How much do you need to spend to buy a house in a good neighborhood? (Bedford: low income)

[krem1234]

I'm planning to move down to FW later this month, and probably won't be looking at houses to purchase right away, but was curious - how much do you need to spend for a house in a good neighborhood (i.e., low crime) in DFW? I've seen listings online that range from around $20K to around a million. I'm curious how much you'd need to spend to be in an area where you don't really need to worry about break-ins, theft, vandalism, etc. - also, which areas?

Thanks

[Squirl]

there are houses in areas that I would feel safe in the in the low $100k's. But if you have a budget about $250k you will have tremendous choices....most of the burbs will be "safe". and many of the urban neighborhoods, too. Its always wise to take precautions! I have lived all over the metroplex and own rental properties in various low income neighborhoods with no real incidents.My son's car was vandalized in an upscale neighborhood in Mansfield.... which is a white bread burb, so sometimes its just opportunity and quirks!

[ChristieP]

There are nice neighborhoods all over DFW. Pick one that is close to your work location since our traffic is notoriously bad. I would say a budget of at least $200k is the gateway to a safe neighborhood with good schools and convenient location in most parts of town. You may be lucky and find a house for less than that, but it will be older (and not necessarily well-maintained) and probably in a marginal area.

[loves2read]

prices for houses in "good" neighborhoods usually depend on what you can afford--
most people spend as much as they can to get into better schools in a good district, house with amenities that they consider necessary, and buy in area that offers upside to living there

for people who can afford to spend 600K on home, you won't see them buying home in 300K neighborhood--even if that house might be perfectly "nice" to someone with lower budget

In DFW because there was no seriously inflated real estate like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, or areas in CA---I think 150K would be minimum and that would likely be house that is smaller, older, and outside in more rural areas--making commute more difficult

My husband's boss lives in Westover Hills in FTW--top $$ neighborhood--and he had someone who works for him accosted and robbed at his driveway...
crime happens all over--it is just the type and frequency that create problems for some neighborhoods

personally I think the problem with lower priced neighborhoods is not the crime but the fact that they are often renter vs owner occupied and that normally creates problems with maintenance, curb appeal, and other negatives like school ratings/demographics with high turnover that might not affect your safety but definitely affect your enjoyment and appreciation...

[krem1234]

Thanks for the info - Re: budget, I was hoping to spend ~$100K or less. The super cheap houses that I've seen (~$30K) tend to be in sketchier areas like Fairmount or similar neighborhoods. I wouldn't be commuting (work from home), so location in that sense would only be a concern with regard to resale - wouldn't want to buy something in the sticks and have it take years to sell.

[Squirl]

I would look in Euless if I was on a budget of about $100k. Good schools and houses sell quite well there.

[ChristieP]

South Euless or Bedford, or south Hurst. The areas south of 183 are older and not as nice, but they do have good schools. If you increase your budget to $120k your prospects will get a lot better.

[loves2read]

If all u know is what you see on line u dont have clear picture.
You are more likely to sell more expensive house (comparitively) than one you pay very little for
You really have no clue about how the market in DFW works and buying chespest isnt always best

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by loves2read

If all u know is what you see on line u dont have clear picture.
You are more likely to sell more expensive house (comparitively) than one you pay very little for
You really have no clue about how the market in DFW works and buying chespest isnt always best

Houses in the $89-$109K range have a rigorous following and often result in multiple, multiple bids! This is my specialty market and I would never discourage the OP from considering them. You must be selective about the schools and surrounding neighborhoods but if you are careful, you will find a gem and have a great resale. Don't be steered into spending beyond your budget. Three houses in a community where I have a property have each sold at asking price within 30 days of listing. All were in the $80K - $95K range and I would have no qualms about living in that area. Now, houses below $80K in price would have to be those needing serious repair, you can find these as bank-owned properties or homepath properties in acceptable areas but they will need more money put into them.

[krem1234]

Originally Posted by loves2read

If all u know is what you see on line u dont have clear picture.
You are more likely to sell more expensive house (comparitively) than one you pay very little for
You really have no clue about how the market in DFW works and buying chespest isnt always best

I wouldn't know much about the housing market in an area I've never lived in before, that's why I'm here asking questions.