Looking for a good area to live in Dallas (Fort Worth: for sale, foreclosures)

[canadian girl]

I'm looking for information about a good area to live in Dallas. We'd like a new home (budget of about $175,000) in an area with good schools and low crime. I'm hoping to get a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas so I need to know about commute times as well.

[Lakewooder]

I don't know about new homes but Lake Highlands is adjacent to the hospital and I think you might find something there for that price -- Brian?

I can't remember all those zips but I believe 75243 is one.

Everything inside North and East Dallas is appreciating well. The new homes in that price range (which would probably be very far out and outside "The Great Wall of LBJ") are the ones most vulnerable to foreclosures and prices falling.

[turnbun]

75243 is the zip in Lake Highlands closest to Presby. I'm not sure if you can find a home in that zip for $175k, though. You can find a home in Lake Highlands not far from Presby for that price, mainly in the L Streets and such, maybe White Rock Valley?, but you won't find new homes for that price -- they'll be around 30 - 40 years old.
I like Lake Highlands a lot, and find it to be a very close-knit, friendly area with good schools (Richardson ISD) with the exception of one or two. People chat in the grocery store, get to know their neighbors, spend lots of time in the parks, etc. There are a lot of positive improvements going on in the area, too, and property values are going to keep climbing where values in some of the suburbs are stagnant or going down.
I'm not sure where you could look to find a brand new home for that price that doesn't present a commuting nightmare.
Sorry I'm not much help on the new home info!

Edited to add: Make sure when looking in 75243, you are only looking at homes that are south of 635 and feed into Moss Haven Elem. and Lake Highlands HS (NOT Berkner!).

[canadian girl]

What is everyone's opinion of Denton for raising a family? I could always work at a hospital there if it is a good area.

[canadian girl]

Originally Posted by canadian girl

I'm looking for information about a good area to live in Dallas. We'd like a new home (budget of about $175,000) in an area with good schools and low crime. I'm hoping to get a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas so I need to know about commute times as well.

What is Blacksmith Drive like? I saw a nice house for sale there but need to know what the area is like.

[nsumner]

Are you talking about Blacksmith Drive in Seagoville or Garland?

Naima

[canadian girl]

Originally Posted by nsumner

Are you talking about Blacksmith Drive in Seagoville or Garland?

Naima

Blacksmith Drive in Garland

[ChristieP]

Look at thehospitals in Fort Worth. I work in the industry, and if you're a nurse, there are LOTS of opportunities!!

Denton is also good, and their Presbyterian Hospital is brand new and very nice. Lots of affordable houses around Denton, too. (Can't comment on the schools, though.)

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by canadian girl

Blacksmith Drive in Garland

That is a pretty good area that is kind of tucked away but easy access to get to just about anywhere. Hwy 190 is close by as is SuperTarget, SuperWalmart, Sam's Club, LifeTime Fitness, Hawaiian Falls WaterPark, Winters Field (soccer fields) and other shopping dining. The homes are not that old and seems to be fairly well kept up.