Need advice. Moving to Dallas for work from Columbus, OH (Plano: to rent, low crime)

[bimmer5xi]

I am relocating to Dallas for work. We are from Columbus, OH. I have a family of 5. Two of them are in elementary school. The other is still an infant. I am trying to get advice on good areas to raise a family down there. I have been to Dallas a few times and I have family in McKinney area. I love that area but it's pretty pricey. I also have some family in Plano, is this a decent option for families? My budget if I were to buy would be aiming for $200k or less for a home. I prefer not to rent but it may be an option until we get acquanted with the area. If we were to rent I would like to pay $1200 or less per month. Are there any options or areas you'd recommend for this?

Must haves: Good schools, affordable housing, low crime, quieter areas (not super populated like downtown). Relatively easy commute to downtown area.

[numbersguy100]

When you say downtown do you literally mean downtown Dallas, or are you just speaking in general terms? (I've heard people call the Galleria area downtown because it "feels urban"). With your budget and expectations, you are probably going to live a minimum of an hour from downtown.

[TurtleCreek80]

Under $200k + good schools + easy commute to downtown does not exist in Dallas. Under $200k + good schools, regardless of commute time, is almost impossible. What you are looking for costs about $300-350k in the Dallas area.

I'd look at Forney, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, Midlothian. They have average or a little above average schools, are safe, and should be under an hour to downtown.

[JJ09990]

It's a seller's market right now so trying to get a deal is going to be tough right now. Have you spent time on Zillow to get a landscape of the market at your price point?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Where is work going to be? Roughly. That might make a difference in recommendation.