It may be time to start a new chapter in my life... (Dallas: low crime, new home)

[SpeedyAZ]

That's the one thing that I'm weary about. I've heard that many of the builders of those cheaper homes had some major quality issues. Since my budget allows, I'll likely be looking for something above that price point.

My head is spinning from all the possibilities in Dallas. There are so many great cities and suburbs to chose from that it's quite hard to narrow it down. I'd like to stay in a more upscale area but not in any area that is considered "snobby". I have that problem in Scottsdale and I'm sick of the negativety.

I've really heard great things about Plano, Southlake, Colleyville, and the Park cities. I'm leaning toward Plano because it's larger but I'm more than open to any suggestions. The Park Cities seem to be out of my price range and I don't know how I'd like living in the city instead of in a suburb.

[KantLockeMeIn]

If you are going to work in Richardson, definitely go for Firewheel. You'd be minutes from the office, and you'd have 3 or 4 routes to choose from without having to even hop on a highway.

Plus, you're just as close to shopping and dining. For those trips downtown, without traffic I've found it to be around 25-30 minutes... so when you decide to see the Mavs or Stars, you're not too far.

[Guingirl]

Don't discount Fort Worth as well. The whole Metroplex is great. I personally researched over a year looking at properties every day. I drove my agent nuts and ended up deciding to build our dream home.

I understand that it is a lot to take in. You need to come out and drive around the neighborhoods to get a feel of what exactly you are looking for.

Fossil Creek is a really nice course. There is another one over at Eagle Mountain Lake, but haven't ventured there yet.

I really like the Los Colinas area as well and there is the TPC over there at the Four Seasons which is hosting the Byron Nelson this weekend.

[sonshinelife]

Castle Hills would probably be between Ft. Worth and Richardson somewhat. It is located in Carrollton right off the 121 Tollway which I believe goes all the way through Ft. Worth with the airport being off Hwy 121. You could take the George Bush Tollway to either Richardson or Ft. Worth( I think the George Bush goes as far as Ft. Worth) as well. No matter what you do, you will want to get a tolltag... life is much easier if you have this. If you don't you are looking at least an hour if not more on the regular high way system.

[Synopsis]

I have a question. What exactly is "Firewheel?" I know that it's a mall in Garland, but it is not an actual city (is it?). I keep seeing references to it, and don't remember ever hearing the name "Firewheel" until recently. Again, I realize that it's an "area" in Garland but it sounds to me like Las Colinas, which is not really a city proper but an area within Irving city limits. Someone enlighten me please. Strange name for a residential area, IMO...

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by SpeedyAZ

That's the one thing that I'm weary about. I've heard that many of the builders of those cheaper homes had some major quality issues. Since my budget allows, I'll likely be looking for something above that price point.

My head is spinning from all the possibilities in Dallas. There are so many great cities and suburbs to chose from that it's quite hard to narrow it down. I'd like to stay in a more upscale area but not in any area that is considered "snobby". I have that problem in Scottsdale and I'm sick of the negativety.

I've really heard great things about Plano, Southlake, Colleyville, and the Park cities. I'm leaning toward Plano because it's larger but I'm more than open to any suggestions. The Park Cities seem to be out of my price range and I don't know how I'd like living in the city instead of in a suburb.

I live in Plano in a "golf course community" called Chase Oaks. I don't know much about the course itself (we don't play golf -bought the house from some friends of ours just 'cause we liked it!) The golf course is actually owned now by the city of Allen. It's a pretty area right off Hwy 75 and Legacy in Plano. The house prices run from about $255,000 to $400,000 I would say. Different builders. The houses are about 15 years old. It's a nice area with lots of mature trees. I think it would be worth your time to take a look.

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

I have a question. What exactly is "Firewheel?" I know that it's a mall in Garland, but it is not an actual city (is it?). I keep seeing references to it, and don't remember ever hearing the name "Firewheel" until recently. Again, I realize that it's an "area" in Garland but it sounds to me like Las Colinas, which is not really a city proper but an area within Irving city limits. Someone enlighten me please. Strange name for a residential area, IMO...

Originally, Firewheel was just a municipal golf course and a single subdivision (Firewheel Farms). Over time, the golf course and neighborhood have expanded. With the addition of the Firewheel mall, the entire area has become "Firewheel".

A Firewheel is a type of wildflower: http://www.plantsofthesouthwest.com/cgi-bin/plantview.cgi?_recordnum=1109 (broken link)

[GoPadge]

Originally Posted by sonshinelife

You could take the George Bush Tollway to either Richardson or Ft. Worth( I think the George Bush goes as far as Ft. Worth) as well. No matter what you do, you will want to get a tolltag... life is much easier if you have this.

The GB turns into 161 and drops you onto 183 one or two exits east of 360. But that will get you to Fort Worth. And you are correct that a tolltag is a nice thing to have. The tolls are cheaper for TollTag users, and there is the speed advantage for passing the tollbooths.

Originally Posted by agoodcoitus

In North Texas you are either Dallissssssss oriented or Fotwurth oriented. The difference is like the diffence between the day and night.

Think of Dallas as the last outpost of the South and Fort Worth as the first outpost of the West and you'll recognize the differences.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by TriumphOfTheSprint

Originally, Firewheel was just a municipal golf course and a single subdivision (Firewheel Farms). Over time, the golf course and neighborhood have expanded. With the addition of the Firewheel mall, the entire area has become "Firewheel".

A Firewheel is a type of wildflower: http://www.plantsofthesouthwest.com/cgi-bin/plantview.cgi?_recordnum=1109 (broken link)

Thanks, it must be growing rapidly. It seems like I hear about it on the radio quite a bit, and now, on these forums. I didn't know it was a type of flower - thanks again for the info.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by GoPadge

The tolls are cheaper for TollTag users, and there is the speed advantage for passing the tollbooths.

No to mention free short term parking at the ariports (Love and DFW) without the need to mess with those gates. I love that.