Where to Buy (Arlington, Grand Prairie, Euless: houses, neighborhood, school districts)

[StonewallHC]

Our family is relocating to DFW. Have researched areas and schools and have narrowed down the search to Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, and Grapevine. I have read much. Husband's commute will be to Grand Prairie. Have a six year old son. Would anyone like to weigh in regarding pertinent information that has not been discussed regarding schools and home values. Looking for great school districts, a yard with trees. At least 2600 sq ft home, preferably in a neighborhood with sidewalks for under $450,000. Thoughts?

[ChristieP]

You need to look at Mansfield, and the south part of Arlington.

Grapevine may be a good choice if you stay south of 114 to keep his commute to a minimum.

[4Movingeast]

I don't know anything about the learning environment in Mansfield, but definitely check it out. If you could manage to find something on the E side of Colleyville or NE Grapevine (you would look for houses zoned to Glenhope, Taylor, Grapevine, or Bransford Elem) that gives your husband 3 commute options and should be around 30 min depending on his leave/return times . Be careful w/ the Bransford zone though- it is spread out really wide west to east. You want to look close to 121. Avoid Timberline or Silverlake unless your son is already in a dual language program and you want to continue that (or if since he is still young enough you'd like to get him into the program).

Your price range is strong for Grapevine and pretty good for Colleyville.

Feel free to send a message if you have specific questions.

[4Movingeast]

One more thing- you have $450k to spend on a house and want public, I'm not sure Arlington is what you want. Now, if you would consider a home in the lower end of your price range/ private school, you might have some options. I know there a couple of good elementaries in Arl and Martin seems ok but really check it out if the move isn't just for the next 5 years or so. Arl ISD is closing schools and in transition.

As I said before, I'm no help on Mansfield other than to tell you I can think of 4 families who moved to our former town in part looking for better schools. Not a raving endorsement.

[Squirl]

If you can find a house you like in the Grapevine Colleyville school district (there are small pockets in Hurst and Euless that are also in the GCISD zone) I recommend you buy there. You will be doing a reverse commute going south to work. zip code 76039 has more good choices for you that are easy highway access. Yards will not be large but the Bear Creek area has great green spaces with walking trails and parks.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...37-77988?row=5

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...9_M79644-83715

there are also some nice pockets in zip code 75040 bordering the west side of Highway 360 and that area is getting some new schools. Would be a good commute.

[StonewallHC]

SO glad we chose Keller. Would not even consider Mansfield now. No comparison. We definitely made the right choice. Shady Grove Elementary. Would make the same decision again.

[ChristieP]

Keller to Grand Prairie would not be a good commute at all!

[tonie972]

Originally Posted by StonewallHC

SO glad we chose Keller. Would not even consider Mansfield now. No comparison. We definitely made the right choice. Shady Grove Elementary. Would make the same decision again.

Just curious, why did you say no comparison? Did you live in Mansfield?

[loves2read]

Shady Grove Elem has very good reputation---
Had someone in my old neighborhood who taught there for years

[tcualum]

Shady Grove may be a good school but if it's in Keller you're suggesting a horrible commute. We're moving because my husband's commute is awful and because of it he gets very little time with us after work. I'm sure the OP doesn't want that.