Potential move (Dallas, Arlington, Bedford: home owners insurance, house, heat pump)

[Jk2tx]

I am looking to move with my family from outside NYC area (northern suburb). I'm curious what it's like coming from NY.

I'm looking into Arlington area. One of my biggest questions is electricity price for a 1500 sq ft house. Also where do people grocery shop? What's the travel like from SW Arlington to downtown Dallas? What's the weather like humidity wise? Also one concern is tornados, how often do you get them?

[4Movingeast]

We have deregulated electricity prices so we could have 10 different homeowners quote you 10 different prices for electricity. Some people average and others take their lumps on the high months. There are many different grocery options in Arlington from Costco to the national grocery chains. Also Sams and Wal Mart for those people that shop there.

We have humid days periodically. I have visited Boston, NYC on several occasions and the weather was nothing to brag about so not sure what all the hang wringing is about when people ask about it on this forum. Now San Diego peeps- they can gripe if they want- that climate is worth missing. Tornadoes can happen in the spring but they are rare despite the fact that we are in "Tornado Alley." I've been through a few and I'm still here to yap so there you go.

Why are you looking at Arlington? It's not a bad community but schools are marginal. There are some nice neighborhoods in West Arlington/Pantego but that puts you further away from Downtown Dallas.

[Jk2tx]

We are looking into Arlington because it's affordable for my budget. I also work for a major bank who has offices in Dallas and Ft Worth.because I figured being in the middle opens opportunity to commute to either depending on where my next career move is after my relocation.

[4Movingeast]

Originally Posted by Jk2tx

We are looking into Arlington because it's affordable for my budget. I also work for a major bank who has offices in Dallas and Ft Worth.because I figured being in the middle opens opportunity to commute to either depending on where my next career move is after my relocation.

Not a bad idea to factor in your next move up the ladder and a possible change in commute. Look into HEB ISD specifically the Bedford Heights attendance area or Hurst/Euless zoned GCISD for better schools and another central location option.

[Allison81]

Schools that feed into Martin HS in West Arlington are good too

[Jk2tx]

Originally Posted by 4Movingeast

Not a bad idea to factor in your next move up the ladder and a possible change in commute. Look into HEB ISD specifically the Bedford Heights attendance area or Hurst/Euless zoned GCISD for better schools and another central location option.

I will look into that area too. Thanks for the advice. The commute is not a real concern for me. It takes me at least an hour if not longer to commute to NYC.

[Jk2tx]

Originally Posted by Allison81

Schools that feed into Martin HS in West Arlington are good too

That the exact area we are looking

[4Movingeast]

Originally Posted by Jk2tx

I will look into that area too. Thanks for the advice. The commute is not a real concern for me. It takes me at least an hour if not longer to commute to NYC.

But if you buy in the right area there is no need to do that here, and you can have that time back with your family.

[WorldKlas]

For a 1600 square foot house...If the house is all electric and has updated HVAC (heat pump pref) expect to average about $200/mo in electricity and about $100 for trash collection and water. Also don't forget we have vey high property taxes and home owners insurance. Budget about $400/month for taxes and about $200/month for homeowners insurance.

SW Arlington in the Martin HS feeder district is a pretty bad commute to downtown Dallas -- expect about 50 minutes. You would do better in Euless for commute...

[Jk2tx]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

For a 1600 square foot house...If the house is all electric and has updated HVAC (heat pump pref) expect to average about $200/mo in electricity and about $100 for trash collection and water. Also don't forget we have vey high property taxes and home owners insurance. Budget about $400/month for taxes and about $200/month for homeowners insurance.

SW Arlington in the Martin HS feeder district is a pretty bad commute to downtown Dallas -- expect about 50 minutes. You would do better in Euless for commute...

I was reading the water and trash collection is included with the electric bill is that true