Is anyone familiar with Decatur, GA? (Dallas, Fort Worth: leasing, houses, neighborhood)

[slowjig]

Hi, everyone:

We just went under contract here in Decatur, GA, and plan to move to Dallas. I'll need to commute to downtown, and my husband will need to drive to DFW regularly. We plan on leasing until we know the area.

I'm really interested in a neighborhood that feels like Decatur: small town, varied houses (read: I'd prefer not to live in a subdivision), parks, stores, coffee shops, festivals, etc., all within walking distance from home. Good schools and good cops.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Eastender67]

How about Decatur again? Texas, that is. It's located just NNW of Fort Worth and fits the description of your ideal town to a "T". Population of about 16,000, 45 minutes drive from Dallas, even closer to DFW. All you'll have to do is change the state name and the ZIP code on your stationary and you could say "Well, I've lived in Decatur all my life".
Decatur, Texas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Well, I tried.

[grindin]

Are you talking about something similar to Decatur as in an Inner Ring suburb with a vibrant downtown area and access to mass transit? In that case, Downtown Decatur reminds me somewhat of Lakewood in Dallas. Or the Bishop Arts District, which is sort of like Virginia-Highland or L5P in Atlanta. It's convinient to DT Dallas. Decatur, TX is a good hour or so from Dallas.

[slowjig]

Originally Posted by grindin

Are you talking about something similar to Decatur as in an Inner Ring suburb with a vibrant downtown area and access to mass transit? In that case, Downtown Decatur reminds me somewhat of Lakewood in Dallas. Or the Bishop Arts District, which is sort of like Virginia-Highland or L5P in Atlanta. It's convinient to DT Dallas. Decatur, TX is a good hour or so from Dallas.

You nailed it! Where's the Bishop Arts District? We're going to be looking for a housing lease at first, since we'll be moving in the next month.

[5stones]

For Close to Downtown....
Lakewood area, Lake highlands area, (pretty much the area near White rock lake) University park and Highland park ($$$ but you might find a nice rental)
I believe th bishops arts district is in Oak Cliff... you can see pics in the Oak cliff photo thread. Some great architecture there!


FOr closer to DFW...
since it's in the suburbs areas without "planned subdivisions" will be harder to find...
And walkable areas etc...
But Grapevine is right next to DFW and has a very nice old downtown area

Hurst and Bedford might also be worth checking out.

[Lakewooder]

grindin I have always felt 'at home' in Virginia-Highlands in Atlanta -- very like Lakewood!

[$DFW8$]

Decatur would definitely fit what you want. It is a fast growing suburb, so it has many housing options available. As far as shopping and dining, Decatur has alot of stores and restaurants and a TON more coming. It is only 45 minutes from Dallas, 25 minutes from Ft. Worth, and 30 minutes from DFW. I commute to Downtown Dallas from Decatur everyday and it's a very easy and fast commute(about 45 minutes). The schools are great as well.

[loves2read]

I don't think someone really wants a 45 minute commute each way to work...
there is a world of difference between Decature TX and Lakewood area of Dallas
not just a 45 min drive

[billdfw]

Very funny to suggest that they live in Decatur, TX since they are coming from Decatur, GA.

The Georgia town sounds like it is a close, urban neighborhood, which is completely opposite of the Texas town, which is a rurual community outside DFW. While the Texas town may be nice, it is not what the OP is looking for, plus I think it would be an 1hr+ commute to Dallas.

I agree that the OP should check out East Dallas and Lakewood. There are plenty of rentals there to try it out and look for permanent housing. The zip codes you should look at are 75206 & 75214.

Also, despite some peoples advice, STAY AWAY from Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff and anything else south of Interestate 30 in Dallas, unless you like living in a war zone.

[$DFW8$]

Originally Posted by billdfw

Very funny to suggest that they live in Decatur, TX since they are coming from Decatur, GA.

The Georgia town sounds like it is a close, urban neighborhood, which is completely opposite of the Texas town, which is a rurual community outside DFW. While the Texas town may be nice, it is not what the OP is looking for, plus I think it would be an 1hr+ commute to Dallas.

I agree that the OP should check out East Dallas and Lakewood. There are plenty of rentals there to try it out and look for permanent housing. The zip codes you should look at are 75206 & 75214.

Also, despite some peoples advice, STAY AWAY from Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff and anything else south of Interestate 30 in Dallas, unless you like living in a war zone.

What Decatur are you talking about because the one in Texas is exactly what they are wanting. Even Eastender67 agrees that Decatur, Texas fits their description of what they want to a "T". It is only a 45-50 minute drive to Dallas, as I would know because I do it everyday, where as you DON'T. You obviously know NOTHING about Decatur. Decatur was once a small rural town about 10 years ago. It is similar to Frisco in that they were both small suburbs about 10 years ago, but now have had explosive growth and alot bigger.

It is sad that there are people like you(billdfw and many others) on here that post inaccurate information. It really ruins it for the people who are trying to find out information.