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Old 05-23-2008, 11:00 AM
 
1 posts, read 1,444 times
Reputation: 10

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My Wife and I are looking at getting out of California and soon, we want to move to Dallas as it seems to have a high number of jobs available relative to our current situation.

We want to live in a simple but nice area. We don’t want to be in the land of manicured lawns and stepford wives, nor do we wish to be in the latest episode of Cops or Dallas SWAT.

I have seen homes running from several million to 50k. I don’t mind older homes in fact I like them more than modern cookie cutter snap-tite homes. I guess what I am asking about is rock solid middle class, regular joe places that may not always be neat but never dirty. Where 40 to 50k a year pays the bills. And no one cares about the Jones' much less keeping up with them.




I guess what I am saying is I don't understand the real estate market in TX because here 500k gets you a dump in the ghetto.
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Old 05-23-2008, 12:25 PM
 
625 posts, read 1,956,898 times
Reputation: 486
well, let's start with the basics:

What is your budget?

What type of work are you going to be doing? I know you odn't have a job yet, but are you going to be working downtown, working from home? starting a business? How far do you want to live from said workplace.

What do you like to do? Are you a nature person, fine-dining person, like to go to museums person?

Do you have kids? Plano on having kids?

Home, condo, or townhome?

D/FW is really big, so there's something for everyone. Hopefully we can narrow down your options.
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Old 05-23-2008, 12:38 PM
 
35 posts, read 175,570 times
Reputation: 27
If you want to be near the city center, I think Lake Highlands and Garland would meet your description.
The real estate market is extremely different than in California. $500K will get you a small townhouse in University Park or will buy you a 4,000 sf luxury home north of town. South of town, you could get even more for the money.
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Old 05-23-2008, 01:13 PM
 
Location: Dallas: Oak Cliff
473 posts, read 1,568,882 times
Reputation: 262
[quote=tacit_k;3861199

We want to live in a simple but nice area. We don’t want to be in the land of manicured lawns and stepford wives, nor do we wish to be in the latest episode of Cops or Dallas SWAT.

I have seen homes running from several million to 50k. I don’t mind older homes in fact I like them more than modern cookie cutter snap-tite homes. I guess what I am asking about is rock solid middle class, regular joe places that may not always be neat but never dirty. Where 40 to 50k a year pays the bills. And no one cares about the Jones' much less keeping up with them.

I guess what I am saying is I don't understand the real estate market in TX because here 500k gets you a dump in the ghetto.[/quote]

You are describing Oak Cliff and Lakewood. Lakewood would be tight on 40 to 50K per year depending on your other spending habits. Oak Cliff would certainly work. Though as another poster said, much of it will depend on your commute.

Here is a link to some of the neighborhoods in Oak Cliff.

Old Oak Cliff Conservation League
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Old 05-23-2008, 01:34 PM
 
430 posts, read 1,359,312 times
Reputation: 171
Get a job, rent for six months, then find out where you want to live.

You really want to avoid commuting if you can help it.

McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Keller, Rockwall, Arlington come to mind.
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Old 05-23-2008, 04:24 PM
 
6,824 posts, read 14,036,923 times
Reputation: 5754
"McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Keller, Rockwall, Arlington come to mind"


He said no cookie cutter which would eliminate everything but McKinney and Arlington. I know Mckinney has older charming neighborhoods but I am not certain of Arlington. Parts of Oak Cliff, Lake Highlands and Lakewood would be the ticket. For 40-50k a year Oak Cliff would be the winner in my book. Mesquite would be perfect if cookie cutter homes was not a problem.
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Old 05-23-2008, 06:52 PM
 
6,578 posts, read 25,468,083 times
Reputation: 3249
Richardson!
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Old 05-23-2008, 07:13 PM
 
Location: Norcross GA
983 posts, read 4,442,537 times
Reputation: 470
Quote:
Originally Posted by austinnetx View Post
Get a job, rent for six months, then find out where you want to live.

You really want to avoid commuting if you can help it.

McKinney, Frisco, Mesquite, Keller, Rockwall, Arlington come to mind.
Great advise! That's the conclusion I came to also.
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Old 05-29-2008, 08:05 AM
 
Location: Rockwall
2 posts, read 2,381 times
Reputation: 10
I lived in California for 41 years, so I know what you're talking about. I've lived in Rockwall for eight years and love it here. There are lots of nice homes available in the mid 100's and up.
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Old 05-29-2008, 08:20 AM
 
Location: TX
3,041 posts, read 11,889,306 times
Reputation: 1397
The older section of Keller by the post office is very nice near bear creek park NOT cookie cutter. (west of 377 is cookie cutter hell, but that 's ft worth not keller)

The mid cities...hurst, & Bedford
older parts of North Richland Hills, lake Highlands, Richardson, Garland,

There are many many places but first find the job location so you don't spend $$$ on gas and a horrible commute.
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