Good neighborhoods downtown commute

[DJ_Roch]

We just did this exploration a few weeks ago as I work now in LA for a firm based in downtown Dallas. Our budget is also similar. I grew up in Carrollton.

In short, Richardson, Lake Highlands, and Lakewood are your best bets. We also like Preston Hollow, but requires more budget and the school selection is different (mostly private). There also is a new community called Mercer Crossing in west Carrollton that might work off Luna.

I would not do Plano anymore - the tollway commute is just too tough now.

fyi, Lake Highlands was our favorite spot. We like the location and price point. It was very neighborhoody with lots of support for LHHS on lawns. Funny as I never even went to that area of Dallas growing up there in the mid-90s.

[mastershake575]

Originally Posted by WorldKlas

I think a very desirable high school with decent proximity to downtown is Richardson’s J.J. Pearce HS. Your realtor can do a search by high school.

JJ Pearce with the Topic creators budget (800K) would get him a great house in Canyon Creek, Prairie Creek, or the Reservation. All 3 are extremely desireable older tree lined neighborhoods that are seeing tons of tear down activity

Commute would be good since your south of George Bush and you could even take the Arapaho Station dart train to get to downtown if you didn't want to deal with traffic/driving (Arapaho Station to downtown would be 27-31 minutes depending on which downtown stop you get off on)

[melman06]

Hi texstout,

Would your neighbor mind if you forwarded me her webpage/contact/VRBO info about the short term rental house? We are thinking this is a better path for us considering the circumstances. Thanks so much for all the advice and information. I have explored other areas in Dallas and it has been quite enlightening. Thanks again!

[melman06]

Thanks DJ_Roch! Was there a particular area you liked in Richardson? We are hoping to be visiting in a month or so. Although, circumstances could mean moving in a month or so.

Not sure when you are moving, but I will keep you up on our adventure, maybe it can help you. Seems like we are looking for something similar.

[hbdwihdh378y9]

Originally Posted by NP78

2. Lake Highlands - Specifically check out the White Rock Valley area. Very nice neighborhood with a short commute to downtown.

I would avoid White Rock Valley. You'll pay a $150,000 premium because the area is zoned to White Kids Elementary, er, White Rock Elementary. And the commute to downtown isn't any faster than that from parts of Lake Highland to the north that use Skillman rather than Northwest Highway.

I can leave Lake Highland High School at 8:40 and get to the Federal Courthouse by 9:00 a.m. Now, I can't park, walk to the front door of the courthouse, go through security (twice), and get to the courtroom by 9:00 a.m, but the drive is usually just less than 20 minutes.

There are lots of great neighborhoods inside 635 where you can find something nice in your price range. If you're commuting to downtown, there's no reason to live beyond 635 other than financial constraints that price you out of neighborhoods with good elementaries inside the loop.


P.S. -- There are a ton of public tennis courts in and around Lake Highlands, including 16 courts on Merriman Parkway and eight courts at the high school that are open to the public outside of school hours (and matches).