Moving to Dallas -- suggestions on neighborhoods close to top private schools? (Plano: real estate market, new home)

[MSPMom]

I've been reading the posts on this site for several months and have learned so much about Dallas. My family is relocating to the area in a few months and we're frantically trying to figure out neighborhoods, schools, amenities, etc.

Like many people, we initially decided on McKinney, Allen or Frisco until we realized that these are pretty far from all the private schools in North Dallas. Our daughter is almost 2 and we hope to send her to a great private school in North Dallas in the next couple years (Lamplighter, Hockaday, ESD, etc). I realize it seems early to be deciding on this, but we want to buy a home that we'll stay in for a long time -- so location matters a lot. Plus, I'm expecting our second child this fall.

So, I contacted an agent and expressed my interest in Lakewood, Lake Highlands and possibly West Plano. I get the feeling that he still wants us to consider the far north suburbs. We want a nice neighborhood with mature trees, nice trails, a community vibe, and a relatively short drive to my daughter's school. We're willing to spend up to $500K (but hopefully less). Is Lakewood/Lake Highlands reasonable based on our needs? Should we be more open to the suburbs? Any other areas close to 75 we should consider?

I should also mention that we need at least 4 bedrooms, given the size of our family. Thanks so much for your help!

[momof2dfw]

If you called a realtor that lives in the "bubble" then find another one that is willing to venture out a bit more. You would be CRAZY to locate to those far burbs if your already intending on sending your children to the more well established private schools that are located in Dallas.

Based on what your families wants are I'd say that you will be MUCH happier in the Lake Highlands or Lakewood area and even a few others. Anything pretty much along Midway Road from LBJ southward to Northwest Highway as well. These are all going to have homes w/in your budget and from every size and style out there. It is also a tighter real estate market closer into Dallas especially now w/ the gas prices going up. I would be more open to areas south of LBJ vs out in the far flung burbs if you already know where most of your driving on a daily basis is going to be centered.

Good luck

[nsumner]

Munger Place, Caruth Terrace and Perry Heights are some of the few neighborhoods in and around Lakewood that are wonderful. The lots are large but the older homes don't have a garage if that is important to you. Very few owners have added one, usually detached.

Lake Highlands is a different story, with more homes to choose from such as White Rock areas, the "L" streets, and most homes are from the late 50s to early 70s.

I think that may be you want to narrow the school that you like best and your work's commute then find the right neighborhood for you.

Naima

[pepper131]

I think you are looking in the right areas.

I remember when we were looking for a home a while back, my brother-in-law (a realtor) gave us a referral to a realtor in Allen or Plano. Either way, I was explaining what I'd like in terms of a home style and threw the words "Arts and Crafts style home" out there....this guy had no clue what I was talking about!!! He only had knowledge of new homes in the burbs.

If you like a closer-in area, you may need to find a realtor who specializes in the area - it made a difference to me. Someone who knew this street is better than that street, etc.

BTW - add Greenhill and St Alcuin to your list of schools. And w/in Lakewood, there's Lakehill.

[austinnetx]

I have friends whose kids go to Hockaday and St Marks. They ended up moving closer in along Midway and Inwood after a few years. Some of the moms were driving 2-3 hours day.

One alternative to look at is a tear down and rebuild as well.

I would go to these areas and drive around looking for realtor signs and call them and find a buyers agent you like and let her help you out. At that price point you should be able to get personalized service.

[Lakewooder]

Only a few private schools can beat the public schools in North, East (Lakewood) and Northeast (Lake Highlands) Dallas. Some are the ones mentioned here, but Lakehill is not one of them. If you want to be close to those you will probably have to live in North Dallas south of LBJ, which is a very expensive area. Lake Highlands might work as well (fairly easy access to North Dallas) and is less expensive than North Dallas or Lakewood. Most Lakewood people don't like to go to North Dallas.

Just don't let the Realtor steer you far up north into the traffic nightmare.

[unexpected]

yea, if you have already decided to send a 2 year old to private schol, your want to focus on these three schools

1) Greenhill
2) Hockaday
3) Ursuline

Replace hockaday and ursuline with St. Marks and Jesuit if you have a boy.

That being said, I don't know where you're moving from, but the public education system around here is really, really good in some places. $20k tuition x 12 years = $240k dollars.

Don't move to West Plano if you're intent on going to a private school in dallas. You're going to drive yourself crazy with 2 - 3 hours driving a day, and then when your child turns 16, you're going to drive yourself crazy b/c you're going to worry about them negotiating rush hour traffic.

I'd center my search around Lake Highlands.

[pepper131]

Originally Posted by unexpected

That being said, I don't know where you're moving from, but the public education system around here is really, really good in some places. $20k tuition x 12 years = $240k dollars.

Isn't that the truth!! A friend of mine is thrilled that her son got into Booker T - Arts Magnet and now she can save that 20k/year she was paying at Greenhill.

[Lakewooder]

Greenhill is quite a trek from most places. Yes if you can get into one of these schools you can save your money: America's Top Public High Schools | Newsweek Best High Schools | Newsweek.com Booker T. is not listed because of certain magnet school restrictions. But last year they had 3 presidential scholars.

I would say St. Mark's and Hockaday are the tops. Public schools often match the others with National Merit Semi-finalists. I would rank Ursuline (girls) a bit above Jesuit (boys). ESD is pretty social and Parish is coming up. Greenhilll has a bit of a reputation for being liberal if that is a concern.

Ballpark avg/median home prices are over $600K in North Dallas inside LBJ (one report had 29% appreciation last year) around $200K for greater LH (although I am sure it is more in certain elementaries), $400K M-Streets (in Stonewall Jackson Elementary), $500K in Lakewood Elementary.

[billdfw]

You can't compare a Hockaday/St. Marks to a public school, no matter how good the public school is. It's like comparing Harvard to UNT. No comparasion.

If you can afford to send your kids to the best schools around, then go for it. They can still get a great education at some public schools in the metroplex, but it will not be the same.

As for location, the neighborhoods just south of 635 and centered around Midway are more reasonably priced and would be close.