Being relocated (Fort Worth, Arlington, Bedford: rent, home, neighborhood)

[ChristieP]

There is about to be a major construction project on I35W: I-35W Corridor Project Once it is finished, that commute won't be so bad, but in the meantime, I cannot recommend that route.

North Main and 157 both have a ton of stop lights and school zones. Ugh. My commute down 121 from Grapevine to downtown only takes 30 minutes (unless there's a wreck or rain), and at least I'm going 65 mph most of the time!

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

There is about to be a major construction project on I35W: I-35W Corridor Project Once it is finished, that commute won't be so bad, but in the meantime, I cannot recommend that route.

North Main and 157 both have a ton of stop lights and school zones. Ugh. My commute down 121 from Grapevine to downtown only takes 30 minutes (unless there's a wreck or rain), and at least I'm going 65 mph most of the time!

So that would cross Keller and Trophy Club off the list? I could still look at Southlake and Hurst though, right?

[ChristyInTX]

Northwest ISD (Haslet, etc.) is a good option. Keller ISD is just ok (unless your house feeds Keller HS) and FWISD is out of the question in my opinion (I'm a certified teacher & principal). We live in Lakeside (which is a painless commute to downtown) but it's in Azle ISD. Happy so far with Azle ISD but my kids are still young.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

So that would cross Keller and Trophy Club off the list? I could still look at Southlake and Hurst though, right?

Southlake to downtown Fort Worth is a horrible commute now, and the construction will only make it worse.

[ChristyInTX]

If you could get into Southlake Carroll schools, DO IT by all means!

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

Southlake to downtown Fort Worth is a horrible commute now, and the construction will only make it worse.

What do you consider "horrible"? I'm moving from Houston and am accustomed to ~45 minutes each way.

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by ChristyInTX

Northwest ISD (Haslet, etc.) is a good option. Keller ISD is just ok (unless your house feeds Keller HS) and FWISD is out of the question in my opinion (I'm a certified teacher & principal). We live in Lakeside (which is a painless commute to downtown) but it's in Azle ISD. Happy so far with Azle ISD but my kids are still young.

Does this include Tanglewood? Looks to have good reviews, but would love to hear another opinion.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

What do you consider "horrible"? I'm moving from Houston and am accustomed to ~45 minutes each way.

Yes, at least 45 minutes each way unless you can work off-hours. There's no reason to make that kind of commute when there are plenty of nice places that are closer. But the bigger issue with Southlake is your budget. You really need at least $400k for entry level there. Even your max of $275 will not buy anything other than a major fixer-upper, if that.

You can do Grapevine, Bedford, Euless, and Hurst easily with that budget. You will still need a good realtor who knows the area, and you must be able to go look at houses the day they list. My friend in Euless sold her house in that price range in 3 days, and my friend in Keller sold hers in 48 hours with multiple offers.

[FTWRunner]

Tanglewood Elm is great as is Lilly B Clayton Elm, your budget might be a problem though. It just depends if you would be open to a town home or not. You might also be able to rent in the Tanglewood/Clayton feeder areas. The Lily B Clayton feeder area might have some homes in your budget, just keep in mind that the area in general is older but highly desired. Many people knock FWISD, but our son goes to Tanglewood and it has been a very good experience. They did a full Kindergarden play production, have an Arts Festival and for a fee offer a bunch of afterschool courses, like guitar lessons and lacross. Plus we like being near all the things Fort Worth has to offer and the area is lovely.

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by FTWRunner

Tanglewood Elm is great as is Lilly B Clayton Elm, your budget might be a problem though. It just depends if you would be open to a town home or not. You might also be able to rent in the Tanglewood/Clayton feeder areas. The Lily B Clayton feeder area might have some homes in your budget, just keep in mind that the area in general is older but highly desired. Many people knock FWISD, but our son goes to Tanglewood and it has been a very good experience. They did a full Kindergarden play production, have an Arts Festival and for a fee offer a bunch of afterschool courses, like guitar lessons and lacross. Plus we like being near all the things Fort Worth has to offer and the area is lovely.

Thanks for the info. Our budget is flexible, so we might be able to make something in those areas work, but it sounds like there are plenty of good options around ~$200k if you're willing to settle for a 30 minute commute.

I'd like to get out and start looking around, but it sounds like unless we're ready to buy there won't be much to gain other than a general feel for the layout of the land. Maybe in the next week or two (only have two months til I start my new assignment!)