Input on reputation of UNT Health Sciences and also living nearby (Austin: transplants, rent)

[PharmboyinNC]

My wife is being recruited by one of the UNT Health Science Schools and we will be traveling down to Ft. Worth to take a look at the area. Reputation wise, I've never heard of the school and the only ones I'm familiar with are Baylor, MD Anderson, and UT-Austin.

I'd love to get your opinion about the local reputation of the school, quality of students, cost of living, nearby neighborhoods, quality of life, any general trends, acceptance of mixed race couples, the biotech industry in the area (other than Alcon) and anything else...both positive and negative.

To give you a gauge of our lifestyle and background, we are both in our id 30s, working professions in healthcare/pharmaceutics, currently living in San Diego, live in a 1700sq ft detached house just 2 miles from the coast (no A/C required), have two cars, no kids (not planning to have any), like modern styles and are techies, and have pets (cats). We are originally from North Carolina and recent west coast transplants. We really enjoy city amenities like access to a variety of cuisines, outdoor activities, and theater. If we do move, we would rent to get used to the area before purchasing. This time around, we'd search for a townhouse or upscale condo in a nice area for $200-400k.

I've read many posts here, but it's hard to gauge the locations of the uniqueness of the neighborhoods and general atmosphere without really knowing the area. Let me know what your thoughts are about quality of life for a couple like us to settle down in the area.

Much Appreciated.

[texdrake]

All the texas schools are very good. UNT's program was actually my top choice (I wasn't selected there though). UT-SW is hands and feet above the rest of the programs. Galvaston trails a little with everyone else pretty much in the same zone.

Modern styles are hard to find but doable. We just built a home in Roanoke that is a blend of classic Texas with modern style as we couldn't find anything modern that was budgetable.

[LuvsFW]

The UNTHS campus is right in the middle of the cultural district of FW. You will be within blocks of the newest condos and apts. in the area called West 7th. You will also be able to find some town homes in the residential area nearby. Look up zip code 76107. Most of the homes will be 1940 cottages, but there is a lot of new construction as well.

You couldn't ask for a better area as far as culture, restaurants, amenities.

[ChristieP]

Agreed. It's a great part of Fort Worth.

You will need AC here, especially in the summer. There arent many condos or town homes in that part of town. It's mostly cute little bungalow-style houses in the neighborhood called Arlington Heights. If you go across the river into downtown, there are condos and town homes there.

[PharmboyinNC]

Thanks for the zip code. Seems we will drive around the Arlington Heights/76107/Monticello area code, which could be close enough for my wife to walk to campus.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by PharmboyinNC

Thanks for the zip code. Seems we will drive around the Arlington Heights/76107/Monticello area code, which could be close enough for my wife to walk to campus.

Just remember that it gets really, really hot here in the summer, so dont plan on her walking every day.

[devsbelle]

We just moved from that area and I loved it. PP was right, perfect place for culture, restaurants, and amenities. Check out Montgomery Plaza to buy.... it is on 7th street and beautiful. I lived walking distance from unt health science building and yes although it gets hot, hubby and I used to walk down 7th street for bars, shopping. One of our favorite wine bars is over there. When I was pregnant we would walk to the movie theater there, which is a Movie Tavern (I think) but one of the nicest ones I've been too. i REALLY love the area. If we didn't have kids, we would have stayed. That was the only reason that we moved. My favorite runners store is over there too. And pizza place. And sushi place. And resale shop. GAH I miss it! Anyways definitely rent first and really drive around and see what you like. There are some really upscale townhomes right by the unt health science area that I LOVE. They are building more too. The only sad part is that you won't be by the coast anymore...

[PharmboyinNC]

Thanks for the information! We had dinner at Gloria's and walked around Montgomery Plaza then Crockett St. We'll venture out farther tomorrow.