Relocation advice for a commuting young professional (Dallas, Fort Worth: apartment, lease)

[tpat]

Hey everyone! I've previously asked the Dallas forum for feedback on this issue; and as I've heard the two metro areas can be very different, I'm hoping for some perspective from those of you in the Fort Worth area as well.

I'm a single, 25-year-old male who will be relocating to the DFW area from Louisiana for work. My work will involve periodically travelling to area high schools for college recruiting, many of which are located in the northern part of Dallas (Highland Park through Plano) and also in the southwest part of Fort Worth.

When I'm not on the road, I'll be working from home, so I'd like to find an attractive, affordable area to live with a manageable commute. I'm looking to rent and would like to stay under $750 a month (apartment/duplex). I'd like an area with other young professionals and singles, safe, clean, with a decent amount of local activities or accessibility to such, and perhaps accessible to good high schools so I could expand my recruiting base. Feel free to DM me with any apartment suggestions.

Geographically speaking, it seems like it would make sense to live somewhere in between; but let me know areas that, all things considered, you might recommend. I'll consider either suburbs or city proper.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Squirl]

Las Colinas

[tpat]

Ok thanks. I've heard Las Colinas mentioned before, so I'll definitely check it out.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by tpat

Ok thanks. I've heard Las Colinas mentioned before, so I'll definitely check it out.

Not sure you can get much in LC for the $750 but it might be possible for a nice 1 bedroom. LC is a great location and you can get anywhere in just minutes.

Side note: There are several complexs that are predomately Indian / Asian. If you have any food allergies or have problems with strong cooking smells I would be aware and choose a unit wisely. Those cooking odors coming at you from several sides can be overwhelming to many people who are not use to it.

But being a Cajun, you may have them complaining about your cooking smells.

[amyjam]

Arlington is probably one of the most affordable places in DFW and it is smack-dab in the middle. There is lots to do with Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Rangers Baseball, Cowboys football, shopping, golf etc.

[LuvsFW]

Of course, I'm partial to FW, so I would suggest the downtown or 7th St. area....lots of fun things for young professionals..not so sure about prices, but worth checking. It's about a 20 min. drive to the popular schools in SW Fort Worth, about 45 min. to Highland Park, and then another ?? to Plano....I have no idea, since I've never been there. Call me provincial....

[Mckellyb]

With a potential commute area of both N. Dallas/Plano and SW Fort Worth, it's going to be long, pretty much no matter what.

We lived in S. Arlington, I commuted to Las Colinas, and while long, traffic wasn't that bad. I didn't hit the road 'till about 8, however, working from 9-7 or 8.

[tpat]

Thanks for your responses. I'm going to start out with a place I found around the Las Colinas area, but if I'm looking to move when my lease is up, I will keep Arlington in mind.

So now I have another issue related to my upcoming move. This will be my first time having a choice of utility provider. I'm familiar with the Power to Choose website, so that'll be a big help. Do people tend to go with a fixed contract or the variable rates? I've read a few posts which suggest avoiding a long-term contract during the summer or winter, when rates are the highest. Is there a significant difference in rates between now and, say, October?

I just want to keep the process of checking rates and signing contracts to a minimum, but don't want to miss out on a good rate. Suggestions?

[Mckellyb]

On electricity rates, there's no telling where they'll go. Besides corporate greed, you have the natural gas cost factor, which changes daily.