New to Dallas, house vs apartment (Lancaster, Princeton: apartments, renting, neighborhoods)

[buttersh]

My husband and I (both mid 20s) are moving to Dallas in the next 2 months. He received a job offer down there and I plan to get one once we have moved. His job will require mostly driving travel so we are not necessarily limited by commute times but would like to be within 30-45 minutes of Dallas.

We would like to stay under $1000 a month if possible. Initially we were looking at apartments in North Dallas since we have a 60 lb pit bull and saw there was a fairly large park with dog park in that area. Since both of us are new to Dallas (moving from Virginia Beach) we thought an apartment might be the way to go. After giving it a little more thought we'd also be interested in renting a house, maybe in not as nice of an area, but with a yard for our dog.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[WorldKlas]

Originally Posted by buttersh

My husband and I (both mid 20s) are moving to Dallas in the next 2 months. He received a job offer down there and I plan to get one once we have moved. His job will require mostly driving travel so we are not necessarily limited by commute times but would like to be within 30-45 minutes of Dallas.

We would like to stay under $1000 a month if possible. Initially we were looking at apartments in North Dallas since we have a 60 lb pit bull and saw there was a fairly large park with dog park in that area. Since both of us are new to Dallas (moving from Virginia Beach) we thought an apartment might be the way to go. After giving it a little more thought we'd also be interested in renting a house, maybe in not as nice of an area, but with a yard for our dog.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

You would have to drive pretty far out to find a house under $1000/mo. You will need a private owner because your dog's breed will not be allowed at corporate owned communities. Perhaps look in Princeton, TX or Lancaster, Tx.

[buttersh]

I should clarify, her papers do not name her as a pit bull, rather a Labrador/Weimaraner mix so breed restrictions wouldn't be a big deal..

[bencronin04]

She may not be listed as one, but if you move into an apartment be ready for other residents to report you.

[jennifw]

I would start with an apartment. like someone else said, you have to go pretty far out for a house without significantly increasing your budget. an apartment will give you a chance to get a feel for where you might want to be.

[Peter5457]

i think many dog parks may have restrictions permitting aggressive breeds at dog parks. I dont own a dog but even i can see how this would be a good idea.

[Parenting101]

Princeton and Farmersville are very affordable and pit bull friendly. Not great towns but within your budget.

[shakilahmed]

If you both work together, who will look at to your dog. I feel terrible whe the dog alone in the house. Or you need a friendly neighbor to look at to your dog. You need a house.

[blackgem]

I will send you a private message about the wonders of this place.

[LeavingMA]

You didn't mention having any kids, so I would start with an apartment if you can get around the dog issue. Try an apartment for a year and get used to your area and other areas. If you decide to buy later on you will know the neighborhoods and areas you like better.