) and using the salary for this particular possible job my range would be $1,600-$2,000 per month. By the way, my rule is 28% of take home pay.
-I would be working close to downtown Dallas with this particular job, the general area is the corner of I30 and I75 (North of I30 and East of I75)
-I have done the whole hour commute thing and that just baffles me how people put up with that. I will not do that. (I realize kids change things but I don’t have those, at least none that I'm aware of)
-Ideally the commute would be under 30 minutes each way.
-My house now isn’t in the best part of Houston (currently) but the area has ridiculous potential so I’m alright with a transitional area.

I know the young people mecca is uptown. I haven’t spent much time in uptown but I'm not sure If bro-ville is where I want to be. But i do like to be around people my age. but then again my neighborhood now is mostly older white and younger Hispanic with more and more young to mid professional type with young children moving in every day.

So now I turn it over to ya'll, my humble forum compadres. I’m ready for all of your Dallas real estate/demographic/trend forecasting expertise.

[tc1209]

Oh, and If I rent there is no way I am going to pay $1,600 a month to rent a one bedroom apartment. Thats just 28% multiplied by the take home pay of the salary range I was given. Rental range for an apartment I would be comfortable with is closer to $900-$1,300

[Adamson865]

Apt complex I'm in near Walnut Hill & Central Expressway runs in the upper 900s for a 1/1, and in the 1000-1150 range for a 2/1 or 2/2. You can find something in your range, but you'll need to look carefully because the apartments in the hip what's happening parts of town are sky-high.

[tc1209]

and Do you like that part of town? Whats it like? Does this area of town have a name?

[RonnieinDallas]

Since your job is in downtown, and you're new to Dallas I would focus on neighborhoods close to downtown, or maybe even consider downtown itself. It is definitely a good idea to rent first, and decide what's right.

Uptown (75204) is pretty expensive like Midtown Houston prices ($2 a square foot), considering that a 1 bedroom is generally at least 600 sq ft, you'll be looking at the top of your budget. Most of the buildings in Uptown are managed by Gables or Post properties.

Downtown (75201 75202) has more variety in the types of buildings available. There's lots of loft conversions, and historic buildings. Mercantile Place

The Design District (75207) is a little cheaper than Uptown, but the rents have gone up there too.

Oak Lawn (75219) is another option to consider, but you almost have to drive around that neighborhood and check for signs to find a deal. The newer buildings in Oak Lawn are just as expensive as Uptown.

Knox/Henderson (75205) is a really good area, and the Henderson side has a lot of new buildings.

East Dallas/M Streets (75214 75206) is also a short commute to downtown and there are some good places to explore and walkable streets. Power Properties are really popular and all unique.

[Adamson865]

Originally Posted by tc1209

and Do you like that part of town? Whats it like? Does this area of town have a name?

I work nearby so that's why I chose it. I've been here two months - moved from Austin so I don't have a "Texas Triangle" yet, just a "Texas Straight Line". What the name is depends on who you ask - I think Google Maps calls it "Vickery Meadows", but I've also heard it referred to generically as Northeast Dallas. It's near the expressway so it's easy to zip up to Plano & Richardson or into town for stuff, it's within walking distance of a light rail station, and I'm within spitting distance of a massive hospital should I fall over one day of old age.

[tc1209]

Thanks for all the Info, Ronnie.Very helpful. Just looked through all the power properties and it looks like most of them, if not all, dont allow dogs larger than 50lbs. My dog is 70lbs. I may have to put her on a stricter diet and more aggressive workout plan. Sucks because all those places look awesome and would be really close to work. Is the White Rock Creek Trail nice? on Google maps it looks like its pretty long?

[tc1209]

And Thank you rah for the further explanation of your area. I looked it up on google maps and it seems like you are pretty centrally located. It looks like it wouldnt be too bad of a commute. Do you know how long it would take to get downtown during rush hour?

[Adamson865]

Originally Posted by tc1209

And Thank you rah for the further explanation of your area. I looked it up on google maps and it seems like you are pretty centrally located. It looks like it wouldnt be too bad of a commute. Do you know how long it would take to get downtown during rush hour?

I have no idea - I work a few blocks from where I live, and haven't gone downtown yet.

[RonnieinDallas]

Originally Posted by tc1209

Thanks for all the Info, Ronnie.Very helpful. Just looked through all the power properties and it looks like most of them, if not all, dont allow dogs larger than 50lbs. My dog is 70lbs. I may have to put her on a stricter diet and more aggressive workout plan. Sucks because all those places look awesome and would be really close to work. Is the White Rock Creek Trail nice? on Google maps it looks like its pretty long?

I didn't know your dog was that big. 20lbs sounds like a lot of weight for a dog to lose. Is it a big breed or obese?

Anyway, I don't think most places check the dogs weight or even look at them, but it's probably best to follow the rules. Some of the complexes in the Village allow dogs up to 65lbs. The Villages have a lot of younger people living there, and they are located within a reasonable commute to downtown. There's also a DART station nearby.